Tucked along the Cayapas River in northern Esmeraldas, cacao grows in an area only reachable by canoe. Here, Chachi and Afro-Ecuadorian communities tend to their old-grown cacao farms within the Camino del Jaguar conservation area. Their cacao carries the legacy of Criollo Esmeraldeño, a rare and delicate variety, alongside natural hybrids of Nacional and Criollo.

Original Beans, our local partner, provides training in agroforestry and supports farmers in setting up nurseries with over 30 native tree species and cacao plants. More than 100.000 trees were planted in 2025. They also select genetic material from old-grown cacao varieties known for their fine flavor and productivity, some that can also withstand extended periods of floodings, to help farmers improve their yields.