Sao Tome and Principe is a tropical paradise that has long been known as Africa's "Chocolate Islands." Cocoa is not just a crop; it's the common thread of the story, the local economy and culture. Embark on the Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and Principe It's a fascinating journey that takes you from centuries-old plantations nestled in the jungle to the artisanal factories that transform beans into one of the world's most exquisite chocolates. This sensorial and cultural tour invites you to discover the secrets of the islands' "black gold" and connect with a legacy that has shaped the country's identity.
A cocoa past with a global impact
The history of cocoa on the islands is as rich as its flavor.
The rise of global production
At the end of the 19th century, the Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and Principe It was a path to prosperity. The islands became the largest cocoa producer in the world, surpassing even countries like Brazil and Ecuador. This achievement was based on the ideal equatorial climate and fertile volcanic soils that offered perfect conditions for cocoa cultivation. The vast expanses of the plantations, known as rocks, spread throughout the territory, becoming the epicenter of the social and economic life of the time.
Las Roças: witnesses of a complex legacy
The roças are a fundamental piece of the Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and PrincipeThese were self-sufficient complexes that included not only the fields, but also workers' houses, drying factories, warehouses, and even schools. Today, many of these roças are abandoned, and the jungle has reclaimed part of the land, but others have been restored and transformed. Visiting Roça Monte Café or Roça Agostinho Neto allows you to delve into the heart of the archipelago's cocoa-producing past, with their imposing colonial buildings and rusty machinery evoking a time of splendor and hard work.
The artisanal process: from tree to tablet
La Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and Principe allows you to observe and participate in every stage of production.
Harvesting and fermentation
It all starts with the manual harvesting of the corn cobs Cocoa plantation. Workers, using machetes and great skill, cut the ripe fruit from the trees. The next stage, and one of the most crucial for the final flavor of the chocolate, is the grain fermentationThe seeds are placed in wooden boxes and covered with banana leaves, where they ferment for several days. This process removes the pulp and develops the precursors to chocolate's distinctive aroma and flavor. cocoa route You can see how this artisanal process is carried out.
Sun drying and roasting
Once fermented, the grains are spread out on large trays in the sun to dry. This is a colorful and aromatic spectacle which can be seen in many of the roças. The subsequent roasting, which is done in ovens or toasters, is what finally enhances the characteristic flavor and aroma. In each of these phases, you can appreciate the meticulous care that goes into the production of this treasure.
Experiences on the Cocoa Route
La Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and Principe It's not just a tour; it's an interactive and sensory experience.
Visit to artisanal factories
One of the must-see stops is a visit to small artisanal factories, such as Claudio Corallo's or Diogo Vaz's Cocoa Cooperative. Here, you'll not only learn about the final process of chocolate making, but you'll also be able to taste the product in its various stages. Tasting chocolate directly at the source, with its pure and authentic flavor, is an unforgettable experience.
Hiking and plantation tours
If you are a nature lover, the cocoa route It can be combined with hiking. You can walk along the trails that wind through the plantations, surrounded by tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and unique biodiversity. local guides They'll tell you anecdotes about life in La Roça and teach you how to recognize the cacao tree, as well as other local crops. It's a way to immerse yourself in nature while learning about the history of the area. Privilege Tours offers activity tours in the rocks that allow you to live this experience to the fullest.
Learn to make your own chocolate
Some rocks and factories offer chocolate workshops where you can actively participate in the process of transforming the bean into a tablet. From grinding the roasted beans to mixing them with sugar and molding them, it's a hands-on experience that connects you more deeply with this iconic product of the islands.
Cocoa today: an engine of sustainable development
Although Sao Tome and Principe is no longer the world's largest producer, the quality of its cocoa is internationally recognized. Many local cooperatives and producers have focused on growing high-quality, organic cocoa, which is exported to prestigious chocolate shops in Europe and America. This focus on quality and sustainability is the new chapter of the Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and Principe, and it is a success story that the country is writing.
Walk the Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and Principe It's more than just a sightseeing tour. It's a journey back in time, a history lesson, an immersion in nature, and a delight for the palate. It's the perfect way to connect with the essence of the islands and appreciate the hard work and passion behind each chocolate bar.
Experience the cocoa experience with Privilege Tours!
If it has whetted your appetite, Cocoa Route in Sao Tome and PrincipeAt Privilege Tours we offer you the opportunity to live this unforgettable experience. We help you organize your trip to São Tomé with a tailor-made itinerary that includes the best roças and artisanal factories. In addition to specialized tours, we also offer the rent a car so you can explore the route at your own pace. Don't wait any longer. Contact Privilege Tours today to taste the magic of the chocolate islands.
