Guatemala’s Cacao Trail

Lanqúin, Guatemala

E
Etnica
  • Email address verified
23 reviews
Duration: 10 days
Group size: 2 - 2
Guatemala’s Cacao Trail
Lanqúin, Guatemala

Etnica
  • Email address verified
23 reviews

Duration: 10 days
Group size: 2 - 2

About this trip

Venture to the heart and soul of Mesoamerican cacao and Maya chocolate. Explore the uncharted Verapaces region, a land of lush rainforests and breathtaking natural beauty, where Mayan communities have thrived in harmony with nature for centuries. Immerse yourself in the world of cacao as you connect with local farmers and learn about the artisan techniques and regenerative agricultural practices used to cultivate this sacred crop. Indulge in the rich and complex flavors of Maya chocolate and discover the cultural significance of cacao to the people of Guatemala. Along the way, you'll explore magical Semuc Champey, visit stunning lagoons and navigate through mysterious cave systems. This unique cacao tour has been curated with the expertise and collaboration of our friends from Cacao Embassy. Join us in this transformational 10-day cacao tour and learn new ways to create impact and support sustainability. 

Trip highlights

Get ready for an adventure packed itinerary! Here are some of the highlights:

1. Immerse yourself in the world of cacao with an expert guide and learn about chocolate 101.

2. Delve into the rich history of Mesoamerican cacao on a farm in Cahabon.

4. Discover the magic of Semuc Champey Natural Monument.

5. Learn sustainable farming practices and connect with local communities on a permaculture farm in Lanquin.

6. Explore the pristine waters of Lachua Lagoon, an off the beaten track secret gem.

7. Venture into the depths of the earth and uncover ancient wonders at the Candelaria Caves.

8. Step back in time and absorb the vibes and charm of picturesque Antigua.

9. Embrace the spirit of Guatemala with a traditional Mayan cacao ceremony.



Booking & Cancellation Policy

In order to cancel a package for which you have made a booking, please email us stating your order reference and “Cancellation” in the title of the email. You may telephone us to discuss your desire to cancel the package but cancellation will only be effective when we have received from the person who purchased the package a written confirmation of his or her decision to cancel the package. An email to us stating that you desire to cancel a package is an irrevocable notice and you cannot subsequently change your mind even if we have not yet acknowledged the cancellation in writing.

If you cancel your tour:

We will apply the airline’s cancellation policy to any flights in your package and reimburse your ground arrangements in accordance with the penalty timeline

For cancellation of ground-only arrangements:

(a) 90 days or more prior to the stated departure date, we will retain an administrative fee of $100 per traveler and reimburse the remaining amount;

(b) Between 30 and 89 days prior to the stated departure date, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost and reimburse the remaining amount;

(c) Less than 30 days prior to departure, we will retain 100% of the price paid by you for the package.

If you leave a trip for any reason after it has started, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.

We may cancel a package at any time prior to departure by giving you notice by email, letter or (if very close to departure) by telephoning you, if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable or safe for our local partner to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel a package prior to departure, in your sole and absolute discretion you may choose between (i) us applying the amounts paid towards an alternative trip, or (ii) receiving a full refund. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKED PACKAGES

If you wish to change the date of one trip there is a fee of

(a)         $100 per traveler if done at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, subject to availability; and

(b)         $300 per traveler if done between 30 and 89 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, subject to availability.

If you wish to change the name of one or several travelers of the trip, there is a fee of $100 per passenger if done at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. No name changes are permitted within 89 days prior to the scheduled date of departure.

No amendments are permitted to your booking within 29 days of departure.

What’s included

  • Accomodation
    Lodging each night is included in your choice of hotels. Recommendations are included in the day-by-day itinerary.
  • Tours & activities
    Unique experiences available daily. See the day-by-day itinerary for recommended tours and additional options available.
  • Local guides
    English speaking local & specialized guides during activities.
  • Airport transfers
    Shuttles and taxis arranged to get you to/from the airport.
  • Ground transportation
    Private/shared shuttles will take you between destinations.
  • Entrance fees
    Entrance fees to sites of interest, museums and national parks.
  • Food
    Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, BB=Box Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner
  • 24/7 Assistance
    English in country assistance during the whole trip.

What’s not included

  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Not specified meals
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
    Inquire about tipping guidelines if needed.
  • International flights

Available Packages

Couples - Price per person

Includes: 

-9 nights of double room accommodation in hostels/ 2 or 3 star hotels

-Mentioned activities and tours (included activities are detailed in the itinerary)

-Entrance fees to national parks

-Airport transfers

-Private transfers between destinations.

-Specified meals during tours and activities (Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, BB=Box Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner)

-Contribution to social projects visited

-Local taxes

-Interactive day-to-day travel program in specialized app with support from our team

-24/7 Assistance in English

$2,500
Deposit: $500

Itinerary

Day 1
Bienvenidos! Welcome to the land of eternal spring (-/-/-)

Welcome to Guatemala! Your private transfer from Guatemala City Airport will take you to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the town and trying some local cuisine. Exciting adventures await you tomorrow!

Your Organizer


E
Etnica
23 reviews
At Etnica we invite you to discover culture by experiencing it and encourage you to interact with local communities and learn about the traditions and cultural heritage that make them unique while you discover Guatemala and southern Mexico. We design tailor-made experiences, tours and workshops with local operators and families in their beautiful surroundings. If you are a hands-on travel enthusiast; we welcome you to learn from the best and participate in real and authentic cultural encounters.

Reviews

This was an unforgettable holiday, and your hard work made it seem effortless. Huge thanks to all the drivers and guides who took us around your beautiful country. We loved all the marvellous hotels that were charming, well-run and safe. We managed to get a glimpse of how wonderful Guatemala was, and it was just stunning. I loved every moment and every place we went to. And your drivers and guides were timely, thoughtful, helpful and knowledgeable. Due to travel sickness, I often had to sit near the front, and all the drivers were kindly and helpful. The guides were intuitive, easy to talk to and full of great facts. All the hotels were terrific, although I think we would have preferred staying at Hotel Atitlan when we were at the lake. Thank you so much for helping us all discover some of the great charms of Guatemala in only 8 days!
By Rachel E for Essential Guatemala: 8 Days of Must-See Highlights on Mar 26, 2024
The trip was a truly awesome opportunity to witness the culture and natural beauty of Guatemala. The arrangements and guides provided experiences we would not have had if we ventured alone.
By Katherine S for Essential Guatemala: 8 Days of Must-See Highlights on Mar 18, 2024
Dear Katherine, we appreciate you sharing your experience exploring Guatemala with us! ¡Muchas gracias!
By Etnica on Mar 19, 2024
E
ME
We had a wonderful trip. Merida and its surroundings is a wonderful place, but the highlight of the trip was Pablo and Etnica travel. He did not leave a single detail out and the places he chose for us were incredible.
By MARIA EUGENIA DE S for Explorando Yucatán - Viaje de amigas en Mérida! on Feb 07, 2024
Dear Cuqui, we appreciate your wonderful comments and that you're taking the time to share details about your experience in Merida. We loved showing you around and Pablo's really enjoying the wonderful gift you brought from Guate! Muchas gracias! Come back and visit whenever you can!
By Etnica on Feb 07, 2024
E
We had a great time!
By Claudia H for Aventura en las Verapaces - Claudia Hernandez on Dec 22, 2023
Thank you for your preference! Always welcome to keep exploring with us!
By Etnica on Dec 22, 2023
E
AT
Well organized and very responsive planners. They put together a trip last minute and gave lots of great suggestions for downtime.
By Ashley T for Essential Guatemala: Must-See Highlights on Sep 07, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience Ashley and Shraddha! We hope to see you back in Guatemala in the future!
By Etnica on Sep 07, 2023
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References

I had a truly incredible experience in Guatemala - and I have Pablo and the Etnica team to thank for it! Pablo worked closely with me to design a custom trip for my friend and me, taking into consideration our logistical preferences, interests, time window, and budget. As the primary planner for my friend's and my trip, I was in frequent communication with Pablo, and I was impressed by his expertise, professionalism, warmth, and dedication. It is clear that he is passionate about what he does, and wants his travelers to experience the best of what Guatemala has to offer! During our trip itself, everything was smooth, efficient, and executed perfectly, from airport transfers / transportation, food and cultural recommendations, and comfortable, conveniently-located accommodations. All of our guides were incredibly friendly, treating us like friends rather than "tourists"; in fact, I felt that my interactions with the locals were perhaps the best part of this whole experience. At the end of the trip, I remained in Guatemala solo, while my friend returned to the states. During this time, I continued to take tours and explore Guatemala per Pablo's recommendations, and I felt safe, met incredible people, and gained a huge appreciation for the culture and people. I will recommend Etnica to my friends and family with great enthusiasm, and I can't wait to return! Thank you for everything, Pablo! -Kim from NYC
By Kim T on 21 Apr, 2023
I traveled as a teacher with students and can say with full sincerity that our tour guide, Pablo, exceeded every expectation I had for the trip! Not only did my students see beautiful tourist attractions and learn about the history of those places, but the best was them having multiple opportunities to meet and spend time getting to know people and their different ways of life all across the country. Having chaperoned educational tours with various companies, I can easily say that this one facilitated the best cultural learning and human connections for myself and my students. Many thanks, Etnica, for the experience and the memories!
By Emily H on 31 Aug, 2022