Huni Yawa in Tulum: Two Nights of Ceremony, Prayer and Living Tradition

Huni Yawa in Tulum is a ceremony gathering of two standalone nights of Uni (Nixi Pae) with Huni Kuin and Yawanawá musicians and their families, held in a private jungle sanctuary just outside Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is meant for adults who want to meet living Indigenous traditions through prayer, sacred songs and ceremony, whether this is a first encounter or one among many. It is not a retreat: there is no accommodation or multi-day programme, and you can come for one night or both.

What to Expect

Each night is a complete ceremony, led by the Huni Yawa family through prayer, sacred songs and ancestral chants. The Uni / Nixi Pae ceremony begins at 10 PM and closes at around 6 AM. The songs are offered as living expressions of memory, spirituality and community, not as a performance.

Morning practices are optional and can be chosen separately from the ceremony. At 7 AM, participants may join Kambo (Rapé and Sananga are also offered at this hour), and Hapaya follows at 8 AM. A simple shared breakfast closes each morning, with time to sit together. Kambo and Hapaya may also be booked on their own, subject to screening and availability.

The People Leading the Ceremonies

Dua Ninawa Huni Kuin is the Cacique of Xikuiurumim Village, a musician and a guardian of the sacred songs, prayers and ancestral medicines of his people. He is rooted in the lineage of Pajé Tume and the teacher Ibã Sales, and has completed traditional dietas and deep studies in the sacred songs of the Huni Kuin. A composer and multi-instrumentalist, he brings together his voice, original melodies and the spirit of the forest.

Wãnu Yawanawá is a young musician and student of the spiritual traditions of her people, born and raised in Mutum Village in the Yawanawá Indigenous Territory of the Brazilian Amazon. She has undertaken several traditional dietas under Pajé Tatá and continues her studies with her aunt Hushahu at Centro Awavena. One of the first young women in her village to bring Yawanawá songs to the guitar, she created the musical project INIA and recorded her first album in 2024.

The gathering is hosted by Yura, founded by Ariê, a musician and translator who has spent ten years alongside spiritual leaders from the Amazon. Rafa Camargo, a Brazilian cultural producer and filmmaker and founder of HAUXFILM, co-organizes. Yura describes its role as caring for logistics, hosting and relationships, while the Huni Yawa family leads every ceremony and carries every tradition according to their own lineage.

The Setting

The ceremonies take place in a private natural setting near Tulum, surrounded by jungle. The exact location is shared only with confirmed participants before arrival. Participation is limited to about 15 guests, which keeps the evenings intimate and leaves room for conversation and shared meals.

Before You Go

No previous experience is required for the Uni ceremonies. Respect, openness and a sincere willingness to learn are what matter. The gathering is held primarily in English and Portuguese, with translation into Spanish, and into other languages when possible.

Every participant completes a separate, confidential health screening. Kambo, especially after an all-night ceremony, requires specific consent and screening, and you are always welcome to attend only the Uni ceremony.

Your contribution covers ceremony participation, songs and prayer, and the shared breakfast, along with any morning practices you have booked and been cleared for. Accommodation and transport are not included. Meals are vegetarian. A preparation guide is sent once your application is accepted; comfortable clothing, a journal and personal essentials are all you need to bring.