Day 1:  Arrival:
Fly into Punta Gorda, travel by boat up the lush Moho River to Cotton Tree Lodge, an eco-lodge partnering with SHI to host demonstration plots and training workshops.  Get settled in one of their beautiful thatched roofed cabanas before joining the group for dinner in the main lodge. 

Day 2:  The History, Culture and Creation of Chocolate:
Organic Farm Tour and Chocolate Workshop with local SHI participant families. 

Day 3:  Planting Hope:
Plant cacao and other forest trees.  Take part in agroforestry and reforestation projects on family farms that will restore watersheds, provide animal habitat, protect soil and produce food and income for families.

Day 4:  Rocket Stove Workshop:
Work side-by-side with local staff and families to construct wood-conserving rocket stoves.  These stoves can be used to roast small batches of cacao and to cook family meals.  They use 1/4 of the amount of firewood as an open fireplace and greatly reduce toxic smoke in the home.

In the afternoon, return to the lodge for some free time to explore the site, swim and relax.

Day 5:  Family Gardens and Tree Nurseries:  
Tour family and school gardens and tree nurseries.  Learn about the importance of sustainable planting techniques, compost, grafting, natural pest control and seed-saving.

Day 6:  Work projects and sightseeing:
In the morning we'll finish up work projects with local families before taking an afternoon waterfall excursion.

Day 7:  Cooperatives and Marketing: 
Visit with representatives from the Toledo Cacao Growers Association and Greens and Black's Organic Chocolate Company. You'll see how fair trade and organic cacao make it from the small farm to you.

Day 8:  Departure: 
Return home or continue traveling on your own.

Click here to download a registration form.