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.
oleiva
January 3, 2025 at 1:21 pmMy intuition was absolutely right about selecting this lovely place. I was welcomed by a team of sincere, caring, energetic true healers. I attended a three days retreat (the last of 2024), and I had great inner revelations triggered by the wise guidance of Los Maestros(as) in the safe comfort of the ceremony room, and during other beautiful activites. I also enjoyed the company of like minded people coming from different places in search of inner wisdom. I’m very grateful with Aya & Alternative Healing Center, and absolutely recommend them to any one looking of self healing.
lucabrando
December 3, 2024 at 3:28 amTruly transformative experience. Before taking the medicine I had read tens of reviews and watched tens of videos to get as informed as possible, but were nothing compared to what I experienced and learned. The role of the Maestro, Ana and Sasha were crucial, without them I could not imagine going through it the way I did, and I can’t imagine people doing these sort of things with other 30 people. This is a wonderful, private, intimate, safe space that I can’t recommend enough. Before deciding to do so I had doubts and reached out to people who did it before me who were kind enough to reassure me that this was the place, if you feel like you wanna talk to someone about your doubts pls feel free to reach out (you can find me on instagram @lucabrando_). Thanks so much!
einarbjartur
December 2, 2024 at 10:20 pmStaying with Sasha, Ana Sofia and Maestro for a week was an amazing experience. They really went the extra mile to give me the best experience and help me release things I didn’t need anymore. They showed how much love and passion they put into their work. They helped me through those difficult moments that were part of this journey with great love and sensitivity. The Maestro’s connection to the medicine is incredible, I witnessed some magical moments. The other activities like meditation were interesting and well organized and the meals cooked by Dani were great. The property is beautiful and spacious in a peaceful and safe area.
Thank you all for a wonderful time!
jos24
November 22, 2024 at 10:28 pmI thought I knew what to expect – but I was pleasantly surprised and my experience was beyond anything ever imagined. The small setting, true connections and guidance was profound.
– food was great
– space is beautiful
– true guidance, support, love and no judgement
– so invested in your success
– brilliant intention setting and meditation
– professional
– informative
I could not speak more highly of the kindness and peace I felt at this retreat. It was life changing.
serena
November 22, 2024 at 8:04 pmI had the privilege of experiencing a 3 days ayahuasca ceremony guided by Ana Sofia, Sasha, and the maestro, and it was nothing short of life-changing. From the very beginning, I felt embraced by their warmth and genuine care. They are the most loving, compassionate people, and their dedication to creating a safe, nurturing space is unparalleled.
Every detail of the ceremony was thoughtfully curated, ensuring that everyone felt held and protected throughout the journey. Their presence exuded such calm and reassurance that I was able to fully surrender to the process, knowing I was in the best hands.
Ana Sofia and Sasha’s guidance was profoundly intuitive, and the maestro’s connection to the medicine and the sacred chants created a vibrational field of healing that I will never forget. Together, they facilitated an experience that was both deeply personal and collectively harmonious, allowing every participant to find what they needed most.
I walked away from the ceremony with a renewed sense of clarity, peace, and connection to myself and the world around me. I am endlessly grateful for their love, wisdom, and the incredible space they hold for transformation. If you’re considering embarking on this journey, I couldn’t recommend this team more highly.
Thank you, Ana Sofia, Sasha, and maestro, for your incredible hearts and the sacred work you do!