Sierra Nevada Cacao

Arhuaco cacao is a cultural and environmental treasure of Colombia.   This single-origin pure criollo cacao comes with no added ingredients,and is prepared with deep respect for tradition, protecting the best qualities of these sacred beans. The Arhuaco community is growing an ancient native species of cacao tree that was once cultivated by their Tairona ancestors. Native heirloom cacao trees grow wild in the coastal jungles here.The ancient Tairona practiced agroforestry, using their seeds and fruits as sacred medicines.

This cacao is organically grown on ancestral lands, just as it has been for centuries. It is cultivated alongside other medicinal plants and infused with the Arhuaco tribe. The Arhuaco believe they can share the knowledge and teachings of their ancestors through their crops, and that you, as you drink this cacao, can tap into their history and their "pensiamentos (thoughts)."

Our relationship with the Arhuaco is not just commercial.  When Origen Cacao was just a budding idea, our founder Danielle met Asdrubal and Esther, who left their cacao farm on the Arhuaco reservation in search of stability and security for their young family.  What formed was an incredible friendship and partnership that brings you this beautiful cacao today.  

The Sierra Nevada region has all types of climatology and rises to a height of 5,000 meters above sea level. Sierra Nevada’s indigenous cultures have lived there from time immemorial, safeguarding balance and universal harmony as a way of life.  Life in these deeply spiritual cultures has an intimate relationship with the environmental nature.

Their territory includes 54 sacred sites of their ancestors.The Arhuaco and their neighboring tribes  consider themselves the elder brothers,  and refer to those of us living in the west  as the younger brothers. 

The Arhuaco say that the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the heart of the world and the origin point of all life, and that the well being of the rest of the world depends on its stability. According to their origin story, descendants of the Tayrona Chibcha are the elder brothers of Humanity. Each community is led by spiritual guides called a Mamo who possess a deep knowledge of natural life. As bearers of the laws of nature,  the Mamos cultivate Sierra Nevada to be a pharmacy of tranquility and share their knowledge with visitors as a way to care for the heart of the world. They believe it is their responsibility to maintain the balance and harmony of the universe by making pagamentos (offerings) t, in order to give back to the earth what we extract from it. They pray for the planet and for us, every day.  

Each batch of our ceremonial cacao is made with intention, love, and care from the moment a cacao tree is planted until it reaches you.