Ah, chocolate! It’s loved worldwide, and with World Chocolate Day on July 7, why not dive into the origins of the cacao bean and make a difference while you’re at it? In these countries, you and your family can craft your own chocolate bars—let your creativity soar and treat your taste buds.

Here are some ideas:

Belize
Engage with FairTrade cacao bean farmers in Belize, learn about the entire harvesting and roasting process, and end your visit by making your own chocolate bars. There are also rum tasting sessions, wildlife spotting, diving, snorkeling, exploring Mayan ruins, kayaking, and more.

Make your journey to Belize meaningful by installing an eco-friendly stove for a rural Mayan farming family. These stoves are safer, reducing burns that are common with open flames, especially among children. They also have a chimney to vent smoke, which helps reduce respiratory issues such as asthma. Furthermore, they are more efficient, consume less fuel, and are better for the environment.

Where to stay: Copal Tree Lodge
Best time to visit: November to March.

Peru
Create your own chocolate bars in Cusco and explore Machu Picchu, bike in the Sacred Valley, spot condors in Colca Canyon, kayak on Lake Titicaca, go whale watching on the coast, and see wildlife in the Amazon.

Add meaning to your visit to Peru by building a bathroom block for villagers in the Sacred Valley.

Where to stay: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Best time to visit: June to September.

Guatemala
Meet cacao farmers and help harvest cacao beans near colonial Antigua, where you can also make your own chocolate bars. Other highlights include Lake Atitlan, the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango, and the stunning Mayan ruins of Tikal. Don’t miss artisanal chocolate from Danta Chocolates and the Chocolate Museum in Antigua. Be sure to visit Fernando’s Kaffee for additional chocolate treats.

Make your trip to Guatemala fulfilling by helping to build a home for a family in need.

Where to stay: Villa Bokeh
Best time to visit: November to March.

Costa Rica
Dive into bean-to-bar chocolate making in San Jose, then head to the hills for a Fair Trade coffee tour to learn how coffee is grown and harvested sustainably. Complement this with zip lines, hot springs, volcanoes, and the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, or other gems.

Enhance your visit to Costa Rica by volunteering at a wildlife rescue center. Prepare meals for animals like monkeys and parrots, feed them, maintain their enclosures, and assist the vet. You and your family will learn a lot about the animals.

Where to stay: Arenal Nayara Tented Camp
Best time to visit: November to March.

Enjoy your chocolate adventure!

Christopher Hill, Founder and CEO at Hands Up Holidays, specializes in tailor-made luxury family trips that combine sightseeing with service projects.

Christopher Hill is also the Founder of Impact Destinations, offering sustainable trips that leave a legacy. For example, travelers can fund and witness a rhino relocation in South Africa. Hill’s companies offer trips to over 30 destinations globally, and he personally oversees each one.