A Journey to the Heart of Mayan Wisdom at the Fall Equinox
September 19th to 24th, 2025
Sudzal, Yucatan, Mexico
Embrace the transformative power of the elements at the sacred crossroads of Shambalanté and Yaxunah this Fall Equinox.
Join us for Elementos, a deeply immersive spiritual retreat, where we will journey into the heart of ancient Mayan wisdom, guided by the rhythms of nature and the profound energy of the equinox. This unique experience will unfold in the serene embrace of Shambalanté, a haven of tranquility nestled in the Yucatan jungle, culminating in powerful ceremonies at the awe-inspiring Yaxunah ruins.
The Fall Equinox: A Moment of Balance
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary healing journey where ancient Mayan wisdom intertwines with transformative spiritual practices during the potent energy of the Fall Equinox. This carefully curated retreat offers a profound opportunity to connect with the elements and embrace renewal through a rich tapestry of experiences:
Celebrate the September Equinox with sacred ceremony and traditional Mayan Danzas at the ancient site of Yaxunah, guided by ancestral wisdom.
Experience profound sound healing sessions that restore harmony to body and spirit.
Rejuvenate through daily yoga practices, connecting breath, movement, and intention.
Participate in a sacred Cacao Ceremony, opening your heart to deeper awareness and connection.
Cleanse body and spirit in a traditional Temezcal (Mayan sweat lodge) purification ritual.
Share and grow in our Connection Circles and spiritual healing sessions.
Receive blessings during an authentic Mayan Welcoming Ceremony.
Cool your spirit in the crystal waters of Yaxunah's sacred cenote.
Explore the "Yellow City" of Izamal, where colonial and pre-Hispanic cultures beautifully merge.
Harnessing the symbolic balance and harmony of the fall equinox, we will deepen our connection to the elements, release what no longer serves us, and embrace transformative growth. Join us for this soul-nourishing retreat where tradition, nature, and spiritual practice converge to create a truly unforgettable experience, awakening your connection to the ancient wisdom of the Maya and the profound beauty of this celestial turning point.
Yaxunah: A Portal to the Past
Unlike the bustling crowds of other Mayan sites, Yaxunah offers an intimate and profoundly moving experience. This ancient city, predating Chichen Itza, resonates with the echoes of a rich history and a deep connection to the earth. During our retreat, we will journey to Yaxunah to experience the equinox within its sacred walls. Here, amidst the weathered stones and whispering trees, we will connect with the powerful energies of the cardinal points and their corresponding elements, guided by the wisdom of the Maya.
Don Bibiano Uh Tun: A Bridge to Ancient Traditions
Our ceremonies at Shambalanté & Yaxunah will be led by the esteemed Maya Elder and Shaman, Don Bibiano. With deep reverence for his ancestral traditions, Don Bibiano will guide us through rituals that honor the elements, drawing upon the ancient knowledge of his people. His presence will serve as a bridge to the past, allowing us to experience the profound spirituality that permeates this sacred site. We will witness a sacred dance along the ancient Mayan road, and experience the unique energy of the Yaxunah cenote.
Sacred Ceremonial Danzas at Yaxunah
At the heart of our equinox ceremonies within the sacred grounds of Yaxunah, we will have the profound privilege of witnessing and participating in traditional danzas. These ancient dances, passed down through generations, are more than mere performances; they are living prayers, rhythmic expressions of connection to the cosmos, the earth, and the spiritual realm. Through intricate movements, vibrant costumes, and the evocative pulse of traditional music, these danzas will weave a powerful tapestry of history and cosmology, allowing us to embody the energies of the cardinal points and the elements we are honoring. Prepare to be moved by the beauty and significance of these sacred expressions and timeless tradition that resonates with the very spirit of the Maya land.
The "Yellow City" of Izamal
Nestled in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, it offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico's rich history and vibrant culture. On one of our retreat days, we'll have the pleasure of exploring this charming colonial town, renowned for its uniformly painted ochre buildings that bathe the streets in a warm, golden glow. Izamal seamlessly blends its Mayan heritage with its Spanish colonial past, evident in the impressive Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, a testament to its pre-Hispanic significance, and the majestic Convento de San Antonio de Padua, one of the oldest monasteries in the Americas. As you wander through its tranquil streets, you'll discover artisan workshops, savor local Yucatecan flavors, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere that makes Izamal a truly magical destination. This excursion provides a delightful pause for cultural enrichment and a chance to experience the unique charm of this Pueblo Mágico.
Shambalanté: A Sanctuary for Transformation
Our journey will begin and end at Shambalanté, a sanctuary designed to foster deep connection with nature and inner peace. Here, amidst the lush jungle landscape, we will engage in daily practices of yoga, meditation, and sound healing, preparing our minds and bodies for the powerful ceremonies at Yaxunah. The Temazcal, a traditional Mayan sweat lodge, will offer a profound opportunity for purification and renewal.
Accommodations
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS
Crystal Dorado | Sacred Guide & Healer
Crystal is a transformative healer and sacred journey guide with over two decades dedicated to the path of holistic wellness and spiritual awakening. Her profound connection to healing traditions flows through her bloodline—descended from traditional Mexican curanderos, Crystal's grandparents passed down their sacred knowledge and practices, embedding these ancestral gifts into her very being from childhood.
Deeply rooted in Mesoamerican ancestral wisdom, she artfully interweaves these family healing traditions with practices learned directly from respected elders and medicine keepers throughout Tulum and Belize. This unique fusion of inherited wisdom and dedicated study creates an authentic healing approach found nowhere else.
As the visionary founder of Verde Holistic Wellness Studio, Crystal has created a sanctuary where profound healing and authentic self-discovery flourish. Her ceremonies and retreats are thoughtfully crafted sacred experiences that honor both traditional wisdom and individual needs, allowing participants to address their unique intentions while connecting to something greater than themselves.
Crystal's extensive training as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Akashic Records Practitioner, Meditation Teacher, Craniosacral Therapist, and Abdominal/Womb Massage Therapist complements her inherited healing lineage. Yet it is her genuine reverence for ancestral medicine and her compassionate presence that truly distinguish her work.
Those who journey with Crystal consistently experience not only profound healing but also a renewed connection to their ancestral lineages and an awakened sense of wholeness. Each retreat she leads becomes a transformative milestone on the path of personal evolution—a sacred container where mind, body, and spirit are nourished, honored, and renewed.
Hans Austin
Hans Austin, a New York City-based music artist and sound healing practitioner of Haitian descent who carries a significant connection to Mayan spiritual practices.
His dedicated exploration led him to the sacred shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, where he engaged in intensive study and received a profound initiation into the ceremonial use of cacao, a tradition deeply intertwined with the Mayan Calendar, under the guidance of the respected Maya Tz’utujil spiritual leader Nana Marina Cruz.
Hans masterfully synthesizes the vibrational power of singing bowls, the targeted healing frequencies of tuning forks, the expressive depth of his vocalizations, the grounding rhythms of drums, and the evocative storytelling of flutes to craft immersive sound journeys.
His unique approach not only fosters deep healing and relaxation but also serves as a powerful conduit for connecting with ancient wisdom and the elemental forces that permeate the Mayan lands. Through his sonic artistry, Hans will enhance our understanding of the interconnectedness of sound, spirit, and the natural world, adding a vital layer to our exploration of this transformative encounter.
Jeny Cerda
Jeny, a compassionate and insightful spiritual leader and guide, will be sharing her profound gifts with us, illuminating the path towards inner awakening, authentic self-discovery, and enduring personal empowerment.\
Jeny gracefully and skillfully integrates the subtle yet powerful principles of energy into her multifaceted teachings, meticulously cultivating a supportive and deeply nurturing environment conducive to profound inner growth and transformative experiences for all participants.
Born in the United States and deeply connected to the rich cultural heritages of her Guatemalan and Nicaraguan ancestry, Jeny’s extensive training encompasses a wide and varied spectrum of yogic traditions, including the foundational teachings of Dharma, the mindful engagement of Jivamukti, the deeply releasing practices of Yin, and the profoundly restorative aspects of Restorative yoga, extending even to the joyful and connective practice of yoga for children and families.
Through her own dedicated and unwavering commitment to her personal spiritual practice, coupled with a deeply intuitive and empathetic connection to the energetic currents that flow through all beings, Jeny gently and skillfully guides us on a journey of embodying the fundamental elements. Her wisdom is deeply rooted in a profound respect for and understanding of the Mayan cosmovision, shared with heartfelt reverence for her lineage of teachers and the interconnectedness of all life. Jeny’s nurturing and deeply compassionate approach, particularly her insightful work with the often-tender landscape of the inner child, creates a profoundly safe and empowering space for deep healing, authentic self-acceptance, and the blossoming of one's truest potential.
Elementos Retreat Package: Embrace the Mayan Elements
INCLUDED IN YOUR Transformative Journey:
Comfortable Shared Accommodation at Shambalante: Rest and rejuvenate in our thoughtfully appointed shared spaces, designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings.
Nourishing Vegetarian Cuisine: Delight in wholesome and delicious lacto-ovo vegetarian meals, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to nourish your body and soul. All meals during the retreat are included.
Seamless Ground Transportation: Enjoy hassle-free transportation to and from Mérida International Airport (MID) on designated arrival and departure days, as well as transportation for our excursion to Yaxunah.
Exploration of Shambalante's Natural Beauty: Immerse yourself in the lush Yucatan jungle with guided walks around Shambalanté, connecting with the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Profound Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich Mayan culture through the wisdom shared by Don Bibiano, our ceremonies at the ancient Yaxunah ruins, and insights into local traditions.
Sacred Ceremonies at Yaxunah with Don Bibiano: Participate in powerful and authentic Mayan ceremonies led by esteemed Maya Elder and Shaman, Don Bibiano, at the historically significant Yaxunah ruins during the Fall Equinox.
Daily Rejuvenating Practices: Begin each day with mindful movement, yoga sessions with Jenny, and opportunities for inner reflection.
Experienced Support Team: Our dedicated and caring support staff will be present throughout your retreat to ensure your comfort, safety, and a seamless experience.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare: Travel to and from Mérida International Airport (MID) is not included in the retreat package.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your peace of mind.
Personal Expenses: Costs for souvenirs, individual excursions outside the itinerary, gratuities, and other personal items are not included.
Your Investment in Elemental Harmony
Elementos - $2,825 USD
Share the experience! You and a friend can save an additional $150 each off of the early access price!!!
Secure your space at this special price by making your deposit before June 19th, 2025!
Price after June 19th: $3,450
Flexible Payment Options:
We are pleased to offer flexible payment plans to make this enriching experience more accessible. Please contact us to discuss the options that best suit your needs.
Important Note to Participants:
This transformative retreat requires a minimum of ten (10) participants to proceed.
For further information or to reserve your place, please contact us.