Cacao Retreat May 2026

Welcome to our annual cacao journeys to learn from the origin source about traceable cacao & chocolate, in Cusco, Peru. More than a retreat, this is a holistic journey to learn all about cacao from the seed to the final product or cultural use.

This journey includes an eight-day cultural and sensory trip into the land, the people, and the wisdom of the cacao tree, fruit, and beans — held in the sacred landscapes of Cusco, Peru.

From the mountains of the Andes to the living memory of the Amazon, cacao becomes our guide. Through ceremony, knowledge, community, and direct connection with origin, we step beyond experience and into understanding.

Led by Fiorella Richter, Founder of Kaukawa Cacao & Women of Cacao. This journey reflects a deep commitment to ethical sourcing, cultural reverence, and the empowerment of women within the cacao ecosystem, as well as good practices for chocolate making.

1ST - 8TH MAY 2026
Limited spaces only! Last edition of this year.

Bilingual (Spanish & English) 

Retreat Dates / Fechas del Retiro

Start of the Retreat / Inicio del Retiro
Friday, May 1st at 11:00 AM at Kaukawa Cacao (Cusco city).
Viernes 1 de mayo a las 11:00 AM en Kaukawa Cacao (ciudad de Cusco).

End of the Retreat / Cierre del Retiro
Friday, May 8th at 12:00 PM (midday) in Aguas Calientes.
Viernes 8 de mayo a las 12:00 PM (mediodía) en Aguas Calientes.

Contact information

  • Join our WhatsApp group for this retreat edition of May 2026. 
  • Register and make your reservation here.
  • Read the complete program of our Cacao Retreat. What is included and what you will learn during this event.
  • Email: info@kaukawa.com

Take a look at the testimonies of January 2026, participants here:

 

ITINERARY

AUDIENCE

EDUCATION

TEACHERS

 

FAQ

  • Why January & May 2026? These months offer the best conditions to experience cacao in Peru. May aligns with the cacao harvest season in the Amazon, allowing participants to witness the process from tree to bean, while January offers a lush rainy-season landscape and a deeper immersion into the rhythms of the land.
  • What will I learn on this 8-day retreat? You will explore cacao from multiple perspectives: its cultural origins, ceremonial use, post-harvest processes, chocolate tasting, and its connection to land and community. The journey combines learning, direct experiences with producers, guided tastings, and cultural immersion.
  • Is there an Early-Bird ticket opportunity? Yes. A limited number of Early-Bird spots are available for participants who reserve in advance. For this edition until March 15th.
  • Is there a payment plan available? Yes. After securing your spot with a deposit, the remaining balance can be paid in installments leading up to the retreat.
  • Who is this retreat for? This journey is designed for cacao facilitators, chocolate professionals (bean-to-bar), wellness practitioners, chefs and culinary innovators, and professors, investigators, or social advocates who want to deepen their understanding of cacao, its culture, and its origins.
  • Is this cacao journey only for women?  No. The retreat is open to everyone. While the journey is guided by the guidance of Fiorella, it welcomes all participants who wish to learn respectfully about cacao culture.
  • How can I register and book my spot in the 2026 May edition? You can reserve your spot by contacting us through the links mentioned above and placing your deposit directly with us. Once registered, you will receive confirmation and further details to prepare for the journey. 

What’s Included?

  • 8-day guided cacao journey led by Fiorella Richter & Kaukawa team

  • Accommodation during the retreat

  • All local transportation during the program

  • Daily meals during the journey

  • Guided cacao tastings and educational sessions

  • Visits to cacao farms and post-harvest centers

  • Cultural experiences and meetings with cacao producers

  • Cacao ceremonies & integration sessions

What’s Not Included?

  • International and domestic flights to and from Peru

  • Personal travel insurance (recommended)

  • Personal expenses and additional purchases

  • Alcoholic beverages outside of programmed meals

  • Optional activities outside the program

We look forward to welcoming you to our homeland!

Estamos felices de recibirte en nuestras tierras,

Equipo de Kaukawa