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.
A.H.
March 7, 2026 at 10:25 amBefore the retreat, I had a lot of respect for the experience and wondered if I could let go and enjoy it. I can only say that it was incredibly worthwhile, and I’m so glad my past self chose this place. This place truly is a healing place. Many heartfelt thanks to you, Ana Sofía and Sasha, for creating it and putting so much warmth and passion into it. I could deeply feel it. For me, it was good that I opted for the 7 days. I was exhausted at the beginning and needed some time for my thoughts and mental resistance to dissolve. When I was finally able to open up and let go, I experienced something truly magical. It was challenging and at the same time so incredibly rewarding. I was able to understand and release blockages that had been with me for a long time. I’m sure that I changed during these days. I feel more deeply connected to myself and to others, and I feel that I can trust myself and life. That is beautiful! I believe places of healing like this are incredibly important. Maria’s food was also a highlight for me. The Maestro and Maya from the team were there for me during the ceremonies and held the space, allowing me to truly immerse myself in the experience. I am very grateful for this experience and wholeheartedly recommend this retreat center.
Pierre
February 10, 2026 at 7:16 pmWow! I just came out of the 3-day retreat and I can honestly say this has been a defining moment in my life. I was skeptical at first but Ana Sophia and the whole staff made me feel so comfortable that I plunged right in – and will never look back. I can definately say that for me, there will always be a “before” and “after” moment from the retreat. In essence, it is a plunge into your subconscience, assisted by pros that will ensure the right conditions are met for a defining experience. For me, it felt like 20 years of therapy all solved in an incredible emotional, cognitive and spiritual experience. Once I get back home, I intend on writing a detailed story about my experience, in order the explain better what it can do for people in need, or who simply want to understand themselves better.
To Ana Sophia, Sasha, Maya, Maestro and Maria, I will always be greatful for your care, understanding and openess. My life will never be the same and I am total gratitude mode
Un abrazo fuerte!
Pierre
laury
November 7, 2025 at 9:56 pmReally recommend Ayacenter! Everybody was so sweet and i completely felt safe. I will never forget this experience and will be forever grateful!
tatonomusic
October 7, 2025 at 12:07 pmI was so lucky to be able to join this retreat last minute, my trauma was sever and i was desperately trying to find an ayahuasca retreat. I found 2 options, which were at later dates. Luckily a friend of mind share info about this, and I’m so fortunate they let me join last minute. I’ve heard of other friends retreats, and I feel like this retreat was the real deal. Royal treatment, I feel like a better person now. Thank you so much!
verena
August 10, 2025 at 8:49 pmI had a wonderful and healing San Pedro ceremony with Ana Sofia and Sascha. They made me feel so safe and comfortable, explained everything to me and guided me through the process.
I’m so thankful for the experience, for the authentic and deep connection to Ana Sofia and Sascha, to nature and can 100 percent recommend these beautiful souls.
Thank you so much!