Experience a Belize chocolate making workshop near Placencia, Belize
Step into the world of chocolate and Maya culture with this unique Belize Chocolate Tour. This immersive experience combines the ancient art of chocolate-making with an exploration of Maya history and heritage. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a history enthusiast, this tour offers an unforgettable look into the role of chocolate in Maya society.
Chocolate: The “Food of the Gods” in Maya Culture
Chocolate has a long and sacred history, particularly in Maya culture. To the ancient Maya, cacao was not just a food; it was revered as the “Food of the Gods.” The Maya believed that chocolate was a divine gift from the gods, and they often consumed it during religious ceremonies. Cacao beans were so valuable that they were used as currency, traded like gold, and given as offerings in rituals. In fact, a cup of chocolate was considered a drink of the elite, reserved for royalty and priests.
On this tour, you’ll discover how the Maya first cultivated cocoa and learned to process it into a beverage. The rich, bitter drink, often flavored with spices like chili and vanilla, was far from the sweet chocolate we enjoy today. Instead, it was consumed as a powerful and sacred elixir that represented life, fertility, and the connection between the divine and the earthly.
The Maya Chocolate-Making Process
The journey begins with a demonstration of how cocoa beans are harvested from the pods, fermented, and dried. You’ll see firsthand how the Maya prepared these beans for use in their sacred beverages and daily life. The tour allows you to grind your own cocoa beans and create chocolate the traditional Maya way. You’ll even get to taste the rich chocolate you’ve created, offering a deeper connection to the ancient process.
Organic and Locally Grown
This tour supports local Belizean farmers by showcasing cocoa beans grown on their land. All the cocoa used is certified organic, providing you with an authentic taste of Belize’s rich agricultural heritage.
Why Take the Belize Chocolate Tour with a visit to the Maya Museum?
This tour offers a deep dive into two central aspects of Belize’s cultural heritage: chocolate and the Maya people. With its combination of hands-on chocolate-making and cultural history, it provides an enriching experience for anyone interested in history, food, and the ancient traditions of the Maya civilization.
Book Your Belize Chocolate Tour Today!
Join Untame Belize Tours & Shuttles for a unique and educational experience that connects you to Belize’s chocolate heritage and the sacred role of cacao in Maya culture. Taste the “Food of the Gods,” learn about its sacred history, and explore the fascinating Maya legacy all in one unforgettable day.
