Come visit Kalipuna Island located at the north-end of Hopkins Village Belize where you get to be immersed in our rich Garifuna Culture, parts of which has been proclaimed an oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The historic island is home to Palmento Grove Garifuna Eco Cultural & Fishing Institute where the Martinez Family welcomes you to learn and have fun all in an effort to serve to preserve a rich indigenous cultural heritage. Join us on our authentic Garifuna Cultural & Culinary Adventure Journey offering an enriching vacation experience to all our guests. This tour is ideal for families, honeymooners, couples, solo travelers, students and mixed groups as it is very interactive and hands on. As our Cultural Guests, you get the beautiful opportunity to:
Dress in our Garifuna Traditional handmade & uniquely designed clothing that is best for the subtropical climate for the duration of your Garifuna Experience.
Explore the rich legacy of the Garifuna People via our Cultural Display Centers furnished with historical art pieces some of which are over 100 years old.
Get to uplift your spirit with the enchanting paintings of Isiah Nicholas as you explore our Spiritual Centre. We are blessed to house his largest art collection depicting a varying aspect of the Garifuna Cultural inclusive of the historical journey of our Garifuna People, our spirituality, music, and many of our indigenous art forms, all displayed in their rich & vibrant colors.
Learn about the many magical & beneficial properties of coconut trees & coconuts and the art of traditional coconut harvesting, husking, grating & milk extraction.
Walk with us through our herbal garden and cassava patch harvesting fresh food and herbs for our fresh, organic, healthy and deliciously made meal that is just awesome medicine to uplift your soul.
Master the heat in our traditional kitchen preparing a Garifuna meal over an open fire-heart. Your great reward will be the labor of your culinary love - Delicious HUDUT which is our coconut base chowder/ broth flavored with fresh herbs & sea fish of the day with pounded plantains & well flavorful seasoned fried fish; or any other Garifuna Dish of choice based on dietary preference!
Culminate your Garifuna Cultural & Culinary experience with sensational drum rolls learning the basic techniques of Garifuna drumming & Music & revitalizing your souls ultimately earning your delicious cultural dessert by way of participating in 45 minutes mesmerizing drum session.
Come enjoy a day full of learning, laughter and fun.. One worth sharing with the world!!!