Volunteering Program

Such an authentic experience that started since even before reaching the sanctuary! At the time of asking for information, I was invited to join a videocall with the Hayulima family where I already felt the genuine and safe energy of the whole team, which only confirmed my choice.
Upon arrival on a late night, I was immediately invited to join the family at the dining table and felt warmly welcomed by everyone.
Salvador and the team provided me with the safest experience I could ever have, with an embracing and caring energy at every step. Not to mention the patience to answer all my questions!
The accommodation, food and local staff at the sanctuary are of excellent quality as well.
The beauty of the surroundings made my experience even more perfect. I am left with a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude.
The only thing I'd change is that I'd do the 10 days retreat instead of the weekend one to better engage with the medicines, which I will surely do next year!
I thought that I was already at peace and filled with love, but this experience humbled me even more and I am left with a deep sense of respect for the medicine and the realisation of the infinity of love that my being can hold. It's pleasantly overwhelming.
I can't recommend this place and it's people enough.
With deep gratitude and love ❤️

My son and I wanted to go on an Ayahuasca retreat together for 5 years. We finally made it happen at Hayulima over Mother's Day - no regrets in the least. Each ceremony Hayulima offers was unnique to the next. We were in great hands with Salvador, Amalia, Matías and Fernada, and Diana. We participated in the Ayahuasca ceremonies, the San Pedro, the Temazcal (Sweat Lodge), and Kambo, the Walk of Power, and the Andean Cleansings. Lastly, the massages were the best we'd ever had. The food was amazing as we had 2 to three meals a day depending on the ceremonies. The groups were smaller, with plenty of volunteers to help with anything needed. Great care was given to all. It was my first Ayahuasca so everyone took special care of me. They certainly gave tremendous attentioin to everyone there. However, being the mother and older than some there I felt a certain respect that I honestly wasn't expecting. This made me feel special during a tremendously spiritual time. I can't thank my son enough and everyone there that made it such a magical time. I will return in the future with my husband and perhaps other family members. Thank you Hayulima!!!

Blessings

The experience was incredible. Everything was peaceful. The shamans were truly authentic and made the whole experience feel safe and meaningful. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply grateful. Highly recommend it.

I met Salvador in 2017 during a life-saving retreat in Cuenca, & followed him to Mindo with another life-saving retreat in October 2024. After the disaster of the 2024 election & the toxic political decline in the USA, I decided to move to Mindo so that I can work as a volunteer on a regular basis for upcoming retreats (Karma Yoga) with my first volunteer opportunity earlier this month (March 2025). I'm settling into life in Mindo & love both the Hayulima family & this amazing community where I intend to build an intentional sustainable living community. None of this would have been possible without the loving assistance of Salvador, Fernanda, Matias, Emalia, Deanna & Angela (whom I call Angel because she took me under her wing & has helped me become acclimated to my new home). I am so grateful for these amazing people & their loving care for me on my continued healing journey.

Amalia and Salvador have a large property with everything you need to feel supported on your journey. There are some malocas, a large one for community gathering and a smaller one for more intimate moments. The temezcal was done so well. The 4 tobacco ceremony was a full experience. Amalia did an amazing job guiding the whole process, leading the prayers and uniting the group with songs. I felt very safe to express myself and connect with he group in a way I've never done before. Salvador held the rhythm for maybe 3 hours straight... I admired his resilience and commitment.

The food was incredible and delivered always right when it needed to be. The volunteers were kind people that integrated into the group seamlessly. The beds were cozy and there were plenty of blankets. Their were sweet dogs on site and sometimes the wildlife came to say hello.

Really it was a great environment and I would love to return in the future.