Mayan Cultural Tour

Maya Center is about an hour drive from Placencia and is near the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. Aurora learned from the world renowned herbal doctor, Don Eligio Panti – her uncle. She practices herbal medicine and cleansing and is working with others to preserve the Mayan culture. She is the author of two books Janal ai Maya (Maya Cuisine) and U tza’ac Aj Maya (Maya Medicine). Ernesto, on the other hand, is a respected community leader devoted to conservation and the promotion of Maya cultural traditions and ceremonies, Maya weddings and spirituality for those who may need renewal of their life. A trained teacher, Ernesto loves to share his knowledge and love of all things Mayan. The visit to Nu’il Che’ll begins with learning to cook a meal the Mayan way on a fire hearth. Aurora will teach you how to make a tortilla and then how to make tamales. While the meat and tamales are cooking Aurora will take you on the medicinal trail where you will learn about the plants and their medicinal value – the jungle was a pharmacy to the Maya. By the time you get back, lunch is served. During lunch ask Aurora and Ernesto about the fascinating history of the Maya and their village. After lunch, visit the cacao farm to see how the cacao is grown, harvested and dried. Then head over to the little chocolate factory to make chocolate from cacao beans the old fashioned way. Make and eat your very own chocolate bar.
What to Bring: Running shoes or hiking boots are fine along with camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and a sense of curiosity about a culture older than that of Egypt!