Paccari Experience House

Paccari Experience House is not just a shop or cafe, but a true temple of Ecuadorian chocolate located in a colorful district of Quito. This unique space was created by the world-renowned brand Paccari to immerse guests in the culture of cocoa consumption and demonstrate the wealth of flavors born from this country's soil.

Here, visitors can discover the concept of organic and biodynamic chocolate, which has repeatedly been recognized as some of the best in the world.

Paccari Experience House. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This place is a must-visit for gourmets and anyone who wants to understand why Ecuadorian cocoa is considered "black gold." The atmosphere here is steeped in the aromas of spices, fruits, and, of course, high-quality cocoa beans, creating the perfect conditions for gastronomic discoveries.

If you would like to book a tasting or check the availability of specific types of chocolate, we recommend using the following contact details. The staff generally speaks both Spanish and English.

The main reason people come to Paccari Experience House is, undoubtedly, for chocolate tasting. You can try dozens of varieties of organic chocolate with the most unexpected additions: from sea salt and chili pepper to exotic Andean fruits and rose petals. The staff will happily explain the nuances of each variety's flavor and help you choose the perfect option for a gift or personal indulgence.

Besides buying bars, it is worth lingering in the cafe to order a cup of thick hot chocolate or try exquisite desserts made from local products. The menu often offers interesting gastronomic combinations that reveal the potential of cocoa not just as a sweet treat, but as an important culinary ingredient.

Visitors can also learn more about the "bean-to-bar" production process. The venue often hosts mini-lectures or presentations explaining the importance of sustainable farming and supporting local farmers. This is a great opportunity not only to enjoy the taste but also to broaden your horizons regarding ethical consumption.

Getting to Paccari Experience House, located in the La Floresta district, is easiest by taxi or by using popular ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Cabify. This is the safest and most comfortable way for tourists to get around the city, especially if you are not very familiar with the local geography.

If you are in the historic center or the business district, the trip will take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on traffic. You just need to give the driver the address Julio Zaldumbide N24-713 or simply say the name of the establishment — it is quite well-known among locals.

Public transport in Quito is developed but can be confusing for first-time visitors. The nearest bus stops are on Isabel La Católica Avenue or Av. 12 de Octubre, from where you will need to walk about 5–10 minutes to the "chocolate house" along the district's picturesque, though sometimes steep, streets.

The Paccari brand, founded by Santiago Peralta and Carla Barbotó, sparked a true revolution in the chocolate world, changing the perception of Ecuador as merely an exporter of cocoa beans. The history of this place is inextricably linked to the "tree-to-bar" philosophy, which implies full quality control and ethical treatment of farmers at every stage of production.

The name "Paccari" itself translates from Quechua as "nature" or "dawn," symbolizing the product's connection to the earth and natural ingredients. The company became a pioneer in creating biodynamic chocolate, and the Experience House was opened as the physical embodiment of this philosophy, where guests can do more than just buy sweets — they can understand their true value.

Fun fact: Paccari chocolate has won hundreds of international awards, repeatedly being recognized as the best in the world. At this establishment, you can find unique flavor combinations inspired by the flora of the Andes and the Amazon, such as chocolate with Cusco salt, lemongrass, or Andean rose, making a visit here a genuine gastronomic journey into the region's history.

A complete visit to Paccari Experience House usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely choose your favorite chocolate bars, enjoy a cup of signature hot cocoa, and savor a dessert in a cozy atmosphere.

If you plan to take part in an organized tasting (cata) or ask the staff detailed questions about the features of various cocoa varieties and cultivation methods, it is worth setting aside about two hours for your visit. This place encourages slow and thoughtful enjoyment of flavors, so you certainly won't want to rush.

The establishment is open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in any travel itinerary. From Monday to Thursday, as well as on Sundays, Paccari Experience House is open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

For those who prefer evening walks and late desserts, opening hours are extended on Fridays and Saturdays: doors are open from 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This is the ideal time to end a busy day in Quito with a cup of aromatic cocoa.

The neighborhood where Paccari Experience House is located, along with its surroundings, offers plenty of opportunities to continue your outing. After the chocolate tasting, you can enjoy fresh air in the parks or visit the entertainment centers located nearby.