We're not a Cacao Farm nor a Cacao Business
We are a Regenerative Center that cacao facilitates our connections, roots and relationships with the Q'eqchi' Community as a symbiotic ecosystem.
Why Our Cacao is Different
Our process is deeply artisanal.
It might be more ‘efficient’ to introduce more industrial tools, but our slow and thoughtful process is a choice we make every day to stay in alignment with the spirit of the plant and the integrity of the work.
All beans are toasted over firewood on a clay comal by women from the local community.
We also quality-check every step of the production process.
When you choose to work with us, you’re receiving some of the most carefully tended, highest quality cacao available in Guatemala.
Our Ethics & Language
We believe true ethics must go deeper than just words and be shown through action. For us, it means being in close relationship with the people and land. Our model is a co-creation — a symbiotic ecosystem with the Q’eqchi’ community of Lanquín, where we depend on one another.
By working closely with the families in Lanquín, first to purchase cacao from them and then to employ the women in the production process, we create a collaborative ecosystem where all our wellbeing is interdependent.
Investing in Women & Fair Wages
We have an ongoing commitment to fair, dignified wages for everyone involved in the cacao production process. The women of Red Ratzum Network who sell their cacao, are then those who are in every step of the process — from toasting and peeling to translating Q’eqchi’ to Spanish and managing the molds and packaging.
For most of the women, that only speak Q'eqchi', this is one of the only local opportunities to earn income, let alone above minimum wage.
We’re proud to be creating pathways for empowerment and leadership within the community.
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Don't just take our word..
Come feel for yourself!
This year, we’re offering the opportunity for clients to co-create cacao immersions here on the land for your audience or community, so everyone can build an even deeper relationship with the plant, the process, and people behind the blocks.
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We believe there’s no substitute for personal experience.
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If you’re interested in bringing a group or dreaming up a custom immersion, we’d love to hear from you. We have cabins on the land, and we’ll also be offering more immersions in the coming year for anyone to join.
Shipping Policy
All orders are shipped from Guatemala and processed within 10 to 20 business days, depending on the quantity ordered.
All shipping costs are responsibility of client, based on prices given directly from the shipping company.
Tuqtuquilal is responsible for coordination with shipping company and providing all information necessary from client.
Shipping costs need to be paid in full before distributing.
Customs fees are not included, please be informed about the customs policies of your country before placing your order. Tuqtuquilal is not responsible for any interventions made in customs (packages being opened, examined, etc).
Any damages due to shipping can be reported to Tuqtuquilal with photos and videos, and we will facilitate the report for damages to the shipping company.
Tuqtuquilal will accept returns on unopened products for 25% restocking fee (depending on region). Original shipping costs are non-refundable. Client needs to cover shipping costs for the return on products.
Returns accepted within 30 days upon delivery.
Order Agreements are tethered to price listed in Guatemalan Quetzales - NOT foreign currency.
Full payment of Order Total is due prior to shipping.
Tuqtuquilal works with a network of 65+ family farmers from a variety of plots of lands and variety of cacao. Also 65+ women that rotate in order to toast over an open fire and peel the cacao by hand. This means that often times there is a variety of taste and energy variations in our cacao. However, we maintain that this process it what makes it artisanal ceremonial grade providing support to a multitude of families. Like a good wine, flavors may vary due to seasonal variations.
Quality control checks are placed at time of purchase, fermentation, drying, toasting, grinding to assure for moisture, pH and flavor profiles.
Blooming is a natural process of climate variations due to shipping and storage.
If you want a more consistent and less traditional cacao, we offer an even roasted or tempered block as well.