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Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat
A Sacred Journey with Indigenous Roots
Only Retreat Certified by Ecuador’s Ministry of Health | 100% Indigenous-Owned & Operated.
Why Choose Awakenings?
• The only retreat in Ecuador certified by the Ministry of Health
• Located on sacred Tsáchila ancestral land
• 100% Indigenous-owned and operated by the Tsáchila tribe
• Medicine is prepared on-site and you are invited to participate in the process
• Small groups & personalized retreats — you choose your dates
• Your money helps local indigenous and some of the money supports the local elementary school as well; supporting many minorities in need.
Medicine and Ceremony
At Awakenings, we work with authentic ancestral medicines and offer the opportunity to participate in the preparation of Ayahuasca and San Pedro; allowing you to deposit your energy and intentions from the very beginning.
Our healing team includes:
• 4 experienced male Tsáchila shamans
• 1 female Tsáchila shaman (available upon request)
These are four generations of wisdom, born into the sacred path of medicine.
What Makes Us Different
• We live on the land, unlike other retreats that rent properties or hire outside shamans
• We run year-round with flexible dates
• No large groups — we keep it personal and safe
• Confidential integration support before and after ceremonies
• Wi-Fi available, but we encourage you to disconnect and reconnect with Mother Nature
Our Most Popular Package: 8 Days / 7 Nights – $1600 however you can do shorter or longer stays. Every journey is personalized for your needs on your time.
Includes:
• 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies
• 1 San Pedro ceremony
• 1 Kambo, 1 Sananga, and Rapé
• Private accommodations & meals
• Massage, Temazcal, reiki, sound healing
• Cultural immersions, waterfall hike, 1
Massage, preparation of cacao and more.
Additional: Cacao Ceremony, Bufo, Mushrooms, Xanga and Cannabis ceremonies available upon request.
Transport from Quito and laundry service available upon request but are not included on the packages.
Learn More About the Medicines
What is Ayahuasca?
“Ayahuasca” is the Quechua word for both the vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the sacred tea made from it, traditionally combined with Chacruna leaves. It contains harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. Used by Amazonian tribes for centuries, it opens portals to emotional and spiritual healing. Our vine grows on the property, and we prepare the medicine in the traditional way.
What is San Pedro?
San Pedro (Trichocereus pachanoi) is a sacred cactus native to the Andes of Ecuador. It carries masculine energy and helps us open our hearts and expand our connection with all life. We also grow this cactus on the land, and ceremonies are done with great reverence.
What is Kambo?
Kambo is a powerful healing ritual that uses the secretion of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). Applied through small burns on the skin, Kambo detoxifies the body, boosts the immune system, and clears emotional blocks. It’s used for deep physical and energetic purification.
Your Healing Begins Here
We don’t just host retreats; we offer a path to rebirth, in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the ancestral spirits of our land. You will not be asked to share in vulnerable settings, and everything is done with respect and care.
You are not here to escape. You are here to remember who you truly are.
Contact Us:
USA: +1 (646) 300-9646
Ecuador / WhatsApp: +593 98 044 0627
Website: awakeningsayahuasca.com
We look forward to walking this sacred journey with you.
You are the medicine. Welcome home.
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benjamintozer
September 24, 2024 at 7:28 pmI recently had the honuor of attending a retreat at Awakening Ayahuasca Retreat, and it was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed like family. The serene setting, surrounded by the beauty of nature, created the perfect environment for deep healing and reflection.
One of the most impactful parts of my journey was working with Juan, one of the shamans. His wisdom and presence during the ceremonies were nothing short of extraordinary. Juan guided us with such compassion, ensuring everyone felt safe and supported, especially during the more intense moments of the ayahuasca journey. The icaros he sang, along with the sounds of the drums and whistles, helped to ground me and amplify the medicine’s healing energy.
The retreat’s emphasis on integrating into the Tsachila community made the experience even more authentic. I loved learning about the traditions, culture, and sacred practices. The preparation of the ayahuasca medicine, which we were invited to participate in, was an incredibly spiritual experience. It deepened my connection to the medicine and the entire journey.
Safety was a top priority at the retreat, which gave me peace of mind. The medical staff was always available, and the thorough screening beforehand ensured that every participant was cared for in a personalized way.
It’s been a few months since my retreat, and I’m still integrating the profound lessons I learned. I feel lighter, more connected to myself, and more in tune with the world around me. I highly recommend Awakening Ayahuasca Retreat for anyone seeking deep healing, spiritual growth, and an authentic experience with a genuine indigenous community. Juan and the rest of the team will hold a special place in my heart forever
Kruti
September 21, 2024 at 11:15 pmWhen I felt the call to sit with ayahuasca, I searched for many centres in Ecuador but I was not feeling a firm ‘yes’ for any of them and I had decided I will not go ahead. Few days later, I tried searching once more out of curiosity and came across Awakenings Retreat. Very quickly I felt this was the place I had to come to. The website had profiles of the shamans so I knew about them before going, and other useful information about ayahuasca too.
Communication was swift and easy with Stefany, who speaks English and was incredibly helpful throughout the booking and intake process as well as during my stay. Although, I never got to meet her, Stefany’s support and guidance was felt throughout.
When I got there, I was the only guest at the retreat and I really felt at home on the land. Tigui and the team were lovely and warm, making my time memorable. My Ayahuasca ceremony was conducted by señor Manuel and I felt very safe and comfortable in his presence as he is such a calm and comforting energy. He showed me how the brew is made (though I was not involved in brewing my own drink due to lack of time and it needs to be brewed for around 24 hours) and asked if I have any questions. On the night, I felt very supported and taken care of by Manuel and Fernanda, whilst I sat with ayahuasca. They often checked in to see if I was feeling okay and if I needed something or if it was too much. The next day, I felt very vulnerable and had a lot to process but Fernanda had a chat with me, and I was able to have a conversation with Manuel (with Stefany translating on the phone) to interpret my experience. It was beautiful overall and I felt a release.
It was so important for me to choose a place that was authentic and safe. This is exactly what I got at Awakenings; it is a tranquil family environment run completely this wonderful Tsáchila family. If you are called to sit with mother ayahuasca, I highly recommend doing so here at Awakenings, you will not regret it!
Phillip
September 11, 2024 at 8:49 pmI spent 6 days at Awakenings and it was the most peaceful, enjoyable time I’ve had on a vacation in decades. I went alone and during my stay I was the only “tourist” there. I experienced two Ayahuasca ceremonies and explored deep truths about myself and powerful healing through Ayahuasca, meditation and my integration discussions with Manuel, Juan and Stefany. I also tried Kambo. What I experienced basically cleansed and unblocked my body for the first time in my life (I’m 58) and showed me that I have a spirit and POWER. Outside of the metaphysical, everyone there was wonderful. Stefany, Tiwinza, Jonathan, Fernanda, Gabrielle, Nuri, everybody, just made my stay perfect. Reiki, Massage, Sauna, a beautiful pool, beautiful and peaceful compound, amazing food, learning about plants and animals of the rainforest… I stayed “off grid” for 99% of my stay but having consistent fast wi-fi was great for when I needed it to communicate and for airline check-in etc. Needless to say, I plan on going back. Maybe I’ll make it an annual thing, even though there appear to be so many other interesting options out there. From my time there though I feel like they know me and there’s a bond we now share as I continue to explore and grow in my new (very new) spiritual life. Thank you to everyone at Awakenings!
foottej
September 9, 2024 at 9:47 pmI spent two nights at Awakenings during a larger trip to Ecuador; one night I participated in the Ayahuasca ceremony, and the next day the San Pedro ceremony. Throughout my stay, I was well looked after by everyone, both during and outside the ceremonies. Tigui taught me a lot, from the history of the Tsachila to the workings of Ayahuasca and San Pedro to information about the natural flora and fauna in the area (the trees, birds, frogs, and plants all lent a tropical feel to the area–the setting was reminiscent of Hawaii).
The ceremonies themselves were magical and felt authentic. The use of drums, flutes, and voice induced a trance-like state during the Ayahuasca ceremony (and during the cleansing beforehand), and the ability to participate in the making of the San Pedro medicine helped me to feel that much more connected to the ceremony. Both ceremonies left me a bit queasy (which is to be expected), but not to the point of vomiting. And more importantly, both ceremonies left me feeling internally fortified. For instance, after the Ayahuasca ceremony suddenly addiction as a concept made no sense–it seemed very beatable. And since the San Pedro ceremony, I’ve felt stronger in advocating for things I want (in a way that’s firm but not, you know, overbearing). I was the only guest at Awakenings for the time I was there, making the stay especially relaxing–I spent a great deal of time under breezy trees in a hammock, thinking of how to integrate the emotional changes that the ceremonies had brought about in me into my real life. Real life seems to offer precious few chances for that kind of relaxation and deep thought, and I’m incredibly grateful that Awakenings exists to foster that sort of environment and the healing that can come with it.
All in all it was a great stay. The people were lovely, the food was delicious, the setting was idyllic, and the medicine is strong. I highly recommend it!
Nene
August 20, 2024 at 4:53 pmMy experience was amazing and even then that is an understatement! I felt safe as a female solo traveler and Stephanie helped me a lot during my stay as I know very little Spanish she helped translate and told me stories and lots of history surrounding the land. She is great to talk with as well.
The Tsachila tribe has a beautiful and strong history and I will definitely be back. The Shamans were amazing and connected.
They welcome you with open arms and I personally have such a close net family back home, so being with the Tsachila tribe was like a home away from home. A family. I will never forget and I will return!