A Year of Travel: Cacao Ceremony in Playa del Carmen

Welcome to Week 13 of A Year of Travel!

Courtney Cardini

Mar 30, 2025

Keeping our promises to ourselves is essential.

Life of a Travel Writer

Embark on a year-long adventure with me as we explore the wonders of our world!

Hello, Fellow Travelers, and Happy Sunday,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to Another Week of "A Year of Travel"

I can hardly believe we’re already at the end of Q1! Time seems to be moving at warp speed, and as I reflect on these past few years, I’m struck by how much life has changed. This marks my fourth year of full-time travel—a journey that began with two whirlwind years of sailing, which passed in the blink of an eye. Now, in my second year of pivoting into writing, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come.

Last year was a turning point. It was the hardest year yet, as I took a leap of faith in my career, relationship, and living situation. But here I am, at the close of Q1 in this second year, feeling calmer and more grounded. Life is starting to feel clearer, and I have a better sense of direction for the future—a clarity that comes from research, patience, and the unwavering support of family and friends.

Life remains an unpredictable ride, but I’m learning to enjoy every twist and turn.

Cacao Ceremony: A Sacred Experience

This evening, we’re embarking on a new experience: our first cacao ceremony. Unlike our time in San José del Pacífico, where we explored the mystical world of magic mushrooms, tonight’s journey will be grounded in the ancient traditions of cacao—a sacred ritual that has been practiced for centuries by indigenous cultures.

As with most experiences I dive into, I’m keeping my expectations low and my mind open. I’ve deliberately avoided researching too much about what’s to come. There’s something magical about stepping into the unknown and allowing the moment to unfold naturally without preconceived notions.

I imagine this ceremony might feel akin to the tea ceremony we participated in Kyoto—a practice steeped in ritual and mindfulness. However, while the Japanese tea ceremony carried a serene and almost somber tone, I sense that tonight’s cacao gathering will be more spiritual and heart-centered.

Cacao holds deep significance in Mesoamerican cultures, often referred to as a gift from the gods. Historically, it was consumed during sacred rituals, weddings, and other important ceremonies. The cacao used in these gatherings is ceremonial-grade—pure and potent, often mixed simply with water or enhanced with spices like cayenne or honey. It’s said to open the heart chakra, fostering feelings of love, empathy, and connection. Some participants even experience emotional release or personal revelations during the ceremony.

The ritual typically begins with a cleansing—perhaps using copal incense—followed by group meditation to create a harmonious space. Then comes the drinking of cacao itself. Unlike the sweet chocolate we’re accustomed to, ceremonial cacao is rich and bitter, its earthy flavor grounding you in the present moment. Theobromine, a natural compound found in cacao, acts as a mild stimulant, promoting relaxation and focus while gently uplifting your mood.

Beyond its spiritual aspects, cacao is also celebrated for its health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and magnesium, supporting both physical well-being and mental clarity. But more than anything else, this ceremony is about connection—connection to oneself, to others in the circle, and something greater than us all.

In many ways, this evening feels timely. We could all use a little healing now and then—a moment to pause amidst our travels and reconnect with our hearts. So here’s to stepping into this ancient ritual with curiosity and gratitude for the journey ahead.

Here’s to embracing ancient traditions with open hearts and curious minds!

Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time,
Courtney

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