Ayahuasca | Integration | San Pedro (Huachuma) $520 - $3,000

Sapan Inka Retreat Center

Sacred Valley, Cusco, Perú

4.8 (167 reviews)

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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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Reviews (167)

4.8 out of 5

Overall 4.8

Orange Pyramid
August 11, 2024 at 3:44 pm

I attended the Sapan Inka Retreat in April of this year and had an incredibly transformative experience. The retreat is nestled in a beautiful location in Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, with stunning natural surroundings that create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The facilities include a separate building specifically designated for the ceremonies, ensuring a dedicated and sacred space for the ayahuasca rituals.

During my stay, I participated in three ayahuasca ceremonies and had the option to partake in a San Pedro ceremony as well. For those who prefer not to, there’s flexibility to opt out. The integration sessions following the ceremonies were particularly insightful and very private, providing a safe space to discuss and process the experiences.

The retreat also has two lovely dogs on the property. While they add a friendly presence, they can be quite loud at times. The food provided is ayahuasca-appropriate, with a combination of nutritious meals and periods of fasting to prepare the body and mind for the ceremonies.

One thing to note is that the rooms can be quite cold as there is no heating system. However, ample blankets are provided to keep you warm throughout your stay. After each ceremony, participants are sent back to their rooms with their buckets after about three hours, to continue to rest and reflect in a private space.

A significant benefit of the retreat is the opportunity for a video call with Erik before and after the retreat. These calls offer valuable insight and support, helping you prepare for the ceremonies and the integration process afterward. However, you need to take the initiative in scheduling these calls, as they are not necessarily completed for all participants. Erik also provided me with resources after the retreat, which was incredibly helpful for my continued integration and personal growth.

The retreat accommodates a small group of about six participants, which creates an intimate setting. I really became close with some of the other members, and the shared experiences fostered deep connections that made the journey even more meaningful.

Finally, I learned the importance of education when dealing with a challenging experience, or “bad trip,” during the ceremony. Understanding what to expect and having strategies in place can be crucial in navigating these intense moments. Erik’s guidance in this area was valuable, though I think more information on this beforehand could have been beneficial. As a female it’s important to notify your facilitator if you are on your period while participating in the ceremony. I did not know this, and I found the energy to be a lot more intense.

Overall, the Sapan Inka Retreat offers a deeply immersive and supportive environment for those seeking personal growth and healing through ayahuasca. The care and professionalism of the facilitators, along with the beautiful setting, make it a highly recommended retreat.
Bahareh
August 5, 2024 at 4:45 pm

I am writing this review after one year of reflecting on my journey at Sapan Inka:

While I wholeheartedly appreciate the opportunity to experience Ayahuasca for the first time at the beautiful retreat house with their adorable dogs, wonderful San Pedro ceremony on the last day and very pleased with the one on one integration sessions with Eric, I have to warn future participants about the following issues:

We were sent to our rooms after only 2 hours of doing Ayahuasca. I could barely walk upstairs and ended up purging on my bed, since there were no buckets in our rooms. I was too high and unstable to be able to bring my bucket upstairs with me from the Ceremony Place. The rooms were cold and dark, and I felt alone, scared and confused being by myself, while I was going through a difficult journey with Ayahuasca. I felt shame for lying down in my own vomit but I was too afraid of going to the bathroom alone and and felt too weak to ask for help. I strongly believe the shamans should’ve been present with the participants during the ceremony , to avoid circumstances such as what happened to me. Because I didn’t feel safe I ended up just focusing on crisis management to avoid getting too fearful and having a bad trip. A shaman’s presence could be very helpful.

In the morning, I eventually mustered up the courage to take a bath and change my clothes. I went downstairs to lie down on the couch as I couldn’t sleep the night before. Nilda came downstairs and without asking me anything about my experience, or how I was feeling told me to get up from the couch and go to my room because my socks would make the couch dirty. I still felt very weak and shook from the night before and Nilda’s lack of empathy made me feel disregarded and even more alone. There was no compassion and I felt my well-being was less important to the shaman than the cleanliness of the couch. After I insisted that that I wouldn’t go back to a dirty bed, she guided me to another room and asked me if I wanted to stay in the new room or the previous one for the remainder of the retreat. I told her in all honesty I am still feeling the Ayahuasca to some extent and will let her know later when the effects wear off. She told me very coldly that normally, the effects should be gone for people at this point implying that I am somehow not normal. That remark added to my feelings of shame, and brought back memories of childhood trauma where I felt disregarded when I was going through very difficult times.
I am very aware the shamans are not responsible for anyone’s trauma, but given the sensitive nature of their work and knowing that Ayahuasca can resurface past trauma, it is imperative to treat participants with empathy and kindness as the Ayahuasca ceremony could be one of the toughest nights of a person’s life.

Being alone during the Ayahuasca trip and the unempathetic response I experienced the day after created a painful experience for me.
I do acknowledge the many positive aspects of the retreat and I hope that my review can provide some honest feedback for the shamans and shed light for what the experience could look like for future participants. I thank the shamans for their valuable work and I hope that these problems can be resolved in the future.
- Owner
  August 6, 2024 at 5:28 pm
  
  Dear Bahareh, I am Erik Hendrick, director of the Sapan Inka Center. First of all, I would like to thank you for your review of your experience at our retreat center, as it allows us to provide a more in-depth understanding of our therapeutic approach used during ayahuasca retreats.
  
  We sincerely regret that the assistance provided during the retreat was not sufficient to meet your expectations, and we are sorry if this experience did not become a useful tool for your well-being and development. Our primary intention during retreats is for people to receive the help they truly need from ayahuasca medicine, and for us to collaborate with a proper integration of the lived experience.
  
  It’s important to mention that participating in a retreat is not solely about having a pleasant experience. A retreat is not a tourist trip or entertainment; it is above all a deep healing experience that can often be very challenging. Therefore, not everyone is truly prepared to participate in such a process. It is crucial to conduct a self-assessment to determine if one feels truly willing to undergo such an intense experience for both the body and mind as an ayahuasca ceremony can be. The healing process is not always pleasant or agreeable; often, the healing process involves a deconstruction of ego contents, a kind of temporary dissociation between the self and reality. It can also mean going through a dark passage similar to a near-death experience, a kind of symbolic and psychological dismemberment and death, as the experience of death is necessary for an experience of rebirth or revitalization.
  
  We have created a system of work that integrates the traditional use of ayahuasca, that is, the way it is used by shamans in the Amazon rainforest, and therapeutic accompaniment from a deep transpersonal psychological analysis approach. It is true that our ceremonies last between two and three hours, but when a person still feels the effects of ayahuasca intensely, they are accompanied in the ceremony temple for as long as necessary until they recover. We have learned not to leave people alone if they are not feeling well. Once people feel well, we invite them to continue their process alone in their room. This is an indication given before the ceremony and explained on our website. We try to fulfill our role as ceremony guides and psychotherapists as professionally as possible, avoiding projections as much as possible, that is, we do not seek to meet particular expectations but rather to perform ethically and responsibly.
  
  We work in our home, which is not a hotel and does not offer luxurious comfort. For example, there is no heating system in the rooms; however, in the winter season we use a heater in the ceremony temple and provide comfortable, warm beds. Each space in the house has its function and we ask participants to respect each space. The temple is used only for ceremonies with master plants, the rooms are the designated places for rest, the living room is a space for integration conversations and is located next to the dining room which is used only for meals. Additionally, we have extensive gardens where you can rest, practice yoga, meditate, or simply relax in a serene and peaceful environment. All participants are asked to respect the designated places for each activity, as there are several participants and not everyone has the same habits.
  
  Again, thank you very much for your review and for allowing us to share with greater precision the way we work.
AyaSoul
July 2, 2024 at 6:51 am

This trip, this experience, and these beautiful people changed my life and I am so grateful. Now that I have experienced Ayahuasca I have learned that it is a very personal journey. Researching, finding a suitable location, selecting a guide through the process, etc. All is very dependent on you. That being said, Sapan Inka is quiet, rustic, and scenic I believe with intention. Intention on the desire to connect to something deeper, whatever that may be for you. Eric and Nilda are both extremely intelligent and caring people that will help guide you through your journey. I cannot say enough to their credit. I suggest if you feel the pull toward Sapan Inka and your soul is saying ‘do it,’ that you follow that pull. Good luck and happy travels!
Elena Ch.
June 25, 2024 at 11:11 am

For a long time, I’ve been fascinated by ayahuasca ceremonies, feeling a deep attraction to the magical land of Peru. Recently, as if by magic, everything in my life fell perfectly into place. It was as if the universe had carefully woven a tapestry, bringing together all the scattered pieces of my being for this moment to arrive now.

My life began to transform in an intense and beautiful way. Changes without which I would no longer recognize myself… though, was I ever truly myself before?

A wave of harmony, light, and happiness flooded my being. I feel that a channel has opened within me, blossoming into a powerful connection with the Absolute Source. The earthly and the celestial have merged in a perfect dance inside me. I rejoice in feeling that I no longer depend on anything or anyone. That 12-hour flight not only took me to Peru but also to the depths of my soul.

When I met Nilda and Erik, an inner voice whispered that it was them, that they were waiting for me. It was as if an invisible and loving force had guided me there. I surrendered completely, trusting that something extraordinary was about to bloom in my life. And it did! When everything was confirmed, I felt blessed, as if divinity itself had caressed me with its grace.

Nilda and Erik, beings of light who, once they enter your life, stay forever in your heart. I still feel my eyes getting moist when I think of them… They possess a special gift for guiding the Higher Self of each of us. With them, you’ll find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. They’ll listen with an open heart and help you navigate the deep waters of your experience: thoughts, pains, most intimate longings… They’ll illuminate your path, making you walk without fear, with confidence, until you yourself become a beacon of light.

My heart overflows with gratitude towards these generous souls who have chosen to serve and help, sowing seeds of happiness in each of us. Everything around them is wonderful, including their cozy home at the foot of the mountain, a true earthly paradise: protective mountains, whispering forests, flowers dancing with butterflies, a silence that speaks to the soul, and a starry night sky that takes your breath away. The spring that runs through the garden, with its sweet murmur, blends harmoniously with all these blessings, caressing the deepest strings of my being. And I can’t forget the two adorable dogs that showered us with unconditional love.

My gratitude towards my new friends is as vast as the starry sky we contemplate together. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this transformative experience.
mavverrick
June 24, 2024 at 3:17 pm

I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Erik and Nilda at Sapan Inka. I came to their facility with some intentions I planned for early on, and having spent some time already soul searching and doing some of the leg work on and for myself over the past 5 years, I assumed correctly that ayahuasca would be a wonderful way to help me tie together everything I had already learned and done.

Erik and I had emailed a few times prior to my trip with some guidance and instructions on how to manage the medications I was on, as well as best practices to apply to get the best out of the experience. I was provided the option to jump on a zoom call in advance of the retreat which I declined.

The only down side I experienced was that it is in fact quite cold at night compared to what I am used to. But I wasn’t here for creature comforts, I was here to experience the culture and the medicine and if this is how it is then I will be happy with that. When I was in Cusco ahead of the retreat, I picked up an alpaca poncho for myself, and what I would do with it was spread it out over my bed before I went to sleep, so if I had to get up in the middle of the night I could put that on first, to stay warm wherever I went. I advise you do this as well.

During the ceremonies, Erik and Nilda had a perfect balance of singing, instruments, and calm, peaceful meditation. I personally had a very warm, wonderful, welcoming, and intimate experience with ayahuasca. Nothing about the things I experienced and saw were challenging at all. Again, the only thing I had to overcome was when I went back to my room, and had to get out of my warm bed to purge. Erik and Nilda do dismiss you when the ceremony is over, but they both made it abundantly clear that if you needed help or any assistance that they are available. I want to also mention that the other 6 people I was there with were some of the most beautiful souls I had ever met in my life, and knowing that they were also nearby at all times kept me comfortable in my experience.

By being transparent with Erik during our integration meetings and discussing what I went through he was able to coach and guide me through some of the few things that appeared unclear to me, although they were few and far between.

Their facility is modern and very accommodating. They have water regularly available, there is space to relax and sit outside. There are some beautiful walking trails in the area complete with places to sit and relax, listen to the river, chat with some livestock and locals if that’s your thing. Their area is very nice and safe, and the neighbors are wonderful as well. Bring some binoculars if you’re a bird watcher, and if your experience allows it, get outside and check out the stars at night!!!

I feel like these experiences are not for everyone. I believe that in order to have the best experience, you have to take ownership of your experience from the beginning, follow the diet and recommendation, lean in to what you see, and experience, and have as open a mind as you can possibly have. If you set high expectations for yourself, and fail to communicate your needs, you will struggle. This is not western medicine, this is not a pill you take to fix everything, and it is not a one and done fix all type of thing. You will only get out of this what you are willing to put into it, and I can assure you that it will be challenging. I wouldn’t look at this as a vacation – there is certainly some fun to be had and a lot of the experience can be enjoyable overall, but it’s a healing journey that you are leading yourself to and through. Erik and Nilda are compassionate facilitators and will be there for you through it all.