My experience at Awakenings Ayahuasca was very special.

I found myself with more time away from work than I expected, and decided to attend a retreat on short notice. I found Awakenings, and reached out to Stephanie on Whatsapp to inquire about last minute availability and was pleasantly surprised to hear that they could accommodate me. Stephanie was very professional and really helpful in the process of helping me prepare and answering my questions prior to heading to Ecuador. Before sent over payment, Stephanie informed me she would not be physically present at the center as she had just given birth a month earlier, but that she would be in constant contact with me and available to answer my questions and support, which I was totally fine with.

Three days later – yes! It was so quick – I arrived to the center which is a 3-4 hour drive from Quito. It is a beautiful place, with beautiful souls. I was greeted warmly by Tigui and taken to my tambo which was thoughtfully designed, comfortable, simple and clean and just exactly what I needed.
Even though Stephanie wasn’t physically on the grounds, she didn’t miss a beat with keeping me informed of the activities, the meaning of the ceremonies and rituals I was participating in, translating when needed (I speak very little spanish) and answering any questions I had. In fact no one there missed a beat, everything planned was orgnized and on time, and very well executed.
For part of my week long stay I was the only guest at the center, and it was INCREDIBLE. I assume not much changes when they have larger groups visiting, but it was really cool to spend time with Tigui 1:1, learn how to make and brew my own San Pedro, and do solo ceremonies (san pedro, cacao, ayahuasca, kambo).

My ayahuasca ceremonies were led by Manuel who is a master shaman and with over 30 years of experience, probably more. He is overflowing with kindness and integrity – he is a quiet yet powerful man with a wealth of wisdom. I am used to attending ceremonies led by the Shipibo shamans in Peru with a lot of attendees and shamans, and these two traditions are quite different in style and ritual. I had never attended a ceremony where I was the sole participant with one Shaman. As a solo woman in mid-thirties, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly nervous beforehand, but midway through the first ceremony my fears had completely dissipated. Manuel is very professional and I felt a deep sense of peace in his presence. He stayed with me for the duration of both ceremonies in the Maloka, until I was ready to leave at 5am.

I was really pleased that I was able to learn how to make my own Huachuma (San Pedro) from start to finish, and had a very powerful ceremony that has changed my relationship to the plant.
I asked to add on Sananga and Cacao while I was already at the center, and they organized it for me at a small additional cost.

The food was light and nutritious during the time I was working with Ayahuasca. Once my diet was complete, I had fish, rice, and vegetables which was delicious.

If you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll be ok. I visited in May 2024, so if you are reading this there’s a good chance Stephanie who speaks fluent English, may be back, but again, even though she was not there, it was almost as if she was since she was so available via whatsapp and used voice messages as well. I also understood from other reviews that they at times have hired a translator for folks, but I’m not certain about that. There is pretty decent wifi there as well.

I was welcomed with open arms and treated with *genuine* kindness my whole stay. Fernanda and Gabrielle, Nuri who is 10 and super talented, and everyone else I met were wonderful and so kind. Stephanie and Juan offered helpful integration support in addition to my integration with Manuel, which I really appreciated. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to learn about this rich culture and receive healing from these people who have a robust relationship with nature and spirit.

I plan to return with my partner next time the medicine calls. If you’re on the fence, just go, you won’t regret it.