Maya Cacao Heritage & Gastronomic Delights
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Port
Acajutla, El Salvador
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$134.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Experience Mayan history and the true meaning of bean-to-cup in a hands-on cacao workshop at Finca Cuyancua, where cultural heritage meets modern cultivation methods.
Head to Finca Cuyancua in Izalco — a quaint colonial village known as the birthplace of Mayan cacao. Delve into the rich history of this prized crop on a visit led by Don Rafael — a fourth-generation owner. Learn about the eco-friendly processing methods and other associated crops that create a productive agroforestry system with deep Mayan connections.
Walk through the cacao finca (cacao farm) to get acquainted with the planting, cultivation, and harvesting processes, as well as efforts to promote environmental sustainability. You'll pick some cacao pods, which you'll later use in your workshop.
Head inside for a hands-on workshop and learn how to make and taste a cacao beverage using artisanal methods handed down from the Maya people — a genuine bean-to-cup experience using the cacao you picked earlier.
View the superfood and non-traditional crops also grown here, including vanilla, moringa, cinnamon, and coconuts. Learn how the combination of cacao, bamboo, tilapia, and river shrimp cultivation helps mitigate global warming.
Finally, relax under palm trees and for a lunch of traditional Salvadoran dishes, including pupusa — stuffed corn tortillas cooked on a clay griddle, and horchata, an organic beverage made from toasted morro seeds. Savor these great flavors accompanied by marimba, performed by a local musician.
Notes:
Tour requires less than one mile (1.6 km) of walking. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring insect repellent. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Bring local currency for purchases. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed.