The production of Indigenous cacao represents one of the main sources of income for the region’s farmers. Meet with the local farmers who supply beans to a French chocolatier. Learn about the cultivation of Fino de Aroma cocoa, and the additional steps farmers undertake in production to add to the value chain. Sweeten your afternoon by learning how to make bean-to-bar chocolate. While at the farm, you will also explore the unique and diverse ecosystems of Amazonian agriculture.

Led by indigenous experts in the Amazon, walk deep into the primary and secondary rainforest to discover a myriad of flora and fauna. The Amazon is home to as many as 80,000 plant species from which more than 40,000 species play a critical role in regulating the global climate and sustaining the local water cycle. The forests they form are home to the huge variety of animals found in the Amazon.

Another important aspect of the Amazon’s biodiversity are the compounds they produce, some of which are used for medicine and agriculture. For the Amazonian people, plants are a food source and utilized to sustain local livelihoods and their economy.

Venture deeper into the primary and secondary rainforest to discover a myriad of flora and fauna, including seven species of toucan, long-tailed Potoos, and gargantuan cebo trees. Board a canoe and quietly glide down a tributary with your jungle guide to experience the ecological wonder of the Amazon as one of the world’s largest carbon sink. Guests are invited to step out of the canoe into a kayak for a solo paddle.

Take a tour through the 173-acre farm. Visit Flavor Alley where you will sample some of our in-season fruits and vegetables that could be new to you! Take note of all the superfoods you find along the way.

Visit a local farmer to help him harvest fruits and vegetables from his farm. Take them back to Minga Lodge and join our Kichwa chefs for a cooking lesson that transforms local ingredients into delicious traditional dishes like fish wrapped in palm leaves.

Start your day with a coffee tasting of locally sourced and expertly roasted coffees. Try your hand at scoring the aroma, acidity, body, and flavor of coffee prepared in several ways.

Meet skilled female artisans and learn how they generate income through traditional jewelry making. Their unique jewelry pieces are entirely local, made from nuts and seeds collected in the rainforest.

Join a local shaman for a traditional cleansing ceremony and blessing. The Elder also explains how certain plants can be used for medicine and healing.

Learn about this stingless but powerful pollinator important to farmers, crops, biodiversity and reforestation in the Amazon. See which of its honey you like best in a honey tasting!