Founded by cousins Juan Pablo and Christian Vélez in the lush cacao-growing region of Antioquia, near the historic town of Maceo, Hacienda Betulia has become one of the most remarkable symbols of innovation, passion, and excellence in Colombian cacao. Surrounded by the rolling green mountains east of Medellín, the plantation is far more than a farm, it is the result of a dream to elevate Colombian cacao to the highest international standards while remaining deeply connected to the land, its people, and its traditions.

Driven by a bold and visionary approach, the Vélez family chose not to follow industrial methods or mass production. Instead, they dedicated years of research, experimentation, and meticulous cultivation to developing an exceptional organic Criollo cacao unlike any other. Their ambition was clear: to create a cacao with extraordinary aromatic richness, natural sweetness, and remarkable complexity, while eliminating the excessive bitterness often associated with traditional cacao varieties.

The result is truly unique. Hacienda Betulia produces a rare single-variety Colombian Criollo cacao celebrated for its refined flavor profile, delicate floral and fruity notes, silky texture, and exceptional purity. Equally remarkable, this cacao contains no measurable traces of cadmium or lead, making it one of the cleanest and most carefully cultivated premium cacaos in the world.

Innovation has always been at the heart of Hacienda Betulia’s philosophy. Through sustainable farming techniques, responsible land management, and a constant pursuit of excellence, the plantation became the very first cacao farm in Antioquia to receive the prestigious BAP (Best Agricultural Practices) certification. This recognition confirmed not only the quality of its cacao, but also its commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible agriculture.

In 2018, Hacienda Betulia was officially recognized by the Federación Nacional de Cacaoteros as the most innovative cacao plantation in Colombia — an achievement that placed the farm among the leading pioneers of fine cacao production in Latin America.

Today, just as Colombia is celebrated around the world for the richness and diversity of its coffee, Colombian Criollo cacao is emerging as one of the most sought-after origins among the finest chocolate makers and connoisseurs worldwide. Hacienda Betulia proudly stands at the forefront of this movement, helping to redefine the global perception of Colombian cacao and writing a new chapter in the story of South America’s most exceptional terroirs.

At Hacienda Betulia, cacao is not simply cultivated, it is respected, studied, and elevated into an art form. Every harvest reflects the dedication of a family determined to prove that Colombia can produce some of the most extraordinary cacao beans on Earth.

Hacienda Betulia is devoted to the cultivation of three extraordinarily rare and prestigious Criollo cacao varieties: B6, B8, and B9. These exceptional cultivars represent years of research, careful genetic selection, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence in fine cacao production.

Each variety possesses its own distinctive personality and aromatic identity, offering flavor profiles of remarkable complexity and elegance. Far removed from conventional cacao, the “Betulias” reveal delicate layers of tropical fruits, floral notes, subtle spices, honey-like sweetness, and refined natural acidity. Their aromatic richness transforms every tasting into a unique sensory journey, appreciated by chocolate experts and connoisseurs around the world.

These Premium Criollos are not simply cacao beans; they are among the rarest expressions of terroir and craftsmanship found in modern chocolate making. Their complexity allows chocolatiers to create truly exclusive specialty products where every flavor nuance can fully unfold and shine.

At The Belgian Chocolate Makers, we are especially proud to collaborate directly with Hacienda Betulia and to work with their renowned B6 variety in the creation of some of our most distinctive bean-to-bar chocolate bars. The B6 offers a remarkable balance between richness, creaminess, and vibrant fruity notes, resulting in a chocolate that is both smooth and deeply sophisticated. Its refined aromatic profile gives our creations a unique identity that is immediately recognizable and highly appreciated by our customers.

The extraordinary quality of the B6, B8, and B9 varieties has been confirmed by some of the world’s leading Maîtres Chocolatiers, who have praised their purity, complexity, and exceptional aromatic potential. Today, these rare Criollo beans are sought after by top chocolatiers across the globe for the production of high-end, award-winning chocolates.

What makes these varieties even more exceptional is their rarity. The production of B6, B8, and B9 remains extremely limited, with only small and carefully controlled quantities available each year. Every harvest requires meticulous cultivation, precise fermentation, and rigorous quality control to preserve the integrity of these extraordinary beans.

This scarcity makes the “Betulias” not only among the most refined cacaos in the world, but also among the most exclusive. Working with them is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that reflects our shared commitment to craftsmanship, transparency, and the pursuit of truly exceptional chocolate.

At Hacienda Betulia, beyond the cacao plantations and carefully cultivated Criollo trees, lies another extraordinary treasure, a protected 30-hectare native forest reserve, where Colombian nature continues to thrive in its purest and most untouched form.

Entering this forest is like stepping into another world. The air becomes heavier with humidity and life, the sounds of civilization disappear, and nature takes over completely. Frogs echo from the undergrowth, exotic insects shimmer beneath the tropical light, colorful birds glide between ancient branches, and hidden mammals move silently through the dense vegetation. Every path, every tree, and every sound reminds visitors that this ecosystem remains wonderfully wild and alive.

The reserve is also home to some of the forest’s most fascinating and formidable inhabitants. Snakes, scorpions, and countless nocturnal species coexist within this untouched environment, playing their essential role in the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Their presence is not feared, but respected, a powerful reminder that here, nature still governs itself according to its own ancient rhythms.

At Hacienda Betulia, this forest is considered sacred. No trees are cut down, no land is cleared, and no exploitation is permitted within the reserve. Protected from agriculture, construction, and commercial development, it remains a sanctuary dedicated entirely to biodiversity and conservation.

This commitment reflects a deeper philosophy embraced by the plantation: cacao excellence cannot exist without respect for the environment that makes it possible. The surrounding forest protects the soil, preserves water resources, supports pollinators, and maintains the natural equilibrium necessary for sustainable cacao cultivation.

More than simply a conservation area, the Betulia forest reserve is a living symbol of harmony between agriculture and nature. It demonstrates that producing some of the world’s finest cacao does not require destroying ecosystems, but rather protecting and coexisting with them.

For visitors, partners, and chocolate makers alike, this hidden forest offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: an authentic glimpse into the untamed soul of Colombia. It is a place where nature still breathes freely, where biodiversity flourishes undisturbed, and where future generations will continue to discover the extraordinary beauty of a preserved tropical ecosystem.

At Hacienda Betulia, the land gives far more than cacao. It offers a vision of sustainability rooted in respect, preservation, and the understanding that true luxury begins with protecting the natural world itself.

With less than 1% of the Earth’s total land surface, Colombia is home to nearly 15% of the planet’s biodiversity, making it, per square kilometer, the most biodiverse country in the world. Few places on Earth possess such an extraordinary concentration of life. From the snow-covered peaks of the Andes to the deep Amazon rainforest, from tropical coastlines to mist-covered cloud forests, Colombia is a land where nature reveals itself in breathtaking abundance and diversity.

This exceptional richness is the result of a unique geographical mosaic shaped by mountains, rivers, jungles, valleys, and multiple climatic zones. Every variation in altitude, rainfall, and temperature has created new ecosystems where countless species have evolved and flourished over millions of years. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, orchids, medicinal plants, and towering tropical trees coexist within one of the most extraordinary natural tapestries ever known.

Colombia’s forests alone represent an immense ecological treasure. Nearly half of the country remains covered by forest, much of it extending across vast and still largely untouched territories. In the south, the Colombian Amazon preserves immense stretches of primary rainforest, home to jaguars, pink river dolphins, monkeys, macaws, and thousands of plant species still unknown to science. This immense green ocean continues to play a critical role in regulating the climate of the entire planet.

Along the Pacific coast lies another natural wonder: the legendary Chocó rainforest, considered one of the wettest and most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth. Here, life explodes in every direction. Jaguars move silently through dense vegetation, spectacled bears roam the mountains, colorful poison frogs inhabit the forest floor, and an astonishing concentration of endemic birds and orchids fills the canopy. Scientists continue to discover new species in these forests every year, a powerful reminder that Colombia’s natural story is still unfolding.

Yet despite its extraordinary beauty, this natural wealth remains deeply fragile. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Colombia has experienced significant deforestation driven by expanding agriculture, infrastructure development, mining, and human settlement. Roads cut through once-isolated wilderness, fertile lowlands were transformed into farmland, and industrial practices altered ecosystems that had remained balanced for thousands of years.

More recently, economic pressures, migration, and changing global markets have left many rural landscapes degraded and abandoned. In some areas, soils once rich in life have become exhausted, rivers polluted, and ecosystems weakened by unsustainable exploitation.

And yet, hope remains stronger than ever.

Across Colombia, a new generation of farmers, scientists, conservationists, and local communities is working tirelessly to protect and restore the country’s extraordinary natural heritage. Awareness of the vital role forests play in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable agriculture has grown dramatically in recent years. Reforestation initiatives, wildlife protection programs, sustainable cacao cultivation, and ecological education projects are now helping to rebuild and preserve Colombia’s fragile ecosystems.

For many, protecting Colombia’s forests is not only an environmental necessity, it is a cultural and human responsibility. These forests are the lungs of countless ecosystems, the guardians of ancient knowledge, and the foundation of life for future generations.

Colombia remains one of the last great natural sanctuaries on Earth: a country where nature still possesses the power to astonish, inspire, and remind humanity of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Its story is not only one of biodiversity, but also one of resilience, renewal, and hope for the future of our planet.