They have some nice art work, stone and wood work and local cultural items for sale. Try the local delicious dark chocolate. We visited the Maya Center and received a great history lesson and cultural engagement, including the opportunity to make tortillas! The museum was a bit smoky as he kept a fire burning in demonstration.. The visit was concluded with a visit to the chocolate demonstration!
The Milk and Ginger were everyone's favorites. The museum was closed but we did make our own chocolate with Julio at the chocolate factory. He and his wife were so charming and passionate about chocolate! The chocolate was delicious! My husband enjoyed the tour too. Not sure why the museum was closed but I would suggest calling ahead to arrange your visit and maybe you can see both.
There is a shop next door with a great selection of crafts with prices about the same as in Placencia shops. Did not go to the museum, but to a local store to encourage the community woman that creates beautiful mayan artcrafts. And a visit to the small ans charming chocolate factory is worth it! So much!! Brought back some chocolate tea, hot chocolate, cacao bits and spices! The museum was not actually open, but the same guy runs a chocolate factory next door where he will let you make your own chocolate!
It was so interesting and a lot of fun. His chocolate is great, he also makes cocoa and chocolate tea. A great enterprise to support. We didn't have kids with us but both of us were so glad we stopped at this "living" museum. It was so interesting to see how the Mayans lived traditionally and to look at all of the tools and pots they have on display and learn how they were used.
I think the director really has the right idea: by involving the local community in the museum by supplying coffee, or making chocolate and tortillas, etc.
