Deep in the Toledo District, 11 miles from Punta Gorda, IXCACAO Chocolate is the only Maya Belizean-owned and operated chocolate company in the world. Founded in July 1985 by Juan and Abelina Cho in San Felipe Village, the farm produces chocolate from all-organic cacao beans processed without artificial flavoring or synthetic stabilizers.
The name IXCACAO means "Queen of Cacao, Goddess of Fertility and Happiness" in the Maya Ke'kchi dialect. Visitors are guided through the entire journey from tree to bar, walking the rainforest cacao groves, learning about sustainable farming, using traditional stone grinding tools, and crafting their own chocolate to take home.
Abelina Cho is known for her traditional Maya cooking, preparing dishes like Chocolate Chicken that pair the farm's cacao with generations-old recipes. Tours run on reservation only and range from a quick tasting session to the full Gold Tour, a four-hour immersion covering the farm, ceremonial drink, chocolate making, and a traditional lunch.
Juan Cho has worked with Sustainable Harvest International to promote organic and sustainable farming across Belize and Central America. Every visit directly supports a Maya family farm and the preservation of living chocolate heritage in Toledo.
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