Arkana Amazon - 21 Day Ayahuasca Retreat

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.

My time at Arkana gave me exactly what I needed. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely supported and cared for by the incredible team of facilitators. They were warm, genuine, and deeply invested in everyone’s well-being. By the end of the retreat, they truly felt like friends. The shamans were equally wonderful, bringing such wisdom and heart to the ceremonies, which were powerful, moving, and beautifully guided.

The facilities were stunning! The rooms, the malocas, and the pool all felt like peaceful sanctuaries surrounded by nature. Every activity offered added something special to the experience, whether it was a fun jungle walk, a visit to the nearby village, or a calming yoga and sound healing session.

What really stood out to me was how thoughtfully everything was organized. Every detail seemed carefully planned, and everything flowed seamlessly. I always felt safe and supported, especially during the ceremonies, which allowed me to surrender fully to the process.

And the food was absolutely amazing! Every meal was nourishing, fresh, and delicious, clearly prepared with love and care.

Arkana is a place where transformation truly happens in a setting of beauty, safety, and warmth. I left feeling lighter, more connected, and deeply grateful for this unforgettable experience.

If you feel called to the ayahuasca experience then look no further than Arkana. You won’t find a better staff, more caring people, and better food in the entire southern hemisphere.

This is the place to go, the birthplace of ayahuasca. No matter how far you travel you will feel at home, surrounded by people who truly wish the best for you. Love is the watchword; love is all; and you’ll feel it and carry it with you long after your stay at Arkana. Blessings await!