Our Journey to Colombia. The Guardians of the Heart of the World
"In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." – George Orwell
There’s no way to cut this story short. It’s a journey that deserves to be told in full. So here we are—part one of our adventure, straight from the heart of Colombia.
"The lush landscape of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta—home to the Arhuaco people and the heart of the world."
At Bean and Goose, our partnership with Original Beans goes beyond sourcing cacao. It’s about preserving the future of cacao, empowering Indigenous communities, and honouring traditions that have shaped the land and its people for generations.
When Original Beans invited us to Colombia, we witnessed their unwavering commitment to sustainability, the environment, and the communities who care for it. This experience reaffirmed why we would never dream of making chocolate with anyone else.
Guardians of the Heart of the World
What does it mean to protect the heart of the world? For the Arhuaco people, it means living in harmony with the land and safeguarding it for future generations.
At Bean and Goose, we believe chocolate is more than a product—it’s a way to tell stories. Stories that connect us to the land, the culture, and the people who grow cacao with care and devotion.
"The Arhuaco community thrives in harmony with their land, passing their traditions from generation to generation."
Our recent journey to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta took us to a place where history, biodiversity, and spirituality converge. It’s here that we met the Arhuaco, a deeply spiritual people who call themselves the guardians of the ‘heart of the world.’
The Sierra Nevada is no ordinary place. The Arhuaco believe it to be the centre of the earth itself. Deep in the rainforest, cacao has grown for centuries. For the Arhuaco, this region is the very pulse of the planet—alive with purpose and meaning.
A Shared Responsibility to Protect the Land
The Sierra Nevada is teeming with life—rainforests, snow-capped peaks, sandy beaches, and even deserts. It feeds 35 life-sustaining rivers and is home to more unique plants and animals than almost anywhere else on earth.
"For the Arhuaco, the sea is as sacred as the mountains, each element a vital part of their ecosystem."
But this extraordinary place is under threat. The Arhuaco have seen their landscape change drastically in the past 30 years. The ice is melting. Butterflies and amphibians are vanishing. Scientists predict that, within 30 years, the snow caps could disappear completely. This would end the 35 rivers that sustain the animals, ecosystems, and people who depend on them—including the Arhuaco, the planet’s “older brothers.”
For generations, the Mamos—the Arhuaco’s spiritual leaders—have warned of this crisis. They view their role as protectors of the land, responsible for restoring balance and healing the Sierra Nevada from harm caused by outside forces.
Now, the Arhuaco are sharing their message with visitors like us, their ‘little brothers’. Their call to action is simple yet profound: the planet is in trouble, and we must act now to protect it.
This message cuts through the noise of consumerism and convenience. It asks us to reflect on our role in preserving the balance of life before it’s too late.
Looking Ahead
Our time with the Arhuaco showed us that their connection to cacao runs deep. It’s more than a crop—it’s a sacred part of their culture, a link to the land, and a symbol of hope.
"The Programa de Cacao Asoarhuaco is working to preserve traditional cacao cultivation practices."
In our next blog, we’ll take you deeper into the sacred cacao lands and explore how the Arhuaco are rediscovering this ancient crop while ensuring its future.