How to prepare for your first ceremony

October 21, 2026 · 2 min read · Lucas y Marypaz

Arriving at your first ceremony can bring curiosity and a few nerves too. That’s normal. Here is what we usually recommend to people joining us for the first time at a cacao ceremony or a temazcal.

Before: preparation starts a few days ahead

• Eat lightly. On the day, choose fruit, vegetables and simple food. Avoid heavy meals for a few hours beforehand.
• Cut back on stimulants. Skip coffee on the day if you’ll be drinking cacao, and alcohol for at least 24 hours (especially before a temazcal).
• Hydrate well. Above all if you’ll be entering the temazcal.
• Tell us about your health. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a heart or blood pressure condition, message us beforehand.

Your intention

An intention is a simple sentence naming what you want to release, give thanks for or cultivate. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Some helpful questions:

• What in my life is asking for attention right now?
• What do I want to give thanks for?
• How would I like to feel when I leave?

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes and a warm layer.
• A blanket or cushion to sit on the floor.
• Water and, if you like, your own cup.
• For the temazcal: a swimsuit, two towels and a change of clothes.
• A notebook to write down whatever comes up.

During: there is no right way to experience it

You don’t have to feel anything special. Some ceremonies are full of emotion, others are very calm. You can sing or stay silent, cry or laugh. If you need anything, ask: we are there to hold you.

After: integration

Give yourself some quiet time afterwards. Drink water, eat something nourishing and, if you can, write. What you lived keeps settling over the following days.

When you feel ready, check our upcoming gatherings or choose from our community cacao ceremonies, the temazcal in Nosara or the Four Directions Retreat.

You may also like

• Community cacao ceremonies
• The Four Directions Retreat
• Temazcal