Ecomuseo del Cacao

Paris has one. Bruges has one. Prague has one. And… now Yucatán has one! What is it? A chocolate museum!! Since the Mayas (and Aztecs) were the discoverers of chocolate over 3,000 years ago, it is only fitting that there should be a museum dedicated to teaching the history of this savory delight. And, what better place to have it than in the heart of the Mayan region known as the Puuc Route in Yucatán, just 90 minutes south of Mérida.

Located at km. 20 on the edge of the road right between the Mayan sites of Xlapak and Labná, the Ecomuseo del Cacao at the Tikul Plantation is a new stop you should definitely include in your itinerary when visiting the area. Learning about the Mayas through the magic of cocoa is not only interesting but delicious!

The museum was inaugurated on July 5 with the presence of the Belgian investor, Mr. Eddy Van Belle and two Belgian chocolatiers – Master Chocolatier Dominque Personne and chocolatier Mathieu Brees. Mathieu owns several chocolate shops in Mérida – one in the Hotel Rosas & Xocolate on Paseo de Montejo, one in the Historical Center on Calle 55 between 60 and 62, one at El Pocito, with the factory in Col. Pensiones.

In the theme museum, you will see the relationship of the Mayas and cocoa, the hieroglyphs for cocoa, how it was included in their paintings, how they developed it, and how it spread throughout the world via the conquerors. And, last but not least, you will taste it!

Consisting of a series of thatched roof Mayan houses, each hut houses a different theme. The first gives the visitor a glimpse of the Mayan culture and cocoa – the relationship with the gods and their ceremonial rituals in the use of this sacred ingredient.

Following the winding stone path you will arrive to the second Mayan house where you will see how the Mayas lived, see some original typical objects, plus an enacted Mayan burial that shows offerings of cocoa pods. Just outside this house is the typical Mayan kitchen, a wild orchid garden, and the area with the melipona bees – the stinger-less bees that are instrumental in the cocoa bean growing process.

At the last Mayan home, you will see how the cocoa beans are toasted, peeled, ground, re-ground, then ground again, before the savory chocolate drink that you will be offered is prepared.

The last stop is the terrace cafeteria and children’s play area… a good place to stop, rest and savor the rainforest environment.

Cocoa bean trees have to grow in shaded areas, so the stroll around the museum gardens is an enjoyable one.

Services: On the grounds you will find parking, bathrooms and craft shop, all wheelchair accessible.
Admission: General admission is 80 pesos. Teachers, students and seniors 50 pesos. Children 6 – 12 are 40 pesos. Kids under 6 are free.
Schedule: Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM. Closed on December 24th, 25th, and 31st and January 1st.

NEW A.D.O. BUS SERVICE TO ECO-MUSEO DEL CACAO
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing the terminal on C. 69 x 68 y 70, Centro, at 8 am. It stops along the way as follows, staying 30 minutes each at: Kabah, Xlapak, Sayil and Labná; 1 hour at Eco-Museo, and 2 hours at Uxmal. Cost is 159 pesos.

www.ecomuseodelcacao.com