Eladio’s Chocolate Farm

Just outside the Mayan village of San Pedro Columbia, Eladio Pop cultivates a hilly, organic jungle farm. This trip is part hike and part farm tour, and guests tend to love the wild and adventurous feeling of this excursion. Follow Eladio through his cacao and exotic fruit trees, up steep hillside patches of corn, and down into stream beds.Along the path, taste unusual plants like jipijapa and wild ginger as Eladio cuts samples with his machete for you to try.You will hear about his unique philosophies on organic farming, and learn about the animals, insects, and plants that coexist on his property with little interference from Eladio.

After the farm tour, hike back to Eladio’s home in the village and share a traditional lunch of caldo, corn tortillas, a spiced hot chocolate drink, and plenty of tropical fruit. After lunch Eladio’s wife will lead you through a chocolate making demonstration, starting with roasting the beans on a comal (round iron griddle), crushing them, winnowing away the shells, grinding them on a matate (volcanic grinding stone), and sampling what you’ve made. All the while, enjoy a taste of Mayan family life as the children come home from school for lunch and the household buzzes around you.

Please note: The farm portion of this tour can be physically challenging, especially if the ground is wet. This tour is not recommended for guests who have difficulty walking.