Plizio Visual Lab

Duarte Province Cacao Plantations

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Duarte Province is the heart of the Dominican Republic's cocoa production, centered around the city of San Francisco de Macorís. The region's humid tropical climate and fertile soils provide good conditions for cultivating high-quality cacao beans. The Dominican Republic is one of the world's leading exporters of organic cocoa, and Duarte Province accounts for a significant portion of this global output. Visitors can experience the "Sendero del Cacao" (Cocoa Trail), which provides an in-depth look at the entire production process, from harvesting and fermenting to drying the beans. This agricultural industry supports thousands of local families and is a cornerstone of the regional economy. The cocoa produced in Duarte is highly sought after by international chocolatiers for its rich and complex flavor profile. Sustainable farming practices are widely implemented here to preserve the local ecosystem and ensure long-term soil productivity. The plantations have also become a major hub for agrotourism, connecting international consumers with the origin of their food.

Location: Dominican Republic
Nearby: Cotuí (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	25	26	27	28	28	28	28	27	26	25
Rain mm	35	25	29	41	62	39	50	55	56	54	71	50

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Duarte Province, especially around San Francisco de Macorís, is a leader in the cultivation of organic cacao. This region plays a central role in Dominican cacao production and gives insights into sustainable agriculture.

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Visiting

Some cacao plantations in Duarte offer guided tours where visitors can see the entire process from fruit to chocolate. However, many farms are private, so prior contact is advisable.

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Where to view it

Country roads through the cacao region offer photogenic views of the plantations shaded by banana trees. Viewpoints in the hills provide far-reaching vistas over the province's lush, green valleys.

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Local products

Fresh cacao beans and processed chocolate products are the primary local goods. Handcrafted chocolate, cacao butter, and traditional cacao-based drinks are often found in the communities.

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Active season

The main cacao season stretches throughout the year, with two peak periods: April to June and October to December. During these months, the plantations are at their most active and the harvest is abundant.

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Nearby

Combine a cacao plantation tour with a visit to the city of San Francisco de Macorís and its cultural sights. The surrounding landscape also has hiking and birdwatching opportunities in the hills.

Geography

Coordinates

19.21600, -70.13300

Facts

The Dominican Republic consistently ranks among the top 10 cocoa producers in the world.
About 60% of the country's cocoa is produced in the Cibao region, including Duarte.
The country is the world's leading exporter of Fair Trade certified organic cocoa.
San Francisco de Macorís serves as the primary processing and logistics hub for the crop.
The main harvest season in the Duarte province typically runs from April to July.
The Cocoa Trail (Sendero del Cacao) was established to promote sustainable agrotourism.