According to an article published in a U.S. National Center for Biotechnology journal, “The history of chocolate began with the Maya,” a sophisticated society of indigenous people whose ability to cultivate cacao beans to make “foods for the gods” began a tradition that has come full circle with today’s delicious chocolate dishes.
Even Christopher Columbus was impressed by “mysterious-looking almonds” he found inside the canoe he took during his sail to the Americas in 1502. Archaeological evidence points to Belize as “the earliest hub of cacao cultivation,” say BBC researchers who insist that early Maya beverages have been around since 600 BCE. The Mayas are also credited with “fermenting, drying and grinding the beans for consumption,” they add.
If you’ve no interest in discovering the furthest reaches of earth—but you would still like to pay tribute to your favorite treat—you owe it to yourself to take your next vacation in Belize, where the heart and soul of all things chocolate are woven into the fabric of the nation's soul. Come during the 2026 Chocolate Festival and you and your travel mates can pay tribute to all things dark, sweet, and tasty.
Make sure the resort you choose is equally delicious
While Belize’s Chocolate Festival activities will take place throughout the nation, choose Belizean Dreams Resort as your base for this year’s event, scheduled to be held between May 15th and May 17th. Staff will be delighted to recommend nearby celebrations featuring artisans, musical performances, cultural events, and street fairs in addition to a cacao farm tour that's not to be missed. Before you begin your adventures, make sure you choose between either of Belizean Dreams' all inclusive packages where everything you need is covered.
Triple your pleasure by adding Belizean Dreams’ unique “Triple Delight” tour to your itinerary. During this outing, you will visit a butterfly farm, treat all of your senses to a majestic waterfall, and complete your outing with a visit to a chocolate farm where you'll learn about cacao growing and production. You’ll take a chocolate-making lesson, using a traditional Mayan grinding stone. This experience is fondly known around Belizean Dreams as “releasing your inner chocolatier.”
No wonder cacao beans were once used as currency!
While you can't trade the beans you observe during your farm adventure to help pay for your Belizean Dreams vacation, you can save enough cash to add that Triple Delight to your itinerary by inquiring into the money-saving specials currently described on the Travel Deals page.
By the way, you should know that this tour will even benefit your good health and sense of well-being. Did you know that eating chocolate products can trigger the brain chemistry necessary to release dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin as well as adding minerals, vitamins B2 and B6 to your diet? Come for the sweets. Stay for the fun. Remain active and none of the delicious bites you consume will add a calorie to your diet, happy traveler!
Book online or contact the Reservation Desk to book.