After offering the Cacao Source Training for 3+ years in Guatemala, we extended our training to an intensive in Guatemala's lush jungle in Izabal. Join us on-site at the cacao processing facility of our educational eco-farm Coco Bamboo where you will be completely immersed in the cacao forests! We will be adventuring on the Rio Dulce visiting Q'eqchi farming communities.
Cacao Production
Meet a variety of Q'eqchi cacao farmers and learn from their experience and the land.
Cacao Processing
Learn hands on experience the art of fermentation, drying and grinding cacao-- from seed to block.
Q'eqchi fire ceremony
Connect with Mayan Wisdom keepers and the rituals guarded throughout the centuries.
Chocolate Making
Dive in a the work of cacao, spices, herbs and out-of-the-box ingredients to create unique alchemies.
Sacred Space
Practice daily rituals with cacao in the jungle to deepen your connection to the medicine.
History
Deepen your respect to the medicine of cacao by honoring its history and the challenging path it went through before arriving to our hands.
Connect to Nature
Gain hands on experience stewarding the land, and join us for some nature excursions that connect to beautiful places.
Cacao with Purpose
Harness your voice and your message into a creative brand to share with the world.
What Makes this Course Unique
Full immersion in the cacao jungle
We will spend 9-days in the middle of Guatemala sleeping in rustic and jungle environment.
Create your ceremonial cacao
- From pod to pure cacao paste, you will create your own cacao.
Hands-on experience
Emphasis on the hands-on experience of cacao forest stewardship and cacao processing.
Chocolate making
An exploration of the science of making true chocolate and learn the bean-to-bar process.
Schedule
The schedule may very according to the needs of the group and unplanned circumstances.
Day 1
-
Picking you up at Antigua
4 am - Lunch 1 pm
-
Intention setting & Opening fire
3 pm -
Dinner
7 PM
Day 2
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
- Tour of Coco Bamboo 10 AM
- Lunch 1 PM
- Cacao Process 3 PM
- Cacao Connection 4 PM
- Dinner 7 PM
Day 3
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
- Visit cacao farmer 10 AM
- Lunch at farm 1 PM
- History 3 PM
- Dinner 7 PM
Day 4
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
- Ecosystem of Cacao 10 AM
- Lunch 1 PM
- Cacao Sacred Space 3 PM
- Dinner 7 PM
- Cacao WIne 7 PM
Day 5
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
- Semuc Champey 10 AM
Day 6
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
-
Circle with cacao farmer
10 AM - Lunch 1 PM
-
Mayan Wisdom keepers
3 PM - Dinner 6 PM
- Mayan Fire Ceremony 8 PM
Day 7
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 8 AM
- Departure to Cahabon 9 AM
- Visit Chocolate factory 10 AM
- Lunch 1 PM
- Visit Agroforestry farm 2 PM
- Dinner 7 PM
Day 8
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
- Social Entrepreneurship 10 AM
- Lunch 1 PM
-
Processing Cacao
3 PM - Dinner 6 PM
Day 9
- Morning Intention 7 AM
- Breakfast 9 AM
- Open Space 10 AM
- Lunch 1 PM
- Closing Ceremony 3 PM
- Dinner 7 PM
Day 10
- Departure to Antigua 7 AM
Why is it immersion?
During this training, we go deeper into the world of cacao. It is a week in a humid cacao jungle, a rustic environment, and immersive experiences. It is a perfect complementary training for participants of our Cacao Source training program who requested us to offer a second level to our training.
You will get closer to the Guatemalan culture, the source of cacao, and weave these teachings into a beautiful dance that celebrates life.
What's Included
Accommodation & Food
We offer 3 meals a day, daily cacao, and a few surprises. The cost of the course will vary upon your accommodation choice.
Transport
We will pick you up and drop you off at Antigua. All transport during the course is included.
All activities & support to the local community
We generously pay for every input and services from the local community. There is no extra costs. At times tips can be appropriate but we always ask to check-in with the team first. We alternatively encourage buying local products to encourage and value the work of the community.
What's Not Included
Flight Tickets
The Immersion is in Guatemala, you will be responsible for meeting us in Antigua.
Before/ after accommodation
As we are leaving very early, you will have to book an accommodation the night before in Antigua and you might want to stay a night a more afterwards.
Health Insurance
We will be in the jungle, using tools for cacao production, and doing some adventures. We ask for all participants to have a health insurance.
Logistics
Join our Cacao Source immersion program
When: March, 2025 (exact dates TBD)
Where: Santa Maria del Mar, Izabal
How Much
- $1,400/camping
- $1,600/Shared Room
- $1,900/Private Room or $3,400 for 2 people
We ask a $400 non-refundable commitment deposit.
- If you cancel 1 month + before the training we refund everything except the commitment deposit.
- If you cancel less than a month before the training, we refund half the payment.
- If you cancel less than a week before the training, we do not offer refunds.
The price does not include flights, transport to the Antigua, and personal purchase.
