Our family took a food tour with Eating With Carmen and our tour guide was Angelica. Angelica took…read moreus outside the tourist area of Playa del Carmen where we were able to eat some real mexican food that was fresh, authentic and delicious. Angelica was not only knowledgeable about the food but about the history of the area. She made the tour very informative and enjoyable for the entire family!

We love.\nThe whole tour and it was a very small group. Are…read moreyou sure guide Abbey was very friendly in upbeat and was quick too?Make sure that she answered all of our questions correctly. It was really really fun. Delicious food

We had a wonderful tour! We did the private jeep ride to the ceynote, with lunch and snorkeling…read more There were four of us in our party so we squeezed into one Jeep plus our driver and it was smart because the traffic and driving is a little wonky and we were glad we had someone from there driving. He also was a great source of information and history on the area. Definitely recommend

We had an amazing experience with our guide Sergio, he was so educated and personable. I prefer…read moresupporting small local business and giving back to the community that so heavily relies on tourism. I 100% recommend this service! If ever back, will book again!

We were on a cruise and love chocolate so thought we would try the chocolate place. The bus ride…read moreout was good and when we arrived we first took a picture with one of the staff dressed in local costume (for purchase afterwards). We then entered an area to see how chocolate is made. Our hostess was very friendly and demonstrated how the process works. Be sure to bring small bills as tips are always appreciated. We then had time to taste and purchase chocolate and other items. They also have a bar where you can purchase drinks with chocolate in them. Nice on a hot day.

**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more Given the fact the Mayan Cacao Company (which I will shorthand to Mayan Cacao for the remainder of this review), as a locale has been designed for tourism, I will review the business on the fact most tourists' experience here will be "one and done." With that in mind, is Mayan Cacao worth it for a "one and done" locale for tourists? The answer is "YES!" Mayan Cacao is engaging enough with its tour and show that makes it interesting and memorable. And it should also be noted it is usually a stop on an excursion, ergo if people are concerned this is the only place they'll go to, take note it won't take your entire day. Though an address is provided, Mayan Cacao is located about 30 minutes southwest of San Miguel de Cozumel, the port city in which cruiseships come into the island. Mayan Cacao has thoroughly embraced not just its importance in making the unique brand of cacao that is popular around the world, but being a tourist attraction. For starters, when you enter, you can technically go straight to the store where Mayan cacao candy bars, coffee, and other cacao-based foods are sold (which I must stress is a-okay to take with you as long as they stay in their original packaging), but souvenirs of a distict artistry to Mayan culture. However, most tourists, especially those on excursions, will go through the tour. The beginning of the tour will provide you an opportunity to use the restrooms and take a picture with a female worker dressed as a traditional Mayan locale right next to the Mayan Cacao Company sign or mural. The tour consists of your tour guide giving details of Mayan culture including their numerology and calender, as well as a short movie showcasing how cacao is turned into chocolate. However, the highlight of the tour is the live demonstration of how Mayans made cacao back in their time, using the same ingredients they used then, and also demonstrating the tools they used at the time. Not only that, you get to sample the chocolate once it is done... which I have to say, DELICIOUS! The final leg of the tour brings you to a hut that sells alcoholic cocktails with cacao and the souvenir shop. Overall, the tour was about 20 to 30 minutes long. Ultimately, I am going to give Mayan Cacao a five-out-of-five star rating with this review. Just because they are five-out-of-five, does that make them perfect? No, of course not. Perfection has no rating because it goes beyond it. However, what they provide in both as a tourist stop and prominent chocolatier of Mayan cacao, it is definitely an unparalleled service and presentation that has sharpened like steel over its many years in service.

All staff members were excellent, the chocolate was delicious and the Mayan chocolate making was a…read moreunique one of a kind experience. The Melipona Bee is another one of a kind experienced. The honey tasting was also delicious and unique. Being able to compare two different kinds of honeys was awesome. I love honey and bees and there is no other experience like this one! The place was very nice and clean and the bathrooms spotless. The entire experience transports you to a different time in history, you feel completely relaxed and at peace with the place.

The Mayans used cacao as currency -- after one chocolate margarita, I'd happily do the same…read more Forget tequila -- this is the true spirit of Mexico. If tequila is Mexico's party drink, then cacao is its soul. The Maya Cacao Company in Cozumel takes you on a ride through 3,000 years of history, where chocolate wasn't just dessert -- it was currency, ritual, and even medicine. The Mayans were drinking cacao long before Europeans turned it into Hershey bars, and this place makes sure you taste that legacy in every sip. From the moment you step in, it feels like equal parts museum and tasting room. Guides walk you through the origins of cacao, from the Mayan belief that it was a gift from the gods to how beans were roasted, ground, and mixed into a bitter, frothy drink spiced with chili. You'll hear how cacao beans were once used as currency -- imagine paying your rent in hot chocolate! Then comes the tasting -- and this is where the Maya Cacao Company shines. Their drinks aren't just good; they're borderline spiritual: * Chocolate Margarita - smooth, rich, with just the right kick. A cocktail that shouldn't work, but does. * Luna Colada - think piña colada's mysterious cousin, infused with cacao for a tropical-meets-Mayan vibe. * Hot chocolate samples that feel like liquid history, spiced the way the ancients drank it. Yes, prices are a bit higher than you'd expect -- this isn't cheap grocery-store chocolate. But what you're buying is quality and heritage. The bars, powders, and drink mixes are perfect for bringing home a taste of Cozumel that isn't another fridge magnet. And making one of their cacao cocktails at home? Instant vacation flashback. The Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao sacred -- literally calling it "food of the gods." It was so important that Montezuma was said to drink dozens of cups of cacao daily for energy. Walking through this tour, you don't just hear about it -- you taste that history in every sip. The Maya Cacao Company is part history lesson, part tasting adventure, and totally worth the stop in Cozumel. It's pricier than a corner shop, but you're paying for craft, culture, and drinks so good you'll wish TSA allowed chocolate margaritas on board. Come for the history, stay for the cocktails, and leave with a suitcase that smells like cacao. Prices are higher, but so was Montezuma on cacao.

Nassim was a phenomenal host !!! He guided us through the outdoor food market with ease , giving us…read morephenomenal food tips along the way. ( ie .. how to pick the perfect tomato and avocado, explaining what each pepper is used for(and their heat levels ) and even recommended hot sauces to bring home as we gathered the ingredients for our cooking class. While at the market Nassim treated us to delicious authentic mexican enchiladas and beverages. After leaving the market we went to the La Parrilla restaurant for the cooking class. This is when Nassim showed us he was more than a tour guide , he is a phenomenal private chef. He was extremely patient with us as we attempted to follow his lead as he showed us how to prepare the dishes. HIs knife skills are amazing and his use of seasonings is spot on. Nassim showed us how to make authentic corn tortillas for chicken enchiladas along with the red sauce , handmade sopas for chicken sopas and an amazing guacamole . Nassim and the La parilla staff treated us to delicious margaritas while the food was cooking. When the food was almost finished cooking, we assisted Nassim in plating the meal and we sat down with him to eat. Nassim excused himself towards the end of the meal to finish making the arroz con leche, which is a delicious rice dessert he served us. In conversation I had mentioned we were in Mexico to celebrate my birthday. Nassim , very thoughtfully and unexpectedly, had a slice of birthday cake brought to me as he and the restaurant staff sung happy birthday to me at the end of the class. I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you Nassim and Cancun Food Tours for this experience and the recipes. I cannot wait to recreate these dishes at home

My friend Anne and I had a great time with G and Leo (driver). Both men were very accommodating…read moregetting us in and out of the van as it was pouring down rain. Leo is an excellent driver and G was very personable and funny. We got lots of information on the places we were going - there was 5, 4 taco and one churro. All of different Mexican origins - all delicious. Churros really topped it off - sweet, crunchy and fresh. I would highly recommend this tour - it is a great way to spend an evening. Tasting wonderful food, enjoying different beers and making new friends. Enjoy!

I'd give this scam outfit a -2 rating if I could. IT MAY…read moreHAVE BEEN a reliable business years ago. But it seems the owner sold it (or had it scammed away from her) and now some dude named SAUL is scamming people. He pretends to be Emily (even replying from her email) and introduces himself as Emily. Then after a while it's not Emily, it's Enrique. Then it turns out he's not done shopping for your groceries, so he'll be another 30 minutes (45) and he's not actually shopping, Saul is, and then it turns out it's his wife Tania who is shopping, and then it's SAUL WHO SHOWS UP to "fix" your problem. But then you circle back and get an email from Emily (all the same email) and "she" says she doesn't know Saul and he's not on staff. Tania, meanwhile, pulled this: Pork chops :: requested 1 and got 3 Sliced provolone :: I got smoked provolone. I cannot eat smoked cheeses. Fresh green beans :: I got peas. Activia yogurt :: yogurt drink and yogurt are not the same thing Cornstarch :: cornstarch and cornmeal are not the same thing Morrell snowcap lard :: is for baking biscuits. The tan pig fat I got won't work. Fritos plain original chips :: not the same as chorizo chipotle chips. Triscuit crackers :: Crackets are like Ritz crackers, not like Triscuit. Anaheim chiles :: not even close to poblanos. 1 doz. tortillas is not 3 doz. tortillas. Saul's response: "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration you experienced with your recent order. Our shopper, Tania, always strives to fulfill the items on the list accurately, and when certain items are unavailable, she attempts to find suitable substitutes." She went to 3 stores and figured fresh peas and beans are the same, and cornstarch = cornmeal. The tour with Xantel is probably very good. Do not have these scammers buy groceries for you.

Booking the food tour was a breeze and you are provided email confirmations and instructions, even…read moreif you book it through trip advisor. You are required to reconfirm your tour a few days prior with the owner Emily, but she is responsive and confirms your tour! We learned from our guide Xantal (pronounced SH-ANTAL) that Emily owns the business but works from Cozumel where she runs the business and other ventures; she actually was the one that started doing her tours personally after guests to her and her husband's inquired about where was the best local cuisine in Playa del Carmen. Thus, the business was born! Xantal met us at the corner of Benito Juarez Ave and la Quinta Ave. We stood in front of the white stoned church on the corner, directly across from a souvenir store as instructed in the email. Xantal greeted us promptly and introduced herself and gave us free water! We then walked a few blocks to the first stop, a street taco stand! We had the best tacos here ever, made from Cochinita Pibil. We learned the making of this meat takes hours and overnight preparation through underground heating. This was honestly the best tacos we had the entire week we stayed in Mexico! The next stop was a quesadilla stop, which you had the option to put your choice of vegetables and meat. The drink is also included here! The taxi ride is also taken care of by the tour. The next stop is at a local market where Xantal showed us various herbs and local ingredients along with their historic value to local cuisine and the Mexican people. You have the option here to buy some of these items if you wish! Right next door is the next stop where we have posole (soup). This soup is so tasty and is a classic dish with mayan roots. We learned that there are 3 variouations, a white base, a red base (which you will have here), and a green base (all colors of the Mexican flag). The next stop is another tacos stop which specializes in carnitas and is also very delicious. The drink is included and the taxi ride is also covered by the tour. The last stop is an ice cream shop, which had homemade flavors with fresh fruit and cream with a variety of flavors and your basic favorites from back home too! We then walked back to the church and ended the tour! Xantal through the entire experience was very informative, hospitable, and relatable! She did her best effort to make us feel welcomed and made the tour about us! We got lucky we were the only ones scheduled that day for the tour, so it was a private tour! I would recommend if you have dairy restrictions to bring some lactaid pills with you. Overall, well worth it, especially to avoid the touristy food that might mistake you to be local!

I was in search for some amazing local chocolate and found this gem. When we arrived we were sad to…read moresee a sign on the door stating they had an emergency and so the shop was closed. However, they had left some packets of chocolates for sale at the small store across the street. We bought one of the variety packs that has a bunch of different flavors. So far our favorites have been caramel and the cashew one. They are SO good. If you enjoy high quality chocolate definitely check them out!!

Unique shop making only chocolate products. There are unique flavors and traditional. The shop…read morecloses when they run out of product, or times are posted on the door. I sampled the Lime Bar and hot chocolate. Purchased a gift box and a chocolate fish. Mmm...