About this Retreat
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
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 are lovingly invited to a 4-day (3-night) Huachuma (San Pedro) retreat at The Lighthouse, Portugal.
Welcome Home. πΏ
Are you ready to ignite the light within and step into your power?
This retreat is a heartfelt invitation for anyone feeling the call to grow, heal, and remember their true place in life. At The Lighthouse, we offer a safe and nurturing space to reconnect with yourself, others, and the spirit of Huachumaβa sacred plant teacher known for its profound yet compassionate wisdom.
Whether you're seeking emotional clarity, a deeper sense of purpose, or a renewed connection with life, our intention is to create an environment of shared growth, honest reflection, and authentic community.
Why Join Us?
With years of experience holding ceremonies and supporting deep personal work, we offer humble but powerful sessions guided by Huachuma. Our gatherings are for those with open hearts and curious mindsβwho are ready to look within, explore their truth, and be lovingly supported along the way.
As individuals, youβll be guided inward through ceremony and reflection. As a group, weβll build trust, connection, and shared understandingβsupporting each other as brothers and sisters on this path of transformation.
The Journey Includes:
π΅ All meals included β wholesome, vegetarian or vegan options
π΅ Opening RapΓ© (HapΓ©) ceremony on Day 1 β to ground and prepare
π΅ Two Huachuma (San Pedro) ceremonies β on Days 2 and 3
π΅ Nature immersion β On Day 3, weβll visit a nearby nature park, with the opportunity to swim beneath a waterfall. Time permitting, we may also explore the stunning Douro River.
π΅ Accommodation β Choose between a private room, shared room (max. 3 same-gender participants), or tent. Bathrooms are shared.
π΅ Languages spoken β English, Dutch, and German
π΅ Post-retreat integration support β Includes a 45-minute one-on-one online guidance session to help you integrate your experience
About the Medicine
Huachuma (San Pedro) is a heart-opening, visionary plant medicine. While often described as gentle, it holds immense power to bring insight, emotional healing, and inner strength. If you're feeling disconnected, stuck, or uncertain about your purpose, this medicine may help you remember who you are and what truly matters.
Our vision is to create a circle of sincere soulsβa fellowship of brothers and sistersβwalking this path together in a spirit of openness, courage, and love.
Important to Know
A Huachuma journey can last up to 12 hours and may be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. It's normal to feel tired or sensitive for a few days afterward. We recommend taking time off afterward, keeping your diet clean, and treating yourself gently as you integrate. Most people report feeling deeply renewed and realigned within a few days.
Facilitation & Group Size
πΏ Ceremonies are primarily facilitated by Isher
πΏ Additional support is provided by Nancy, Marijke, or Rui, depending on the group
πΏ Small groups only β a maximum of 6 participants for deep, personal attention
Ready to Join Us?
Booking Process:
Contact us first to check availability.
Once you book through Retreat Guru, weβll send you an intake form.
Please complete the form thoughtfully.
After reviewing your form, if we feel this retreat is the right fit for you, weβll send payment details for the deposit (please check your spam folder).
Your spot is only confirmed once the deposit is received.
Youβll then receive full preparation details for the retreat.
We reserve the right to decline bookings if we feel it's not the right time for youβand in such cases, your payment will be fully refunded.
For more information about us, the retreat, or Huachuma, please visit our website.
Come as you are. Leave with more of who you truly are.
Last Chance
Top Rated
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
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Verified
Plant Medicine
A preparation course valued at $109 is included with the retreat at no extra cost
