Experience Authentic Guatemalan Chocolate & Cacao Rituals!

Guatemala Chocolate Licor Marrón. Join us for a 3-hour hands-on chocolate workshop where you’ll roast, grind, and craft your artisanal chocolate using traditional Mayan methods. Or, immerse yourself in a real cacao ceremony, guided by local experts, as you connect with the ancient spiritual traditions of the Maya.

This isn’t a tourist gimmick—it’s the real deal, straight from the heart of Guatemala. Book your experience today!

Discovering Authentic Guatemalan Chocolate: Licor Marrón Chocolate Factory

For those wondering—yes, Guatemala produces cacao, the key ingredient in Guatemalan chocolate. In 2006, Guatemala’s Ministry of Agriculture supported 170 cacao producers in developing 230 hectares of cacao plantations. The goal was to generate employment, improve livelihoods, and promote environmental conservation.

However, challenges in cultivation, processing techniques, and market placement have prevented local producers from fully capitalizing on this valuable industry. That’s why we’re writing this article—to guide you to authentic Guatemalan chocolate, made by local artisans rather than mass-market brands.

The Reality of the Chocolate Museum (Choco Museo)

One well-known chocolate company in Guatemala is The Chocolate Museum (Choco Museo), located in Antigua and Panajachel. This brand operates across several Central and South American tourist hubs, including Granada, Cusco, and Cartagena.

Despite the name, Choco Museo is not a real museum—it’s more like the Starbucks of chocolate. Visitors can participate in chocolate-making workshops and purchase a variety of chocolate products. However, it’s unclear where these products are manufactured, and they likely come from large-scale production facilities.

Guatemala: The Birthplace of Chocolate

You might be surprised to learn that Guatemala is considered the birthplace of chocolate. The ancient Maya civilization revered cacao, calling it the food of the gods. Cacao was not only sacred but also believed to have aphrodisiac properties—legend has it that Moctezuma himself consumed excessive amounts to enhance his vitality.

For more on Guatemala’s deep connection to chocolate, check out this article from Epicure. If you’re in Antigua, I also recommend visiting Epicure, not just for chocolate but for an outstanding culinary experience.

Licor Marrón Chocolate: A True Guatemalan Chocolate Experience

Now, let’s take you to an authentic chocolate factory—Licor Marrón Chocolate in the village of San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán. This family-run shop specializes in handcrafted organic chocolate that delivers a rich, traditional taste. Unlike Choco Museo, Licor Marrón Chocolate is a small, locally owned business fighting to survive against corporate competition.

Why Does This Matter?

While big companies like Choco Museo may employ some locals and attract tourists, they also threaten the survival of family-owned businesses like Licor Marrón Chocolate. Visitors come to Guatemala to experience Mayan culture, not a commercialized “chocolate museum” that lacks authenticity.

I’ve visited Choco Museo locations in both Antigua and Granada, and to me, they feel more like tourist traps than genuine chocolate experiences. Yesterday, I was fortunate to tour Licor Marrón Chocolate—and it was one of the best chocolate experiences I’ve ever had.

The Licor Marrón Experience

From the moment we stepped into the shop, the intoxicating aroma of fresh chocolate filled the air. The front room is filled with handcrafted chocolate bars, many infused with herbs, nuts, and local flavors. They even offer liquor-infused chocolate for a unique indulgence.

In the back, visitors can watch a live demonstration on cacao fermentation and drying. The beans are then roasted in small batches, hand-ground on stone, and mixed with cane sugar molasses, herbs, nuts, and fruit—resulting in an incredibly rich and pure chocolate.

We met the owners—a family of six dedicated locals—who passionately preserve Guatemala’s chocolate traditions. They also offer hands-on workshops, where you can learn to make chocolate from bean to bar.

A Gesture of Kindness

The moment that truly won us over was their generosity. After chatting with the family, we mentioned that a relative of ours was ill and that we were soon heading back to the U.S. Without hesitation, one of the women took a chocolate bar from the shelf and handed it to us, saying:

“Take this as a gift—for your family member.”

That simple, heartfelt gesture spoke volumes about their kindness, generosity, and authenticity—values that set Licor Marrón Chocolate apart from mass-market brands.

Support Authentic Guatemalan Chocolate. Guatemala Chocolate Licor Marrón

If you want to experience real Guatemalan chocolate, skip the commercialized tourist shops and visit Licor Marrón Chocolate in San Juan La Laguna. Not only will you taste some of the best chocolate Guatemala has to offer, but you’ll also support local artisans and preserve a centuries-old tradition.