Find Authentic Retreats in Pichincha Ecuador

"Caring shamans, beautiful natural scenery, fantastic facilities (hot water, electricity etc.), a great place to experience the medicine. Highly recommend!"

"I was suffering with extreme PTSD and needed help and the family in Hayulima gave me the safe space to do the work to get to the safest place my mind and body has ever been in . The family are truly incredible with the wisdom and teachings with ceremony and medicines . The land they call Hayulima is a paradise of wonder and beauty the trees and plants and wild life is strong and the connection to the mountain is felt . The food that they prepare for the guests is on another level and made with love and care . Everything you need to do the work on your self is here what ever your purpose you can walk away proud of your self because Hayulima in my eyes is the safest most sacred place and for me is the only place I will ever go to and be around these teachers of light and love"

"The Sanctuary is nestled in the Andean cloud forest, surrounded by rivers and waterfalls, home for hundreds of species of birds among them toucans, quetzals and hummingbirds. As soon as I arrived to Hayulima Spiritual Sanctuary, I immediately felt a deep sense of safety and serenity. The loving medicine family guided me with such wisdom, making my journey with the sacred plants truly transformative. The natural surroundings and the heartfelt community created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It felt like a true sanctuary, where healing and connection to nature came together, offering an experience that changed my life in the most beautiful way. The Hayulima Family is and will be in my heart forever."

"Great understanding and approach. Structured yet relaxed environment, they clearly know what they are doing and have created such a safe space for an incredibly transformational experience. Clean and cosy accomodations, amazing healthy food. Ceremonies are welcoming and well supported. Strongly recommend for new and experienced people."

"Hayulima is truly a magical, high vibration place full of possibilities. It is an authentic and safe space to experience healing, growth, and transformation with sacred plant medicines carried by experienced shamans with deep integrity. From the sacred fire, to the beautiful songs, to the intimate ceremonies — everything is done with such intention and care. The mountains there in the cloud forest are so ALIVE, you feel embraced by Mother Earth from the moment you arrive. Having the experience of getting to know and personally connect with the people serving the medicine is a blessing. You are visiting their home and living among them during your stay, and it is truly a sanctuary where you can feel completely supported to do the work you need to do with yourself. The food is wonderful and nourishing, and the medicine is powerful. I have healed so much in myself by working with this family in this tradition. Getting to know them over the last few years changed my life and inspired me to be in service. And it’s not just because they are masters at sharing beautiful medicine, but because they ARE the medicine. Their gentleness and compassion has shown me so much about how I want to live my own life and walk my own medicine path. There are a lot of people serving medicine, but not as many walking the spiritual path in their own lives. I love this place and this family, and I am so excited for what they are building together at Hayulima. This sanctuary is a blessing to the world, and will absolutely change your life in the most beautiful and profound ways. I wish I was there right now!"

"My time was truly incredible and heart opening, a healing experience where the sense of community, or rather family, was such powerful medicine! What can I say? This place has had a profound impact on my life. It has been a sanctuary for transformation, not just for me but for so many others as well. It provided everything I was looking for in a plant medicine retreat and so much more that I wasn’t expecting. One of the most beautiful parts of my experience at Hayulima was finding it to be the perfect place for healing. The ceremonies are conducted with such ingenuity and care that I felt completely safe, allowing me to let go and trust the skilled medicine keepers who host the ceremonies. I always felt that I not only found a retreat but also a true sense of belonging and community 💚"

" have been traveling the world and working with plant medicine. I have seen so much of it and consider Hayulima and the family who created this sacred space, one of the best around. They have dedicated their lives to give these traditions and the medicine an outlet to serve ALL people. They live by the principles they share. If you're looking for a space to experience medicine, consider it a HUGE blessing that Hayulima came into your field of vision. My recommendation would be to GO and have the experience."

"I did three years of my Vision Quest at Hayulima and have been there several times from the moment they received the land. Hayulima is my spiritual home and the family are some of my dearest friends. If you are looking for a family that carries traditional medicines in the most respectful, integral way with so much heart and devotion you should go and experience the medicine of Hayulima yourself. I am forever grateful that spirit has put these beautiful humans on my path and my prayer is to be able to return to this lush healing sanctuary as much and as long as I can. "

"I feel truly blessed for my time at Hayulima, this place is something special. So grateful for the Hayulima family and how welcoming and warm they all are, big thanks to all of you. The energy at the ceremonies is mind-blowing, every ceremony has a different flavor and intention to it which really helped me peel back the layers. The location is magical, the mountain is so full of life, it literally feels alive. Everyday you see new birds, the Toucan are a definite highlight. The food is epic and I really love how they allow you to participate in the preparing of the medicine. Another highlight for me was the Kambo sessions, such a great way to start the day before doing ceremony later that evening. Have been to other retreats but after finding Hayulima I couldn't imagine going anywhere else."

"What an amazing experience at Hayulima!! From the second you arrive you feel like one of the family. You not only feel like part of the family, you are! To be included in these very special traditions is to be part of a family. Don't come with expectations about what your experience with plant medicine should be. You will get exactly what you need at this time in your life...no more, no less. Come prepared to feel a deeper essence of love and compassion for family, friends, humanity, the earth, water and all life. This experience will forever stay with me and I am so grateful to Salvador and the entire Hayulima team for creating an amazing place like this."

"Came here with some understanding of the practice and a draw for how open the center is to other traditions, as evidenced by some of the Buddha statues I saw in some of the marketing material. I was honestly just so blown away by the authenticity and generosity of the family that holds space here for people to heal. The food is amazing, the teachers there are top notch, and the surroundings in the cloud forest will have you feeling so nourished and relaxed. You all have literally changed my life trajectory. Thank you so much. "

"When I went to Hayulima, I was apprehensive. I had watched many videos online, and researched plant medicine. As a result, I had a certain level of expectations regarding the plant medicines, which is exactly what you are not supposed to have. What I did not expect was the people to be so warm and comforting. I feel like I benefited greatly from the advice and wisdom from the shamens regarding many of life's issues. All the volunteers and guests were very outgoing and friendly. If I were to sit by myself, someone would come up to me and ask how I was doing. I felt very welcomed. I did not drink a lot of the medicine, even though I was free to do so, but the days that I spent at Hayulima were very insightful. Just laying in the hammock, looking at the forest, and thinking, was what I needed. I was asked several times by people outside of Hayulima if I would do it again. The answer is, when I'm ready, yes."

"I had a wonderful time here. As soon as I got there, I was welcomed as a family guest. It was my first time at a retreat so I really appreciated the community that was created to help ease me in. Everyone explained things to me, checked in on me, and helped me heal. I can't wait to get back!"

"The Hayulima family are genuine and masterful. The forest itself is a source of deep healing, and the experience was truly transformative, not just for me but for everyone on our retreat. The volunteers are completely dedicated and part of the whole experience, helping guests to quickly build community and support for each other. The amenities, food, hikes and wild swimming are amazing . The ceremonies, medicine, wisdom, beautiful music, teachings and care have all helped me access parts of myself that I had never been able to reach on my own."

"My stay at the Hayulima Spiritual Sanctuary, nestled in the Amazon near Mindo, was a truly transformative experience. From the moment I arrived, Salvador, Shiram, Matías, Fernanda, Diana, and the entire team welcomed me as if I were part of their family. The setting, surrounded by lush forests and a peaceful river, allowed me to recharge in a place of breathtaking natural beauty, where the energy of the land is truly extraordinary. The ceremonies, from San Pedro and Ayahuasca to Kambo and the Temazcal, opened doors to a deeper understanding of myself and the world. Guided with gentle care by the shamans, I reconnected with the essential elements of life: earth, water, fire, and air. Each moment was filled with kindness and wisdom, and the positive energy flowed naturally throughout. This 10-day retreat introduced me to amazing people, beautiful souls who were all seeking growth, exploring their potential, and making positive changes in their lives—whether in their professional journey, in love, or in personal development. I left feeling enriched, at peace, and with newfound clarity about what truly matters: family, human connection, and harmony with nature. For anyone seeking profound transformation, I highly recommend this retreat. It has the power to change lives. Sébastien, Julie "

"I feel truly blessed for my time at Hayulima, this place is something special. So grateful for the Hayulima family and how welcoming and warm they all were, big thanks to all of you. The energy at the ceremonies is mind-blowing, every ceremony has a different flavor and intention to it which really helped me peel back the layers. The location is magical, the mountain is so full of life, it literally feels alive. Everyday you see new birds, the Toucan are a definite highlight. The food is epic and I really loved how they allow you to participate in the preparing of the medicine. Another highlight for me was the Kambo sessions, such a great way to start the day with ceremony in the evening. I've been twice now and returning in Sept. Have been to other retreats but now I couldn't imagine going anywhere else"

"The retreat was magical because it had the most beautiful atmosphere and the most beautiful people in the whole world. I love the way that the retreat had sacred intention at every step of the journey and I felt so loved and cared for by everyone the whole time. Thank you Hayulima family. I hope to be back soon. "

"I participated in multiple plant medicine ceremonies with Alma Healing Center including their 5 day ayahuasca retreat (worth it and very fairly priced! Mindo cloudforest is amazing!) as well as a few private ceremonies and a San Pedro ceremony / hike - I could not recommend them more! I was looking for a safe, inclusive and trustworthy place to drink medicine and I found it! I highly recommend them for solo female travelers or people that identify as LGBTQ+. There really aren't many queer ayahuasca retreats or healers out there so I felt very blessed to be in numerous ceremonies led by a female same sex couple. I also plan to participate in a women's healing retreat next year! The medicine was deep and potent, led in a loving, nurturing and compassionate way that truly felt...safe, which is so important considering the vulnerability you experience with the medicine. I could go on and on...thank you Sandra and Paulina, I'm excited to see how your beautiful space progresses."

"Our Shaman and hosts were very loving and caring and kept us safe! We ate very well, with delicious and fresh homemade vegetarian food and quickly became connected with everyone on our retreat. We came with an open mind and our hosts filled in the rest. You will be in excellent hands on your journey with Paulina and Sandra. "

"Would 10/10 recommend to attend the retreat where Sandra and Pauli take genuine care of you. Safe space where I felt at ease all the time. Perfect location nearby Quito in very green surroundings. Music, atmosphere and trust made it an incredible experience thanks to Alma healing. "

"Wonderful experience! Difficult to sum up in a few words. 10/10 I had no idea how to find ayahuasca, I just knew that it was something I was interested in while travelling Ecuador. I looked online and found this retreat to be the most affordable option. However, what made me choose it was the lack of commodification or commercialization characterised by other retreats. For example, they did not put indigenous people on display as part of the experience. It was low key and truly focused on the medicine of ayahuasca. Our guide, Paulina, was genuine and real. She has worked with the plant for many years and was completely in tune with the participants during the ceremony. Her helpers were lovely, kind people who kept us safe and cared for. They created a beautiful space for us. The medicine was incredible. Beforehand, Paulina taught some tai chi type exercises which helped me to stay present and focused. Although the retreat was located in the mountains just outside of the city, it did not stop the rainforest from being part the ceremony. The noises of dogs and cars became irrelevant. Visions of the rainforest were forthcoming. I enjoyed my experience fully, the bliss and beautiful visions, and the suffering and the purge. The sweat lodge the morning after was very good, it was hot and they sang many songs. The only thing I would suggest is personal space during the ceremony. Most participants sat three to a mattress, which I thought was a little cramped. I don't know if this is customary? I would have preferred to have more space, such as my own cushion to sit on, especially when doing something like drinking ayahuasca for the first time. "

"The lessons I have learned and the love I was shown will stay with me for the rest of my days. Due to some prior commitments I was only able to do the half-retreat. I was a little nervous about joining half way, but all my worries and anxieties were washed away as soon as I met all the lovely people working at Hayulima. If you're looking for a retreat to help you become the best version of yourself, look no further. Aho!"

"I had an amazing experience. The Shamans are well educated in their plant medicine, caring and very thoughtful. They care about your personal experience. The food was excellent and the accommodations were simple, but perfect! I came without expectations and l feel I left part of a new family. The entire staff was amazing and tried to make sure you were happy and fulfilled. The area and grounds are beautiful!! I can not recommend Hayulima enough. I can not wait to return. "

"I do not normally leave reviews, but Hayulima was so impactful I feel like I need too. My time at Hayulima was amazing. The staff was very supportive, caring and well organized. This is a second Ayawaska retreat that I have been to. After my first experience at a different retreat I was quite disappointed with plant medicines.. Not only have I found that plant medicines truly work but Hayulima was a fantastic place to experience it at. I cannot rave enough about the staff, the ceremonies, the food, and all of the conditions at the retreat. When it came to ayahuasca ceremonies, Salvador was absolutely amazing. There is also a very good balance of ceremonies to time alone to think and process. After the ceremonies the conversations were incredible healing and insightful. I’ve walked away feeling like I am part of a new family. I will definitely be back to Hayulima for more healing. "

"I was well received with love, support and comfortable lodgings. The food was magnificent. The volunteers were helpful and made great friends. I have and will trust the Hayulima family with my life and soul. Every prayer and ceremony was a true blessing - a gift for life. I left just a few days ago and I am already looking forward to my next visit."