Visit a Cacao Farm in Colombia, near Tayrona Park : Discover the World of Chocolate

Explore a Cacao Farm in Colombia close to Tayrona Park : An Unforgettable Experience at La Merecida, Nature Reserve

chocolate cake from a cacao farm in a restaurant near tayrona park

Just an hour from Santa Marta and 5 minutes from Tayrona Park, nestled between the lush Colombian forest and the Caribbean Sea, lies a remarkable cacao plantation— Come visit La Merecida cacao farm.

This peaceful haven is more than just a cacao farm; it’s a place where nature, tradition, and ethics converge to offer chocolate lovers a truly unique experience.

If you’re curious and want to understand the journey from cacao bean to chocolate bar, a visit to La Merecida is a must.

Sustainable Cacao Farming near Tayrona: Handcrafted and Environmentally Conscious

The cocoa grown at La Merecida is much more than just a raw ingredient. Each bean is the result of meticulous work, carried out with respect for nature and tradition.

The plantation spans one hectare of fertile land, where thousands of cacao trees thrive under the region’s tropical climate. This unique setting, where biodiversity is preserved, allows the cacao to develop unparalleled aromas and flavors.

La Merecida is part of the “1 for Humanity – 9 for Nature” program, which aims to protect ecosystems while offering a superior product. This innovative initiative ensures that for every hectare cultivated, nine others are dedicated to natural preservation.

By visiting this plantation, you not only discover the art of cacao cultivation but also contribute to an initiative dedicated to preserving the planet.

OUR COMMITMENT

Cultural and Nature Adventures Alongside Your Cacao Farm Visit

The exceptional quality of La Merecida’s cacao results from a unique combination of factors. The region’s rich soils and tropical climate play a crucial role in the flavor development of the beans.

The plantation hosts various cacao tree varieties, each bringing distinct characteristics :

– Criollo: Known for its soft, rounded notes with subtle hints of caramel, honey, and sometimes fresh hazelnut.

– Nacional: Famous for its clear floral aroma, this cacao also reveals fresh nut flavors, offering a complex and refined tasting experience.

– Forastero: Recognized for its pronounced chocolatey notes, with a pleasant bitterness that embodies the essence of chocolate.

These carefully cultivated cacao varieties promise a chocolate with rich and balanced aromas, reflecting the diversity and richness of Colombia’s natural environment.

DISCOVER THE NATURE RESERVE

cacao farm guided tour, activities near tayrona park

Bean to Bar: How Chocolate is Made on Colombian a Cacao Farm?

At La Merecida, every step of chocolate production is carried out with the utmost care, following an artisanal approach that respects the environment.

The “Bean to Bar” process is a true homage to traditional craftsmanship, where every detail matters.

Harvesting the Pods It all begins with the harvest of cacao pods, the fruit that contains the precious cacao beans. The pods are closely monitored to detect color changes, indicating they’re ready for harvest.

At La Merecida, harvesting is done by hand, with multiple rounds across the plantation to ensure the pods are neither too immature nor too ripe. This meticulous work ensures that only the best beans are used for chocolate production.

Pod Opening and Fermentation Once harvested, the pods are opened to extract the seeds in a process called pod opening. The beans then undergo natural fermentation, a crucial step to remove the mucilage surrounding them, stop germination, and develop the precursors of chocolate aroma.

This process, lasting several days, is essential for ensuring the final quality of the chocolate.

Sun Drying After fermentation, the cacao beans are spread out to dry naturally under the sun. This drying process reduces the beans’ water content while allowing the evaporation of acetic acid formed during fermentation. This step is indispensable for developing the characteristic aromas of chocolate.

At La Merecida, we partner with a renowned Colombian facility specializing in cacao bean fermentation and drying for over 30 years. This collaboration guarantees consistent quality and a respect for the traditions that make our chocolate famous.

BOOK & VISIT THE CaCAO FARM

An Eco-Friendly Chocolate : Our Commitment to Ethical Practices

By choosing La Merecida chocolate, you’re supporting not only a high-quality, artisanal product but also an agricultural and ecological project.

Aware of environmental challenges, we have implemented an eco-friendly transport system: your chocolate bars are shipped by sailboat, reducing the carbon footprint of each delivery.

Moreover, a large portion of the proceeds goes to conservation and reforestation programs, actively contributing to the preservation of Colombian forests.

By choosing our chocolate, you’re making a choice that benefits the planet while enjoying an exceptional product.

chocolate bar from a cocoa farm in colombia

A Sensory and Ethical Experience

Each square of La Merecida chocolate is an invitation to a unique sensory journey.

Our chocolate is powerful and balanced, with citrus notes and a fine roast that offers an unparalleled tasting experience.

Let yourself be carried away by the exotic intensity of its flavors, turning your daily treat into a moment rich with meaning.

The Health Benefits of Cacao : A Treasure for Your Well-being

La Merecida’s cacao is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Here are some of the advantages our chocolate offers:

– Cardiovascular health: Cacao is rich in flavonoids, which promote heart health by improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure.

– Antioxidant properties: The antioxidants in cacao help fight free radicals, delaying cellular aging.

– Enhanced cognitive function: Cacao stimulates the brain, improving concentration and memory.

– Mental well-being: Consuming chocolate triggers the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, helping reduce stress and improve mood.

– Immune system support: Nutrients in cacao, like zinc and selenium, play a key role in boosting the immune system.

BUY GOOD CHOCOLATE

chocolate cake from cacao farm guided tour near Tayrona park

Discover the Art of Chocolate by visiting La Merecida Cacao Farm near Tayrona Park

Visiting La Merecida’s cocoa plantation is an immersion into a world where tradition and respect for nature are at the heart of everything we do.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the entire chocolate-making process, from cacao tree to chocolate bar, while experiencing the natural beauty of the reserve.

This immersive experience will give you a deep appreciation for each step involved and a newfound respect for the delightful treasure that is chocolate.

Prepare to be amazed by the rich biodiversity at La Merecida, and leave with unforgettable memories—and, of course, a few of our exceptional chocolate bars to enjoy at home.

Turn your passion for chocolate into an enriching and responsible experience by visiting a plantation that perfectly blends quality with ethics.

Join us at La Merecida and let yourself be captivated by the story and future of a cacao that is the pride of Colombia.

Join Our Sustainable Journey

Experience the beauty of La Merecida while contributing to conservation efforts. Book your eco-tourism adventure today!

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