Arriba Nacional is one of the most beloved types of Cacao, favored by chocolate makers and Cacao enthusiasts alike. It is endemic to Ecuador and is a source of pride for Ecuadorian farmers, The cacao we work with is sourced by adela directly from ecuadorian farmers.

“Cacao de arriba," which translates to "from up the river" is what's known as a criollo strain. Criollo Cacao (criollo translates to "native" in Spanish, and is often used in relation to native strains of Cacao) is praised as the most flavorful cacao in the world; some say it's the healthiest, as well.

Recent findings from a study of the Cacao genome show that the plant was first domesticated in the Amazonian basin, which includes modern-day Ecuador. The findings conclude that Cacao was actually traded north through the Pacific routes to modern-day Guatemala, Belize and Mexico from the Amazon, and not the other way around, as has been commonly held for most of post-Columbian history. Arriba Nacional is believed to be one of the aboriginal strains and one of the first to be domesticated.

As an Ecuadorian I feel great pride and responsibility to carry and uphold the traditional ways mama cacao has been in right relationship with my people and the subsequent development of a tradition in ritualistic spaces created by the Maya people.

Get notified on our next ceremony or ritual circle