A true healing center rooted in integrity, safety, and real transformation

As a trauma-informed coach, I have spent over 25 years on a healing path—through therapy, somatic work, plant medicine, and as a yoga and meditation teacher and practitioner—and I can say with complete clarity that what Arkana offers stands in a category of its own.

This is not just a retreat.
It is a true healing center.

From the moment I arrived, I felt safe. And as someone who comes from my own personal trauma, that is not something I say lightly. Safety and trust are everything to me, and I felt both right away. You can feel the integrity of Arkana immediately.

One of the most powerful parts of my time there was that I was finally able to rest. Not just physically, but at a nervous system level. My body softened. I stopped bracing. And in that space, healing began.

The jungle itself is medicine. Being surrounded by the plants, the energy of the Amazon, and the depth of that environment had a profound effect on my system.

What truly sets Arkana apart is the caliber of the Shipibo healers and the strength of the entire facilitation team. These are deeply experienced, grounded professionals and indigenous healers working together seamlessly. The icaros, the precision of the work, and the way ceremony is held is extraordinary. Multiple shamans are present, supported by an exceptional team of facilitators, and you feel how carefully the space is held—protected, supported, and deeply intentional.

The healing begins the moment you arrive. You meet with the shamans and the facilitation team, and they really take the time to understand your history, your trauma, and your intentions. They asked thoughtful, perceptive questions that made me feel seen as a whole person, not just a participant.

The facilitators were incredible—present, attentive, and genuinely caring. They are deeply involved in your experience, making sure you feel safe, supported, and never alone. There is a level of professionalism and heart here that is rare to find.

What impressed me most was the integrity in how they guide the medicine work over time. After each ceremony, you meet again with the shamans and facilitation team to talk through your experience in detail. They listen closely, offer insight, and thoughtfully guide your dosage for the next ceremony.

There is no sense of trying to push people deeper than they are ready for. The intention is not to “blast you off,” but to support a process where you can stay connected, aware, and able to understand what is happening as you move through it. That level of care matters. It allows for real integration and helps prevent overwhelm or reactivation of deeper trauma. You can feel that everything is done with precision, responsibility, and respect for each individual’s nervous system.

I received not only ayahuasca and sapo, but additional plant medicines tailored specifically to my needs. I was even offered a private ceremony for deeper healing.

The physical experience for me was profound. I came in with one body and left feeling deeply cleansed. The purgative process was intense and, at times, felt like a full rebirth. I kept saying it reminded me of giving birth to my sons naturally—raw, powerful, and deeply transformative. It felt like years of stored emotion and tension were leaving my body.

Through all of it, I felt supported. I was never alone. I always felt held.

I was also deeply impacted by the people Arkana attracts. This is a place for those who are truly ready to look at themselves honestly and courageously and have a true desire to heal. I witnessed people working through grief, heartbreak, trauma, depression, addiction, major life decisions, and profound questions about their lives. The level of openness and authenticity created an environment where real healing could happen.

The integration process is equally strong. You are not left alone with your experience—you are supported in understanding it and carrying it forward.

The environment reflects the same level of care. The rooms are beautiful, the beds are comfortable, everything is clean and thoughtfully maintained. The food is incredible—nourishing, intentional, and clearly made with love.

I also had the opportunity to spend time with Jose, the owner, and one of the shamans before ceremony. They were patient, present, and deeply generous with their time and wisdom. Jose embodies the heart of Arkana—humble, kind, and devoted to the healing of every person who comes through.

I can honestly say the depth of healing I experienced at Arkana stands on its own.

This experience changed me, and I know its impact will continue to unfold over time.

I will absolutely return. As a trauma-informed somatic practitioner supporting clients through profound life transitions, I am planning to bring clients to Arkana. I trust this place with the people I care for most—and that speaks volumes.

Thank you, Arkana. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.