1/14/2020 Today we left our hotel in Mindo at around 8:30 to head to Quito, one of the biggest cities in Ecuador situated in the Andes. After about a 2-and-a-half-hour bus ride, we made it to Quito. While driving, we noticed a forest fire on the mountain and Diego pointed out that many locals set fires because they believe the smoke will provide clouds and rain for the region. This can be detrimental, more so when firefighting services are not efficient. We had the opportunity to ride the Teleferico Gondala up Pinchicha mountain and enjoy a beautiful and awe-inspiring view. After the gondala, we also visited the botanical gardens and saw a wide variety of beautiful and unique plant species.
Later in the day after lunch, we went to the Picari factory and had a tasting where she described the process of making the chocolate and let us sample the different kinds and taste the different flavors using all 5 senses. Founded 18 years ago, Picari takes pride in producing quality chocolate with local cocoa. Fermentation and drying is key for the final flavors. The bars are wrapped in foil packaging and a box to protect the chocolate from absorbing outside flavors of aromas surrounding it. They describe the chocolate as 100% organic with no chemicals, no milk or animal products and totally vegan. The chocolate is also world fair trade, and emphasizes close connection, larger portion of profits, and good communication with the farmers.
For dinner tonight, we all went our own ways in Quito, with several of us going to a Mexican restaurant. There was no presentation tonight and everyone went to bed feeling pretty tired.