Guatemala travel destinations to A Guatemala Cacao Tour taps into the roots, since this ancient culture is the “Birthplace of Chocolate.” Overall, I loved immersing in the sensual, hands-on tour at the family-owned Cacao Plantation, named “Cakao” just an hour’s drive from the Caribbean port, Santo Tomas. Like many of us, chocolate is one of my favorite treats in all of its delicious ways. Thus, experiencing its origin and understanding how it evolved over time was fascinating. Therefore, read on to learn about everything I discovered this insightful day at this Cacao Plantation in Guatemala.
First, to set the foundation with some history. Known as the “Birthplace of Chocolate,” the Mayans, Incans and Aztecs mostly drank chocolate as an elixir. Considered the “Exquisite Beverage of the Gods,” the Cacao Tree was sacred. Usually, they preferred their drink bitter and spicy, adding chili and cornmeal. Its sacred qualities continued to influence from the altruistic owner of Cadbury Chocolates. For example, William Cadbury urged Americans and Europeans to stop doing business with companies performing slave labor.