Ayahuasca and Alternative Healing Center (AyaCenter)

A Heart-Centered Journey in Beautiful Antigua Guatemala

 

Welcome to our little corner of healing magic in the heart of Guatemala! At AyaCenter, we believe that profound transformation happens when you feel truly seen, safe, and supported. We’re here to walk alongside you on this sacred journey with Ayahuasca and Huachuma (San Pedro), creating a space where authenticity flourishes and healing unfolds naturally.

 

What Makes Us Different

We’re not your typical retreat center. While we take this sacred work seriously, we also believe healing should feel human, warm, and yes—even fun! You’ll find genuine care, real conversations, and a family-like atmosphere where you can truly be yourself.

 

Our commitment to you:

  • Small, intimate groups (maximum 7 participants) for deeper personal attention
  • Comprehensive preparation and integration support
  • Year-round availability (10 months annually)
  • Personal Zoom consultation to ensure this is right for you
  • Ongoing support even after your retreat ends

 

Your Journey Begins Before You Arrive

From the moment you feel called to sit with us, we’re here to guide you. This isn’t just about showing up for ceremony—it’s about preparing your mind, body, and spirit to receive the medicine’s gifts fully.

What to expect:

  • Required pre-retreat Zoom consultation (your safety is our priority)
  • Personalized dietary guidelines to prepare your body
  • Guidance on setting intentions and mental preparation
  • Clear communication about what to expect during your stay

 

Our Sacred Space

We’ve chosen the peaceful community of San Pedro El Alto, just 15 minutes from Antigua’s vibrant downtown. Here, surrounded by nature’s symphony, you’ll find the perfect balance of accessibility and tranquility. Our ceremonies unfold in a space where you can hear the gentle sounds of the forest while feeling completely safe and supported.

 

During ceremonies, you’ll have:

  • Experienced facilitators who stay present and aware throughout
  • Trusted Maestros who read the energy and provide exactly what each person needs
  • Healing music and traditional Icaros (medicine songs)
  • Post-ceremony integration time with tea, fruit, and gentle sharing

 

Why Guatemala? Why Not Peru?

Great question! Guatemala has a special magic, as a territory. With its ancient history, and all its diversity of people, landscapes and traditions, we couldn’t help but to fall in love with this land, which has been called “The Heart-Chakra of the World”.

 

Here’s why it made perfect sense:

  • More accessible for travelers from North America and Europe
  • Shorter, more affordable flights than Peru
  • Authentic, experienced Maestros in a comfortable, safe environment
  • Less time-consuming journey, allowing more people to access this healing
  • Welcoming to both international visitors and local community members
  • We believe everyone deserves access to this medicine, regardless of their budget or time constraints.

 

Our Retreat Offerings

3-Day Retreat

  • 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies or 2 San Pedro
  • 1 beautiful flower ceremony
  • Integration and meditation sessions
  • Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time

 

5-Day Retreat

  • 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies, or 2 Aya + 1 San Pedro ceremony
  • Integration and meditation sessions
  • Flower ceremony
  • Relaxing deep tissue massage
  • Deeper dive into the healing process

 

7-Day Retreat

  • 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies + 1 San Pedro ceremony or
  • 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies + 2 San Pedro ceremonies
  • Integration and meditation sessions
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Yoga and acupuncture sessions
  • Flower ceremony and sauna sessions
  • Complete mind-body-spirit transformation

 

Integration: Where the Real Magic Happens

We take integration seriously because we know that’s where lasting change takes root. Every retreat includes one-on-one integration time, and we don’t disappear when you head home—we stay connected and available for ongoing support.

Our integration includes:

  • Personal processing sessions during your stay
  • Group sharing circles
  • Practical tools for daily life
  • Continued support after you return home
  • Connection to our extended community

 

A Word About the Medicine

Ayahuasca is indeed a powerful healer of body, mind, and spirit. But here’s the thing—it’s not a magic pill that fixes everything overnight. Think of it as a wise teacher and gentle guide, showing you new perspectives and walking with you toward a more authentic way of living.

Our approach:

  • Respect for the medicine’s wisdom
  • Realistic expectations about the process
  • Focus on integration and practical application
  • Ongoing support for sustainable change

 

Your Peace of Mind Matters

By the time you leave, we want you to feel like you’ve visited family. That’s why we keep our groups small, our approach personal, and our hearts open. Every person who walks through our doors becomes part of our extended family.

What you can expect:

  • Genuine care and attention throughout your stay
  • Safe, supportive environment for vulnerable moments
  • Authentic connections with fellow travelers
  • Memories and friendships that last a lifetime

 

Ready to begin your journey? We’re here to answer your questions and help you determine if this path feels right for you.

Your authentic self is waiting. Let’s help you find your way home.

Reviews (28)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • Kilian
    April 19, 2024 at 7:43 pm

    I decided very spontaneously to do a Ayahuasca Retreat in Antigua but it was on of the best Decisions I’ve made. The Introduction via Zoom and then the Arrival everything was very friendly and well organised. All the People are working very well together and want that you have a great stay and especially an Eye opening Experience. Even the Food was amazing and different every Day. After the second Ceremony I could extend because I felt that I have to go deeper with a third Ceremony. Everything worked out fine. The Hike on the fourth day was great as well. If you have the chance to go, do it, it will be a priceless Experience that you get here.
    Have a good Trip!

  • violetta02
    April 8, 2024 at 2:43 pm

    Thank you for a beautiful and supportive experience for our 3 day Ayahuasca experience. Ana Sofia, Sasha and the Shaman were very supportive and provided everything we needed to have a good Ayahuasca experience. I was very impressed by with wisdom of the Shaman bringing 30 years of experience to the ceremony guiding the mother energy throughout the ceremony by his singing voice and was able to give the right amount of Aya that we needed. The setting is very quiet and tranquil and I really appreciate being flexible with our dates and having us. It was a personal experience and I highly recommend this centre and I would suggest to newbies to consider the 5 day ceremony as you really get into the deep meaning of the aya on the second session.

  • Guillaume n.g
    March 8, 2024 at 7:56 pm

    What a Beautiful experience I had 🙂
    The people that runs this place have their hearts in the right place, they are welcoming, care for and encourage the growth and development of yourself, they are amazing.
    Cute spot, small group (2 persons including myself) and surounded by love and a genuine desire to help you
    Thank you so much

  • boris rado
    December 22, 2023 at 8:40 am

    Embarking on the Ayahuasca journey at the Ayahuasca and Alternative Healing retreat center was an indescribable experience. My heart brims with gratitude for the remarkable trio—Mastro Marcial, Sasha, and Ana Sofia—whose dedication sculpted the most profound chapter of my life.
    Mastro Marcial’s serene presence infused each ceremony with an ethereal calmness. His humility and wisdom served as the pillars of my solace, guiding me through three transformative healing rituals. Each moment under his guidance was a step toward an inner metamorphosis, an awakening I will cherish eternally.
    The nurturing care provided by Sasha and Ana Sofia was incredible, exuding warmth and attentiveness. Their support made me feel entirely at ease, enabling me to delve deeper into the healing process. Mindfulness meditations and every detail were crafted to enhance this journey.
    This retreat, under the guidance of these remarkable souls, is a sanctuary for healing. The profundity of Ayahuasca’s medicine was amplified by the collective energy and dedication of this team, elevating the experience to unparalleled heights. To all seeking profound transformation and healing, I wholeheartedly recommend this haven. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of love, care, and ancient wisdom converging in a sacred space.
    With immense gratitude and an awakened spirit, I encourage everyone to embark on this beautiful journey.

    xBoris

    Note: This review was edited to correct over-capitalization, but has otherwise been left in its original form.

  • RBK
    November 18, 2023 at 9:27 am

    This was a beautiful experience with Maestro Marcial. My first Shipibo ceremony. Very intimate and relaxing, different from my other ceremonies in that it was a space of exploration and was called upon to sing. I am in the process of deepening my study with Aya, and grateful to have found this incredible center where I can continue my studies. The facilitators are warm and inviting, holding incredible space. The food was incredible, and I loved the flower ceremony. My skin was left smelling delicious. I also enjoyed the meditations, and the integration process which is so important for closing the circle.

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