Gaia Sagrada Shamanic Retreat Center

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Gaia Sagrada is a non-profit (rare among retreat centers) keeping prices as low and close to expenses as possible. Even the directors of Gaia earn close to minimum wage in Ecuador each month, as their priority is helping people awaken in a changing world.

Gaia Sagrada is nestled in the Magical Andes Mountains on 55 acres (22 hectares) with hundreds of miles of beautiful country roads and trails to hike. Most centers are in cramped quarters on a small piece of land, but Gaia Sagrada is expansive, open and free. You can see the Milky Way at night with clearer stars in the sky than you’ve ever seen, with fireflies in the fields. In the daytime there are beautiful mountain vistas in every direction and miles and miles of country roads and hikes to take. There is even a waterfall nearby to hike to!

Gaia = Mother Nature, Mother Earth
Sagrada = Sacred

This is a magical journey through consciousness that will change your life forever. Gaia Sagrada is sponsored by University of Metaphysical Sciences and founder is Christine Breese, PhD.

This is a chance to overhaul your system through shamanic healing and realize your full potential. Much healing will take place during these 12, 7 or 6 days in mind, body and spirit during this Ayahuasca retreat and San Pedro retreat.

Why did we choose Ecuador instead of Peru?

We chose Ecuador because shamans have to be certified and authorized to practice their trade. It is important to us that everyone has a safe experience with skilled shamans who are approved by the government to practice their trade with integrity, skill and a proper education in this particular healing practice. Ecuador has more regulations for shamans than any other country.

Ecuador was also picked for the ease of entry for visitors (no shots or visas required, only your passport), and also for its gorgeous, magical, and natural settings (very lush and green!).

Ecuadorian people are very friendly and helpful, and we have become quite a part of the Ecuadorian community around us. Your money helps to support them.

Where is Gaia Sagrada?

Gaia Sagrada is nestled in a small community called Llayzhatan (Yah-zuh-tan) in the Andes Mountains on 55 acres, about 45 minutes outside of the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. We are very near to Jadan (Hah-don) which means “Close to Heaven.” What a perfect place for Gaia Sagrada!

Why both Ayahuasca and San Pedro Ceremonies?

We feel that offering both is very important because one without the other is not a balanced experience. The shamans say Ayahuasca shows you what you need to change or heal, and San Pedro gives you the power to do it.

We offer both Ayahuasca ceremonies and San Pedro ceremonies because the Ayahuasca is considered the feminine aspect of the medicines; San Pedro is the masculine aspect of the medicines. In this era, it is all about balancing the masculine and feminine aspects in each of us to attain true wisdom. These two very different medicines help with that in every individual. The shamans also say that Ayahuasca shows you what to heal and San Pedro gives you the power to make the changes.

Modern, Comfortable Facilities

, sauna and modern housing with electric, 24/7 hot water, and WiFi make it easier to concentrate on your inner journey, yet stay in touch with the outside world if you wish.

We are practically bug free, (NO mosquitoes!) the air is clean, never too hot or humid, and you can see the milky way at night in the sky with fireflies all around you. During the day is T-shirt weather, with sunny gardens to sit in, and hummingbirds to watch.

Description of Retreats – 12, 6 and 7 day Ayahuasca Retreats

12-day Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreats are offered. During these 12-day retreats, 5 ceremonies are offered: 2 Ayahuasca, 2 San Pedro, and 1 mixed with a powerful sweat lodge experience. There is the possibility of 7 ceremonies if you are interested in doing the extra Ayahuasca ceremonies for an extra charge. There is one extra Ayahuasca ceremony in the middle of the retreat and a 2nd extra Ayahuasca ceremony at the end of the retreat and you would stay for an extra day making it a 13 day ceremony.

7-day Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreats entail coming for the first 7 days of a 12-day retreat. This includes 3 ceremonies – 1 Ayahuasca, 1 San Pedro and 1 mixed with the powerful sweat lodge experience. There are no extra ceremonies available for this retreat unless there are openings in the 6 day retreat (which is rare, we are usually completely booked).

6 day Ayahuasca & San Pedro retreats have 3 ceremonies: 2 Ayahuasca and 1 San Pedro with the option of 1 extra Ayahuasca ceremony if you opt for the extra ceremony on the day of your arrival. This gives you the possibility of 4 ceremonies in a 6-7 day span. You can also come a day early and settle in (recommended) so you aren’t getting off the plane and going straight into ceremony, making it a 7 day retreat.

You can see all our retreat dates here.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The Ayahuasca ceremonies take place in our beautiful maloka near the forest with the sounds of nature and the twinkling stars outside. During the Ayahuasca ceremonies we always have a few sober helpers standing by to help light your way to the bathroom, empty your purge bucket, and get you anything you need during the ceremony.

Some centers have people express loudly and be dramatic, but our ceremonies are quiet and inwardly focused, with our expert shamans holding space, using music and Icaros at the proper moments to carry the energy. If someone needs to make noise, we move them to another place outside the maloka so everyone can stay focused on their journey.

The shaman is there for your individual healing as you need it from beginning to end. Between ceremonies you are supported with experienced staff to talk with about your experiences if you need any help.

San Pedro Ceremonies

The San Pedro ceremonies give you a completely different experience. These ceremonies take place during the day and go into the night under our beautiful ceremonial gazebo patio (maloka), on the edge of a beautiful forest with a view overlooking the mountains, completely connected with nature in every way. Some San Pedro ceremonies are done walking through nature on Gaia’s incredibly beautiful land, with beautiful vistas in every direction.

While Ayahuasca takes you to your inner dimensions, San Pedro opens your and shows you how the dimensions intertwine and overlap with each other.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony

The sweat lodge ceremony, with both medicines mixed, takes place outdoors in a beautiful field, with the birds chirping all around you.

Connect with the Earth while you go through this deep, cleansing experience, a traditional shamanic offering as part of your healing and awakening. After the sweat lodge we sit under the stars and enjoy time around the fire, connecting with the shamans in a heart felt way with laughter, music and love!

In this ceremony, the San Pedro is given first, then if you want to take the Ayahausca you can later in the ceremony. It is optional, but don’t miss this exquisite experience of both the masculine and the feminine medicines together. It is like having both grandfather and grandmother holding your hand in this journey.

This is often everyone’s favorite ceremony, as it brings everything together, the male and female aspects of the medicines, and a balance to the experience. Places that tell you not to mix the medicines are usually ones that don’t offer one or the other, but we have found that this is the most healing experience of them all and there are always good results!

Each ceremony is different

In total, there are five ceremonies in a 12 day retreat with the option of 2 extras if you choose to partake, and the 6 and 7 day ceremonies have 3 ceremonies each with extra ceremonies (6 day only) if you would like to partake as well.

Each one is a different kind of ceremony with different shamans so you can experience all the ways that shamans work with these traditions. There are many ways to experience shamanic ceremonies and we offer them all!

Prices

12-Day, 6 Day and 7 Day Ayahuasca & San Pedro Retreats include everything – steam room, , wifi, food, several workshops and meetings, yoga, meditation and all the ceremonies with a day of rest between each ceremony. It is very important, not to rush through the medicines. You can see our Retreat Prices here.

Be careful with retreats that offer back to back ceremonies each day or squeeze too many into a retreat. It is important to process the changes happening for you, and get plenty of rest so you aren’t tired for the next ceremony. Better to spend a couple extra days in retreat than to rush through the medicines.

12 (or 13) Day Retreats: This retreat includes 5 ceremonies with the possibility of an extra ceremony in the middle of the retreat and even another for the possibility of 7 ceremonies if you stay for a total of 13 days.

7-Day Retreat: Come for the first 7 days of a 12 day retreat. There are limited spaces for the 7 day retreat option, as it is mostly filled by those who want to stay for the full 12 days. We encourage you to go for the 12 day retreat though because you will find that 7 days is not enough! If all you have is 7 days though, we are here to accommodate your needs.

6 (or 7) Day Retreat: Come for the second half of the 12 day retreat, last 6 days, everything included. Possibility of extra Ayahuasca ceremony on day of arrival, first day.

Our Retreats Are At-Cost, Non-Profit

Gaia Sagrada is a non profit retreat center, rare among Ayahuasca retreats. We are not in this for money, we are in it for the awakening of humanity! Our expenses cost 5 – 6 times more in Ecuador than Peru, and yet our prices are even more affordable than most places in Peru. We operate at the edge of expenses because we care about everyone of all income levels to have the opportunity to have this experience. Even the directors make only minimum wage, which is unheard of. This is a labor of love!

Who are Gaia Sagrada’s shamans?

Our shamans are true Ecuadorian shamans, so you are getting the real thing! Our shamans bridge both the Ancient and Modern worlds so they understand the issues you are coming to heal or understand. Scroll below to see pictures of our shamans and meet your guides on your inner journeys with the medicine!

Why Gaia Sagrada Is Highest Rated Ayahuasca Center

People who have been to other Ayahuasca centers tell us all the time that Gaia Sagrada is the best place out of all the centers they have been to and that Gaia Sagrada sets the standard for what an Ayahuasca retreat center should be, even outshining the famous and super well known ones.

Our shamans are around before and after ceremonies for people to talk to, spend time with people outside the ceremonies, and our shamans stay with the people from the beginning to the end of the ceremony.

At most centers the shaman sings for a little while and then disappears, never to be seen again until the next ceremony. If you see them around you are supposed to not talk to them or bother them. Our shamans are approachable and happy to talk with you.

Our shamans spend time with everyone and give individual attention to each person not only during the ceremonies but also between the ceremonies. You can actually talk with them at breakfast or sit by the fire and enjoy their company! This is one of the things that makes our center unique.

Our Shamans

Mauricio has been in documentaries of South American Shamanism. He is guide with power plants for 30 years, plays many instruments, plays shamanic music for events, and makes wind instruments and stringed instruments. He composes Andean and shamanic music. He is very famous for his music! He is a descendant of the Diaguita ethnic group from northern Chile.

Mauricio is an elder, which is very unusual and lucky to have as your guide in these Ayahuasca ceremonies. He is very skilled, well respected and well known in Ecuador for his work. You will be so blessed with a real, authentic and safe Ayahuasca ceremony guided by a true master Shaman!

Veronica’s motivation is serving others in their existential search in relationship with nature, and personal balance. She runs sweat lodge and creates a beautiful, transformative and authentic experience, carrying the traditions of the native people. She is a spiritual energizer who carries the sacred pipe (Chanupa), blessed by the elders of the Sacred Fire of Itzhachilatlan.

She is a Medicine Woman, Sun Dancer, Star Dancer, and has completed the vision quests. She is an Andean Agricultural student of University of Hatun Yachak Wasi, as well. She is also a biorhythm trainer.

Namur descends from a family of Shuar tribe shamans, a native culture of the Ecuadorian Amazon. He is a born shamans, so to speak! He experienced and connected for the first time with the medicine of Natem (Ayahuasca) when he was only 5 years old. The shamans of his community have shared with him their knowledge, wisdom, songs and prayers throughout all his life and he took part in many ancient rituals.

An elder Shuar shaman passed down to Namur the Uwishin practices. He has also received the instructions and teachings of the ancestral practices of other native cultures.

Christine holds space in ceremony with a combination of strength, gentleness and kindness that is quite rare. She touches the hearts of those she works with in her ceremonies. She is a shaman who has a way of calming any person who needs it and can help each person take their power back from the places they lost it.

Born and raised in La Amazonia (Ecuador), Santiago’s first memories are of the medicine, the ancestors, and his first limpia (shamanic cleansing) when he was 7 years old from his mom (Alicia). His Mother was his first and most important teacher. She taught him how to do limpias with the Sacred Plants such as: Tobacco, Santa Maria, Aji and many others. Another Master from his village was Don Juanito, who works with medicine plants doing limpias of all sorts and healing bones.

Male and Female Facilitators At Each Ceremony

We have both a male and a female facilitators at each ceremony. This keeps everything safe and in balance.

Women Are Truly Safe at Gaia Sagrada

Women are truly safe at Gaia Sagrada, particularly given that the founder of Gaia Sagrada is a woman.

You will love every single one of our shamans. Feel free to look on our shaman bio page for their history and photos.

We spent years looking for just the right shamans to offer ceremonies here. We bring the best of the best to you here in Ecuador!

Safe Medicine!

Whenever there are problems with Ayahuasca or any other shamanic medicine ceremonies, it’s because the shamans mix something into the medicine that shouldn’t be there. Sometimes shamans mix in Datura (Toe), Nicotine, or other ingredients to make the experience more intense.

However, ingredients mixed in is not true Ayahuasca and can become a nightmarish experience rather than a healing experience. When people have a terrible experience with Ayahuasca, it is usually because ingredients are mixed into Ayahuasca that shouldn’t be there (or the person is taking pharmaceutical or recreational drugs that should not be mixed with Ayahuasca.) Gaia Sagrada’s medicine is absolutely pure.

We use only the vine and the leaves for Ayahuasca. Nothing else!

For the San Pedro medicine, only the cactus. Nothing else!

Our shamans are under contract to make only the purest medicine with nothing else in it that could cause harm to anyone. Our medicine is the safest possible medicine that can be made, strong and pure.

Why Choose Gaia Sagrada?

At Cost, Low, Non-Profit Prices, good karmic use of your money. This center is not about commercialism or making money and that is why we offer everything AT COST. Things in Peru cost a fifth or sixth of what things cost in Ecuador, so this truly is our rock bottom cost! No one is getting rich at Gaia Sagrada. Even the directors make only Ecuador’s minimum wage, and get housing and food. This is about service to humanity, NO Ayahuasca commercialism here!
Modern Housing And Facilities. Comfort allows you to focus more on your inner journey. Electric, hot water, modern toilets and hot showers, wifi internet… LUXURIOUS HOT TUBS and SAUNA. No mosquitoes or bugs. Big thick, comfy mattresses in a real bed in a modern room. No other Ayahuasca center has this level of comfort and amenities. Be comfortable while you journey into the universe within!
Shamans Are Registered, Trained, Skilled, And Evaluated. Shamans are examined by Ecuadorian government agencies for their ability to practice their trade, instead of countries where anyone can call themselves a shaman.
Ease Of Access for travelers, no vaccines or shots required, Cuenca airport only 45 minutes away.
There have never been any medical emergencies, but if there was one, a fully equipped modern hospital is only 35 minutes away by car. No walking through bogs, hiking, motorcyles or boats required to reach help if needed. Even a clinic is only 15 minutes away, yet you are in a pristine 55 acre country setting under the stars with no lights or buildings interfering with the view. You would never know you were close to civilization. This makes our center one of the safest to experience these medicine journeys.
Not Hot Or Humid, pleasant weather all year round. No screeching animals or insects all night long, like in the jungle! Being near Cuenca and being in the Andes Mountains makes Gaia Sagrada’s temperature and climate like an eternal spring. It’s warm T-shirt weather during a sunny day and it’s cool at night. You won’t be dying of sweat and heat (or mosquitos!) at Gaia Sagrada while trying to sleep.
Medicine Is Safe, Strong, Pure And Unadulterated. NO additives or mixtures that could be dangerous to your health. We only use pure traditional ingredients, only the vine and the leaves for Ayahuasca, and only the Cactus for San Pedro. Nothing else! Period! Our medicine is safer than places where they mix things that shouldn’t be included.
Sponsored By University Of Metaphysical Sciences, a leader in metaphysics and spiritual teachings, with credibility and tens of thousands of students all over the world.
Instead of large, overpriced and commercial, we keep ceremonies Small And Intimate so each participant gets individual attention.
We Offer Both Medicines, Ayahuasca (feminine) and San Pedro (masculine) medicines in order to provide a balanced experience. One without the other is not balanced. Not all centers offer both medicines, and both are so necessary. You will see!
Our Shamans Stay With You From Beginning To End, never leaving prematurely before the medicines are finished doing their work with you. At a lot of centers the shamans sing for just an hour or so, and then they end the ceremony and leave you on your own just when you are needing their guidance the most. It is not good if the shamans leave when the medicine is at its strongest heights! Our shamans stay with you for every part of your journey, until the medicine is finished doing its work with you. They are with you to guide you every step of the way.
55 Acres To Hike On, plus miles and miles and miles of country roads to wander in wilderness and small, authentic, indigenous Ecuadorian villages, with the women wearing their normal indigenous clothing, walking sheep, cows and goats. You will never run out of beautiful vistas and places to explore. Here you will get a taste of what the REAL Andes Mountains of Ecuador are like, far from tourist traps.

Transformation with love!

You are supported in your Ayahuasca healing journey with love and kindness. You will have a true adventure in consciousness during these days of Ayahuasca ceremonies and San Pedro ceremonies.

This is a life-changing event – a healing retreat that will change how you see yourself and life. You will see the evidence of this in our more than 600+ reviews.

Be ready to meet yourself at levels you never thought possible! Meet the master within you and explore the universe that you are.

Reviews (338)

4.9 out of 5

Overall 4.9

Brius
May 29, 2025 at 10:50 am

Excellent retreat, it was interesting to feel all the power of nature and find strength for new achievements. I advise everyone to contact these guys
shannale13
November 4, 2024 at 9:25 pm

Gaia sagrada saved my life.

A mother to twin teenage girls and a four year old son, I was the lowest I have ever been. Everything to be grateful for, but my light had been dimmed to the point that I didn’t want to go on. I lost my power through years of childhood abuse and neglect, 19 year law enforcement career and sexual assault. I was drinking myself to death and there was nothing that was going to stop me. No therapy, no prescriptions, no circle of support could shine a light.

I had never experienced any type of plant medicine retreat or any healing through shamanism. I had heard from a friend about a retreat but when I looked into it, it wasn’t my cup of tea. It was commercialized, celebrity endorsed, expensive and bougie. That was the last thing I needed. I kept on my search and stumbled upon Gaia Sagrada. As I read through the site, I could feel it in my gut that this was where I needed to go. I thank the Universe and the spirits that guided me to Gaia Sagrada, Christine and her extraordinary team.

I am integrating what was shown to me. I am loving myself and all versions of me, throughout my life. I am loving others. I am practicing gratefulness and compassion. I know that we are all family, we are one.

I hope that I can reach souls with this review. I am a being who was lost beyond recognition. I am not well off, but money does not matter. I went solo. If you need help, do this for yourself. You are worthy. When I returned, I sent my husband. There are no words to describe how transformative this beautiful place is.

I felt safe. I found love. I connected with souls. I owe it all to Christine for opening her home and her heart. Thank you with all of my love and my whole heart. I send you positive energy and love for your journey of recovery.
Olivier_Legault
July 14, 2024 at 12:16 pm

This place is awesome !

You cannot choose a better place to heal and experience different medecine.

The environment, the staff, the food, the service, everything is on point !

It was probably the best 12 days of my life !
MamaLyn
March 5, 2024 at 6:09 pm

Gaia Sagrada is life changing. I went with a group of 5, from Phoenix, Arizona, and we all received what we needed… and then some! This place, and the people, are magical.

If you are looking to heal complex trauma; trying to find your way in life or, in need of a spiritual connection – this is the place. For me, and I feel as though I can speak for our group, I cannot imagine a more spiritual – or authentic – place to experience a Shamanic Ceremony, which may be as ancient as 60,000 years.

The price is unbelievably low and includes accommodation, food and the medicines. The accommodations are lovely and the retreat, nestled in the Andes mountains was breathtaking. Compare their rates to some of the others and you will be pleasantly surprised; for example, a dorm room for 6 days is around $1,050, (semi-private with half bath is around $1,200 private room with private bath is around $1,650) all inclusive of accommodation, food, yoga, integration sessions, some sight seeing, medicine (Ayahuasca and San Pedro) and the Ceremonies; Behold charges $7,650 for 6 days (3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies.

The retreat attendees included people of all ages and all walks of life, from as far away as Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Germany, Canada, etc. I, personally am 73 and I own and run 3 businesses; I met several other successful entrepreneurs as well as numerous young people on various adventures. The connection I felt with the staff, volunteers and retreat participants will be with me forever. There was a sense of family.

Gaia also has other retreat dates for 12- or 7-days; ours was 6 with 2 extra days and an extra Ayahuasca Ceremony. The longer retreats can include things such as Kambo and Sweat Lodges.

Gaia is run by some of the most loving, spiritual, kind individuals I have ever met and the Shamans – and the Shamans in training – were the embodiment of grace.

I witnessed several individuals having a difficult time, during a Ceremony, and was comforted by the amount of respect, patience and knowledge the Shamans, staff and volunteers displayed. Everyone appeared to get the healing they desired.

It warmed my heart to note that several very dedicated hard-working individuals, from all over the globe, routinely volunteer their time to be part of this healing process. This, to me, is a testimony to the purity and effectiveness of this retreat.

We signed up for the 6-day retreat, with extra days prior to and after the retreat – which was very welcome. We also signed up for an extra Ayahuasca Ceremony, for an additional $185. There are a few options, at an additional cost and the money goes directly to the individual performing the services; e.g. For $35 you can pay for a Tarot reading, or a deep massage, or a spiritual healing. Note that these services are generally performed by the volunteers and help with their living expenses… at no time were we ever pressured into purchasing any of these extras. The round-trip to and from the airport, which goes to a local Ecuadorian, is $48 or you can arrange your own transportation.

No bugs. No wild animals; however, there were a couple of dogs and cats which were attracted to the Ceremonies and seemed to know who needed a little extra lovin’.

It has been over a month since we participated in the retreat and the gifts we all received are still presenting themselves. I am now free of the oppression of the complex PTSD and decades of unrelenting stress, that had prevented me from fully enjoying my life; in its place is a new connection to my spiritual self… a gift I had hoped for, but did not expect.

20 stars out of 5! This exceeded my expectations. I am still singing the songs, I learned at the retreat… “…I can feel it in my body; I can feel it in my soul…”
SYDPsychonaut
January 16, 2024 at 3:16 pm

Nothing but great things to say about Gaia. Wonderful team, well organised, and super safe. If you are looking for a spiritual experience, one that centres around understanding yourself and the world better rather than a place to simply try the medicine, then Gaia is the right place. The people, method, and environment helps you understand and integrate your experience. It was my first time and despite it being challenging (the medicine is challenging) Gaia made it fantastic. I walked away a better person with greater insights about myself. Because of their approach and view of the medicine (e.g. it is not a silver bullet/substance that just magically fixes things, rather it is a spiritual experience/way to learn/experience perspective) it also attracts the right type of people. Having a supportive group of other participants is also very important, as you will spend a lot of time with them too. Gaia really attracts great people.

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