Words can hardly capture what it’s like to journey to the heart of cacao, but we’re going to give it a try.

The Journey to the Heart of Cacao

After a bumpy 4 to 5-hour drive through Colombia’s rugged terrain, we finally arrived at the ceremonial centre of the Arhuaco tribe. The roads were unpaved, winding, and full of dips, and we climbed higher in altitude with each turn.

The Arhuaco People: Guardians of the Earth

The Arhuaco are not just a community; they are the guardians of the earth. Their deep connection to the land goes beyond the physical—everything, from the plants and animals to the tiniest insect, is sacred to them. Their rituals, their clothing, and the way they live reflect this profound respect for nature.

A Warm Welcome: The Ceremony

When we first met the Arhuaco, we were welcomed with a beautiful ceremony. The younger members of the community tied two woven cotton threads to our wrists—symbols of connection. The threads would signal to others and to Mother Nature that we were guests, invited into their world.

Their land stretches across the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and we were told that the threads would protect us as we ventured further into the mountains. It was such a powerful moment, knowing we were sharing in something much bigger than ourselves.

Living Simply: Where We Stayed

The Arhuaco villages are small, with open fires and basic huts, grounded in simplicity and sustainability. Our accommodation was a short walk from the village—an old farmhouse by a clear, peaceful river. The farmhouse was sparse but welcoming. There was no luxury here; we strung up hammocks—18 in total for the 18 adventurers in our group—across the communal space and the outside verandah.

A Taste of Tradition: What We Ate

Meals were simple, prepared over an open fire. We ate lentils, rice, fried plantains, and goat meat. Each meal was accompanied by a steaming cup of pure cacao—a powerful reminder of just how sacred this crop is to the Arhuaco.

(To be continued in Part 2…)