After more than three years of offering the Cacao Source Training in Guatemala, we are expanding into a deeper experience in the lush jungle of Izabal. This on-site immersion takes place at the cacao processing facility of our educational eco-farm, Coco Bamboo, where participants are fully surrounded by cacao forests. The journey also includes adventures along the Rio Dulce and visits to Q’eqchi farming communities.

Cacao Production

Meet Q’eqchi cacao farmers and learn directly from their knowledge, lived experience, and connection to the land.

Cacao Processing

Gain practical experience in fermentation, drying, and grinding cacao, following the full process from seed to block.

Q'eqchi fire ceremony

Connect with Mayan Wisdom keepers and engage with rituals that have been protected for centuries.

Chocolate Making

Explore the craft of working with cacao, spices, herbs, and unexpected ingredients to create distinctive blends.

Sacred Space

Take part in daily cacao rituals in the jungle to deepen your relationship with the medicine.

History

Build a deeper respect for cacao by honoring its history and the difficult journey it took before reaching our hands.

Connect to Nature

Experience hands-on land stewardship and join nature excursions to beautiful places.

Cacao with Purpose

Shape your voice and message into a creative brand that can be shared with the world.

What Makes this Course Unique

Full immersion in the cacao jungle
Spend 9 days in the heart of Guatemala, sleeping in a rustic jungle environment.

Create your ceremonial cacao
From pod to pure cacao paste, you will make your own cacao.

Hands-on experience
The training focuses on cacao forest stewardship and cacao processing through direct practice.

Chocolate making
Discover the science of true chocolate and learn the bean-to-bar process.

Schedule

The schedule may vary depending on the group’s needs and unexpected circumstances.

Day 1
Departure from Guatemala City
5 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

Day 5
Morning intention 7 AM
Breakfast 9 AM
7 Altares visit 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 Guatemala City
*We do not recommend a flight back home on this day
7AM

Why is it immersion?

This training goes further into the world of cacao. Set in a humid cacao jungle and rustic environment, it offers fully immersive experiences throughout the week. It is an ideal second-level training for participants of our Cacao Source program who asked for a deeper continuation. You will come closer to Guatemalan culture, the origin of cacao, and weave these teachings into a living celebration of life.

What's Included

Accommodation & Food
Three meals a day, daily cacao, and a few surprises are included. The course price varies depending on your accommodation choice.

Transport
Pickup and drop-off in Antigua are included, along with all transport during the course.

All activities & support to the local community
All inputs and services from the local community are paid for. There are no extra costs. Tips may sometimes be appropriate, but the team asks that you check in first. We also encourage buying local products to support and value the community’s work.

What's Not Included

Flight Tickets
The immersion takes place in Guatemala, and participants are responsible for arriving in Antigua.

Before/ after accommodation
Because departure is very early, you will need to book a night in Antigua before the program and may also want to stay an additional night afterward.

Health Insurance
As the program takes place in the jungle, with cacao production tools and adventure activities, all participants are required to have health insurance.

Logistics

Join our Cacao Source immersion program
When: March 5-14, 2027 - OPEN
Where: Santa Maria del Mar, Izabal, Guatemala
How Much
$1,600/camping
$1,800/Shared Room
$2,000/Private Room or $3,500 for 2 people
A $400 non-refundable commitment deposit is required.
If you cancel 1 month + before the training, everything except the commitment deposit is refunded.
If you cancel less than a month before the training, half of the payment is refunded.
If you cancel less than a week before the training, no refunds are offered.
The price does not include flights, transport to Antigua, or personal purchases.

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