Join a Maya farmer on his cacao farm tour where local cacao beans are sourced for chocolate-making. See how a Maya family grows organic cacao and other produce hand in hand with nature to sustain his family.

Cacao carries a rich cultural tradition. Today, the market for organic cacao is active and growing, making it an attractive cash crop for farmers. Cacao is an understory tree species native to South America.

You and the farmer can pick ripe cacao pods from the trees. The farmer will demonstrate the extraction of seeds and you are invited to sample the sweet, savoury pulp of the cacao. He will explain the process the beans go through to a chocolate drink, which includes fermentation, roasting, grinding and chocolate paste. 

This is a behind-the-scenes experience and hard work that few visitors get the chance to experience and will lead to a deeper understanding of how people and the environment are interconnected locally. After your visit to the farm, you will enjoy a lunch prepared by one of the local Maya women’s groups or at the farm, where you will sample even more of locally grown and sustainable produce. You will also get the opportunity to sample delicious, raw, organic chocolate products.

Fitness level: Moderate to Intermediate