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 (30)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • boris rado
    December 22, 2023 at 8:40 am

    Embarking on the Ayahuasca journey at the Ayahuasca and Alternative Healing retreat center was an indescribable experience. My heart brims with gratitude for the remarkable trio—Mastro Marcial, Sasha, and Ana Sofia—whose dedication sculpted the most profound chapter of my life.
    Mastro Marcial’s serene presence infused each ceremony with an ethereal calmness. His humility and wisdom served as the pillars of my solace, guiding me through three transformative healing rituals. Each moment under his guidance was a step toward an inner metamorphosis, an awakening I will cherish eternally.
    The nurturing care provided by Sasha and Ana Sofia was incredible, exuding warmth and attentiveness. Their support made me feel entirely at ease, enabling me to delve deeper into the healing process. Mindfulness meditations and every detail were crafted to enhance this journey.
    This retreat, under the guidance of these remarkable souls, is a sanctuary for healing. The profundity of Ayahuasca’s medicine was amplified by the collective energy and dedication of this team, elevating the experience to unparalleled heights. To all seeking profound transformation and healing, I wholeheartedly recommend this haven. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of love, care, and ancient wisdom converging in a sacred space.
    With immense gratitude and an awakened spirit, I encourage everyone to embark on this beautiful journey.

    xBoris

    Note: This review was edited to correct over-capitalization, but has otherwise been left in its original form.

  • RBK
    November 18, 2023 at 9:27 am

    This was a beautiful experience with Maestro Marcial. My first Shipibo ceremony. Very intimate and relaxing, different from my other ceremonies in that it was a space of exploration and was called upon to sing. I am in the process of deepening my study with Aya, and grateful to have found this incredible center where I can continue my studies. The facilitators are warm and inviting, holding incredible space. The food was incredible, and I loved the flower ceremony. My skin was left smelling delicious. I also enjoyed the meditations, and the integration process which is so important for closing the circle.

  • Nicole109
    October 29, 2023 at 7:14 pm

    This was my first aya retreat. I felt very welcomed, safe, and comfortable as if I were at home. Maestro and the coordinators were kind, very approachable and did a great job of introducing the medicine, accompanying me throughout the retreat, making sure my needs were met and helping me integrate after every experience (very important!) The meditations were great to ground into the mindset, the meals were perfect for the retreat, and the sauna and flower ceremony were so beautiful to close. Thank you so much for this experience. For anyone going into this experience for the first time – you will be in the hands of wonderful guides and a very experienced compassionate Maestro.

  • AnaSofiaCM
    September 12, 2023 at 6:29 pm

    I had quite the experience with the Mother Plant and Maestro Marcial leading the ceremonies. My mind and heart were ready to listen. It all begun by experiencing a dense energy coming towards me in a threatening way. Maestro immediately turned around and sang the Icarus towards me and this energy fled away. That’s when I understood the importance of being guided by a wise and experienced Shaman. The next ceremonies had challenging moments as well as sweet ones, and I felt well kept through them all. Most importantly, after the ceremonies, I was guided through an integration process with important pointers and follow ups that have been helping this process till today.

    The coordinators and facilitators thought of everything and every detail was cared for. The place is absolutely magical and the views filled me with inspiration. You will surely have an experience worth remembering for a lifetime.

  • anitamarin
    August 29, 2023 at 4:33 pm

    My experience with the Medicine “ Ayahuasca” was way beyond my expectations. It led me to deep abyss of my past, made me confront it, accept it and then make me realize things which will allow me to live with it much more peacefully. After that I experienced a bliss I have never experienced before. The music flowed from ears to my mind and just created a sense of deep bliss. I just felt in sync with the world. A deep sense of compassion for everyone and everything. absolutely had the most profound experience of my life. It was a short experience of simple, grounded, connected life which I absolutely cherished.” Maestro Marcial and the amazing team of the Ayahuasca and Alternative Healing Center made me feel safe, and loved at all times! The Center is located in an idyllic place between volcanos in the beautiful Antigua Guatemala! A magic place. I highly recommend Alexandra and her team! I am sure it will be a remarkable experience for you wherever you are in life. Happy journey ! 

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