WOW. I don’t know even where to begin. There are not enough stars in the universe to give the rating that this family and company deserve.. This experience is so beyond “western” mindset for “ratings”. I had the honor of experiencing Casa Del Sol from 12/10-12/22 2020. It has officially been a week since my profound experience on this property. After sitting with the experience, I want to make something very clear, Ximena, Santiago and Mateo are all so dedicated to their work intention, how they hold ceremony, space and people on their property.

My LIFE & ENTIRE EXISTENCE has changed because of these people and this retreat. To even try and write words to capture this awe inspiring event does not give this retreat or these people justice at all. I will be chewing on my experience for a good amount of time.

One thing that stuck out was how every ceremony, every activity and every connection was specifically planned to help a clients intention towards healing as much as possible.

Santiago speaks from almost half of his life dedicated to the way of the Andean people and the way of the Native Americans of the now US. This man has knowledge beyond his years and I highly recommend listening to every lesson this man presents, as it can profoundly change your perspective on life. He is a beautiful, strong man that perfectly emulates the masculine side of the divine. He speaks in power with knowledge of indigenous cultures and also has this ability to relate to all people participating in the retreat with his humor.

Ximena as well completely emulates that of a divine goddess, feminine, mother and a person that is dedicated to their purpose. She literally blew my mind everyday of just being in her presence. Her softness, intelligence, and grace is just absolutely profound. Her willingness to connect heart energy with every person per group is something I will never forget. She held space for me in a ways I needed most. She will always be a figure that I look up to.

Mateo is the son that is the oldest of their children. At a ripe age of 20, he surpasses most “intellects” in the US for understanding of the deep mysteries, present embodiment and maturity. A musical prodigy (my personal opinion) and a teacher at heart, his balance and focus helped me through processing and ceremony and I am happy to continue having relations with him.

Writing this brings tears to my eyes of how truly amazing these humans are and how none of what I am writing even starts to capture them in reality.

Years ago, I made a choice that had devastated my life for 4 years. I had held so much anger, trauma and fear and it changed my being and how I showed up to the world. I searched for therapy, which was somewhat beneficial. But being a plant person and steward of the Earth, working with plant medicine was something that called me.

After this experience, for the first time in almost 5 years, I have found peace, within myself, with my traumas and with my life. I am able to love myself again.

I do want to stress that this is anything but a vacation. At least that was how I looked at it. I had intense intentions and focus to heal from this experience and this is the mindset one should have going into these retreats. By setting my mind to intention and healing, these people helped me reach deep, through mentally painful and physically straining experiences. This is not for the light hearted and this medicine should not be treated as such.

The amenities for the experience were perfect.The food was organic, fresh and local. The ladies who kept the retreat house and guest rooms were unreal amazing. The property itself is on a river, with somewhat of
a permaculture atmosphere. The family also held beautiful space for people who had lost loved ones through authentic ceremony praising the four directions. I had found out that my husbands grandfather died the last day of our retreat. As such Ximena held a sacred circle to honor my grandfather with the family and group. Truly incredible. The relationships I have made will forever hold a place in my heart. I truly feel as though I have family at Casa Del Sol and in Ecuador now. I will be absolutely be back!

MUCHO MUCHO AMOR!!