Maya Culture and Chocolate Factory Tour

Step into the home of a modern Maya family and discover traditions that have been passed down for generations. This authentic cultural experience takes you beyond the tourist attractions, giving you the opportunity to cook traditional Maya foods, visit a cacao farm, and make your own chocolate bar using time-honored techniques.

Depart Placencia at 9:00 AM for a scenic drive through the Belizean countryside to a welcoming Maya village, where your hosts will introduce you to their daily way of life.

Cook a Traditional Maya Meal

Your experience begins in a traditional Maya kitchen, where you’ll help prepare lunch over a wood-fired hearth. Learn to make fresh tortillas and tamales from scratch using recipes and cooking methods that have been handed down through generations.

As you cook together, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about Maya traditions, family life, farming, and customs. Your hosts are proud of their heritage and enjoy sharing their stories with visitors. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture both the experience and the recipes to recreate these delicious dishes at home.

After enjoying the meal you’ve helped prepare, it’s time to discover why chocolate has been treasured by the Maya for thousands of years.

From Cacao Pod to Chocolate Bar

Visit a nearby cacao farm to learn how cacao is grown, harvested, fermented, and dried before being transformed into chocolate.

Then, using traditional methods, roast, grind, and prepare cacao beans by hand before creating your very own chocolate bar to enjoy. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind one of the world’s favorite treats and the important role cacao has played in Maya culture for centuries.