You may have heard about cacao ceremonies but wondered what they’re really like. Are they spiritual? Are they simply about drinking chocolate? Do you have to know anything before you go?
When I attended my first cacao ceremony in Guanacaste, I arrived with curiosity and a little nervousness. What I discovered was an experience unlike anything I had ever felt a mix of community, ritual, and deep connection, all guided by the simple yet powerful cacao bean.
If you’ve never been to one before, here’s what a cacao ceremony feels like through the eyes of a first-timer.
The Welcome
The ceremony begins gently. A guide, often someone rooted in Indigenous traditions, welcomes the group. The setting is natural, often outdoors, surrounded by trees or near the sea. You sit in a circle, a symbol of equality and community. The pace slows, and you feel the everyday world start to fade.
The Drink
Then comes the cacao. This isn’t sweet hot chocolate, it’s pure ceremonial cacao, prepared with care, often whisked with spices like cinnamon or chili. The first sip is earthy, slightly bitter, and surprisingly warming. As you drink, the guide explains cacao’s history as a sacred plant among the Maleku and other Indigenous peoples of Costa Rica.
With each sip, you feel more present, more awake, as if your heart is opening.
The Ritual
Every ceremony is different, but many involve guided meditation, drumming, or gentle movement. You may be invited to set an intention (something personal you want to reflect on). The cacao seems to work alongside these rituals, grounding you in your body while also expanding your thoughts.
As a first-timer, I noticed how time felt softer. Worries grew smaller, and what mattered most was the circle, the forest around us, and the moment itself.
The Connection
Cacao has long been called a “heart opener,” and during the ceremony, I understood why. Conversations with strangers felt deeper. Sharing stories or simply sitting together felt like enough. The ceremony isn’t about performance or expectations. It’s about connection, to yourself, to others, and to the land.
The Afterglow
When the ceremony ended, I felt both energized and calm. The cacao left a gentle buzz not jittery like coffee but warm and steady. Walking away, I noticed the colors of the forest looked brighter, and I carried with me a quiet sense of gratitude.
Why People Return
Many people attend cacao ceremonies more than once because each experience is different. The season, the people in the circle, even your own state of mind shape the journey. What remains constant is the power of cacao to bring people together and to remind us to slow down.
A cacao ceremony is not just about drinking chocolate. It’s about being present. It’s about honoring a plant that has been sacred for thousands of years and allowing yourself to feel what it has to teach.
For a first-timer, it feels like stepping into a space where time softens, hearts open, and nature speaks. At Blue Valley Chocolate, we are proud to continue sharing this tradition, so visitors can experience not just the taste of cacao, but its spirit.
