🌵 Should you need it; we offer a 45 minute 1-on-1 online integration or guidance session after the retreat
Preparing for Your Journey
Before the ceremony, we take time to fully prepare you—offering guidance, tools, and insight to help you navigate the Huachuma experience with confidence and clarity. Your well-being is central to everything we do, and we aim to ensure you feel safe, supported, and informed every step of the way.
Ceremony Flow
We begin each ceremony by giving thanks to the spirit of the plant and honoring the path that has brought us together. You’ll have the opportunity to share your intentions, if you feel called to, in a respectful and supportive space.
After drinking the Huachuma brew, you’ll be invited to rest on your mattress and let the medicine gently unfold its effects. Each ceremony is held in an atmosphere of safety, with one experienced facilitator for every three participants—ensuring attentive care throughout your journey.
A Non-Shamanic Approach, Rooted in Respect
While we deeply honor traditional shamanic practices of South America, our approach is different. We do not claim to replicate shamanic ceremonies, as we believe that sacred traditions should be upheld only by authentic, indigenous shamans—who are rare and often misrepresented in the West. Instead, our focus is on creating a loving, distraction-free environment that allows the medicine and your inner wisdom to guide the process.
Sound, Silence, and Nature
Your journey will be supported by a gentle balance of live music, carefully curated recorded music, moments of silence, and connection with the natural surroundings. At times, we may take quiet walks around the beautiful grounds of The Lighthouse, allowing you to feel the deep presence of nature—the earth beneath you, the sky above, and the stillness within.
Ceremonies typically last between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the individual experience.
Integration & Grounding
After the ceremony, there will be ample time for grounding, nourishment, rest, and sharing. We provide a supportive space to reflect on your insights and begin integrating what you’ve experienced. You’ll also have time to connect with others—or simply to meet the new version of yourself in quiet peace.
Hi, this is Isher. I'm particularly interested in working with people who have a history of depression, addiction or people who are just looking take hold of their lives again. Anyone who's interested in exploring their inner urge to expand their consciousness without the fear of being judged will always have my full attention and loving respect.
After living 30 years of my life living with recurring depression, a feeling of not belonging and a general sense of not knowing who i am or why i'm here, i decided it was time to do some serious work on myself and. I started meditating and it certainly helped with being able to witness myself and my behavioral patterns and moods. But why was i having these patterns and moods? What was underneath them? I came across a man called Dr Gabor Mate (An expert in trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development) around 8 years. This lead me to the use of plant medicines. First with Ayahuasca (which showed my the roots cause of my behavior patterns as well as helping me shed my mental and spiritual pollution that i felt society had installed in me. Then with San Pedro/Huachuma which i feel made me complete again and gave me my clear focus, mental strength and a purpose in life.
I decided to focus mainly on working with San Pedro as i have so much respect for the gentle and patient nature of the medicine. I don't claim to be a shaman like in the South America traditional sense. I totally respect the shamanic ways and have work and journeyed with Shamans, but I feel this tradition is a sacred one that is so often exploited and by westerners. Shamanic ceremonies should only be conducted by genuine shamans of which they are few a far between in my experience. I also feel that experiencing your journey with loving support and with as little distractions or interference as possible gives the participants the deepest and most transformational experience. I'm descried as being a gentle giant and a big open heart. I offer plenty experience working with medicines as well as safety and protection. I'm originally from the UK but now living in Portugal where we have the perfect location to truly work with this medicine at it's best.
I strongly believe in everyone's individual reality, and that everything is just how it's supposed to be. I feel that we should try our best to embrace our fears and emotions, not run away or drown in to them and we should always show gratitude to the human experience. Life and awareness truly is a blessing.
Blessing on your travels
Isher
Chuma is the 2nd gentle giant (next to Isher) at The Lighthouse. Chuma is a master teacher in joy and authenticity. He will be in and around the house, so please be aware if you're allergic or afraid of dogs.
Hi, my name is Marijke. I guess you could say I started my healing journey back in 2005 when after experiencing a burn out cause by then career, many bouts of depression and a heavy relationship with cannabis, I decided there must be something else, this can't be it! I enrolled on a 2 year course at a school of living art in The Netherlands. It was here that really started to take a deep look inside myself.
Later, I heard someone talk about a life changing experience with a plant medicine called Ayahuasca. I was intrigued and felt a strong calling to try for myself. I combined the sessions with psycho therapy initially and I'm glad I did so as I could really open up to my therapist as well as help me keep my feet on the floor.
I eventually became a facilitator at the same centre in which I took my first Ayahuasca session and then became a ceremony leader for 5 years. I also met Isher here and we struck up a strong friendship. I later worked as a facilitator at another centre in The Netherlands, this working with different shamans from Peru. Now I'm working with Huachuma at The Lighthouse. All in all I've guided hundreds of participants through their plant medicine journeys.
On a personal level, plant medicines have helped me see different perspectives, have a healthier acceptance of myself and therefore others. I'm kinder to myself and my shadow side. I realise that the world didn't change but the way I look at it now makes it easier to live in. I feel like I've received healing on many different levels.
I like to keep it real, I'm down to earth and have a strong protecting energy. I love to see people regain their inner power and strength.
I know that it's a big decision to embark on a medicine journeys and that you should research strong as to whether or not this is right for you but I also know that if you do feel strongly about doing it and that you're well prepared and physically healthy enough, you could receive some real benefit from them.
Details of this retreat
You’re warmly invited to a private Huachuma (San Pedro) ceremony with an overnight stay at The Lighthouse, Portugal.
Huachuma is a sacred Andean plant medicine known for its profound healing of both body and mind. It gently opens the heart, brings emotional clarity, and offers deep personal insight. Often regarded as a wise and compassionate teacher, Huachuma can help us reconnect with purpose, joy, and inner peace.
Our ceremonies are rooted in many years of experience holding sacred space and guiding individuals through transformative plant medicine journeys. The Lighthouse has earned a reputation for integrity, care, and safety, offering a grounded and heart-centered approach to healing. Whether you're new to this path or seeking a deeper therapeutic experience, you’ll be in trusted hands.
This retreat is especially suited for those looking for emotional healing, clarity, or spiritual growth—rather than just a thrill or a recreational journey. We combine the ancient wisdom of Huachuma with respectful modern integration practices, always in harmony with the natural world around us.
At The Lighthouse, your well-being is our highest priority. We offer a safe, intimate setting where you can feel supported and seen throughout the entire process. We invite you to arrive with openness, a curious heart, and a willingness to be transformed.
**What’s included:**
* One private Huachuma ceremony guided with care and expertise
* One overnight stay at The Lighthouse
* All meals lovingly prepared and catered for
* Support available in English, Dutch, or German
Let this be a meaningful step toward healing, clarity, and connection—with yourself and the world around you.
BOOKING PROCESS:
After you've booked at RetreatGuru we will send you an intake form.
- Fill out the booking form with detail & attention;
- After receiving your form, we will review your answers;
- If we feel you are at the right place with us, you will receive an e-mail with the payment details to make the deposit (make sure you check your spam box);
- Be aware that only after you've made the deposit, your spot is reserved and confirmed;
- After the deposit has been received, we will send you all the information about the (preparation for) the retreat;
- We reserve the right to decline reservations. If we do so, you will get refunded the full amount.
🍄 We also offer psilocybin ceremonies in The Netherlands! Look for Krakti here on RetreatGuru.
Schedule
We will prepare you beforehand the best we can for the ceremony ahead by taking our time to give you as many tools as possible to navigate through the journey.
The ceremonies always start with us giving thanks to the plants for calling us together for this experience. Then there is an opportunity to share your intentions should you wish to. After drinking the brew we usually sit and try to connect with the medicine and allow it to move through our bodies and mind. We then go for a little walk on the grounds of the Lighthouse and connect with nature. There is one facilitator per 3 participants, allowing everyone’s needs to be safely catered for. Our ceremonies are not shamanic ceremonies like in the South America traditional sense. We totally respect the shamanic ways, but feel this tradition is a sacred one that is so often exploited and by westerners and should only be conducted by genuine shamans of which are few a far between in our experience. We also feel that experiencing your journey with loving support and with little distractions or interference gives the participants the deepest and most transformational experience. There will be live Flute music on occasions, as well as some periods of silence but mostly you are free to go where you are comfortable. There's times when we will take a walk around the beautiful grounds of the property where you'll really feel the connection of nature, the earth and the skies. Your journey could last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours in total.
After the ceremony there will be plenty of time for sharing, grounding, eating and opportunities to get to know the new you.
Please look our page for other dates and retreats.
The Lighthouse Retreat
We are a 45 min car drive from Porto airport and a 15 min cab journey to the train station followed by a 1 hour direct train ride which cost €8. Detailed instructions will be given when bookings are confirmed.
Accommodation
Rooms are shared with max. 3 to a room (same sex).
Bathrooms are shared.
Private room + bathroom
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
We take pride and care in our space here. The land has a safe and protect energy with plenty of spaces to sit alone with the medicine.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We will serve vegan or vegetarian meals.
What's Included
1 nights stay
1 Huachuma Ceremony
All meals (vegetarian or vegan);
Should you need it; we offer a 45 minute 1-on-1 online integration or guidance session after the retreat.
What's Not Included
Airport pick-ups
Customer Reviews
5.00 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Huachuma revolutionized my thinking
Isher and Marijke helped me to make the most of my Huachuma experience through setting my purpose, working with the medicine, and following up on the experience afterwards. Everyone comes with different needs, so this kind of personalized guidance was useful and important. Writing this review two weeks later, I realize that Huachuma revolutionized my thinking. My intellectual concepts became actual lived experience. In short, it opened up a new space (paradigm, even) for being that will take years to explore and appreciate. Thank you.
5.0
Verified
An Incredible Experience at The Lighthouse
I recently attended a retreat at The Lighthouse with Isher and Mareike, and it was truly one of the most grounding and transformative experiences I’ve had. As someone who tends to approach things pretty analytically, I was curious (and a bit cautious) going in, but they really exceeded all my expectations.
Before the Experience
Right from the start, Isher and Mareike created a sense of trust and clarity. They took the time to explain everything about the huachuma experience—what to expect, how it might feel, and what could come up during the journey. It really helped me feel prepared and at ease, which made it easier to fully lean into the process.
During the Experience
Throughout the trip, their guidance was amazing. They have this incredible ability to hold space while letting you navigate the experience at your own pace. Whether it was through thoughtful conversations, moments of empathy, or just being quietly present, they struck the perfect balance. Anytime I had questions or needed support, they were right there with wisdom and care. It felt like talking to people who genuinely understood and wanted to help.
After the Experience
What really impressed me was how much they emphasized integration afterward. They gave me practical advice on what to expect in the days and weeks following the retreat and how to work with everything I had learned. It didn’t feel like the experience ended when the ceremony did—they made sure I had tools and insights to take back into my everyday life.
Why It Stood Out:
Well-Organized: The whole retreat felt really thoughtfully planned. Everything was structured enough to feel safe but not so rigid that it felt overwhelming.
Holistic Support: They addressed every aspect—mental, emotional, and spiritual—which made the whole experience feel very complete.
Genuine Wisdom: Isher and Mareike are incredibly knowledgeable, but they explain things in such a down-to-earth way. It’s clear they really know what they’re doing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meaningful and grounding retreat, I can’t recommend The Lighthouse enough. Isher and Mareike are compassionate, wise, and genuinely amazing at what they do. I left feeling more connected, clear, and inspired than I’ve felt in a long time. I’m so grateful for their guidance and would absolutely go back or recommend it to anyone.
5.0
Verified
A wonderful journey
My time at The Lighthouse was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I arrived, Isher and Mareike created a warm, safe space where I felt supported and understood. Being surrounded by others on similar journeys made the experience even more powerful—there was a deep sense of connection and shared purpose. I will forever feel connected to the other participants of this journey. Through the huachuma experience, I finally let go of personal struggles I’d been carrying for years. Isher and Mareike guided me with such care and wisdom, giving me the space to face what I needed to and release it on my own terms. By the end of the retreat, I felt lighter and more hopeful, with a clear vision for my future that I hadn’t been able to imagine before.
If you’re looking for healing, clarity, and a sense of belonging, The Lighthouse is the place to find it. I’m so deeply grateful for this experience.
5.0
Verified
Transforming experience.
Expert guides and guidance in a beautiful,natural environment create the ideal situation to support the healing process Throughout my experience here I was well informed and any concerns were listened to with compassion and wisdom.A wonderful,life-enhancing experience thanks to the medicine and our wonderful hosts Isher and Marijke.
5.0
Verified
Amazing at-home-like retreat experience
During the retreat it really felt like I was home visiting family:) From the moment I arrived, I felt welcome and cared for the way the family would.
Both, Isher and Marijke, took such a good loving care of the retreat participants. And it was always done with the respect to each one's unique journey and needs for space.
Isher's respect for the medicine and nature emanates in all he does: the way the ceremony is held, medicine preparation, the land and the garden, all of it. Being in that space with these people is healing itself.
The stay and the location were great too. The rooms are warm and very cozy. One can sense it's been done with love and care. It's quite important for me to be comfortable during work with the medicine as it can get quite exhausting:) Isher's home ticks all the boxes!
The land with the garden is just beautiful. Lots of comfy and cozy spots with hammocks, cushions, sunbeds (that hill top with the view over the river is with me forever now) to be with yourself and nature.
The feeling of safety and comfort never left me throughout the whole stay, especially during the Huachuma ceremony days. Isher and Marijka are doing an amazing job as experienced space holders supporting each one in their journey with the medicine, sharing their own experience, and simply by being beautiful open-hearted and grounded beings.
Thank you for having me in your beautiful space, and sharing the medicine🤍
With love,
Dasha
Select your options
This program offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to arrange the date of your retreat directly with the host.
Open Dates
Payments made through Retreat Guru do not include the cost of: plant medicine, psychedelics or similar products.
Top Rated
A preparation course valued at $109 is included with the retreat at no extra cost
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