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.

Reviews (31)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • serena
    November 22, 2024 at 8:04 pm

    I 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!

  • unboundvoice
    November 20, 2024 at 9:24 am

    Words 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 pm

    Beautiful 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I 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.

Add Review

Leave a Reply

Claim listing

Take control of your listing!

Customize your listing details, reply to reviews, upload photos and more to show customers what makes your business special.
Your account will be created automatically based on data you provide below. If you already have an account, please login.

Fill the form

Note: Your password will be generated automatically and sent to your email address.

Recent Reviews

  • RachaelB Review of Maloca Sagrada by The sacred medicine retreat with Taita Edwin and his family/team is an experience beyond words. His property is pure magic and that is a reflection of his and his wife’s kind soul and pure hearts. I’ve been sitting with him… Read More from RachaelB Oct 7, 15:40
  • Kenneth Mercado Review of Onikano by La experiencia es única para cada persona ya que cada persona que hace este retiro tiene diferentes intenciones. Pero por mi parte puedo decir que es una de la mejores experiencias que he tenido en mi vida. Pude comenzar arreglar… Read More from Kenneth Mercado Sep 29, 17:55
  • dtochal Review of Dreamglade by My experience at Dreamglade Healing Center, Iquitos – Peru is something I struggle to put into words. It was beautiful, immersive, deeply personal, and truly life-changing. From the moment you arrive, you feel that you are entering something much bigger… Read More from dtochal Sep 27, 15:38
  • Jarek Cichon Review of Dreamglade by I experienced a beautiful week at dreamglade recently. It wasn’t my first visit and hopefully won’t be the last. The container felt safe and professional. I made wonderful connections and feel the healing process unfolding. Definitely can recommend this place.… Read More from Jarek Cichon Sep 27, 14:18
  • Christine Thomas Review of Dreamglade by I am very thankful for the whole team of Dreamglade! I am very grateful to have had this experience I feel like I had a Cleanning of mind and spirit and that I freed from barriers I have put on… Read More from Christine Thomas Sep 22, 11:07