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.
unboundvoice
November 20, 2024 at 9:24 amWords cannot express the profound and beautiful experience we had at the Aya & Alternative Healing Center. Sasha and Ana Sofia have created the most incredible program in a magical space. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we felt so much guidance, support, and love. The Maestro is an incredible Shaman with a powerful divine connection to the medicine and energy. Our experience was better than we could ever have imagined and we will forever cherish it.
yellow rose
October 26, 2024 at 4:19 pmBeautiful healing center catering to individual seekers and small groups. Everything from the mindfulness and intention setting sessions to the freshly cooked vegetarian meals to the healing ceremonies themselves is offered with care. My experience was transformational and I am eternally grateful for the loving guidance and care I received. I highly recommend Aya Healing Center!
MeganSA
October 8, 2024 at 3:40 pmI am not a retreat person. The idea of taking any plant medicine was so foreign to me that I believe it could only be a calling to have found myself here. This review is for overthinkers, anxious people and over prepared travellers like me.
I was safe. This was so important about the center. Before my journey I was given an easy to read guide on what I needed to do to be safe physically, emotionally and to get the best
out of my journey.
I arrived to a clean, home like facility which calmed my nerves. My surroundings were comfortable and everyone knew my name. The center does not cater to big groups so I received personal care. It wasn’t entering a facility, it was sharing a home. I felt respected and Ioved.
I am not one of those people who get excited about taking plant medicine… I was really scared. The facilitators, Ana and Sasha held my hand through the whole process. Maestro had over 30 years of experience and his work is something I still struggle to describe. He was simple, traditional and so humble. He guided each of my ceremonies with a wisdom which can only come from those who are truly called to do this work. Even though I was unable to communicate during the ceremonies. I was heard and I was seen. My body, mind and soul was looked after.
The center also took care of all the hours in between…we ate well and were nourished with good food choices for the work we were doing. Our physical bodies were looked after with stretches, gentle yoga and we even got a massage on a day when our bodies felt exhausted. A welcomed surprise!!!
Meditations and integration sessions were an integral part of the journey proved so imperative to our ceremonies.
A beautiful day in nature with San Pedro medicine was also included to enjoy ourselves and seek a different healing process which tied in so well with the Ayahuasca.
Was it easy? No. Healing is not always easy, but I could not have asked for a better place to be to do it. I am so proud of myself and so grateful to forever have links with such beautiful human beings at the center. It was truly an honour to be a guest in their beautiful healing home!
peri halev
August 12, 2024 at 11:42 pmI have no words to describe my stay at Ayia Center but I will try anyway. The staff truly love and care about your individual needs and especially your healing journey. The ceremonies are amazing, there is a safe space and a skilled maestro full of love. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is pleasant. Can’t recommend more to anyone to have such an experience.
Alisa
July 11, 2024 at 1:48 pmI can not recommend Aya centre highly enough! Especially for single female travellers and searchers… this place is run by women who really care and take the time to find out why you are there and what you are looking for… the ceremonies are small groups only and you are super, super looked after unlike some huge places that are advertised. If you are looking for true help or meaning with Aya then go here!!!