La Vida Divine (formerly Ayahuasca In Ecuador)

Contact for $5

Overview
Reviews
Add Review

Are you ready for a one of a kind spiritual and self-healing experience? Nestled in the heart of the lush and verdant Ecuadorian jungle, our Ayahuasca and San Pedro healing and spiritual fulfillment center has a long and proud history of welcoming truth seekers and individuals striving for inner enlightenment from all around the world.

An Authentic Ayahuasca and San Pedro Retreat

While providing essential home comforts such as comfortable lodging and freshly prepared gourmet vegetarian or vegan meals each day, our Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreat is otherwise one of only a handful of authentic treatment centers in the entirety of South America.

This is because while promoting physical wellness through deliciously prepared (and organic) vegetarian food, we also facilitate travel to genuine Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremony site on the Jurumbaino river surrounded by rainforest. their, our guests are given the opportunity to spend the evening wif an authentic local shaman. The next day, you will tan be escorted back home in order to rest, reflect and prepare for you’re next ceremony. Even better, at all times you will be attended to by one of our very own local guides and translators.

How Ayahuasca Heals

Popularly known around the world as a shamanic gateway to the spirit world, Ayahuasca has traditionally been used for thousands of years as a healing medicine also. Made using two indigenous plants Banisteriopsis caapi & Psychotria viridis, Ayahuasca works by promoting massive mental and physical healing responses in the human body.

While different for everybody, no one is ever not deeply affected by Ayahuasca. In like regard, few if any people ever come away from an Ayahuasca ceremony not feeling more spiritually and vitally restored than they did before arriving.

How San Pedro Heals

A lesser-known but no less effective healing plant is a cactus called San Pedro. Like Ayahuasca, it has been utilized by Shamans for many thousands of years in shamanic healing ceremonies, and there have been numerous reports of its healing power for cancer, diabetes, and paralysis, as well as for emotional and psychological problems such as depression and grief.

The Biblical Saint Peter, whom the plant was named after, is said to be the holder of the keys to Heaven, and so the name represents an opening of a gateway for us to enter into a dimension where we can experience the world as divine.

Participants are said to be ‘set free from matter’ and ‘engage in flight through cosmic regions… transported across time and distance in a rapid and safe fashion’.

One shaman described its effects as “First, a dreamy state… then great visions, a clearing of all the faculties… then detachment, a type of visual force inclusive of the sixth sense, the telepathic state of transmitting oneself across time and matter, like a removal of thoughts to a distant dimension.”

In this way, San Pedro is said to remove our negative beliefs so the positive ones shine through and we can heal ourselves.

Your Stay at our Ayahuasca and San Pedro Retreat

Due to the powerful nature of such ceremonies, our Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreat focus on marrying high-quality rest and relaxation periods wif intense plant medicine experiences. dis is why we provide you wif a superb natural setting, intuitive and support staff and high-quality nutrition throughout your stay. We do, after all, want your stay here wif us to be just as much a once in a lifetime experience as the Ayahuasca and San Pedro experiences themselves.

Are you ready to discover yourself and experience the physically restorative power of Ayahuasca? If so, make sure to reach out to us today to find out more.

Next Special Celebration of Mother Ayahuasca and Father San Pedro Personal Retreat

A celebration of Mother Ayahuasca and Father San Pedro every month from 8th-15th and 18th-24th 2018 in Macas Ecuador. Maximum 7 people
Come to join us for a celebration of Mother Ayahuasca. Eight days or seven days with indigenous Shuar shamans for Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies at the incredibly beautiful and peaceful sacred ceremonial site on a small river peninsula on the Rio Jurumbaino surrounded by rainforest…Great accommodations and outstanding vegan or vegetarian meals included. You may choose to participate for 4 to 8 days. Small Group, Autantic Indigenous Shaman, Private Accommodations and Affordable.

Special price for November 8-15 and 18-24. Mention Ayaadvisors for the discount.

4 Days and 2 ceremonies $595

7 Days and 3 Ceremonies $895

8 Days and 4 Ceremonies $1095

Reviews (62)

4.9 out of 5

Overall 4.9

RiverBird
October 22, 2023 at 6:41 am

I couldn’t be more grateful for finding my family at La Vida Divine. After years of researching the place where I was supposed to start my journey, and coming across so many facilities, I’m so happy that I chose LVD. From day 1 to day 8, I felt safe, heard, respected, understood, cared for & loved. I couldn’t imagine going through this journey without Jhoselyn & Gaddy. They are not only beautiful souls in their own individual right, but they are extremely knowledgeable about the medicine. They are open about teaching the why & how as much as they are serious about guiding people through the process. That’s so important to me. I knew I could ask any question. They gave of themselves personally during my visit and it was meaningful. I felt so many things while going through the process but the most profound feeling was connection. Connection to the medicine, connection to the ancestors, connection to the Shuar people, connection to the animals and land, connection to the River spirit, connection to Tsen Tsek, to the awesome bad ass women running the facility and mostly to my own self. I know that the work is just starting and there is no other family that I would go to outside of La Vida Divine. If you’re interested in the plant medicine, no matter which, to be honest, reach out to Jhoselyn & Gaddy. They are beings of light, knowledge and truth. Journey well.
Ar0
October 1, 2023 at 12:47 pm

My experience started with getting to know everyone while sharing a meal and later on playing board games. This helped build trust and community since medicine was in store for the next day. Each day we were nourished with a salt, spices, added sugar free diet. The meals were satisfying and carefully prepared to not only meet the diet’s restrictions but also each individual’s diet needs. We were encouraged to stay hydrated and well rested.

We shared meals together while also sharing about our experiences with aya. At the same time, I felt like I had a great deal of privacy, which allowed me to devote an ample amount of time to reflect. This wouldn’t have been possible without the care through providing home cooked meals as well as not having to worry about the clean up process.

There was also allocated time for doing yoga in the mornings, integration, and ceremonial practices. One of my favorite ceremonial practices was helping with prepping the aya to be brewed. It was reassuring to see what exactly was going inside what I was going to drink that night. It was wonderful to be part of a preparatory practice that has been around for centuries.

The nights of the ceremony were full of healing. The taita (shaman) took his role very seriously. In all four ceremonies, he did not skip a single part of the practices. The space was cleansed through his singing and dance rituals with plants and scented waters. He went up to each individual at least three times (beginning, middle, and end) to cleanse their immediate space. Jhos, Gaddy, and Taita all blessed the medicine before drinking it each time.

The medicine was powerful. It was loving, it was firm, and it was forgiving. Jhos and Gaddy sang beautifully. Such talented individuals. Their voices guided me through tough times in my journey. There were trained staff that stayed up until very late hours of the night to help me walk to the bathroom each night.

As a person who works too much, I felt a sense of relief to be taken care with such level of attentiveness. All members of La Vida Devine poured their energy so that we could focus on healing. It is a taxing job since they are up with us until sometimes 3am. They helped each of us while we struggled with the medicine. They grounded us through drumming practices. Taita performed his cleanses during the journey which also helped with grounding. Each individual was checked to see how they were doing throughout the beginning and high end of the journey. They did not rest until they felt sure that each of us were in a place that we can manage the journey on our own.

I have taken what I have learned and continue to reflect upon my journey. Even after the second month, I still have flashbacks of my journey, which direct me in the right path.

The wisdom from Jhos, Gaddy, and Taita helped me interpret some of my visions with compassion and without judgement. This was helpful for my learning process. I am forever grateful for the level of care and personalized attention I got. I very much liked the fact that it was only four of us that underwent medicine. I think it would have been too overwhelming to be in a large group. I will definitely return.
Natem Nua
July 4, 2023 at 3:26 pm

Dear AyaAdvisors,
I have the great honor and privilege of reviewing La Vida Divine, and the great people and community that makes healing feel as effortless as breathing (I also apologize in advance, this will be a long one). This retreat center is open to and caters a safe space to heal for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

This was my first time taking Ayahuasca and my first time traveling internationally as well. By paying in advance, everything was handled for me once I landed in Ecuador. All which included booking my hotel stays and my rides to and from the retreat center. My only regret was not scheduling more time for myself to explore the beautiful lands of Ecuador for before and after the retreat.

The retreat center itself was beautiful and well kept. The Hosts of the retreat have help from highly trusted and respectable members of their local community. These members helped to cook and clean for and after the attendees, adding to the already loving and peaceful environment. And not to mention, a good portion of the money paid to attend this retreat goes back to the surrounding communities. A plus-side to your healing journey, you still manage to help others in need!

Now, I personally chose to attend the retreat holding 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies and 1 San Pedro ceremony. La Vida Divine also offers a range of shorter retreats as well. I, as well as other attendees, appreciated their flexibility when it came to participating in the ceremonies. The Hosts fully understand and support attendees’ decisions about participating, because not everyone responds to and recieves from Ayahuasca the same way as others do. And they also understand and are flexible with attendees that may need more than one cup of Ayahuasca.

The ceremony site itself is secluded and tucked around by a rushing river that acts as a beautiful white noise during the ceremony. Throughout the ceremonies, the shaman sings prayers and blesses all of the attendees and facilitators. Comforting and spiritual music can be heard playing throughout the night, alternating with various musical instruments and the rare singing from the lovely Gaddy and Jhoselyn. The sleeping mats were a most generous surprise considering all that I had imagined beforehand were thin yoga mats (lol).

The ceremonies were led by a Shuar Shaman who has practiced for decades and has been taking Ayahuasca himself since the young age of 9. Shaman Tsentsek has a great paternal presence about him. Not once did I feel unsafe or uncomfortable with him around. I was able to look at him as my father, knowing that he looked after all of us attendees as his children and grandchildren. I was actually quite sad to say goodbye to him, but nevertheless grateful to have had him as another guide on this journey to healing.

The days of rest after each ceremony were well facilitated and very much needed. Fresh meals, juices and teas were made to help us recuperate and replenish our energy. And what I most looked forward to were our integration meetings. Where we all sat down together and shared what we had experienced and learned the night before, all voluntarily, and expanded those discussions into how we can use what we experienced and learned to help progress in each of our individual journeys.

Besides the actual ceremonies, there are a variety of other activities that you can partake in, such as Early Morning Movement (yoga/chakra/mindset/energy work), massages, a traditional Shuar cooking class, an Ayahuasca history and making class, and a multitude of other spiritual sessions that can be done with Jhoselyn & Gaddy.

However, I do implore fellow and considering attendees to do what feels right for you and what is within your energy bandwidth. So it is also perfectly fine to just relax, rest and enjoy the nature around you while at the retreat.

All in all, I 100% recommend La Vida Divine for those of you just starting or already well on your way in your journey with plant medicine. I for one can’t wait for my next calling, and to return again to the family that I can trust to care for me and guide me on this path of life, learning and healing.

IMG_5605
crhrch
April 6, 2023 at 6:18 pm

This was my first time doing Ayahuasca and I wouldn’t have it any other way. After researching a few other retreats, I came across La Vida Divine I knew it was meant to be. I got added to the upcoming trip fairly quickly, so I had to start my data before I even met with anyone and confirmed the availability. But I knew in my heart of hearts that this was where I was meant to be and I was not wrong

Jhoselyn and Gaddy were 10/10 hosts, took care of everything, and have now become a part of my newfound spirit family. Beyond being hospitable, they are knowledgeable about the sacred medicine they practice, and they treat every person with the upmost respect.

They have a genuine care and compassion for the community, their existing well also recognizing and building a bridge for communities they identify with. As a Black woman I’ve never felt more safe to driving 6 1/2 hours from the airport with a stranger, staying 10 days in a house full of more strangers, and doing a strange medicine that I had zero idea how it would impact my body.

Food was great, house was great, practices were great, and all of the people were great. They made themselves available before during, and after the retreat, and for anyone whose first experience, or for anyone who wants to experience Ayahuasca within the safety of other BIPOC or LGBTQ groups, la Vida Divine is your sanctuary.
Alucinari
October 8, 2022 at 11:28 am

This was my partner’s first ayahuasca experience and my ninth. My partner and I chose La Vida, because it is BIPOC + Queer owned and we felt like we would be in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. It was that and so much more. This was not my first retreat, but for the first time ever, I felt comfortable in being able to talk about colonial/racial trauma. I felt seen and heard, and knew that Jhoselyn and Gaddy could relate to my experiences on some level.

We bought the concierge package and it was well worth it! We rode from Quito to Macas with Marcelo. He was such a friendly guy and we learned a lot about Ecuador’s culture and geography during the trip. Gaddy and Jhoselyn were loving and welcoming in all ways. Their house is full of good energy, good food, and good music. The home cooked meals were nourishing and delicious.

My previous ayahuasca experiences were from the Colombian tradition and in a group of 50+ people. Being in a smaller group at La Vida was comforting and personal. TsenTsek, the shaman, is kind and down to earth. I felt attended to by everyone and I am thankful that Javier was able to provide extra support to look after our small group. The Shuar tradition is different in ritual from the particular Colombian tradition I participated in and I am honored to have experienced these differences. Thank you to Gaddy and Jhoselyn!
Dave.Macklenz
September 19, 2022 at 9:01 pm

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to spend my first Ayahuasca experience at La Vida Divine.
The retreat provided by Jhoselyn, Gaddy, TsenTsek and staff far exceeded my expectations. The ceremonies authentic, accomodation comfortable and hospitable, as well as all the support you could ask for offered along the journey. I have learnt so much not only from ceremony, but from the integration sessions hosted by both Jhoselyn and Gaddy that followed. With the added bonus of excellent food and music each day, this is the retreat to go for if you value a rich experience! Thanks so much, I hope that we can all meet again soon.
charone21
September 19, 2022 at 12:27 pm

LaVida Divine took absolute care for me. All information was clearly communicated prior to the experience. Gaddy & Jhoselyn were amazing hosts. The tunes were always on point, with a variety, the food amazing made with love, The two cats and dogs were loving. I loved that atmosphere which they provided with the colors of paint in the house, the mural, the fountain, the multiple altars, the OM room I spent alot of time in. The grounds outside beautiful, the swings and hammocks. All along with the hosts made my stay at LaVida Divine so warm and cozy. They always checked in with me for anything that I may need or want, I loved the integration days after ceremony. The ceremonies were so bliss. All the elements of earth, water, fire and earth were incorporated. Along with the senses of touch, taste, feel, see. My time spent at LaVida Divine has been absolutely life changing.
Jcrana
September 15, 2022 at 5:55 pm

Jhoselyn, Gaddy, TsenTsek and all others that helped in the process of the retreat at La Vida Divine were nothing short of spectacular. Everyone plus the space was homey, inviting, warm and comfortable. They blended traditional medicine practices with modern world comforts to offer ease along the deep inner journey of work that is done. The moment on arrival there is a sense of feeling that healing is done here. Jhoselyn and Gaddy offer much more beyond their ability to deliver medicine. You will feel guides and loved along throughout. I would highly recommend exploring their practices and retreat center. I would definitely return for another. Until soon!
pomegranategirl
September 6, 2022 at 4:52 pm

I had such an amazing experience at La Vida Divine. I loved the smaller group size, the deliciously cooked meals (that were compliant with the dieta!), and the intentional care of owners. One of the biggest blessings is being cared for when having these experiences, and that is 100% my experience, especially as someone who hadn’t done plant medicine like this before.

While this wasn’t an “easy” experience, I came back home infused with so much more ease because of the insights and releases I experienced. While nothing truly prepares you for the first experiences, I feel that I received as much info as possible before to make this a good experience.

The home was always tended to and the outdoor space was incredible. I miss the kitties so much! I truly felt at home in this space, no one felt like a stranger even though I was meeting everyone for the first time!

Thank you La Vida Divine for cultivating a place that feels safe, caring, and joyous for these types of adventures.
Balemonjr
August 17, 2022 at 3:52 pm

With a full heart I highly recommend this journey with Jhoselyn and Courtney to guide and care for you along the way. They are very thoughtful hosts and provide the perfect environment to make an internal shift.
At home I struggled with the dieta but once you get to La Vida Divine it’s all taken care of and delicious.
I plan on returning and bringing family and friends. The retreat home is spacious and comfortable. Be sure to chill out in the hammock and stare off into the sky, trees, and volcano in the distance.

Plenty of care is given during ceremony. There is help to get you to the restroom for some of the purging if you lose your footing and a roaring fire to inspire.

Go here. You will be very glad you chose this retreat.

Note: This review was edited to correct over-capitalization, but the original text has been left in-tact.

1 2 3 … 7 Next »

La Vida Divine (formerly Ayahuasca In Ecuador)

Reviews (62)

RiverBird

Ar0

Natem Nua

crhrch

Alucinari

Dave.Macklenz

charone21

Jcrana

pomegranategirl

Balemonjr

Add Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Recent Reviews