
the 20-day cacao challenge is back!
FROM MAY 11TH TO MAY 30TH 2025
The Cacao Challenge is a 20-day guided virtual journey designed for anyone curious about ceremonial cacao, Mayan wisdom or wanting to take their cacao practice to the next level!
Each day, we gather for one hour on Zoom, share a cup of ceremonial cacao and learn about the 20 energies of the most powerful Mayan Calendars, the Cholq'ij calendar. I'll also share with you some stories and practices I learned from my father, Carlos Barrios, and growing up close to Maya communities.
WE HAVE 3 OPTIONS AVAILABLE, INCLUDING A FREE VERSION!
The Mayan Wisdom Project
20-Day Cacao Challenge
20-Day Cacao Challenge
OPTION 1: THE FULL EXPERIENCE
- 1 Lb of Fifth Element Cahabon Cacao ($73)
- A list of ancient cacao recipes
- Access to 20 live sessions and recordings for 2 months (enough time to complete 2 rounds of the Challenge)
- Access to the 20-Day Challenge Premium section within Mayan Wisdom Community
OPTION 2: THE PREMIUM EXPERIENCE
- 1 Lb of Fifth Element Cahabon Cacao ($73)
- A set of Mollinillos to prepare your cacao the traditional way ($35)
- 4 Mayan superfoods to enhance your cacao recipes: Popped Amaranth, Cardamom, Chile Cobanero & Chocolate ($75)
- A list of ancient cacao recipes
- Access to 20 live sessions and recordings for 2 months (enough time to complete 2 rounds of the Challenge).
- Access to the 20-Day Challenge Premium section within Mayan Wisdom Community
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Option 3: The Free Experience
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE EXPERIENCE & YOU WILL RECEIVE:
• Access to 20 x live sessions and their corresponding recipes for each day.
This option does NOT include cacao or recordings
*If the sign-up link is giving you trouble, try clearing your cache/cookies or using incognito mode.*
LET'S learn & GROW TOGETHER through:

THE CHOLQ'IJ CALENDAR
The ancient Maya understood a profound truth about our existence: we are inextricably linked to the universe around us. The spirals of our DNA echo the spirals of the cosmos, reminding us that to truly grasp our place in the world, we must first explore our own nature. This is the essence behind the Cholq'ij calendar—a creation that serves as both a spiritual guide and a scientific tool.
Revered as the human level calendar, the Cholq'ij celebrates the cycles, energies, and influences that shape our lives and environments. It stands as one of the most significant legacies of our ancestors, treasured and passed down through countless generations from grandparents to grandchildren.
Imagine waking up each day with a deeper understanding of your own energy and how it intertwines with the greater universe. The Cholq'ij calendar opens the door to this wisdom and offer self-discovery for everyone.
This is an opportunity to learn about yourself and the incredible legacy of the Maya! You can calculate your Mayan energy here.

THE WISDOM OF SACRED CACAO
Discover the power of cacao, a sacred plant used by the Mayans for thousands of years, renowned for its extraordinary healing properties and community benefits. Words can hardly capture the depth of its rich history and transformative effects on our well-being.
Our team has embarked on a decades-long journey of discovery, continually unearthing fascinating insights into how the Mayans revered and utilized this powerful medicine. Cacao is not just a delightful beverage; it embodies a symbiotic relationship with the universe, serving as a profound tool for healing, nurturing the Earth, supporting animal welfare, and fostering human connection.
Are you in love with ceremonial cacao? Are you interested in starting to drink cacao to benefit from its incredible properties? Either way, this challenge is for you!
Throughout our challenge, we will delve into 20 sacred energies, creating a unique recipe for each one to help you heal from within and connect deeply with yourself.
Hear from our happy STUDENTS
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FANNIA
Loved to be in the 20-day cacao challenge and getting to know the 20 energies that come with a practice to do every day. A Very good opportunity to nurture your spiritual body by participate in the challenge. It felt so good so now I am on the journey to learn and heal even more. So grateful for the Mayan wisdom project that is doing so much for humanity by teaching the ancient wisdom of the Maya people.
★★★★★
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IRINA
Thank you, Solveig and the Project, for sharing the ancient Mayan tradition, the Cholq'ij Calendar, each day energy meaning, experience, and personal stories - very inspiring! I love learning its wisdom, the gift our Mother Earth provides us in the form of cacao - truly heart-opening and fulfilling! I’m catching up with the missed videos now. Thanks for all the recordings! Blessings.
★★★★★ -
kamila
Every day has its own sacred Energy and learning how to tune into it, gave me more expansion inside me. This 20-day was like a deep and great journey inside me. I'm very grateful for this experience and never forget it. Thank You.
★★★★★
WHY 20 DAYS?
In Maya spirituality, the number 20 holds profound significance as it is tied to the very essence of human existence, destiny, and the cosmos.
It represents the 20 energies, or Ch’umilab’, that govern the days of the sacred Cholq’ij calendar. These energies stem from the convergence of cosmic and telluric forces, embodying the balance between the cosmos and the Earth. The number 20 is deeply connected to the human body, symbolized by the twenty fingers, ten on the hands and ten on the feet.
The Maya believed that by understanding and harmonizing with these twenty energies, one could achieve a balanced, purposeful life.
This concept is rooted in the Winaq, the idea of a complete human being who aligns with the cosmic and earthly forces. The hands, with their ten fingers, represent creation, cultivation, and action, while the feet, also with ten toes, symbolize the grounding connection to the Earth and the path one must tread. The number 20, therefore, is not just a numerical value but a symbol of wholeness, connecting individuals to the sacred and to their own life’s purpose.
The sacred Cholq’ij calendar, built upon the number 20, is a tool for determining the traits and energies of individuals, guiding them in understanding their personal journey. It connects the energies of the days with human life, from birth to destiny, offering a framework for understanding one’s place in the universe. In this way, the number 20 serves as a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms, a core element in Maya Geo-Cosmovision and a key to understanding the flow of time and existence.
You fell in love with cacao, now it's time to go deeper!
Join me on a transformative journey that promises to uplift your spirit and deepen your connections!
In 2022, I created the 20-Day Cacao Challenge to give you a unique opportunity to connect with cacao and explore the wisdom of the Mayan together as community. Over the years, I’ve seen incredible transformations as participants find answers within themselves and embrace healing through cacao and ancient teachings.
During this Challenge, you’ll discover the magic of cacao while delving into the Cholq’ij energies, gaining deeper insights into yourself and your relationships. This journey is a chance to connect with a supportive community that uplifts and inspires one another.
Get ready for transformative insights and a unique sense of community!
If you feel drawn to this journey, trust that inner voice! You are exactly where you need to be.
*If the sign-up link is giving you trouble, try clearing your cache/cookies or using incognito mode.*

MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST
I’m Solveig Barrios, and it brings me immense joy to connect with you as the co-founder of The Mayan Wisdom Project.
Growing up as the daughter of the esteemed Mayan elder, Carlos Barrios, I was privileged to learn from the rich wisdom and teachings of our ancient civilization. This heritage is a profound part of who I am, and my heart is filled with a passion to share it with you, to inspire transformation in your lives and in our society.
As I embark on this challenge with you, I’m thrilled to delve into the 20 energies of the Cholq'ij calendar and to share my deep appreciation of cacao. This isn’t just about learning; it’s about nurturing our spirits and embracing the interconnectedness of our experiences.
In our previous rounds, I was truly moved by the hundreds of dedicated participants who came together, creating a powerful community of support and love. Witnessing this commitment to one another was nothing short of inspiring.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With Love & Gratitude,
Solveig Barrios, co-founder of The Mayan Wisdom Project
THE 20-DAY CACAO CHALLENGE
FAQ
How does it work?
FOR 20 DAYS, WE WILL MEET FOR A 60-MINUTE DAILY GROUP CALL AND SHARE A CUP OF CACAO.
This is a community event of connection, healing, and openness.
If you have been following us, you know there is a sacred calendar called the Cholq'ij (sacred calendar of life) and every day has a specific energy that carries us throughout the day and determines what will happen. In our challenge we will go through the 20 energies of the Cholq'ij, and every day we will explore each one through cacao.
As we mentioned, our teachers spent the last 15 years doing research and what they discovered will determine this Challenge...
Part of their research was dedicated to recipes, and they discovered there is a recipe for each nahual (energy of the Cholq'ij).
Let's look at an example: On the day that is carried by the energy of Ajaw Aj, you can mix cacao with chili to boost the healing of the nervous system. And since the energy of the day naturally activates that part of your body, the mix creates a powerful healing reaction.
Some days will heal the physical body, others will heal the emotions and mind, and others will help have a profound spiritual experience.
The 20-Day Challenge will cover all of the days, we will recreate recipes the Mayans were using thousands of years ago, and get to know the true ancient uses of cacao.
Are there any prerequisites or prior knowledge needed to participate in the challenge?
The Cacao Challenge is open to everyone! Whether you're new to cacao and Mayan wisdom or have prior experience, we welcome you to join us on this journey.
What Benefits can I expect?
- Overcome your anxiety
- Improve your depression
- Become more open and feel lighter
- Improve your overall health
- Less conflict in your relationships
- Revelations about your life and healing
- Learn your personal Mayan energy and how to work with it for self-improvement.
We could keep going with the benefits because here is the thing, there are very few areas of life cacao doesn't help with.
It crosses the blood brain barrier and regulates dopamine and serotonin, which are the happy chemicals! It doesn't only make you feel a heart opening, it literally contains amino-acids and fats that improve blood flow and relax the muscles.
Cacao puts your body in the perfect state between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being!
When do we start and what time are the live calls?
The 20-Day Cacao Challenge starts on Sunday May 11th.
The daily sessions will last around 60 minutes and always start at 8 AM Pacific Time (11 AM Eastern Time, 5 PM Central European Time).
Participants who purchased the Full and premium Experiences will also have access to the recordings of our daily sessions, in case you can't make it to every single one of them live.
Where can I access the Cacao Challenge?
If you purchased the Full or Premium Experiences, you will have access to the Cacao Challenge Premium section and there you will find a Recordings section with all the recordings.
The link to access this space will be sent to you by email.
If you purchased the Free Experience, your recipes as well as the link to access the live calls will be emailed to you. We use the same link every day so once you have it you can continue to use it for each consecutive days.
Where do I access the Zoom link?
When signed up for the 20-Day Cacao Challenge Full or Premium Experience, you can acess the link in the Cacao Challenge Community space and you will also receive an email the week before the challenge starts with the Zoom link and recipe/ingredient list.
When signed up for the 20-Day Cacao Challenge Free Experience, you will receive an email the week before the challenge starts with the Zoom link and recipe/ingredient list. If you have not yet received it, please contact us here.
How do I upgrade?
You can upgrade anytime by simply adding the Full Experience to your cart and checking out.
Once your order has been processed you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the premium section of our Mayan Wisdom Community.
When will my cacao arrive?
Your cacao will be shipped out approximately 3 days after you check out.
We urge you to factor in shipping time if you are wanting your cacao to arrive before our start date.
Shipping can take anywhere from 3-12 days depending on your location. We recommend giving yourself a buffer of 12 days at least.
What if I am a already a community member?
If you are already a community member you will NOT need to create a new account. All you will need to need to do is activate your access to the Premium section via a link that will be emailed to you upon purchase of the Full or Premium Experience.
If you are already a member and are just wanting to sign up for the Free Experience, you will receive all communications via email and not via the community so there is no action required.
Where can I watch the recordings?
With the Full and Premium Experiences, you will have access to the Cacao Challenge Premium section and there you will find a Recordings section with all the recordings.
Remember, the Free Experience does NOT grant you access to the recordings.
Where can I find the list of recipes for the Challenge?
We have created a beautiful PDF document with all 20 recipes which will be emailed to you approximately 2 weeks before our start date.
If you have signed up for the Full Experience you will also find this document in the premium section of the community.
What if I don’t find all the ingredients?
If you can’t find all of the ingredients, we recommend just the drink the cacao by itself. Check out our Premium experience to receive some of them or The Mayan Market, superfood section.
There will be some ingredients, that can be substituted and we will provide this information within the recipe doc.
Will the 1lb of cacao last long enough for the challenge? What are the measurements?
If you have signed up for the Full Experience, the amount of cacao we send will be enough for both new and 'standard' drinkers.
Here is our recommended dosage for the Challenge.
0.5 oz (14 grams) for the first 10 days, and 1 oz (28 grams) for the last 10 days.
If you know you like your cacao a little stronger then we recommend adding a little more to your cart when you check out.
How/where can I calculate my Mayan Energy?
Visit our calculator here to find out your energy and the energy of the day.