*Available for pre-order only. This way, you can make sure to be amongst the first ones to receive cacao from our newest batch in the making.
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The Mayan Wisdom Project

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

$24.00 USD
$24.00 USD
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PRE-ORDER ONLY. Delivery time up to 5 weeks.


Each Ceremonial Cacao block is 100% handcrafted by an Indigenous family collective owned by Elsa and Hector in Lanquin, Guatemala, utilizing traditional methods passed down through generations. This dedication to artisanal craftsmanship ensures that every batch is crafted with care, reflecting the rich heritage and integrity of our cacao. 

Available in five sizes: 0.25 Lb (1 x 4oz Block), 0.5 Lb (2 x 4oz Blocks), 1 Lb (4 x 4oz Blocks), 5 Lbs (20 x 4oz Blocks) and 10 Lbs (40 x 4oz Blocks). 

Your Ceremonial Cacao comes with a beautifully handwoven bag.

You can also check out our other wonderful cacao variety: Fifth Element Cahabon Cacao.

Receive the natural benefits of our 100% pure ceremonial cacao

FOR THE MAYANS, CACAO IS A SACRED MEDICINE THAT HAS POWERFUL HEALING BENEFITS.

Cacao has been used for millennia by the Mayans, and it brings the people who consume it incredible benefits. It can be considered a top super-food for the incredible variety of physical effects it brings us, including the deep work it does in our cardiovascular system, the relief and relaxation of the muscles, the ability to open up the lungs so we can breathe deeper, its incredibly high amounts of antioxidants, etc...

But cacao goes deeper than that, it has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and regulates the neurotransmitters of the brain such as dopamine and serotonin, which creates a sensation of happiness and relief. Fully bringing us clarity of mind and the consciousness to go through the day and interact with others in a mindful way.

To be truly ceremonial, cacao must adhere to specific ancestral practices. Fifth Element Cacao stands out for its deep-rooted preparation process that respects the land and Mayan traditions. Grown in organic, symbiotic conditions and harvested communally, we collaborate with an extraordinary women’s collective and family led operation in Lanquin to bring you the purest cacao available.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FIFTH ELEMENT LANQUIN CACao

Lanquin cacao has a rich and deep flavor profile, providing a warm and full experience. Its darker notes create a smooth taste without harsh bitterness. The higher oil content contributes to a smooth mouthfeel. When chopped, Lanquin cacao crumbles easily into a light, fluffy texture.

However, it is important to note that with cacao made like this, each batch is different. It is the nature of a natural, handmade product.

Meet the Artisans Behind Your Cacao

  • mayan-wisdom-project-journey-cacao.png__PID:f60f90df-2055-4bef-b8f7-1c8aafb8cd43

    Elsa, Cacao Producer

    Elsa always greets everyone with a warm smile. She began this small project alongside her husband, Hector. Since our partnership started, this Q'eqchi' family has successfully expanded their operation, hiring six additional women to join the five core members: Elsa, Marta, Julissa, Rutilia, and Hector.

  • Hector, expert in ancestral farming

    Hector (with Solveig, our co-founder on the photo) oversees the cacao farms from which our Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao originates.

    Hector is an exceptional farmer and teacher with a wealth of knowledge. He often says, "When you spend time in nature and listen, she speaks back to you."

WHAT MAKES FIFTH ELEMENT LANQUIN CACAO SO SPECIAL?

  • Traditional Harvesting of Native Criollo Cacao

    The native “Criollo” cacao pods are harvested in community, always honoring the land with blessings, and seeking permission before gathering the cacao pods.

  • 100% handcrafted

    Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao is lovingly handcrafted by Elsa & Hector, whose skills have been passed down through generations. Neither metal nor machines are ever used in any of the processes, as it cuts the spiritual energy.

  • Ancestral Mayan traditions

    As said in the sacred Popol Wuj (the sacred book of the Maya), all utensils are thanked and cleansed, that the people cleanse themselves, and that the energies are asked for permission to work with the cacao.

  • Biodiverse farming

    Sourced from the breathtaking landscapes of Lanquin, in Guatemala, our cacao is cultivated in harmony with nature. It is grown using regenerative and biodiverse farming practices that prioritize the health of the soil, wildlife, and ecosystem.

  • 100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC

    All of our cacao is proudly 100% certified organic and untouched by additives. It is packaged in eco-friendly materials, including a beautifully handwoven bag.

  • WAY BEYOND FAIRTRADE

    The cacao farmers and producers set their own prices, and receive way more than the fair trade rate, which would still be exploitative

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AN ANCESTRAL PROCESS

In this video, Nana Elsa teaches us the centuries-old process of producing ceremonial cacao paste. The steps followed during this process include:
- Wood-fire roasting: After being sun-dried, each batch of cacao beans is roasted over a wood fire on a traditional clay comal, meticulously balanced on three rocks.
- Hand peeling: Each cacao bean is peeled by hand, ensuring the utmost quality and care from start to finish.
- Grinding: Elsa and her collective of Mayan women grind the cacao using a sacred grinding stone made of volcanic rock, elevated on three legs called metate. The metate is transmitted from generations to generations.

This process is typically carried out by families or communities and has been practiced for thousands of years. The Maya believe that this traditional preparation imbues cacao with healing and spiritual powers. Consequently, they consider cacao produced in factories or using machines to have lost its essence and no longer regard it as ceremonial.

*video by Jodieinflow

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CACAO CUP

  • We recommend melting your cacao with a small amount of hot water (not boiling) and mixing it well until it becomes liquid.

  • Once it is well combined, top it up with enough hot water to fill your cup. Mixing is best with a wooden spoon or a molinillo.

  • For those new to drinking ceremonial cacao, it's best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it. We recommend starting with 0.5 oz (14 grams) and then increasing to 1 oz (28 grams).

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES, THAT MEANS A LOT!

CACAO IS BECOMING SCARCE

Cacao thrives in specific climates and under certain precipitation levels, conditions historically supported by millenary forests. Unfortunately, climate change is disrupting these delicate ecosystems, leading to reduced cacao production.

This year's challenges have been particularly harsh. Widespread fires and a lack of rainfall have significantly limited the supply of cacao beans, causing prices to surge in the market. This situation impacts not just the supply chain but the livelihoods of families who depend on cacao farming.

As a company, we are fully committed to supporting the farmers and producers we work with during these difficult times. Many of you have stood by us in our mission to provide high-quality and ethical cacao.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and commitment to sustainable practices in cacao production. 

Heavy Metal Content: This product contains cadmium and lead, which have been tested by a third-party lab. The lead amount meets FDA guidelines for lead content. The cadmium content meets the EU legal requirements for sale. It's important to note that the EU does not have specific lead requirements, and the FDA does not regulate cadmium content.

In the State of California, these elements are known to cause cancer and birth defects. We are required to inform you of this, though we can assure you that we hold our cacao to the highest standards and it is safe for consumption. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

We want to reiterate that the lead and cadmium content are within legal limits and it is safe to consume!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 187 reviews.

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I’m even making art with my cacao wrappers on the box it came in! I am madly in love with Elsa and Hector and their growing cacao harvesting and preparing with community . Lanquin cacao is absolutely the truest experience of Theobroma cacao , food of the gods . I honor every happy sacred step of its creation. I love everything about it as so rare and precious. I’m grateful for every purchase and every cup I prepare with prayerful intentions and gratitude. Thank you so much for this gift. Rama

Caroline Jane Rama M. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

My most recent purchase of herbs grown from lovely healing Raquel is more than simply the herbs I could buy here. Her healing heart and hands grew and harvested the plants. Her life purpose to help dedicated to lifting patterns of disruption to ease and wellbeing is felt. Her Wormwood tea lifts the very energy patterns of parasitic relationships with microorganisms people or things sucking energy instead of holding well-being. I am very aware of the purity of her healing heart and hand’s growing herbs aware of their sacred essence and gifts. I am grateful I invested in this gift of healing from a truly great healing heart . Thank you Raquel for being completely dedicated to planting growing plants to help people maybe animals and earth herself body and spirit be free of patterns that harm and imbibe wellness stability joy and strength . With gratitude and deep respect , I thank you

Caroline Jane Rama M. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I’m just finishing previous order of lanquin cacao and happy waiting for my next order to arrive I break with a wooden board on a wooden board I don’t want to cut it with a metal knife I adore Elsa the maker with her friends and precious husband Hector growing from seed in a most sacred earth loving with care community way I honor this sacred opportunity to buy only this cacao as I am able to afford it! Willing to wait until availability opens. This cacao has a wonderful smoky aroma and truest chocolate taste I have found so different (from Peru is more fruity. ) Pictures are my cacao I break before opening the cloth and paper cover A collage of paper and stickers covering after finishing each puck Lovely cloth woven bags it came with My favorite special cacao cups I love and use-follow the Mayan energy of the 20 day cycle as taught by Solveig in the cacao challenge I think I’m about to do this my fourth time over last two years ! With gratitude, Rama

Caroline Jane Rama M. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Thank you Mayan Wisdom Project for providing such high quality cacao for us to experience. I have tried several and this cacao has been the most smooth and pleasant cacao. It is easy to feel and taste the love and care put into producing this cacao product. It has become a very special part of my personal healing journey.

Bethamie W. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I truly believe Fifth Element Ceremonial Cacao is the best in the world. My wife and I enjoy a cup together at the end of each day and this sacred medicine has really helped transform our lives. There is really no other choice of Cacao for us! Kevin Merrifield

Channon M. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I recently ordered lanquin cacao a pound and a quarter pound It comes with a very strong paper cover enclosed in beautiful woven pouches to protect the sacred energy it carries. I respectfully to break pieces with wood on wood it holds well in its coverings. Not cutting with metal. It smells of rich smoky chocolate that fills the air Taste is deeply rich possibly the truest taste of cacao I’ve had I treasure it’s being made in the most sacred traditional way I love my daily Mayan energy honoring practice with this sacred drink. Blessings on my journey I am grateful for all the Mayan Wisdom project offerings and learnings enrich my life. I think anyone who tries this tradition honoring cacao will value their experience greatly.

Caroline Jane Rama M. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I did the 20-day Cacao Challenge this past fall, and have been loving the richness and spirit of this authentic, traditional cacao. I always thank the cacao when I prepare and drink it, as part of my gratitude - and feel the good energy that it brings to my heart. ❤️ I got the special bundle with the cacao tea - can’t wait to try it!

Katy R. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Lanquin Cacao is life changing energy lifting ancestral codex channeling it is the true essence of spiritual power and health medicine and mental clarity that connects u back to antiquity indigenous power and nature. A true blessing in all aspects .

Alex F. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

The Cacao was stronger than I imagined. Rich, jungle vibe. Almost at one point I thought it tasted like Ayahuasca. As i know the taste of other Cacao's . This was definitely a richer,stronger experience. So grateful for your dedication. Mary Sky. Ireland 🇮🇪

Mary O. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I have so enjoyed having the ceremonial Cacao to prepare and drink - the benefits I am experiencing are healing and brings a peaceful balance with every cup I have - thank you Mayan Wisdom for allowing us to purchase such a wonderful gift - much love to all!!

Marcia P. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Since I started drinking this special Mayan cacao, my mornings begin not just with warmth, but with a deep connection to myself, to the Earth, and to the spiritual world. The taste is pure, honest, and powerful you can truly feel that this cacao was crafted not industrially, but with heart and ancient wisdom. With the first sips, a space of clarity, inner peace, and heightened perception opens within me. It feels as though the cacao gently activates my spiritual senses subtle, yet profound. I call it my “morning heart ritual.” I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this quality it’s not just a product, but a living medicine, a message from the Mayan culture that can be tasted, felt, and honored. With respect and gratitude, Tom

Thomas R. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

One of the best energies I've ever felt truly amazing and life changing i can feel my ancestors spirits channeling through the plant and the energy and aura it gives me is outstanding nothing like anything I've ever felt unique healthy reassuring and comforting.

Alex F. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

I have placed two orders so far, as I am new to this beautiful community. Lanquin elevates my spiritual practice and I enjoy it with reverence to IxCacao, the hearts that have touched it and cultivated it, and the community that has created a nurturing space for us to expand our hearts with cacao.

Francoise D. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Customer photo review of Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

We live in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where we grow much of our food, keeping the biodiversity of permaculture in mind. Everything is done by hand with much love at our home, (which is so important to us! We believe it adds something that can'tbe described or bought). Obviously our region is not conducive to growing cacao. That's why we are thrilled to have access to your products which are grown, harvested and processed with the values and ethics we share.

Deborah F. 5/5 Verified

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste