
7 + Reasons to Celebrate Mes Chamorro
at the
Valley of the Latte
Adventure Park
The best way to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Guam is to experience over 4,500 years of our island's history. Valley of the Latte Adventure Park provides visitors of all ages and generations to immerse themselves in the traditions, history, and culture with fun and educational tours and activities.
1. A Fun and Educational Way to Celebrate Mes Chamorro for all ages.
Today's students are visual learners and a field trip lets them touch, feel, and listen to what they're learning about, which helps them build on classroom instruction, gain a better understanding of topics, build cultural understanding, and immerse them in the rich cultural heritage of Guam.
Students of all ages are able to enjoy the Adventure River Cruise, walk through a living ancient Chamorro Village and Botanical Garden, enjoy delicious local fiesta plates, play with friendly animals at the Animal Sanctuary, watch the way the ancient Chamorros started fire, and learn traditional basket weaving techniques. Visitors are also able to walk through the Valley of the Latte Farms and enjoy samples of the island's freshest produce learning about the value of sustainable agriculture, experience how the ancient Chamorros lived off the land, and gain an appreciation for the value of sustainable and eco-friendly operations for the preservation of the land, water, and culture.
2. Experience a Culture through its Food
On an individual level, we grow up eating the food of our cultures. On a larger scale, food is an important part of culture. Traditional cuisine is passed down from one generation to the next. It also operates as an expression of cultural identity.
The Fiesta Style Island BBQ plate offered on the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park morning tours is a combination of delicious recipes handed down over the generations mixed in with the traditions of living off the land. We use seasonal produce grown and harvested right from the Valley of the Latte Farms (ask about our farm tours) in each plate. Eggplants, peppers, green beans, pineapples, watermelons, papayas, cucumbers, mangoes, and bananas are just some examples of produce grown in the rich volcanic soil using sustainable agricultural techniques.
Ancient Chamorro food preparation has always involved the people's close ties to the land. Gathering, raising, harvesting, hunting, and fishing are a part of the over 4,500 years of cultural practices. From the open fires to the heat of clay ovens to the BBQ grill, the Valley of the Latte presents ancient food preparation techniques every day.

3. Experience the island's Living History
Living history is not solely an objective retelling of historical facts. Its importance lies more in presenting visitors with a sense of a way of life, than in recreating exact events, accurate in every detail.
Every visitor is transported back in time as they travel over the cool and calm waterways in the same manner that the ancient Chamorros had done for thousands of years. Once around the river bend, your senses are immersed in a dynamic scene of living history. You are greeted by the sound of the Kulu as members of Ulitao wearing traditional Chamorro clothing welcome you to a land where the ancients once roamed. A live fire, near the replica of an ancient Chamorro hut, roars as you are guided past traditional canoe building and shown actual latte ruins from foundations thousands of years old. You can learn about the local flora, fauna, and fresh water springs still thriving on the land that the ancients lived off of and take a leisurely hike from the river banks to caves just a short trek into the jungle.
There is truly no better way to celebrate the culture of Guam than by taking a stroll through the island's living history.

4. Where there is Water, There is Adventure... on ancient waterways.
The name of the ancient village of Talofofo probably has its origin from the phrase “entalo’ i fe’fo’,” which means “between the cliffs,” or even from the word “fo’fo’,” which means a bubbling stream.
Visitors have the choice of an Adventure River Cruise, Kayaking, or Stand Up Paddle Boarding to cruise on the waterways that allowed ancient Chamorro civilizations to thrive for thousands of years. On special occasions, guests are even offered the chance to paddle on traditionally crafted outriggers built by Ulitao. From the Talofofo Bay, the Talofofo River basin is fed by several waterways; Ugum, Sarasa, Saage, Maagas, Mahlac, Tinechong, Malaja, and Bubulao, are just some of the rivers and streams that make their way to the basin and the Pacific. These waterways were used as a means of transport, trade, fishing, washing, and allowing for river based irrigation making them truly the lifeblood of ancient settlements.

5. The Fire Starting Demonstrations & Basket Weaving Exhibitions
Learn first hand how the ancient islanders started fire and try your best to replicate the technique or watch as Valley of the Latte Team Members weave traditional baskets and more.
Visitors have the choice of an Adventure River Cruise, Kayaking, or Stand Up Paddle Boarding to cruise on the waterways that allowed ancient Chamorro civilizations to thrive for thousands of years. On special occasions, guests are even offered the chance to paddle on traditionally crafted outriggers built by Ulitao. From the Talofofo Bay, the Talofofo River basin is fed by several waterways; Ugum, Sarasa, Saage, Maagas, Mahlac, Tinechong, Malaja, and Bubulao, are just some of the rivers and streams that make their way to the basin and the Pacific. These waterways were used as a means of transport, trade, fishing, washing, and allowing for river based irrigation making them truly the lifeblood of ancient settlements.

6. Getting closer to the Land.
We are Taotao Tano' - People of the Land.
The Valley of the Latte Adventure Park has grown around the singular idea of providing a world-class destination and adventure experience based in sustainable and Eco-friendly practices. From the catch and release fisheries and the investment in the land to grow fresh produce and develop the surrounding infrastructure to the daily development of local interests, you can find the local spirit in every aspect of the Park.
Ask about our Valley of the Latte Adventure Park Farm Tours and you can walk through fields of green and taste the freshest produce on island. Delicious watermelons, coconuts, pineapples, peppers, eggplants, bananas, papayas, mangoes, and green beans are just some of the produce being harvested seasonally from the Valley of the Latte Farms.
Learn about the sustainable agricultural practices, the effects of the volcanic soil on the produce, or about the river as a source of life and the erosion that threatens our southern waterways. This is a great way for all ages to truly get closer to the land and develop not only an understanding of its importance, but also an appreciation for the environment through the cultural lenses of the Chamorro people.

7. The True Southern Guam Hospitality Experience
Beyond the living history and breathtaking views of the river valley, the best way to celebrate our island's culture is with the people.
From previous events, school field trips, island festivals, special occasions, weddings, retreats, competitions, and more, the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park delivers a unique, charming, and magical experience. There is so much to enjoy: a walk through the ancient Chamorro Village and the Botanical Garden, enjoying the delicious food, playing around with animal friends at the animal sanctuary, learning about the land and people from knowledgeable guides, experiencing the water on kayak, cruise, or stand up paddle board, celebrating at a festival or event, and doing it all with one of the most beautiful backdrops on Guam.
Visitors of all ages will truly be immersed in culture, fun, adventure, and leave with smiles and stories.

Hi Dave
I sent you an email regarding our Class of ’58 plans for mid July 2018. I was wondering if you received it. I haven’t gotten any reply.
Louie Gombar
Activity Director
Hafa Adai, We could not open your original attached file, please resend directly to david@valleyofthelatte.com . Si Yu’os Ma’ase.
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