Arkana Sacred Valley - 21 Day Ayahuasca Retreat

From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Arkana family for creating this safe space where more people can experience the loving embrace and healing powers of Mother Ayahuasca. I am eternally grateful to the shamans for showing us the path and guiding us through this journey, Maestra Justina, Maestro Louis, Maestro Herminio, Maestra Margarita, Maestra Ada and Maestro Idael. Words cannot describe their healing icaros and loving protection, and the beauty in a family so dedicated to healing the world. Their lightness, joy and laughter makes you appreciate life. And I have so much gratitude for the facilitators (or as a friend better put, “spiritual nurses”) who showed us such unconditional love and support all day and night. Thank you Luke, Crystal, Elsa, Matt, Raimundo, Liz. The work they do is not easy and you could truly feel that they are doing this out of the pure goodness of their heart. Bless these beautiful souls and their loving hearts. The term facilitators doesn’t do them justice because what they do is so much more and it would have been impossible to go through this journey without them. The unconditional love and support that they showed us has renewed my faith and hope in humanity, we really need more people like them in this world. The wisdom in the plant medicine cannot be explained. And I am grateful to Arkana for providing such an authentic and safe environment to receive such wisdom. I have to admit that as a city girl, I was concerned about being in the jungle. But it was 100% the right decision because there is nothing like receiving medicine from the source and I felt truly connected with Mother Ayahuasca and the divine.

My retreat at Arkana was the most powerful healing experience of my life. In one week I was able to overcome obstacles that have haunted me for decades. The center and everyone there were absolutely beautiful. I felt safe and protected the entire time. It’s hard to put into words how amazing the entire experience was. I am so grateful for everything. I love you Arkana.

My week at Arkana Spiritual Center was, without exaggeration, one of the most transformational experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced by an atmosphere of deep love, genuine care, and an unmistakable sense of mission. It became clear very quickly that Arkana is not just a business — it is a living, breathing sanctuary dedicated to the healing of humanity.

The Shamans & Maestra Justina
The shamans are extraordinary beings, each radiating humility, wisdom, and a level of spiritual mastery that is rare in this world. But Maestra Justina stands in a category of her own. Her presence is powerful yet tender, grounded and luminous at the same time. In ceremony, she seemed to "see" beyond the physical, guiding each of us with a precision and love that left me in awe. Her icaros felt like ancient keys unlocking deep layers of my soul.

The Facilitators, Staff & Heart of the Center
Every single facilitator and staff member operates with compassion, integrity, and devotion. You can feel that they truly care — not only about your comfort and safety, but about your inner journey. Their support was constant but never intrusive, creating a safe container for profound healing.

A very special acknowledgment must go to Jose, the founder, whose vision is nothing short of remarkable. What he has created at Arkana is a sanctuary for transformation — a place where ancient wisdom is honored, where modern comforts support the process, and where every element is crafted with intention. His mission-driven leadership permeates the entire center.

Facilities & Comfort
The facilities are absolutely wonderful — far exceeding what I expected from a retreat in the Amazon.

A beautiful spa for relaxation and integration

A swimming pool perfect for cooling down and rebalancing

Even a fully equipped gym, which I was honestly surprised (and delighted) to find

Comfortable rooms, serene communal spaces, and an environment designed for healing at every level

And the food… simply incredible. Fresh, delicious, nourishing, prepared with love, and perfectly supportive of the ayahuasca dieta. Every meal felt like part of the medicine.

The Ceremonies & The 7-Day Arc
The ayahuasca ceremonies were powerful beyond words — intense, sacred, and guided with exceptional professionalism. Over the course of the 7 days, I went through a precise and brilliantly structured sequence of rituals and treatments. The design of the program is truly masterful: every ceremony, every plant medicine, every cleansing session builds on the previous one.

The result was a purifying, transformational journey for my soul, mind, and body. I left Arkana feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to myself than I have felt in years — perhaps ever.

Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly recommend Arkana Spiritual Center to anyone seeking real healing, deep transformation, and authentic connection with the sacred medicines of the Amazon. This is a place where humanity’s highest values are alive, where love guides the work, and where true healing becomes possible.

Arkana is not just a retreat — it is a gift.
I will carry this experience with me forever.

If you are trying to decide if you should attend a retreat with Arkana, do it!
I was going through a very difficult time in my life and I decided to take a steps in my healing. I attended Arkana in Yucatan and I will say I learned a lot and mostly things that are already in me but I had forgotten about. I know that this is only the beginning of my journey but I feel a sense of peace and calmness in my heart that I had not felt in a long time. Thank you Jose, Ariel, Pepino, Billy, Valeria, Maestra. You guys are an amazing team and made me feel completely safe throughout my time there.

I've sat in numerous plant medicine spaces and the space at Arkana is the cleanest, safest, and more pure I have come across. I chose Arkana after having a couple of less-than-good experiences at other centers, and I was looking for a space where I'd be accepted and loved for who I was, and one that allowed my process to unfold exactly as it needed to. To say Arkana met my expectations is an understatement. The facilitators are fantastic -- so supportive and kind and passionate about what they do. The shamans are so authentic and connected to their tradition and the ceremony space they created was sacred. On top of all that, the accommodations are comfortable and clean. And the food -- even though it's served in accordance with the Ayahuasca diet (no added sugar/salt, red meat, pork, excessive oils, etc.) is delicious and nourishing. Working with Ayahuasca is not something to be taken lightly or treated irresponsibly. If you want a safe and supportive space where you can transform and open to who you truly are, this is the place 100%. I feel part of the Arkana family now -- and it really is a family -- and will for sure be back when the medicine calls me again.