Ancestral Medicine:
We’ll leave early to visit Agua Azul, a breathtaking natural area with vibrant blue waterfalls and pools. The plan is to have lunch at that place and then settle into our cozy cabins for the next two nights. After we finish setting up, you can go for a swim to cool off and feel refreshed. We will do the prana kriyas, the special breathing exercises I mentioned earlier, later in the afternoon. We’ll conduct another rapé ceremony to promote a sense of grounding. Tonight, we have an intense experience planned called Bufo. You’ll receive secretions from the Sonoran Desert toad that includes a potent psychedelic called 5-MeO-DMT. Just a heads up, this will take you on a mind-blowing journey for about 15 minutes. Yet, many people often perceive it as a source of profound spiritual insights and healing. Get ready for an exhilarating journey and prepare yourself! It goes without saying that you have the freedom to decide what you’re comfortable with, as everything is optional. The objective is to form a strong bond with these lands and ancient rituals.
We’ll start the day early with the special prana kriya breathing exercises. Following that, we’ll hold another rapé ceremony for grounding. Now it’s time for a satisfying breakfast to energize. You have the entire morning to relax in whatever way you desire. You have the option to swim, journal, or relax. The objective is to incorporate everything from the previous days at a pace that suits you. Once we’ve had a satisfying meal, we’ll embark on a pleasant nature hike along one of the nearby paths. Remember to have cash on hand for purchasing artisan crafts or goods at the shops. In the evening, we have another shamanic ceremony planned - it’s called “changa.” Many people say it produces intense visions and expands consciousness. After that, we will move on to a meditation initiation known as “black sun” to aid in purging the ego and symbolic rebirth. As always, it’s up to you to decide what you’re comfortable with.
After breakfast, we’ll set off this morning to visit Palenque, one of the most famous ancient cities of the Maya world in Chiapas. Over 1,200 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage site functioned as a significant ceremonial center during the peak of Maya civilization’s Classic period. Palenque’s ruins, initially called Otulún or “fenced place” by locals, remained concealed for many years until Spanish explorers uncovered them in the 18th century. Once we arrive, an experienced guide will take us on an enchanting tour of the ancient city’s plazas, temples, and beautifully crafted monuments. One notable feature is the renowned Temple of Inscriptions, housing the grand burial site of Palenque’s esteemed leader, Pacal the Great. Once we finish exploring the impressive architectural and artistic treasures of this sophisticated Maya civilization, we’ll pause for a delightful lunch from the local cuisine. After that, you can relax with a swim at the breathtaking Roberto Barrios waterfalls and pools near Palenque’s ruins, surrounded by lush jungle. After our revitalizing swim, we’ll share a dinner together before concluding this remarkable day of discovering the history, enigmas, and awe-inspiring natural beauty of one of Mesoamerica’s magnificent archaeological wonders.
Today, we’ll explore the mountains near Palenque and experience the day in a genuine Mayan community, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. We’ll get to know locals and experience their traditional way of life that still exists today. A knowledgeable Mayan elder will lead us through the vibrant jungle, teaching us about ancient medicinal plants. Once we’ve enjoyed a delightful traditional lunch prepared by community members, we will join the elder in the profound tamascal ceremony. The tamascal, a stone sweat lodge, is an ancient practice that purifies the body, mind, and spirit. Through traditional songs and instruments, the elder will guide us in this transformative experience as the small enclosure fills with heat from red-hot rocks. The ancient Mayan drums, flutes, and rattles create haunting melodies and rhythms that deeply resonate, allowing us to enter a trance-like state. Through the sacred chants of the elder, we will invoke the spirits as we embark on an inward journey in the comforting warmth of the tamascal, seeking to purify and rejuvenate our emotions and spirituality in a nurturing environment. After the tamascal ceremony, we’ll learn advanced self-development tools and practices for your daily life. Immerse yourself in a full day of culture that will create an unforgettable connection to the Maya’s land, traditions, music, and wisdom.
Once we finish breakfast, we will say our farewells to our lodging and embark on our last leg of the journey. The first destination on our itinerary is the stunning Misol-Ha Waterfall, a majestic 35-meter waterfall enveloped by verdant jungle. Before you leave, take one final moment to soak it all in and enjoy a rejuvenating swim if you’d like. Next, we’ll visit our familiar companion, Agua Azul, to once again experience its breathtaking turquoise waters before returning to San Cristobal. You’re already familiar with these turquoise streams and pools from our previous visit. Before we leave, you have the chance to experience it again with a fresh perspective. Enjoy hiking, wading, or meditating amidst the stunning trails, bright waters, and captivating cascades. Additionally, we’ll have the opportunity to browse the local markets for any last-minute shopping and souvenirs. Take the opportunity to have lunch and recharge before we head back. We’ll drive for 4 hours in the afternoon to San Cristóbal de las Casas, reflecting on our shared profound experiences.
We’ll start the morning with breakfast, then visit two well-known Tsotsil Maya communities - Chamula and Zinacantan - to experience their traditional rural life. Experience the breathtaking beauty of rarely visited crops and farmlands on this 12km hiking tour along non-tourist trails. In Chamula, we’ll experience the rare fusion of Catholicism and ancient Mayan traditions in their religious practices. In their churches, you’ll find religious imagery and pine needle-covered floors with the scent of burning copal incense. Zinacantan is renowned for safeguarding the traditional Tsotsil culture, which includes distinct textiles, music, flower cultivation, and the continued use of the Tsotsil language. We’ll engage with the locals, discovering their customs and deep-rooted connection to the land they’ve lived on for centuries. During our 400m ascent, our guide will offer a glimpse into the enduring indigenous culture, showcasing their deep connection to nature and ancestral wisdom. A memorable experience you’ll remember for a long time. Following our cultural immersion hike, we’ll pause for a tasty local lunch before changing our focus in the afternoon. Following that, we will participate in a transformative peyote ceremony guided by a skilled elder.
As we reach the end, I’m here to offer support for personal integration or to help with specific issues. Now is the perfect time for you to engage in deep embodiment work, given all the profound experiences and teachings you’ve embraced. If you’re looking to address specific emotions, traumas, or challenges that have come up, I can support you with personalized practices designed for your individual journey. Today is the final day of our transformative tour together. Following all the deep experiences, ceremonies, and practices, this last phase focuses on relaxation, integration, and preparing you to carry these teachings forward. All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are included. The whole day is yours to do with as you please, without any set plans. Take this opportunity to simply be - journaling, meditating, resting, or exploring San Cristóbal at your own pace. The goal is to create a large space for you to process and make sense of everything in your own way. Additionally, I can facilitate group activities or discussions during any of the meals if you prefer. We can discuss meditation techniques, insights from plant medicine ceremonies, or any other topics that can help with your integration process. This journey has opened up new vistas of possibility. On Day 9, you can reorient yourself after experiencing these new perspectives, preparing to resume your everyday life. You’ve been introduced to life-altering tools that can help you reach your full potential.
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