A short, sit-down cacao tasting in the historic centre that traces drinking chocolate from Maya ceremonial preparation to the chilli-spiced and iced versions Campeche drinks today. The session compares cacao percentages and regional bean sources, and the shop counter sells tablets, chilli chocolate and horchata concentrate for travellers wanting to take the flavours home. It also serves as the meeting point for the market gastronomic route.
This tasting is hosted directly by Chocol Ha, the chocolate shop on Calle 8 in the Centro Historico that also serves as the meeting point for the city's market gastronomic route. Over 1-1.5 hours, the sit-down session moves through a flight of hot, iced and chilli-spiced drinking chocolate, tracing the drink from its Maya ceremonial preparation to the versions Campeche households still drink today. Staff walk through the peninsular cacao varieties used in the tablets on sale and explain the traditional Maya preparation method, then let guests compare cacao percentages side by side in tablet form. A chaya empanada or pastry is served alongside the tasting to balance the sweetness of the chocolate. The MXN 350 price covers the full tasting flight, the percentage comparison and the empanada or pastry; it does not include additional tablets, chilli chocolate or horchata concentrate purchased from the counter afterward, though many visitors buy these to take home. The session runs as a small sit-down group with a host explaining each pour, making it accessible to most travellers regardless of mobility, and it is conducted in the shop rather than involving any walking. Because the tasting includes cacao, dairy in some preparations, and chaya pastry, travellers with allergies should mention them when booking or on arrival.
What is included
- Tasting flight of hot, iced and chilli-spiced drinking chocolate
- Explanation of peninsular cacao varieties and Maya preparation
- Comparison of cacao percentages in tablet form
- Chaya empanada or pastry with the tasting
Good to know
- Operator
- Chocol Ha, Campeche
Location
Chocol Ha, Calle 8, Zona Centro, 24000 San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
19.8464, -90.5393 View on map
Highlights
- Tasting flight of hot, iced and chilli-spiced drinking chocolate
- Explanation of peninsular cacao varieties and Maya preparation methods
- Side-by-side comparison of cacao percentages in tablet form
- Chaya empanada or pastry served with the tasting
- Shop counter sells tablets, chilli chocolate and horchata concentrate to take home
Tips for visiting
- Mention cacao, dairy or chaya allergies when booking or on arrival
- Iced preparations are the better choice from May to September
- Buy extra tablets or horchata concentrate at the counter -- these are not included in the tasting price
- The session doubles as the meeting point for the market gastronomic route, so time it accordingly
- Sessions are short, so arrive on time to catch the full flight
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tasting take?
The sit-down tasting runs about 1 to 1.5 hours, moving through hot, iced and chilli-spiced drinking chocolate.
Where is it held?
It takes place at Chocol Ha on Calle 8 in the Centro Historico, which also serves as the meeting point for the market gastronomic route.
What food is included?
A chaya empanada or pastry is served alongside the chocolate flight and cacao percentage comparison.
Can tablets be bought after the tasting?
Yes, the shop counter sells cacao tablets, chilli chocolate and horchata concentrate, though these are not included in the MXN 350 tasting price.