Gaia Sagrada Shamanic Retreat Center

Via a Llayzhatan Bajo, Ecuador

4.9 (338 reviews)

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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

Amanda.P
May 16, 2023 at 7:06 pm

What a beautiful retreat! I signed up for the 7 day but ended up extending for another 2 days to do an extra ceremony. I didn’t want to leave, it truly felt like home!
The staff,shamans,volunteers and other guests make this a truly wonderful experience. The food is delicious and plentiful, the location so idyllic and peaceful. I loved all the activities outside of ceremonies and having the hot tubs are great!
The center is thorough with information, integration and after ceremony family meetings to discuss our experiences which help to process the experience.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this retreat and hope to be back in the future!
AmirMiles
May 15, 2023 at 3:47 pm

Gaia Sagrada provided the most profound experience of my entire life. The beautiful Shamans Titi, Namur, Anti, Santiago and Fernando were perfect. Their music and ability to hold the space during the ceremonies was mind blowing. My first experience was with Titi who provided a fun and carefree space. There was singing, dancing and minimal rules that allowed for play. I felt like a kid again. The next two ceremonies with Namur was more serious, structured and genuinely challenging; however, they were my favorite. These ceremonies is where I truly realized that Ayahuasca is a medicine. Namur and his apprentices, Santiago and Anti, were raising everyone’s vibration through energetic surgery. I was in absolute awe watching them work. After putting in the work with Mother Ayahuasca, I feel lighter, happier, and more confident after these life changing experiences. There is no other place I would rather go to take this beautiful medicine, Gaia Sagrada has perfected their craft. The San Pedro ceremony was surprising, since it was just as impactful as the Ayahuasca ceremonies. Christine Breese, the owner of Gaia Sagrada, is a revelation. She has been taking the medicine since she was only 19 years old, and at 57 she is beyond deserving of the designation of Shamanic Elder. It is conspicuously apparent that Christine is a master of her craft. She held the space for the entire ceremony, listening to every person’s story with care. She was able to provide years worth of professional grade therapy to every single person in only one ceremony! Her desire to heal others is inspiring and the community she has created is truly a blessing. I learned so much listening to others willingly unload their stories in the loving space Christine created. My group became a family that day, and we all keep in touch afterwards in our Whatsapp group. I am very much looking forward to visiting my new family around the world in the years to come. Gaia Sagrada is a beautiful oasis in a chaotic world. The grounds are well kept, full of natural love and life. The vegetarian meals are delicious and promptly provided 3 times a day. There are adorable dogs, cows, chickens and other animals on the property. There is laundry, wifi, clean beds and all the blankets you will ever need. There was never a time I was left wanting, and I felt so grateful to have chosen this place. I honestly will never go anywhere else and plan on bringing all of my friends and family to this magical place. You can tell Christine has created Gaia Sagrada to make the world a better place. She is healing and raising every guest’s vibration, one beautiful soul at a time. I am honored to have realized my purpose as a visible light bearer, to heal anyone who asks for my help. Cheers, Amir Oueid
Phil8s
May 13, 2023 at 9:12 pm

My overall experience at the center was life changing, inspiring, enlightening, alining and magical. It was way more then a healing center. Not only I feel better then ever within myself, but I also feel in my full creative power to make a significant difference in this world. I already recommended the center to many of my close friends that I think can benefit from it as well.

One of the most important aspect before doing a medicine ceremony, is trust. And I 100% trust the people running GaiaSagrada. They all have pure intentions. It is close from the city of Cuenca, 30 mins driving. There is Wi-Fi and cellphone connection. So when I was there I felt really safe.

All the shamans, staff, volonters and animals living at the center were very kind, patient and caring. My room, all the building of the center and the nature around were simply magical.

Also the food was great!

I made life lasting connections with staff and other participents.

After a 12 days retreat at the center, I will never be the same in the most positive way.
Agent007
April 29, 2023 at 10:30 pm

My experience at Gaia Sagrada was one I will never forget for the rest of my life. Where to start… My reason for seeking out Gaia was that I was entering a new chapter of my life after finishing graduate school. This experience left me feeling burnt out and disillusioned. I was unsure of my place in the world and what I was going to do next. I went to Gaia looking to restoke the fire in me I had lost and give some clarity in the direction I wanted to take in life. The experience delivered what I was hoping for and much more. When I first arrived at Gaia I was taken aback by the warmth and kindness of both the guests and the staff who eagerly welcomed us and took no time in showing us around the beautiful property. The community of guests, shamans, and workers at Gaia was an invaluable part of the experience, and I can honestly say I learned something from everyone there. I was surprised at how quickly and intensely we bonded. It really felt like being part of a family where we were all accepted and supported for who we are. The ceremonies were beautiful. I was struck by the incredible attention to detail and adherence to the rites and customs for each of the ceremonies. They teach you gratitude, humility and patience. Every element, from the fire, tobacco, Icaros, incense, flowers, all played their purpose. The order of the ceremonies was very well thought out, and the experiences seemed to build on each other. One of the reasons I chose Gaia Sagrada was the opportunity to work with San Pedro to spur me out of my burnout. It didn’t disappoint. The first San Pedro ceremony was probably my favourite of all the ceremonies. It opened me up not just to myself but the experiences being shared in front of the fire by the other guests. I was mesmerized by Christine’s ability to inquire into the root of someone’s problem, offer incredible insights, and to hold space for the entire ceremony. There were many times during this experience it felt like I was witnessing magic–something out of a dream. We shared our lives, experienced the full range of emotions from hysterical laughter to sadness and everything in between. It really felt like I was watching lives being transformed in front of my eyes by the masterful guidance of Christine. All this amidst the cool breeze of the Andes mountains, the sweet chirping of crickets, the croaking of tree frogs and flickering fireflies. It was an absolutely magical experience that I will cherish forever. The sweat lodge experience was quite grueling for me, but even there was a lesson. I learned about my own resilience and ability to manage discomfort. Everything passes. We are all working to transmute the inevitable pain that life brings into love and joy. That’s what I understood the rebirth process to mean, and this ceremony was a symbolic rebirth. Despite the overwhelming positivity of my experience and others in the group, I wouldn’t say that this experience is for everyone. It’s not a vacation or a place to relax. It will challenge you in ways that are uncomfortable and that you may not be ready for. It will challenge the ideas you hold of yourself and of the world. If you’re just looking to trip on psychedelics, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if you feel a calling to work with these medicines to explore your own consciousness and become a better person, I couldn’t recommend Gaia Sagrada highly enough.
EmV
April 29, 2023 at 1:24 pm

No words can describe just how beautiful this process was (but I’ll try) .

It’s hard to put into words just how utterly amazing this experience was. I had thought about sitting with plant medicines for many years but was scared mainly due to what you hear and read about Ayahuasca. After some life changing moments personally I felt the call and decided that it was my time and after hours of research looking at retreats across Peru and Ecuador, my heart landed on Gaia Sagrada.

My magical journey started immediately at the airport when I was waiting for the transfer. Literally everyone I met was wonderful, open and ready. This increased ten fold when I got off of the bus at the retreat and met other travellers who later became my familia.

The work exchangers and staff were second to none, so helpful, engaging and interested in you as a person. The retreat itself was absolutely beautiful, set on 55 acres of land up in the Andes mountains which you are able to walk around, beautiful art everywhere which I think may have been done by fellow travellers or workers, fantastic lodgings and amenities and the food was on point! I really enjoyed the hot tub and finally got into cold plunging.

Now to the process itself. I was on a 7 day retreat which included one Ayahuasca ceremony (Grandmother), one San Pedro ceremony (Grandfather) and one Sweatlodge ceremony where we sat with both plant medicines. Obviously I was nervous of what was to come but I can only describe my journey as beautiful. I had already done a lot of work and self development, which I think really helped me to open up to the process and let go but I would say I got a years worth of therapy in one week!! The process is very detailed, it ensures that you understand the plant medicines, what will happen during the ceremonies, how you may feel physically and mentally, how to prepare and to make sure you truly have your intentions and purpose set. Which I found changed as the process unfolded. You could ask any questions at anytime and because you are with a group you can also discuss with others. You really do become as close as a family as the process really does open you up and show your vulnerability. The ceremonies themselves were so humbling, the two Shamans and fire keeper take you through your journey through prayer, setting intentions, gratitude and music. Wow the ceremonial music!!!!

They are long ceremonies but it is what is needed and is what it is, you are on a journey and need to let go of the concept of time! Each one of us needs and deserves the time for us. I don’t want to give too much away but please be prepared to bare all and give love during these ceremonies, to everyone including fellow travellers and those supporting you, you will get the most out of the experience.

For me the Sweatlodge was the one of was most worried about and which challenged me the most, however I was so proud that I made it to the end! The struggle was really worth it and at the end of the day it’s just uncomfortable and again everyone is there to support you!!!

I am one week post retreat and still feel the power of my time at Gaia and have more clarity then I’ve every had. The hard work is now down to me but without the support of everyone at Gaia Sagrada and the amazing experience I’ve just been through I’m not sure I would have got to this point by myself.

I would just like to stress again if you are thinking by of going to any plant medicine retreats that it really if down to you to make the most of it by being open to the process, vulnerable, showing up with love and gratitude and that you are truly ready to commit to taking the hard steps needed. This for me and after speaking to the members of my group, was the the most effective way to see growth.

Thank you to Christine, Fernando (one of the happiest people I’ve every met), Paula, Anti, Wendy, Veronica and everyone at Gaia, I love you all and have no doubt I’ll be back to see you during this life journey. Sending all my love and respect your way ❤️.