MONTEGRANDE, CACAO SANCTUARY
Cacao, as a botanical species, originated in the Amazon approximately ten million years ago. At least 5,300 years ago, it was already used by the inhabitants of the Marañon Culture in the archaeological temple of Montegrande, as well as in the archaeological center of Palanda in Ecuador (known there as Mayo Chinchipe Culture), both from the same civilization.
According to genetic studies of cacao in Peru by Dr. Evert Thomás, published in “Catálogo de Cacaos en el Perú”, there are more than 14 genetic varieties in this country, which would make it its center of origin. And thanks to the archaeological discoveries of cacao in Montegrande, we can reaffirm that cacao is endemic to the Amazon.
Dr. Thomás argues that the cacao trees known as Cajamarca-Amazonas originated in Nauta, Loreto, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. From there, they were carried by humans to the Marañon Valley, and it is likely that the evidence of Theobroma cacao recorded at Montegrande shares this same genetic profile.
The Theobroma cacao would have been transported by the ancient inhabitants, and crossed the Andes Mountains until reaching the Pacific Ocean coast. From there, it would have been transported to Central America and Mexico through the Caribbean islands. As part of the treasures of the conquest, cacao was taken to Spain, from where it was dispersed all over the world. Switzerland, in particular, adopted it to produce some of the finest chocolates in the world.
Watch the following video made for the Salon del Chocolate in Peru in 2024.
PRESERVATION OF CENTURIES-OLD TREES
Based on archaeological evidence of 5,300-year-old Theobroma cacao recorded at Huaca Montegrande, a valuable conservation program has been initiated in collaboration with local farmers who still have centuries-old cacao trees on their farms. This program will allow the preservation of these native trees that are key to restoring the balance of nature.
One of the first actions of this program aims to create an inventory of century-old trees, study their genetics, and purchase cacao from trees that are over 100 years old, as well as from native trees, guaranteeing a fair price for producers. This cacao is harvested in accordance with ancestral customs, such as respect for the cycles of the moon, and is processed using traditional methods to produce high-quality cacao that promotes the cultural and natural wealth of the region.
The vision of the program is to turn Huaca Montegrande into a Sanctuary of Cacao, a place where visitors begin their pilgrimage to see the place where the oldest cacao belonging to the Marañon Culture has been discovered, and then tour the groves that are home to centuries-old cacao trees. This will generate a beneficial economic dynamic for farmers, native Awajun communities and the local population, boosting the local economy and development as well as respect for tradition and the environment.
Dr. Quirino Olivera and Mirbel Epiquien from MINAM, under a century-old cacao tree.
The Origin of Cacao (2025), with English subtitles.