I took a Doula training course here back in December for 28 days. The course was very good, it is taught in Spanish but Stefany is available to translate and they offer class notes translated to the language you need. The teachers, Yanina and Fernanda were excellent, very knowledgeable as they come from a family of doula’s/ parteras/ midwives. It is a comprehensive course that covers the entire pregnancy all the way to post natal care. I had theory classes in the morning and practical sessions in the afternoon with lots of free time to explore the area, the cultural center and even the waterfall. They taught me traditional Tsáchila rituals and I feel honoured that they trusted me with the knowledge and gave me the ability to take it back home to share with my community. Some of my lessons were even adapted to apply to my country if the plants and resources weren’t available and they have given me contact details so I can reach out whenever I have questions. I have complex medical needs and my teachers were able to support me through the class and make sure that I was comfortable throughout.

Outside of classes I was never bored as I was invited to join in on excursions and family events to really immerse myself in the culture. I also had plenty of time to study what I was learning and consolidate my notes. The retreat is in a beautiful location and the pool was right outside of my cabin. They held a christmas celebration with the family and guests, we got to decorate a tree and had so much fun opening presents and eating christmas dinner.

I was well taken care of with 3 delicious healthy meals a day as well as snacks, tea and freshly squeezed juices. Yanina and her mother prepared most of my meals, suitable for a pescatarian diet and some of the meals were vegan and vegetarian friendly. There was a lot of variety and it was organic and well portioned, I could even ask for more but it was rarely necessary. It really helped me fix my diet and gut.

Everyone in the community works very hard and was available to support me throughout the month I was studying there. The Shamans are skilled and have been training for many years. Stefany and Juan were kind enough to arrange for me to try the medicines (ayahuasca and san pedro) while I was there. I learned that they take this medicine very seriously and don’t have additives in the ayahuasca to ensure that you get pure clean medicine. I experienced two Aya ceremonies by Juan and Manuel that were amazing. The ceremony is so much more than just the medicine they play music and do cleanses to prepare you for the trip that I was deeply moved by. I was supported by Yanina while trying San Pedro and had an excellent experience preparing and taking the medicine. The village is perfect for such medicines as it is a natural and spacious environment that works really well when taking things like San pedro and Aya. I was able to really ground myself, quite literally I was rolling in the grass staring at the clouds and just appreciating the earth with no fear or embarrassment.

I felt safe the entire time I was there even late at night as the retreat area is secluded and only the community lives there. If I had any issue it was solved instantly by Stefany and Jonathan and all the other community members. It was easy to contact people if I needed anything and I felt at home as if I were with family. I was apprehensive as I did not know any Spanish before coming but everyone was very patient with me and even helped teach me some Spanish too! I literally witnessed how they reinvest the money from guests into improving the quality of stay while I was there with upgrades and improvements being made while I was there. The accommodation was clean and kept very clean at all times. The bed was big and comfortable and they let me help choose wardrobes for the rooms as they updated them. The shower in the cabin was hot with decent water pressure as well.

There is something very special about this retreat, I will miss it a lot. I recommend staying for long periods of time as it allows you to really connect with nature and detach from the outside world/stress. Even though there is very good wifi I never felt the need to be online as I was enjoying the experience too much to care. The Shamans are skilled and respectful of boundaries and consent, the teachers too. The aya experience is genuine and not commercialised; it is truly a medicine for healing. Awakenings offers so much at this retreat I would recommend it to almost anyone.

The experience was transformative, it has truly changed my life. I have felt supported and accepted in ways I have always dreamed of, I will always be grateful. Thank you to the Tsáchila community for welcoming and teaching me! A special thanks to Nury for playing beautiful music on her violin.

In terms of travel to and from, Stefany was very helpful in arranging transport from the airport and back. She is very generous and supportive and has lots of great recommendations.