Yumbos Chocolate — Local services in Centro Histórico

My wife and I had taken the tour at the Mindo factory last year, so now we wanted to show our guest the Quito branch, which was our first time. For $6 you get a fudge brownie, hot chocolate, and an introduction by a staff member to eight or so varieties made.

You get a tiny bit of each, and then can discuss which ones you like best. As our guest did not speak Spanish, our guide Giselle patiently answered our queries in English for a leisurely while. She was very informed about chocolate, and kindly attentive.

My friend bought 18 bars to take back home to friends. They work well as a great souvenir easy to pack. We bought the ginger syrup and a few bars ourselves. We had a pleasant time at a table overlooking Plaza San Francisco, as the store is on the south side facing the church. A great location to sit and sip.

P.S. As of Jan. 2024, the store in Cotacachi closed, as had the one in Otavalo earlier. Their products are sold only at the Quito branch and the Mindo factory, for $6 each a bar. We asked if it's sold elsewhere, and we were told that no other retail option was in the works for Yumbo, as they keep it small and artistenal.

The price is not cheap, but know that this is the rarer yellow rather than the common red cacao bean. This means it picks up aromas from plants around the tree, such as banana, which impart a subtle nuance not found in other chocolate bars. Also, the company supports cooperatives of woman-led growers in the Amazon Napo region and the province of Esmeraldas. So it's worth it for a special gift or a treat that helps people make a living and remain caring for the earth in places threatened by exploitation and development, as a fair-trade...

Probably one of the worse spots in Quito. I grew up here and now live in the US and came with my family as we've heard this spot is it. It definitely was not. My kids were not welcome and not a family friendly place. Abigail, the woman who took our order even told my daughter to sit down and stay still and not in a nice way. We were not given the same time or attention as the more obvious tourist looking guests. Our order was wrong, cold and took way too long. When I approached the cashier I asked for a manager and was told that it's not available. I told her our visit was not pleasant at all and felt like as a local we were treated poorly to what the cashier cracked a loud disrespectful laugh. I asked if she thought it was funny, she then said thank you have a good day. Very dismissive and careless. I asked if she didn't care what I was saying to her and she repeated herself, thanks have a good day. An awful experience for anyone to go through; local or tourist. The individuals working there are for sure not involved at all with management or owners. I do not recommend this place and will...

Impromptu gathering with friends and family in Quito Ecuador. We were recommended Yumbos Chocalate tasting. We had just went to another business which couldn't take us without a reservation. Yumbos took us in happily and Jared was out tasting guide. He explained the history of cacao and the different species that are popularized worldwide and he pointed out their business model which not only uses the oldest string of cacao and is not genetically modified. He also mentioned how they pay above cost to their providers and help over 15 communities in doing so. Finally, the 10 samples which he had us sample were distinct and each perfect in their own right. He thought us how to properly sample chocolate and it greatly enhanced our tasting. Besides the explanation there are various products one can buy and taste. I had the free chocolate drink in water with a delicious brownie with the perfect consistency. Highly recommend Yumbos for its taste, it's attention and its...