Pacari Has Now Won 300 International Chocolate Awards — Cuenca Is the Easiest Place in Ecuador to Taste Why
Ecuador's chocolate industry has hit a sweet milestone that's turning heads worldwide. Pacari, the country's premium chocolate maker, just notched its 300th international award—a testament to why Ecuadorian chocolate is considered among the world's finest. If you're curious about what all the fuss is about, Cuenca is hands down your best bet for experiencing these award-winning treats.
300 Awards and Counting: What Makes Pacari Special
Pacari's trophy collection isn't just impressive—it tells the story of Ecuador's incredible Nacional cacao and the company's obsession with doing things right. These honors come from heavy-hitting competitions like the International Chocolate Awards and London's Academy of Chocolate Awards, where only the crème de la crème makes the cut.
What sets Pacari apart is their exclusive use of Ecuador's rare Nacional cacao, lovingly nicknamed "Arriba" cacao by locals. This heritage variety is practically Ecuador's gift to the chocolate world, producing beans with gorgeous floral notes, bright fruit flavors, and barely any bitterness. Pacari's bean-to-bar approach means every step—from roasting to wrapping—happens under their watchful eye.
Here's the kicker: Ecuador produces about 65% of the world's fine flavor cacao, and Nacional beans are the crown jewel of that production. Those 300 awards aren't just Pacari's victory lap—they're proof that Ecuador owns the fine chocolate game.
Why Cuenca Is Your Chocolate Home Base
Cuenca hits the sweet spot for chocolate lovers in ways that'll surprise you. This UNESCO World Heritage city combines easy access with serious culinary chops, all wrapped up in one of Ecuador's most beautiful colonial settings.
Location matters, and Cuenca's got it figured out. Nestled in the southern highlands, it's perfectly positioned near Ecuador's main cacao regions. This means the chocolate shops and cafes here often work directly with growers—you're getting the real deal, fresh and authentic.
The UNESCO status isn't just for show. It's created a tourism scene that knows how to treat international visitors right, with boutique hotels, stellar restaurants, and food shops that understand quality. This infrastructure means Pacari chocolate gets the presentation it deserves.
Picture this: tasting world-class chocolate while strolling cobblestone streets between 400-year-old buildings. That's Cuenca for you—where ancient Spanish colonial charm meets cutting-edge chocolate innovation in the most Instagram-worthy way possible.
Where to Get Your Pacari Fix in Cuenca
Cuenca's food scene has embraced the chocolate revolution with open arms. The city center is dotted with cafes and specialty shops where you can work your way through Pacari's entire lineup, from single-origin bars to wild flavor experiments that'll blow your mind.
The local chocolate boutiques don't just sell—they educate. Expect guided tastings where you'll learn to spot the difference between 70% and 85% cacao, and why some bars taste like flowers while others hint at tropical fruit. Many places offer side-by-side comparisons with other Ecuadorian brands, giving you the full picture of what makes each special.
Cuenca's upscale restaurants have gotten creative, weaving Pacari into desserts that showcase both the chocolate and traditional Ecuadorian ingredients. It's your chance to experience these award-winners both straight up and as part of contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine.
Shopping for Pacari is a breeze here. Central markets and specialty food stores stock multiple varieties, often at prices that'll make you want to buy extra for friends back home. The city's compact size means you can easily shop around and find your favorites.
Beyond Chocolate: Cuenca's Food Scene
What makes Cuenca special for chocolate lovers extends way beyond the chocolate itself. The city's culinary landscape showcases the incredible diversity of Ecuadorian ingredients—many of which you'll recognize from chocolate flavor profiles.
Local fruits like uvilla (golden berries), babaco, and exotic Andean herbs create natural chocolate pairings that local restaurants have turned into an art form. Some establishments offer full tasting menus designed around chocolate courses, giving you a masterclass in Ecuadorian flavors.
Hit the markets to see where those complex chocolate flavors come from. Fresh tropical fruits, unusual spices, and traditional preparations help you understand why Ecuadorian chocolate tastes so distinctive.
Don't sleep on Cuenca's coffee culture, either. Several cafes offer chocolate-coffee pairings that highlight Ecuador's two most famous exports. These experiences show how the same terroir and processing techniques influence both beans.
Planning Your Cuenca Chocolate Adventure
Time your visit between June and September for the best experience. Cuenca's dry season means perfect weather for walking between chocolate shops and exploring outdoor markets without getting soaked.
Give yourself at least three days to do this right. That's enough time to hit multiple chocolate spots, join guided tastings, and explore the broader food scene that gives context to Ecuador's chocolate tradition.
Everything's walkable in Cuenca's historic center, which makes chocolate hopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The city's public transport and taxis make it easy to venture further out if you discover hidden gems.
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in converted colonial mansions to modern places that cater specifically to food tourists. Many hotels can hook you up with chocolate experiences or point you toward the best local spots.
While chocolate might be your main draw, Cuenca offers plenty more—museums, art galleries, and day trips to stunning natural areas. These extras provide the perfect balance to your chocolate focus while keeping you connected to Ecuadorian culture.