Where to Find the Finest Chocolate in the World

Ecuador is the ultimate pilgrimage site for chocolate-lovers around the world. This small country’s rare Arriba cocoa beans are widely regarded as the richest on the planet, with around two thirds of the classified ‘fine’ chocolate originating here. Always remember to leave some space in your luggage before going to Ecuador, because you’ll want to take as many bars and boxes of chocolate as you can home with you. On day two of our Adventurous Ecuador trip we’ll be in the city of Quito, which is surrounded by world class chocolatiers. Having toured the city and taken part of an authentic cooking class, we’ll wrap up proceedings for the day with a luxurious chocolate tasting session.

Brazil is one of the largest cocoa-producing countries on the planet, so you can expect plenty of chocolatey treats wherever you go in South America’s largest country. Mostly focusing on milk chocolate, Brazilians have historically had a particular taste for bonbons and truffles. If there’s one sweet snack you have to try in Brazil, it has to be the brigadeiro, delicious little round truffles made with condensed milk and sprinkled with an extra helping of chocolate. The best place to try them is in Rio de Janeiro, thought to be where they were first invented, but quite frankly you’ll find delicious brigadeiro wherever you go. Our Dazzling Brazil trips starts in Sao Paulo and ends with four days in Rio, so you’ll have plenty of time to pop into PikurruchA’S, famed for their incredible selection of sweet treats.