Find Authentic Retreats in Puyo Ecuador

"There is a distinct magic to Sacha Wasi. It is located on a small island in the Puyo River and accessed by canoe. I came here because I wanted an authentic, rustic experience not a "gated community" with all the bells and whistles. The sound of the river is always with you as are the calls of the various birds dwelling in the lush canopy. Accommodation is surprisingly comfortable and, as long as there is power, the internet and hot water work well. Ecuador is very dependent on hydro electricity so the more it rains, the more power there is. The Kichwa are an incredibly friendly and gentle people who always greet you with a smile whilst their little children will jump up for a hug or play games with you. Spanish is the common tongue and a translator is available for the integration sessions. Food is both plentiful and nutritious and served three times a day with a smile. The extra curricular activities are nearby and great fun and, for me, the afternoon trip into the heart of the jungle was a highlight and the abundance and variety of food producing plants was amazing. Pineapple, papaya, sugar cane, bananas, yuca, cacao, all growing in close proximity to each other. Jungle time is "slow" and you will have ample time to relax and digest the fascinating internal experience that occurs as you dive into the plant medicines. It is a matter of "trusting the process" as the plants link naturally together. Ayahuasca allows an inner "cleansing" to take place before one's heart opens to the world of spirit. For me, at 70, it was an experience like no other as years of "set patterns of thought and beliefs" loosened up and I looked into the mirror at who I was. The space created allowed for new light to shine and each day brought fresh epiphanies. In between "plant ceremonies" there was always a rest day and through journaling and contemplation a different way of being emerged for me and when the day came to leave I felt refreshed, rejuvenated and with a clear path forward for my 8th decade!. Sacha Wasi is not a "spa".....it is the home of deeply spiritual, indigenous, people who are committed to the sharing of their wisdom regarding natural plant medicines. If you are ready to be vulnerable, to "work on yourself" and explore your inner world then I would strongly recommend making your way to this little gem in the Ecuadorean jungle. Jesus, Byron, Michelle, Andrea, Jessica and many others make you feel at home right away and are always available if you need anything while you are there. Namaste, Charles PS If you fly into Quito I suggest that you get Andres to pick you up and transport you to Sacha Wasi. A delightful, soulful, young man who is full of interesting information on the local culture and a pleasure to spend time with. "

"Highly recommended, but also some things what were not ok and A LOT OF FUSTRATION: Zoom-meeting beforehand was almost completely missed, because of unclear things. This is Sacha Wasi is Ecuadorian, but somehow organized from the United States. US is not mentioned anywhere, but they used US time zones for meeting, despite this supposed to be located in Ecuador. I was frustrated, because i was in Ecuador. Not anyhow though that i should adjust my brain to think as an American ( I am from Europe). I was already quite close to the jungle and asked if i could catch along the way that same taxi, as rest of my group was using for transportation from the airport. Driver was Sacha Wasi's own Andrea. He said that it was ok, but in the last moment he asked me 20$ extra. I refused, because driver was already paid to do that trip. I wanted to share the costs with other participant which was in the taxi, but driver refused. Then he said that if i take my own taxi from Puyo, it costs 25$. He was scamming. Michelle, the volunteer said that they have fixed price 13$ from Puyo and driver knows that. I told that to the driver and then he told that 13$ is ok for him. It was nonsense, because he was already paid! I felt totally scammed and took my own taxi with 10$ from Puyo bus station. When taxi go me there, suddenly he asked me to pay 15$ and was very angry. I felt insecure so i paid that after a while i tried to negotiate. Anyway, Sacha Wasi drivers are not official taxis. Some of them, including Andrea seems to be about 18 year old boys, not very experienced drivers by age. Not by any means good start for the retreat. Then, if you wanted to purchase something extra from the community, everything was extremely overpriced compared to what is normal in Ecuador. I guess that they can charge whatever they want, because they interact only with "rich gringos". And yes, surprisingly they did not accept card payments on site, even though we were informed beforehand, that card is possible. Then the seremonies: First Ayahuasca session was super amazing experience. They used many instruments to play gentle music through the night and there were a lot of staff. On the second session, i was expecting the same but almost all the staff left immediately after the start and we were left in the silence. I did not liked it at all, because music was so important to make the trip deeper. We were told afterwards, that it was planned to make experience different. For me it felt like their laziness especially, because i was so suprised in the beginning of the trip when i noticed this arrangement. Somebody also had changed the wifi passwords and i was unable to connect wifi. Daily schedules were sent by whatsapp during the weekend so i was unable to receive these. Somehow, we ended to wait multiple times 15-40 min part of the group because not everybody was aware that they should be somewhere. Afterall, staff was super nice, and you can read other reviews to look why this place is highly recommended and perfect for the first timer."

"I had the honor to stay at Sacha Wasi for 10 days. The Kichwa people were all so friendly and treated me like a brother. Byron, Jesus, Marlene, and Mitchell were all adept at providing support for all the guests during the various plant medicine journeys. I had the opportunity to do Aya, Kambo, Ongos, San Pedro, as well as a Limpia and then a beautiful cacao ceremony. There was also very good support during integrations the day following plant medicine. Whenever there was free time, we had the opportunity to go to a beautiful waterfall, hike to a view, get Kichwa face paint, dance Kichwa dance, plant ayahuasca, the list goes on. Food was good and appropriate for plant medicine journeys. During my stay, Dr Scott Irwin entered the non physical realm. He will be missed as a person, mentor, and leader. Prayers remain active with all those that knew him. ❤️ Please feel free to reach out privately if you have any specific questions. 🙏🏼"

"While there were some issues due to the only two English speaking members of the team not being there, I had an overall good experience. Pros include: People. The Sacha Wasi locals are really lovely and caring. Food. Great vegetarian food and they catered for gluten free. The kitchen needed reminding as different families may be taking turns to cook. Accommodation. Casita 5, Eagle, where I stayed was comfortable and had a shower with hot water and great water pressure. Activities. Nice activities between plant medicine ceremonies like hike and swim at a waterfall, walk up to a Mirador/ lookout with a great swing, planting coca, Ayahuasca, San Pedro. Communication. WiFi and use of WhatsApp groups to communicate agenda. Cons included: Unfortunately Dr Scott was very ill and in hospital and the lady looking after guests was away in the USA which meant: No translator for most of our time there. Integration sessions weren't effective. Almost daily wrong agendas. One thing would be messaged by someone and it would be different to what Sacha Wasi would have us doing. A lot of drama over expectations from some people unsuccessfully pushing for partial refunds which gave a few days of negative atmosphere which was not conducive for a good trips. After being told a bag/basket of laundry is $10, they tried to charge $20. "

"I can’t say enough about Dr. Scott, the yachacks and all those who are responsible for running Sacha Wasi. A secluded, natural and primitive location, you’re surrounded by nature and its sounds. It’s very one on one because of the small sizes of the groups which makes the ceremonies and following integration sessions all the more special, unique, and personal. I see much more coming from this place. It’s magical. Everyone works together to provide a great experience full of their contributing knowledge, which is a lot! As a twice cancer survivor, I was taken care of just the way I needed to be. Although not a Gerson Institute, they follow Gerson protocol for those with a history of cancer who are needing a break from all the prep work, or continuing that alternative treatment program, or for those who want to learn more about it. A great reset for the physical body as well as emotional, spiritual and psychological. This place and what everyone is doing here means so much. It brings hope. Much more than that, I’m leaving here with a future."

"Sacha wasi was a truly transformative experience. Everyone was so well taken care of by Dr.Scott and the rest of the community members. The ceremonies were beautiful and grounding, the casitas comfortable, food delicious and environment wild. Even after being stranded on our last day due to torrential rain and mudslides, I wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything. Gracias por todos!!! "

"I can’t rave enough about my experience I had for my 7 day retreat. They treated all the guest with so much care and compassion. Dr. Scott was absolutely amazing with explaining certain things I experienced during the ayahuasca ceremony and the Integration made a big difference of understanding. "

"Everything was more than expected. The tribe there and Dr. Scott are all very kind! It's like family. "

"I did the 21 day dieta at Sacha Wasi. I loved every minute of it, it is a very special place with the most loving people. Dr Scott is awesome and integration with him really helped make sense of the medicine. The kichwa people really care about the medicine and sharing it with us. The food was great. "

"I had a really powerful healing experience with only one ceremony. There hasn't been a day I can go without painkillers due to chronic pain until now. In so grateful to the medicine, Pachamama, Mama Marlene, Jesus, Dr. Scott and all the other Yachaks that made this possible. I haven't felt this good since I was a kid. Thank you for your care and kindness, I can't wait to return with my family soon. Blessings to you all hermanas y hermanos ❤️ Estoy tan feliz de haber tenido esta experiencia. "

"Thanks so much to Dr. Scott and the Sacha Wasi tribe for welcoming me into your space. I did the 3 day, 2 night retreat during my April visit to Ecuador. The accomodations were basic and clean, but in my opinion, perfect for the purpose. I'd never done Ayahuasca but Dr. Scott put me at ease and prepared me for a positive expierience. I had the opportunity to meet before and after the ceremony to prepare and unpack and review my intentions. The tribe members were extremely welcoming, kind and friendly. I also loved the work being done here to help create a sustainable future with farming and medical facilities. Keep up the good work. Thank you so much for sharing your medicine and your culture. I am truly grateful and would recommend that everybody visit and support this centre. Kindly, Linda (Canada)."

"The community was very welcoming, the food spectacular and the setting sublime. This was our first Ayhuasca experience and nothing can quite prepare you for what that becomes for you, but Dr. Scott was incredibly informative and his integration sessions were very helpful and well run. All in all it was a very positive experience for us and we hope to return to Sasha Wasi again soon. I didn't partake but was told that the yoga sessions were also great. "

"I am an Army veteran, I have AHDH, depression/anxiety, TBI, and I recently learned I have autism. Quite a cocktail or problems, right? One compounds the other, and thru life I have struggled to adapt to these limitations. I did find ways, but they weren't healthy and over time lead to greater problems that culminated in number of both emotional and physiological problems. The former resulting in the latter and numerous emotional break downs and suicidal ideology. I was suffering from tremendously powerful panic attacks, rock bottom lows, no purpose, no fulfillment in life, and a very poisonous outlook toward humanity. If my life didnt change soon, it was gonna end. Thru numerous sources I became aware of psychedelic therapy and I reached out to retreats for consultation. Sacha Wasi and Dr. Scott Irwin was the only location that was comfortable enough with my high blood pressure to allow me to participate, and so, after a few months of "dieta," I was on my way to Ecuador. Sacha Wasi is located in the Amazon jungle, on an island in a river that you access by boat. The first people to meet me were the indigenous Kichwa people who live there. I found these people to be kind, generous, and empathic. My quarters consisted of a private wooden hut on stilts. It was very comfortable, and it had plumbing and hot water. It literally sat next to river so could hear the rushing water all day long. The hut also had 110 volt outlets so I could run my CPAP at night. The Sacha people made sure my needs were met. We ate 3 hearty meals a day (unless you were participating in a ceremony, then it was 2 meals) loaded with the life giving subsidence I needed. They are healthy meals, but very tasty and the portions were not small. I found Sacha to be the most restorative experience of my life. I arrived at the end of my rope and left ready to live for perhaps the first time. Make no mistake, Ayahuasca therapy is not for the faint of heart. It is in the purest sence therapy for the soul. It will challenge you, push you and make you reconsider what you know about yourself. But, in the end it will lift you up and give you the gift of actual life. Not the life you've been groomed to expect throughout your existence, but actual life. Connectivity, awareness, love, charity, respect, real, untainted life. My sessions were hard, maybe the hardest things I've ever done, but they were also the greatest things I've ever done. I've never felt so invigorated, so alive. It's like a blind fold has been removed from the eyes of my soul and I can finally live freely, and in harmony with everything; including God. What ever your fight is, whatever your struggles, if your ready to be free, truly ready, then don't wait. Reach out to Dr. Irwin today! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There are many authentic Ayahuasca retreats out there. Many in Peru and a few in Ecuador, but out of all of them, Sacha Wasi was only one I contacted that was not worried about my medical issues. All the others either said "no way" or "contact us when it's ok without meds." That's because Sacha is one of the few that actually have volunteers that are medical experts and can provide you with actual medical advice relating to your experience with the plant medicine. So if your like me and any one of the other thousands of veterans out there who have strange, seemingly unexplainable medical symptoms that make other retreats nervous, reach out to Dr. Irwin and maybe it won't be as big of a problem as you thought. My advice to you, if your considering this is to begin a traditional dieta as soon as you can. If an Ayahuasca retreat is right for you, you want to be able to go as soon as possible. Depending on what meds your on, your dieta may need to be several months or 6 weeks. If your already half way thru it when you've scheduled your retreat, you won't have long to wait! Make sure you are open and honest with Dr. Irwin on your discovery call, your particular dieta will be specific to you in some regards, but being honest will protect you and make sure your both physically and emotionally ready when you arrive. Trust the system for once and you will have the ride of your life and come out on the otherside stronger than you ever thought you could be. In the week since I returned home, everyone around me has noticed a fundamental change. They see a different person, and that's because the person that went to Sacha died and the person who left was reborn. For the first time, I not only feel comfortable in social scenarios, but I am seeking them out. Seeking out human connection. My friends that saw me retreat into darkness and solitude are telling me and my wife they feel like their meeting me for the first time. I left Sacha at peace, and it shows. I'm not afraid of death anymore, I'm not afraid of uncertainty, letting go of control, and God. And yes, I was very afraid of God. Fear is a valuable part of humanity, a defense mechanism, but out of control it leaches life from you. I left Sacha confident, aware of fear but unafraid. Whatever your are feeling, with what ever you are struggling, you can have power over it. The plant medicine is not a cure, the cure is already in you, Ayahuasca is just the tool that breaks down your walls so you can find healing. "

"From the second I got picked up from my hotel to go into the jungle till my post retreat integration call with dr. Scott. I am just amazed by this entire experience. The tribe was so welcoming and took such good care of us. Dr. Scott is so knowledgeable. I could sit and listen to what he has to say all day long. Talking with him is it’s own ceremony. The food was great. I was never left hungry like I have been in previous retreats. The casitas you stay in are so cute and very comfortable. Hot showers. I cannot recommend this retreat more. "

"Everything was pretty near perfect. The setting, the accommodations, the food, the ceremonies, the integration and the activities. I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to partake in a ceremony while staying in a village with and administered by an indigenous group that has been doing this for centuries as part of their heritage and culture. The integration with Dr. Scott is great and is completely separate from the ceremonies which are lead by the Sacha Wasi people. I'm coming back... No question. "

"This experience was worth the travel, lack of sleep, and language barrier, all the above. I was welcomed in the community immediately felt like home. The indigenous people were super friendly, the lodges around surrounded by sounds of natures, water, and birds. I only had 2 ayahusca ceremonies and i’ve gained discovered so much. Although it is only the beginning. The intergrations with DR scott were so intimate and informative, everyone gets to speak and express their experiences. Then Scott did a great job assisting and explaining what each of us experienced. Overall, i was great reset, wish to have stayed longer but next time. Thanks to everyone in the community that were so helpful during my stay, Lena, Michelle, Andrea, and the kids to name a few. Untill next time Much Love & peace. "

"My time at Sacha Wasi was more than I could have ever hoped for. I've learned to try not to have too many expectations with anything in life, but my experience and the people there completely exceeded anything I could have expected. It's a truly magical place where you can leave the "real world" behind, and I put that in quotations because the true real world is the natural world and I've never felt so connected to it, it's animals and plants and all of it's people. The food is delicious and healthy, the accommodations are primitive but with modern amenities such as wi-fi, clean and comfortable beds and even hot water in the showers. I'm already planning my next trip back to Sacha Wasi and would recommend this place to anyone looking to get back in touch with nature and their true selves."

"Loved the ceremonies and how they were facilitated by the indigenous tribe - felt quite authentic. The daily integration sessions with Dr Scott helped going deeper into our experiences and what those meant. Overall the location is a nice getaway from your daily routine and allows to fully focus on the sessions. "

"Sacha Wasi is a magical place in the Amazonian rain forest. The people of the village are kind, loving, authentic and very much care deeply about the medicine they use to help people through these ceremonies. Dr. Scott is a lovely, experienced, knowledgeable and kind man who lives in the village to help these people maintain their way of life and to help rising people find healing. I had an incredible experience with mushrooms that has helped shine a light on the path to healing in my everyday life. The people, the place, the plant medicines... so authentic and full of love and helping. I wouldn't hesitate to strongly recommend Sacha Wasi to anyone who asks. It's not a resort, so don't expect A/C or fine dining. This is rustic, just sufficient for what you need to go through your healing journey. I came away with more than I ever could have asked for."

"My intentions on visiting Sacha Wasi were: To escape the cold Mid-West winter To unwind and decouple from hectic life in the US A chance to think off the grid To escape the hullabaloo of Christmas To participate in the Plant medicine rituals and ceremonies To enjoy the rain forrest. I can truly say all of the above boxes were well and truly ticked. The retreat is located on an Island in a river next to, but not in, an indigenous village. Guests are conveyed to the retreat by dugout canoe when they arrive. Each guest is assigned a casita constructed from the local forrest material. They do have, however, electricity, hot water and Internet. Food is prepared by the indigenous villagers and served in a common dinning area. The non-indigenous staff are friendly and helpful. Know that you're in the rain forrest and it will rain. Pack easy care clothes and shoes that you don'y mind getting muddy (Crocs or Keen Sandals are a good choice). The temperature is warm enough for shorts and t-shirt even in December. A rain poncho or an umbrella would be a useful thing to have too. Upon arrival - usually between 3:00 and 6:00 PM guests are gib and orientation session where the routine is explained and what to expect if participating in the Plant Medicine ceremonies. If guests are attending the evening ceremony, you will skip dinner. The non-indigenous staff will direct and schedule the plant medicine ceremonies and there is always a review (as a group) the next day with Dr. Scott. In between, plant medicine ceremonies, the retreat staff will organize activities and hiking in the jungle. Morning Yoga sessions are also available. I left the retreat a changed person, the experience there far, far exceeded my expectations. I would 100% recommend the retreat and all it has to offer. "

"I went to do a retreat at Sacha Wasi in November. In can only describe it as a life changing experience. Being able to do plant medicine ceremonies, let by the great indiginous people and further integrated by the staff through talks, yoga and excursions, let me to do some important reprogramming of myself for better life in the future. I do not think this place as a spot for vacation, although its extremely beautiful there. But if you truly have the intention to reflect, learn and improve yourself, I couldnt think of any place better."

"My experience at Sacha Wasi was beyond my expectations! The setting was so beautiful and authentic, the people so accepting and helpful. I felt safe the entire time and learned so much about myself with the help of the plant medicine. I would recommend this retreat to anyone!"

"I recently had the most amazing experience at Sacha Wasi, a jungle medical retreat nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine sense of hospitality that made me feel instantly at home. One of the highlights of my stay was the opportunity to work with Dr. Scott, an extraordinary integration psychologist who guided us through our transformative journey with compassion and expertise. His deep understanding of the healing process and his ability to help us integrate our experiences was truly remarkable. But the adventure didn't stop there. We embarked on a breathtaking journey to explore the lush jungle and its diverse ecosystem. The towering trees, exotic wildlife, and serene rivers were a sight to behold, and I was reminded of the profound connection between nature and our own well-being. What truly sets Sacha Wasi apart is the vibrant and welcoming community of the local tribe. They shared their traditional medicinal knowledge with us, immersing us in their ancient healing practices. From learning about medicinal plants to participating in healing rituals, every interaction was filled with warmth and a genuine desire to promote wellness. I can't recommend Sacha Wasi enough to anyone seeking a truly transformative experience. Whether you're drawn to the healing powers of the jungle or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, this retreat offers an unforgettable journey. The combination of Dr. Scott's expertise as an integration psychologist, the breathtaking views of the rainforest, and the wisdom of the local tribe create an atmosphere of profound growth and rejuvenation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the depths of your own well-being while being embraced by the beauty of the jungle. Sacha Wasi is truly a hidden gem that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime."

"I went to Sacha Wasi for ‘la medicina’ and for vacation time. I can not recommend any better place to have a transformative experience as here in the beautiful nature and with the genuine support of the people from the Sacha Wasi tribe. One of a very very few in Ecuador who didnt give up on their beliefs/traditions. I have never been in a Jungle, didn’t know the climate could be so comfortable! I had my own wooden house (casita) with bathroom, next to a fresh mountainstream river. "

"Such an amazing and authentic experience! The Sachi Wasi tribe is so welcoming and bonus points if you speak fluent Spanish because you'll have the opportunity to connect with them even more. The activities where you hike to the waterfall and to harvest the Ayahuasca will give you a new found appreciate for the jungle and all its amazing surroundings. The tribes puts a lot of love and effort into making each batch which was a really cool experience to see. Some points of note: - Don't bother buying a SIM card at the airport, prices are 3x higher. Using the retreat wifi turned out to be all I needed. - If there is traffic both the private taxi option as well as the bus end up being quite the trip. If you are traveling there same day you'll want as early a flight as possible. - Work on meditating and journaling ahead of time. It will really enhance your experience throughout the week. - The less expectations you have going into ceremony, the better!"

"This is the perfect place if you are looking for an experience where you immerse yourself in the the culture of the local indigenous culture, the jungle and the medicinal experience. If you are looking for an "all inclusive" pampering experience where you also happen to be taking medicine, this is definitely not for you as this is definitely more on the "rustic" side of things. The location was beautiful and secluded with the sound of rushing river water to put the soul at peace. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore themselves and to grow. "

"I attended the retreat with an idea in mind of what I wanted to gain from it. That may have been one of the reasons why I had a wonderful experience during the first ceremony. During the rituals, the shamans provide gentle support. It's worth mentioning the group integration with Dr Scott, which takes place the day after the ceremony. It enhances the experience and makes it even more powerful. If you attend the ceremony more than once, he guides you to make the next one even more amazing. It's an amazing technique that you probably won't experience at any other retreat facility. He has exceptional skills. The group integration also gives participants the opportunity to share their experiences with each other, and in the safe environment, they can honestly share their thoughts and feelings. They are able to express what they feel from the heart, and often their emotions are conveyed and their tear glands activated. I'm happy to say that even though I attended for 10 days, the first ceremony alone was satisfying enough. However, in the end, it was a great decision to attend for 10 days because I achieved even more satisfying results by undergoing the ceremony many times during those 10 days. The way I saw the world before and after the retreat was completely different because of the multiple times I underwent the ceremony. It impacted my perspective on love, partnerships, family relationships, work, way of life, illness, fear, and more. I was thrilled to leave the retreat with the confidence that my life will definitely be different in the future. Although it's a long way away, it's definitely worth it if you're considering going on a retreat. I really enjoyed the outdoor activities outside of the ceremony as they felt very natural. There's also a Facebook group that you can check out. I'm very grateful to Dr Scott, his colleagues, and the participants for spending time with me. Thank you very much! "

"All the awareness, wisdom, and experiences I gained here became my most precious possessions. The memories engraved in my heart will always remind me of the sights, sounds, and emotions of that time again and again. ・Scott was a great reminder at Integration I appreciate his ability to mediate between the tribe and us. ・Tribal members of the Kikucha tribe They accompany us until dawn for ceremonies. I also happy that the food was delicious. ・friends By sharing our experiences with psychedelics, we can learn about experiences and ideas that we could not have gained alone. "