From Monteverde I traveled to Mastatal.
While I was staying in Juayua, El Salvador I had met some British girls that told me about volunteering at a Finca (Farm) that produced chocolate called La Iguana Chocolate. I found their website and contacted them about spending a few days on the finca.
The road down from Monteverde was dirt and rock for about 2 hours. Then I hit an asphalt highway for about 30 minutes.
Then I hit a dirt and rock road that wasn´t on my gps or my map. I followed it hoping that it would take me to Mastatal.
Periodically I would come across a house or two, but there were not any towns. When I saw a person I would stop to ask if this was the road to Mastatal.
I was told that I was on the right road, but when navigating without a route on my gps or road map I didn´t think that it would hurt to ask.
After about 2 hours of riding I came across a sign.
I road for about 45 minutes more up the mountain and found Mastatal.
And after riding around for about 10 minutes I finally found La Iguana Chocolate.
This would be my tree house accommodation for a few days.
It was a pretty simple room with an open view and window to the outside.
Over the next few days I would work on the finca and learn about making chocolate.
Learn about the cacao trees.
Work with the Salazar family Juan Louis(father), Roy(son) and Jorge(son)
Work the land clearing the underbrush.
Taking this simple fruit and turning it into tasty morsels of sweetness.
I shot some video and hope to share it shortly.
While I was staying in Juayua, El Salvador I had met some British girls that told me about volunteering at a Finca (Farm) that produced chocolate called La Iguana Chocolate. I found their website and contacted them about spending a few days on the finca.
The road down from Monteverde was dirt and rock for about 2 hours. Then I hit an asphalt highway for about 30 minutes.
And after riding around for about 10 minutes I finally found La Iguana Chocolate.
I shot some video and hope to share it shortly.
Troy, where are you going? Are you going all the way to Tierra del Fuego? We need to know where to send your Christmas card and it would be good to have a general idea where you might be in case we can meet up with you. Also, Linnea has a lot of friends in Costa Rica. She lived there for a few years. It might be nice for you to be with some people around Christmas...she could put you in touch. -Brian
ReplyDeleteBrian, Thanks for the offer. I'm currently in Panama City. I'll probably be in Colombia or Ecuador for Christmas. You can still send a Christmas card to my house and I'll receive it eventually. But it's the thought that counts. I appreciate it buddy. The plan is to go all the way to Tierra del Fuego. Hopefully I'll be there by March. I'll send you a rough itinerary. Troy
ReplyDeleteTroy, how are you going to get across that gap south of Panama? I guess I'll wait to read about it. :)
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, Roy has grown up! I spent a month at La Iguana a number of years ago and it was one of the very best experiences of my life. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteRoy really enjoys riding and working on motorcycles. He's pretty talented in that area.
ReplyDelete