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Sapan Inka: Small groups (7 people) and integration sessions
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At Sapan Inka, we believe participating in an Ayahuasca retreat is a powerful opportunity for profound energetic and spiritual cleansing and healing. An Ayahuasca experience can be immensely favorable for those embarking on a journey of transformation and spiritual development. Our unique model is a conscious synthesis of the millenary wisdom of Amazonian medicine and the principles of depth and transpersonal psychology. We are not a center for spiritual tourism or mere Ayahuasca experiences; we are a dedicated space for exploring the deep psyche, practicing ancestral Amazonian medicine, and supporting transformative processes.
We distinguish ourselves through our philosophy of minimal interference and the unwavering shamanic and spiritual support provided in our ceremonies. Our commitment to ethics and professionalism is paramount. We believe an Ayahuasca ceremony is an opening to the reality of the soul and a world of sacred images. For this reason, we practice minimal interference during your experience of expanded states of consciousness, allowing the healing intelligence of Ayahuasca and your own inner being to guide the process. This is not abandonment or a lack of warmth; it is a conscious act of respect and trust in your innate capacity to heal and in the divine power of the medicine itself.
The transformative power of Ayahuasca is fully realized through a structured integration process. At Sapan Inka, our psychotherapeutic integration is more than a simple conversation; it is a rigorous process designed to help you assimilate, process, and effectively integrate your experiences. We provide a space for you to understand the intricate symbolic language of your visions, converting profound insights into tangible and lasting change. This is how the spiritual revelations from the ceremonies are bridged with your daily life, ensuring the journey leads to genuine personal growth.
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To navigate this journey, rigorous preparation is essential. An Ayahuasca experience can be incredibly challenging, and its potency demands thorough mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness. It is crucial for participants to understand that this is not a shortcut, but a deep and profound inner work that requires commitment and maturity.
Given the serious nature of our work, we are aware that our approach may not satisfy everyone’s expectations. Those who seek a more superficial, less confrontational experience or group activities may find other centers more suitable. Our model is designed for individuals committed to holistic healing and willing to embark on a serious psychospiritual path. This is why our groups are intentionally small, to ensure the personalized and ethical attention that is the cornerstone of our years of experience and dedication.
At Sapan Inka, our commitment is to support you on your journey, respecting the authenticity of your process and providing a safe and professional environment for a genuine transformation.
If you wish to explore the details of our retreats or simply prefer a more personal connection before beginning your journey, we invite you to schedule a 15-minute video call with us.
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Cyntre13
January 24, 2018 at 8:29 amMy experience at Sapan Inka Retreat Center was deeply profound. For years I have desired to travel to Peru and attend ceremonies. I have researched dozens of retreats and reached out to several of them. I finally choose Sapan Inka because I believed they were the most authentic and that their hearts were truly in it. Now that I’ve stayed there, I know those beliefs to be 100% true. The ceremonies were beautiful. Erik and Nilda’s amazing music and voices carried my psyche through the currents of the plant medicines in beautiful harmony. The retreat center and its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. Spending the days reading, meditating, and walking around the valley was therapeutic. The vegan meals were delicious and fulfilling. The arrangements for our trip to Machu Pichu were also perfect. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend a retreat at Sapan Inka and hope to experience it again.
dudeski
January 23, 2018 at 4:13 pmI did my research prior to picking Sapan Inka Retreat. Initially I wanted to have my ceremony near the jungles of Iquitos but I am so thankful I chose Sapan Inka instead. The ceremony was held in Sacred Valley inside of a luxurious villa. There were no bugs, running toilets, warm showers and comfortable beds.
Erik and Nilda were very warm to the entire group. My group consisted of only 5 people. 4 women and myself (a male). Everyone was very comfortable during the ceremonies and Erik did an amazing job debriefing everyone after each ceremony.
I followed the aya diet exactly as prescribed and I was very happy I did. The experience was very spiritual, loving and positive. I have since recommended it to anyone who has asked me and if I ever return to Peru I hope to give Erik and Nilda a visit!
Surrenderperu17
January 23, 2018 at 1:25 amI found Sapan Inka retreat online and decided to try it out for my for my first ayuyhuasca retreat while traveling in Peru… heard rumors saying retreats near a Cusco were a scam but felt a connection with Erik and Nilda through their emails and knew this was the one… and must say had zero regret they exceeded my expectations. They limit the number of participants to 5 but in our case there were only 3 and it was great we bonded and were able to share our experiences in a super safe environment. As explained in their website they only offer 2 ayu ceremonies per retreat because they believe it’s enough.. it’s not about the money or quantity but the quality of the experience and the ability to guide each participant in an intimate space.
The first ceremony was quite intense for me and every time I felt afraid or lost I could feel their presence surrounding and guiding me… if they could they would have walked the path for me but I knew I had to do it alone… it was like having the mother and father along the journey it was rough and beautiful at the same time highly recommend anyone in Cusco to find time because it’s was a unique experience.
House, food, transfer, nature was all amazing and had all my needs met. Will definitely revisit next time I’m in Peru.
Hard part is leaving and continue the path and lessons alone but I know if I ever need help they are always available a click away.
jclairep215
January 16, 2018 at 1:56 pmThis retreat was beautifully designed for true spiritual growth and reflection. I trust Eric and Nilda’s intentions fully heartedly, and I believe this to be one of the most important aspects when searching for a shaman to work with. They both take the whole thing very seriously and are not just in it for the money. They keep group sizes small, because they want to be able to give their full presence to everyones needs, which would not be possible in group sizes of 40-50. They are both wonderful, authentic and experienced. This retreat is designed for true internal reflection and they help you each day with the short therapy sessions.
This retreat however is not easy, and is not for you unless you are very serious about your personal growth. This was by no means a “fun vacation,” but instead one of the most difficult and transformational things I have ever done. The house you stay in is simple and minimal, which aids in giving you ample time and space for internal reflection. You will not be flooded with distractions of any sort. There are a couple games me and my partner played during the day, as a break from the processing of our experiences. The food is wonderful and simple, just vegetables and some spices. You can leave the house in the day to go on walks and explore the surrounding nature, which was very nice.
I believe ayahuasca to be a tool, to open up your mind to show you where you are not aligned with your higher self. To awaken you to the areas in your life where you are still living in fear. I do not consider it a one-shot “answer” to your problem. My experience at Sapan Inka was extremely intense, and I ended up only participating in one ceremony. I believe it would have been very difficult for me if i did not have my partner present, to help me and support me all the following days. That said, I fully trusted Eric and Nilda’s ability to hold sacred ceremony. As i experienced the scariest things I have ever been through, they sang me through my experience and lifted me towards enlightenment. The songs were so sacred and so important. Towards the end, Eric brought me back to the room when the ceremony was over, by using one of his shamanic techniques. They were both so capable of handing my situation, even when I deemed myself a bit out of control. They are wonderful people and I would recommend this retreat to anyone who truly believes they are ready for what ayahuasca may offer them.
kbleacher
January 15, 2018 at 7:47 pmI went to Sapan Inka for a 5 day retreat including 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies, one San Pedro ceremony and the Machu Piccu tour at the end. I am a 35 year-old American woman. I am a hard-evidence, skeptical kind of person, not a spiritual person.
Eric acted as the primary “shaman” figure, at least partially because he speaks reasonable English where Nilda does not, although they both clearly have their roles in the retreat. They are both very conscientious and professional in every aspect of their approach to this experience. Eric informs you of every detail of your somewhat strict schedule, answers all questions and reviews your thoughts and experiences at numerous points throughout the week in one-on-one interviews and during the ceremonies. While they both are clearly dedicated spiritualists, Eric is refreshingly clinical in his approach to interpreting and integrating your experience. He makes himself available before, during and after the retreat to help you along. He is obviously experienced and equally obviously works to improve himself at every opportunity, from both a psychological perspective and a service-oriented business perspective.
They are a very dedicated couple and address every angle of this experience between the two of them. This is a whole body/mind wellness retreat, not a drug experience. You are encouraged to meditate, write and otherwise process your journey alone. You are not entertained, there is no wifi or even board games. Your food is simple and healthy and served to you as-is…i.e. no menu or alternative options. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, but not luxurious by American standards. Eric and Nilda are friendly but distant. I’m not sure how much of that was a language barrier, but I firmly believe it is a deliberate choice on their part. If you are looking for a magical experience that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy, go somewhere else. If you are looking for an opportunity to affect real personal growth and are prepared to put in a lot of work before, during and after this experience, then I highly recommend this retreat.
A few notes:
While the food was simple, it was tasty. I made a pest of myself getting one of Nilda’s soup recipes.
The area where the retreat is located, which is their home, is beautiful. The San Pedro hike was one of the highlights of the experience for me because there was so much to see and learn. Incidentally, I felt the most engaged with Eric and Nilda during this hike. They seemed to love nature and sharing Peru’s bounty as much as I wanted to soak it in.
In my personal opinion, I feel that Ayahuasca is a tool, not a solution in and of itself. I wish I had prepared a more specific goal for myself instead of keeping my mind open to whatever came up with some nebulous ideas floating around. I also wish I could have stayed longer to do a few more ceremonies. As much as they aren’t really enjoyable, I feel like I barely scratched the surface of what I could’ve learned and would have happily done more.
I’m glad I followed the diet the month before going on the retreat. It seemed like the people who didn’t had a much harder time and didn’t get as much out of it.
I felt safe and secure at all times, despite being pretty nervous. They know what they’re doing.
The Macchu Picchu tour was very well planned by Eric and Nilda. Their guide was excellent. Honestly, as much as I want to be awed by history and whatnot, I’m much more likely to get bored and learn nothing. The guide was interesting and passionate about the site, I am very thankful for the experience.