About this Retreat
With more than 30 years of experience with psychedelics, Sanson's journey began in the vibrant land of India at the age of 18. It was there, amidst the cultural tapestry of Goa, in 1995, that he had a transformative encounter with both spirituality and psychedelics. Sanson, who was a psychology student at Merton College, London, during that time, embarked on a life-changing trip.
Since that profound moment, Sanson's life has been intertwined with the exploration of altered states of consciousness and the world of psychedelics. His extensive travels have allowed him to sit with wise elders, holy men, curanderos, yogis, psychonauts, and fellow enthusiasts across the globe.
In 2013, an epiphanic encounter with the San Pedro cactus became a turning point in Sanson's life. Fueled by this experience, he committed himself to becoming a full-time psychedelic activist. Along this remarkable journey, Sanson has achieved numerous milestones, including:
- Establishing the Spanish Psychedelic Society in 2016 and serving as its president.
- Founding La Mezquita renowned psychedelic retreat center in 2019.
- Active participation in the Cosmic Care Boom Festival from 2022 to 2023.
- Organizing free landmark conferences for Spanish speakers in February 2019 (Madrid) and in Valencia (2021), and Barcelona (2021).
- Collaborating with several psychedelic conferences, including Insight Berlin 2021 and the What's the Convention in 2019.
- Sharing his insights and experiences through interviews, documentaries, podcasts, and YouTube videos, making a significant impact in the field of psychedelics.
Sanson's dedication and passion for psychedelics, combined with his background as a psychology student, have made him a prominent figure in the community, contributing to its growth and understanding.
Jake Knights is a South African-born musician based in Alicante, Spain, known for his work in house, deep house, acid jazz, ambient, and chill-out genres. He is a keyboardist and drummer, contributing to various musical projects.
Jake is also a co-founder of La Mezquita, a psychedelic retreat center in Alicante. There, he offers live piano performances during plant medicine ceremonies, blending his musical expertise with therapeutic practices. His improvisational style and deep understanding of music's emotional impact create immersive soundscapes that support participants' journeys.
With a background in both music and holistic practices, Jake Knights continues to explore the intersection of sound and healing, providing transformative experiences through his art.
Clinical Psychologist & Psychedelic Facilitator
Michelle is a 28-year-old clinical psychologist from Bogotá, Colombia, with a strong foundation in psychedelic-assisted therapy. She brings both clinical expertise and a deep personal commitment to the healing potential of altered states of consciousness.
Michelle has been involved in pioneering psychedelic research, participating in clinical trials in Bogotá that explored the therapeutic use of psilocybin and other entheogens. She has also facilitated numerous one-on-one psychedelic sessions, always with a focus on safety, integration, and emotional depth.
As a dedicated activist for the responsible and conscious use of psychedelics, Michelle has contributed to public discourse around mental health and plant medicine in Colombia. Recently relocated to Spain, she has joined the La Mezquita team to continue her work, combining clinical knowledge with heart-led presence.
Her grounded, empathetic approach helps participants feel deeply supported on their healing journey, bridging science, spirit, and soul.
Liz is a deeply experienced craniosacral therapist and yoga teacher with over 20 years of dedication to healing and bodywork. At 60, she brings a calm, grounded presence and a heart full of compassion to every session. Her gentle hands and intuitive touch have supported countless individuals in releasing tension, trauma, and emotional blockages, allowing for deep inner stillness and integration.
In the context of psychedelic therapy, Liz brings a warm, nurturing energy that helps participants feel safe, seen, and held. Her sessions provide a soft landing space during or after deep journeys, inviting the body and nervous system to restore and rebalance. Whether through subtle cranial work or breath-centered yoga, Liz’s presence offers a glowing reminder of the body’s innate wisdom and capacity for healing.
Her approach is rooted in listening—both to the body and to the individual—and her gift lies in holding space with unconditional love and grace.
Details of this retreat
Dear family, it is with great gratitude that we invite you to this healing retreat with the traditional medicines of Ayahuasca, and Rapé (sacred tobacco).
The ceremony will be guided by Javier Marco Barba, PhD in Biodiversity and Evolutive Biology, and traditional doctor recognized by the Shipibo-Conibo community (Peru), together with Richard Kalmar and the team of psychotherapists of Asociación Cultural Inti.
Besides both of them you will have a whole team of people looking after a group. There will be live shamanic and medicine music. We use a number of different therapies to allow you to make the most of the dream like state of mother ayahuasca.
This is a conscious and loving encounter with yourself, with your body, with your lineage and your ancestral wisdom, to heal, balance, activate and mobilize energies and creatives, and thus unify our centers and the heart.
Objective: Connect with the earth and with the elements and the present through rituals, understandings, meditative exercises, body movement and group activation.
Embarking on an Ayahuasca journey at La Mezquita is an extraordinary and life-transforming opportunity that promises profound self-discovery, emotional healing, and personal evolution.
Ancient Traditions: Ayahuasca, known for its healing and visionary properties, has deep roots in the Amazonian rainforest. At La Mezquita, we uphold these ancient traditions, giving you the space to connect with Ayahuasca's timeless wisdom.
Integration for Growth: Our commitment extends beyond the ceremony itself. We offer guidance and support for integrating your Ayahuasca insights into your everyday life, enabling you to continue your path of personal growth long after your retreat ends.
Community Connection: La Mezquita's retreats bring together a community of kindred spirits who are all on a journey of self-discovery. Sharing your experiences and insights with fellow participants can be a profoundly enriching and unifying experience. Additionally to join the ceremony you need to be a member of the Asociación Cultural Into. A membership costs 20€ for one year.
Healing and Self-Exploration: Ayahuasca possesses the remarkable potential to help mend emotional scars, unveil insights into your life, and establish a profound connection with your true self. It stands as a potent catalyst for self-exploration and personal transformation.
Safety and Serenity: The safety and serenity of our participants are of paramount importance. La Mezquita provides a secure and nurturing environment, allowing you to focus on your inner journey with complete peace of mind.
Recommendations for antidepressant medication:
Any type of antidepressant or pharmaceutical medicine for pain, anxiety, or any other mental health problem are best to be avoided.
If you are taking SSRI (except fluoxetine), SPARI, SNRI, TCA or MAOI medication for depression this can considerably lessen the effects of the psychedelic experience. Depending on how long you have been taking these types of medicines you may need at least 21 days to detox from them for long term use, and a very minimum of 15 days for shorter term use. If you are taking fluoxetine (Prozac) you may need to taper and discontinue the consumption at least 6 weeks prior to the psychedelic experience.
In our experience attendees that have not rested from this medication can have less noticeable effects of psychedelics. Please consult with your doctor if you need to stop taking prescribed medication. We always encourage you to listen to your doctor or your mental health advisor, and ask for their best advice on how to taper down antidepressant medication. If you are taking any other kind of psychiatric medication, please consult your doctor beforehand.
Please, keep in mind that unfortunately, for safety reasons we cannot welcome you to the retreat if:
1) You have been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder.
2) You have an immediate personal or family history of psychosis (drug-induced psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolarity), and/or are taking antipsychotic medication.
For this reason we have a screening questionnaire and interview to get to know your motives, experience and most importantly your current state of mental and physical health.
Intoxicants and stimulants should be avoided, or at least significantly reduced. This includes: alcohol, drugs, stimulants...
For travel arrangements please expect to be here at 18:00.
Other recommendations
Take some time before and after the experience to get ready and reflect
Give yourself some time before and after the retreat, before flying home.
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
Last Chance