I went to Awakenings Ayahuasca in April 2025 for 7 nights, 8 days and it was nothing short of transformative. I went as a solo female traveller and from the moment I arrived, I felt incredibly comfortable and right at home. The energy of the retreat is welcoming and peaceful, creating the perfect environment for healing and introspection. Juan and Manuel were phenomenal Shamans. Their presence, wisdom, and guidance throughout the ceremonies & integration were deeply grounding and powerful. They led me on a profound journey of self-discovery and realization, holding space with such care, clarity, and authenticity. Stefany, Juan’s wife and our translator, was also an essential part of the experience—always present, supportive, and compassionate. She helped bridge the language gap effortlessly, ensuring we felt understood and connected throughout the retreat.

The retreat itself is stunning! Nestled in lush natural surroundings, it offers so many tranquil spaces to unwind—whether it’s resting in a hammock under the trees or taking a refreshing dip in the pool. My accommodation was a cozy hut with a comfortable bed, large fan, and a clean private bathroom. It had everything I needed to feel secure and at ease during my stay. Not to mention the same day laundry service at a very reasonable cost – and clothes were returned folded and smelling amazing. I also enjoyed the company of their sweet animals, 1 cat and 2 dogs Pavan and Fitseyah who helped immensely with me missing my dog at home!

The food was delicious and nutritious, supporting the preparation for ceremonies and the healing process. Beyond the ceremonies, every member of the Tsachila’s tribe was so kind and warm hearted. They shared stories and teachings from their culture with such generosity and pride, helping us understand their traditions on a deeper level. We also attended a festival celebrating the Tsáchilas New Year, held outside of the retreat. It was a vibrant, cultural experience where we had the opportunity to meet many more members of the Tsáchilas community. Everyone was so open, and eager to share their heritage with us.

During my stay, I participated in 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies and 1 San Pedro. We got to prepare the medicine from scratch, which made it more meaningful to participate from the beginning and see how it’s made. I also did 1 Kambo session—each of the ceremonies powerful in their own unique way. I had a relaxing chiropractic massage in this intimately lit hut with calming red lights to add to the ambience. Juan provided an incredible reiki healing session and Tigui gave an amazing sauna and floral bath. Every offering was intentional and contributed to my journey in a meaningful way. One of the days we went on a hike through lush banana fields, where we were completely immersed in the vibrant, tropical landscape. Along the way, we stopped to taste fresh cacao straight from the pod—a sweet treat which I LOVE! We also had the opportunity to make our own chocolate and coffee from scratch, learning the traditional methods used by the local community. It was such a grounding and hands-on experience, connecting us not only to the land but also to the cultural practices that have been passed down for generations.

One of the most heartwarming moments during my stay was how the tribe celebrated my birthday. They went above and beyond—helping me order a pizza for lunch as a fun treat, preparing a delicious dinner, and even surprising me with a freshly baked chocolate cake. Everyone gathered to sing happy birthday, and they gifted me a beautiful mug representing their culture. It was so thoughtful and meaningful, and made me feel deeply appreciated and connected to the group.

If you are seeking a space to reconnect with yourself, dive deeper into your personal healing, and experience a deep connection with nature and culture – Awakenings Ayahuasca is the place for you. I cannot thank the staff and the entire community enough for the love, wisdom, and healing they so generously shared. This retreat changed my life, and I will carry its lessons with me always.