Be it in bon bon, truffle or ganache form, chocolate is one of those universal flavors that most people adore. It is revered all over the world, so chances are you can indulge your sweet tooth while you’re on vacation. In fact, there’s an emerging niche of “chocolate tourism” that combines people’s passions for treats and travel. Ready to pack your bags and delight your taste buds? Here are 13 delicious destinations for chocoholics. Drool away.
1. Oaxaca, Mexico
Give thanks to the ancient Mesoamericans for turning the humble cocoa bean into the luxurious confection we all overindulge in today. The Mexican state of Oaxaca, in particular, has a long and proud history with chocolate and produces some of the world’s finest today. Oaxaca City is brimming with chocolate houses where you can indulge in rich, slightly bitter hot chocolate fresh from the producers. See how it’s made at the various chocolatiers along Calle Mina, otherwise known as “chocolate street”. Visit shops like Mayordomo or La Soledad, which also runs the Hotel Chocolate Posada. For a different take on the sweet stuff, try a traditional tejate (a hot beverage made with corn, cocoa and cinnamon) or Oaxaca’s world-renowned mole (a spicy savory blend of chocolate and chiles). Sounds strange to the uninitiated, but any self-respecting chocoholic has to try this.