Exploring chocolate at the source: Dandelion Chocolate trip to Belize

Do you find chocolate appearing in your dreams? Do you lay out a box of chocolates by the bed to accompany a good book? Do you carry chocolate in your purse at all times?

Then this may be the fantasy trip for you.

San Francisco’s Dandelion Chocolate is leading an eight-day chocolate adventure to Belize in early November. Chocolate 301, which follows Chocolate 101 (Introduction to Chocolate Industry Lecture & Taste Lab) and Chocolate 201 (Small Batch Chocolate Making Lab), will be led by Dandelion’s Greg D’Alesandre, who sources chocolate for Dandelion.

The group, limited to 20, will visit cacao farms and “fermentaries” with the object of learning how cacao is grown, specifically in Belize, and getting some practical experience in fermentation and drying and an appreciation for the history of cacao in Belize.

But it’s not all toil and study. The trip includes time for horseback riding, diving, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking in this beautiful part of the world. The group will be staying at Cotton Tree Lodge in Southern Belize.

Dates for the trip are Nov. 2-9. Prices start at $1,300, not including airfare, and includes all lodging and meals. Some activities such as horseback riding have added fees, though most are free.

For more information, email trips@dandelionchocolate.com.

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