Handle Dominican cacao, taste hot chocolate and teas, then craft your own truffle at Taino’s Gourmet Kitchen Lab in Santo Domingo. This 90-minute, family-friendly master class mixes history, hands-on technique, and plenty of samples.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Steam from a cup of thick hot chocolate curls into the warm lab as the master chocolatier gestures toward a wooden crate of glossy beans. You feel the weight of island history in the aroma — bitter, floral, and rooted in soil — and are invited to handle cacao the way generations here once did.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; minimal mobility requirements and stroller-accessible
Wildlife
History
Cacao was integral to pre-Columbian Taino culture and later became a colonial commodity; today Dominican producers focus on heritage varieties and artisanal chocolate-making.
Conservation
Sustainable and shade-grown cacao initiatives are growing in the DR; support local producers who use responsible farming and fair-trade practices to reduce environmental impact.
Reserve your spot on the Chocolate Master Class today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Declare allergies before arrival
Notify the host of nut, dairy, or other allergies when booking so they can adapt tastings and ingredients.
Bring your mobile ticket
This experience uses mobile-only tickets for fast entry — save the ticket screenshot or have it ready in your email.
Carry a small tote
You’ll take home barks and molded chocolate; a small bag protects your treats in transit.
Dress for hands-on work
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little cocoa dust on during tempering and decorating.
Mobile ticket on your phone
Required for entry and faster check-in.
Small tote or insulated pouch
Protects finished chocolates and samples during travel.
Camera or smartphone
Capture techniques and finished creations for reference and memories.
Allergy medication (if needed)
Carry epinephrine or antihistamines if you have a history of food allergies.