Kampura Farm, where cacao grows in a restored rainforest

At the beginning of this year, Jera traveled to Guatemala with a clear intention: to deepen his connection with the origin of our cacao. He wanted to meet the hands that tend it, to feel the soil from which it rises, and to understand how this sacred plant is cared for before it finds its way into our rituals.

After a long journey, including the ascent of a living volcano, Jera and his travel buddy arrived at Kampura Farm, a cacao sanctuary in the eastern lands of Guatemala. They were welcomed with open hearts and invited to stay for a week in the home of the steward of the land, surrounded by the quiet presence of the plantations. It felt as if, for a moment, they were woven into the rhythm of the earth itself.

From barren ground to living forest

The story of Kampura does not begin with cacao, but with restoration. Years ago, Rodrigo’s father acquired a vast piece of land that had been used mainly for cattle grazing. The landscape had been stripped of its forest. Where life once thrived, open fields remained. Rather than continuing the path of depletion, the family chose another way: they began planting trees.

Over time, the land transformed. Today, more than 700 hectares have been returned to forest, with over 625,000 trees planted. What was once empty pasture has become a living, breathing ecosystem.

Cacao as a living experiment

When Rodrigo took over the farm, he brought a new vision. With a background in engineering and a deep devotion to nature, he began to see the land as a complex, intelligent system. One of his most beautiful explorations is the cultivation of cacao diversity.

At Kampura, more than 100 varieties of cacao now grow. Rodrigo continuously listens, observes, and experiments. Discovering which varieties thrive in this unique climate, in this soil, beneath this canopy of shade.

The cacao here is not a monoculture, but a tapestry of genetics. This diversity strengthens the ecosystem and gives rise to layered, complex flavor profiles.

Agroforestry in harmony

The farm is guided by the principles of agroforestry, where each plant supports the others.

Cardamom, for example, grows beneath the shelter of rubber trees, receiving shade, while contributing to the richness and resilience of the whole.

There is also deep care for the soil. Rodrigo works with mycelium, the unseen fungal networks beneath our feet, to nourish and restore the living intelligence of the soil life. The results speak softly but powerfully. During a year of extreme drought, when nearby farmers lost over 60% of their harvests, Kampura experienced less than 20% loss.

It is a reminder of what becomes possible when agriculture moves in partnership with nature.

A ceremony for the land

During Jera's stay, they were invited to witness a Mayan fire ceremony, guided by a local shaman.

In a sacred circle, a mandala was created from herbs, flowers, candles, and offerings. Into the fire, prayers were spoken, for the land, for the cacao, for the natural world, for peace.

As the fire was lit, it felt as though the land itself began to speak.

It was a moment of deep connection, with the earth, with the spirit of cacao, and with traditions that have lived here for generations.

Innovation rooted in love

What makes Kampura truly unique is the union of innovation and reverence. Rodrigo brings his technical knowledge to create intelligent systems, yet everything he builds is guided by love for the land. Though he also lives in Guatemala City, his heart rests here, among the trees.

His work reminds us that cacao is not merely something we consume. It is part of a greater whole, an ecosystem capable of healing, evolving, and flourishing.

And in the end, you can taste that story in every cup.