"I originally attended Arkana at the end of 2018, shortly after unexpectedly losing my eye to cancer. Suddenly confronted with the fragility of my own mortality and the possibility of an early death, I attended the retreat in a state of introspection and vulnerability. The result was an experience that changed who I am as a person; and dramatically transformed and strengthened my character in the face of adversity.
In April 2024, following a confirmation of metastases and a 12 month life expectancy, I returned to the jungle retreat with my fiancee, and found it to be as beautiful, necessary and transformative as the first, helping me to develop a relationship with my grief and a resolve to live the life I have, whatever that may end up being.
Arkana is a wonderful location, with excellent food and attentive staff. The small group you share your experiences with bonds in a way that is outside the norm, for the bonding occurs in a space of truth and shared vulnerability that is difficult to replicate in the broader world.
I cannot recommend Arkana enough. "
Highly Rated Retreats in Mexico
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Short Retreats in Mexico
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Experiences on Retreat
"There is something magical about that place and the staff ….that's my first retreat so I wasn’t having any expectations like everyone else out there i dot have words to describe that experience I am not the same person my anxiety went away i am more calm person which is fantastic and there is some more work to be done but so far i am happy
Thanks "
"I deeply appreciated the dedication of the staff and volunteers here. The Finca, and the whole Mexisoul experience, would be nothing without them. Krista, Lorena, Brenda, thank you for your support, you are some of the most welcoming souls I have encountered, and helped me through hard times during my journeys. Thank you to the musicians, Humberto, the kitchen, Jaime, and everyone else for creating such a warm environment, and Ruger for his transparency and organization. Thank you to the dogs, the cats, and the wolves of the Finca as well. Finally, thank you to my peers, with whom I grew close over the course of the retreat. This was a valuable, interesting, enriching experience, and I'm very glad I went for it. Muchas gracias."
"I cannot imagine experiencing plant medicines anywhere else!!! A Mexisoul retreat offers smaller groups, delicious food and comfortable lodging during a well thought-out sequence of plant medicine and integration experiences. The staff and volunteers are deeply respectful of the medicines offered - attentive and supportive without being intrusive. The finca is the unique creation of a clearly generous seeker. There is a high level of physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual work being done at Mexisoul. Great people, great place, great experiences!"
"Humberto is a lovely, generous guide and facilitator for whatever journey presents itself through the plant medicines. Grounded in respectful traditions and wisdom, his playful humor, intellect and awareness invite you to explore and expand in a safe supported energetic and physical space. His presence offers a knowing consciousness deeply rooted in unconditional acceptance and compassion. "
"In matters of the medicine it is essential to be in a good setting, supported by people that know what they are doing.
I worked with Gabriel and Augustina and they know.
I am deeply gratful for the time I spent with them.
Thank you
"
"The retreat in the jungle was an insightful and mind-blowing experience. Will start with the organization of Arkana Spiritual Center. Very organized, kind, genuine and helpful.
Starting from all the instructions and preparations you need before you start the retreat until the last good bye ceremony. The facilitators were very clear with their explanations for any activity done and insightful in case we needed their perspective on certain view.
The venue itself is amazing as well. i could finally disconnect from the outer world and connect with the nature. The food was tasteful and delicious, so fresh and healthy. Each of the ceremonies brought to light things that i was avoiding to acknowledge and to work on. So grateful to have gone on this journey and have met some incredible human beings with whom i shared unforgetable moments. i would recommend this type of journey to people who are ready to work with the medicine, who trust the medicine and who trust the process and the incredible team of Arkana. "
"I came to Arkana from New York looking for answers for the next level of my spiritual evolution. In the 7 days that i was there, my questions were answered, the pain that i carried for many years was released, the connection with myself got strengthened, and my consciousness expanded in way that I could have never imagined.
If you're looking for healing, or personal expansion, or reconnecting with your authentic self - this is the right place. It is a retreat with 5-star accommodations, top-notch chefs, and, most importantly, a team of facilitators and staff of incredibly kind people.
This is a place of Love."
"This experience has changed my life as well as those who mean the most to me. My children. I came to Arkana wanting things that I didn't need. You will get what you need and not what you want. I heard this 100 times during my stay. Well it's true. I did get what I needed. It was a release of all the guilt and pain from being in the Marine Corps and not living up to being a good father to my 5 children. I was shown that I can't make up for it but I can be a better example for them going forward. I'm not going to say this was easy because it was, for me, the hardest thing I've ever been through but I did what facilitators asked me to do " Trust the Process" and it has made me want to walk the path that's best for me and my family. I'm forever indebted to Arkana and especially all the facilitators and the wonderful staff. I AM LOVE AND I AM LOVED now. Joe T"
"Joe was a fantastic guide for the psilocybin retreat that I attended. He was warm, welcoming and engaging. He took time to spend with me one to one prior to the ceremony to allay any apprehensions that I might of had, explain the format, what to expect and generally put me at ease so I was as relaxed and open as I could be ahead of the ceremony. He was incredibly personable and I felt that I came away from the experience having made a new friend in Joe. I would definitely like to return to another of Acsauhaya's retreats with Joe maybe to experience an Ayahuasca ceremony next time. Thank you for being you Joe 🙏"
"I had been wanting to take part in a Psilocybin ceremony for a while so chose my retreat carefully and from the reviews that I read and what I saw written online about Acsauhaya I was confident that they were a credible organisation. I wasn't disappointed, they treated the whole process from booking to the retreat itself with utmost professionalism. The ceremony was an amazing experience which I really enjoyed and it left me with sense of connectedness with myself and everything around me. I would highly recommend Acsauhaya to anyone who is considering a psilocybin experince - they will will look after you with the utmost care and you will be sure to have a transformative experience. Namaste x"
"Highly recommend, all around best retreat ever - so thankful, words can’t express how truly magical this place is 💕"
"I knew my time at the MexiSoul retreat would be profound, deep, difficult, and transformative, but I didn’t realize to what extent nor do I think I understood what those terms truly meant until the retreat was complete. To be honest, I’m still mulling it all over! I was blown away by the love of the staff and the love and mutual respect between the other attendees. Refreshingly, I never felt coerced or put on the spot or less than; there was no hint of any of the damaging social constructs we are surrounded with on a daily basis. It felt like I could truly breathe for the first time in a long time. Upon coming home, I realized I had gained back empathy for the world around me and felt a newfound appreciation for my life, my surroundings, and the universe. If you are at all interested in plant medicine or feel a tugging in your heart towards it, you owe yourself the opportunity to crack that door open and see what is waiting for you in the space beyond. There is no need to fear; you’ll have the best group of people holding and supporting you through each and every step. "
"In my opinion, what makes this place special are the people. Every single member of the staff is fully dedicated to the mission of making people feel safe and supported. Also, the approach that MexiSoul is taking with integration coaching is innovative in the retreat world.
I would definitely attend again."
"At the Arkana Spiritual Center, I had the opportunity to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony, and it was truly transformative. The staff members were not only professional but also incredibly courteous and supportive throughout the entire process. They created a warm and welcoming environment that immediately put me at ease. The ceremony itself was a profound and enlightening experience, and I felt safe and supported throughout. Overall, my time at the Arkana Spiritual Center was unforgettable, and I left with a renewed sense of self and purpose. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound spiritual experience."
"This was my first experience with ayahuasca, kambo and temazcal. I felt truly cared for, nurtured and supported in every step of my journey, both by the staff and the wonderful participants, who were all returnees to Xochipilli. This retreat is truly family. Arturo is a deeply knowledgeable and passionate practitioner of ayahuasca and completely invested in those who seek the healing of this medicine. Alicia went above and beyond to insure that all my logistical needs were met and was present and supportive at every moment of the retreat. I can’t say enough about their commitment to each and every attendee that comes to Xochipilli. They don’t simply offer a product, but nurture and guide a community with love and service. I left with a heart full of gratitude. "
"I really appreciated the retreat, from the staff very accommodating and friendly and everyone’s working here in service to the Divine. Plenty love of community felt here. Beautiful space in the trees with pool. And beautiful surroundings "
"After my husband’s ADHD coach told him to send me on a vacation I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had never felt called to do ayahuasca before but from that moment I knew I was being called. I picked Mamay Ayahuasca because a friend that I trust went there and has sent several people there. Alicia made the whole trip smooth and easy and she was available to answer my many questions before the retreat. She was also a very supportive person during the retreat. My whole experience was amazing and life changing and I didn’t want to leave when it was over. I walked in feeling numb after years of repressing my emotions. I walked out having been blown wide open emotionally. I released so much of my past trauma and stories and found the woman I was before I became a wife, mother, and invalid who was sick for 13 years. I healed myself physically from a brain injury and am healthy physically but I knew I needed to get healthy emotionally again too. This retreat did that for me. I’ve been home for 1.5 weeks but I’m still riding the high from the retreat. Being there was like being part of a loving family that wraps you in their arms, protects you, and guides you. Arturo, the Shaman, is a calm gentle knowing spirit and guide and is amazing just like all of the staff are. Thank you everyone. I look forward to coming back again soon."
"I had a great time at the retreat. Everyone working there is very kind and supportive. When we all met we were strangers and when we all left, we were friends. "
"I think I'll start with the staff. Each one of them is so heart centered and one with their inner child. They are wise and nurturing, full of life. They really made the experience special for me. The food was splendid with wholesome ingredients, minimally processed and full of flavor. The location was gorgeous. From the aesthetic of the architecture to the vibrancy of the plants. The energy of the land was superb. The Aya ceremonies themselves were unreal and potent. Leaving with nothing but deep reverance for the entirety of the experience, medicine and people I connected with. "
"I spent two weeks at Arkana in the Sacred Valley, and it was nothing short of an amazing experience. Everything from the food, rooms, showers, maestros, facilitators, setting, location, schedule, and the medicines were all perfect.
The maestros were extremely powerful and professional. They have dedicated their lives to working with the medicines, and have sacrificed a lot, doing many years of intense diets, to learn from the plants, and share their wisdom to hold ceremonies, and heal people from all over the world who come here. They care so much about helping people. I couldn’t imagine going through these strong medicine experiences without a guide of their caliber. Their songs and icaros in ceremony are magical.
The food was way beyond my expectations. It is like gourmet food from a fancy restaurant. It follows all guidelines to adhere to the ayahuasca diet, but is bursting with flavor and incredibly fresh. Much of it is grown on site in the garden. You can tell the chef puts so much love into every dish. He was a chef at a fancy restaurant in Lima before coming to Arkana.
The setting of the retreat is very serene and peaceful. It is right on the Urubamba River, and is a beautiful garden setting. Hummingbirds are flying all around the beautiful flowers. The rooms are very comfortable, and have amazing showers. They also have a nice gym overlooking the river.
The facilitators are also top notch. They were so helpful every step along the way. Luke, Theo, Bob, Tunde, and Cinzia were all so great. They helped talk me through difficult times, and gave me advice along the way. They shared their experiences with me, and really helped encourage me to trust the medicine and the process. They did a wonderful job at helping me with every need I had during the ceremonies, and outside of the ceremonies. They play beautiful music during ceremony as well. They were always there to talk and help. They care very much about helping others, as many of them were originally guests at Arkana themselves. I can’t speak highly enough about them!
They say the power of Arkana lies in the schedule. I found the way that each week is scheduled to be very beneficial for the way the different medicines work together. Two back to back Ayahuasca ceremonies, then a day off. Then, the Sapo ceremony, followed by another Ayahuasca ceremony, really allows you to go deep. Then, finishing off the week with a San Pedro on Friday is amazing! It is such a good way to bring everything together with such a beautiful, heart opening medicine. It really helped ground me, after intense Sapo and Ayahuasca experiences. It really connects you to nature, yourself and the group.
Last of all, the medicines at Arkana are very powerful. They are known to have strong medicine with a high level of purity. No watered down medicine here! They work with you to figure out the right dose for each person. You can up your dose or lower it, depending on how you feel, always with the guidance of the Maestros and the facilitators. Rest assured, these medicines work, and will take you where you need to go.
I will definitely go back to Arkana again in the future. I have been to other Ayahuasca centers that were also good, but Arkana is where I will be going back. I have so much trust in this place. Lots of intense, amazing healing is done here. It is a great place to go through whatever the medicine might put you through, and be so well taken care of along the way. You will come out of it with life lasting benefits! Thank you again, Arkana! "
"Thank you Arkana Sacred Valley for an incredible experience. The staff created a safe space for healing and growth. Luke, Tunde, Theo and Bob were phenomenal. They were always available to talk if you were having a hard time. The Maestro Misael was magical His compassion and wisdom are unmatched. I can’t wait to visit again. "
"If you're looking for a transformative journey wrapped in warmth and wonder, look no further than this ayahuasca retreat nestled in the heart of the Amazon jungle. From the moment you set foot in this stunning location, you're enveloped in a sense of belonging and alignment with nature.
The facilities are top-notch, with a refreshing pool to beat the tropical heat and comfortable beds to rest your weary soul after a day of exploration. The organization of the week is spot-on, striking a perfect balance between immersive activities in the Amazon and sacred ceremonies.
And let's talk about the food - a delightful surprise on the ayahuasca dieta! Who knew such culinary delights were possible? The dedicated staff are more than just hosts; they're guides, companions, and wise souls who make you feel right at home.
Speaking of ceremonies, they are nothing short of authentic, a true reflection of ancient traditions bridging the gap with the modern world. And the sapo ceremony? An unforgettable addition that I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing.
But the true magic lies in the individual journeys experienced by each participant. For me, it was a profound spiritual awakening, a deep dive into the universe and the essence of self. And judging by the smiles and stories shared by my fellow travelers, I wasn't alone in this transformative experience.
In short, this retreat was not just one of the best weeks of my life - it was a profound journey of growth, healing, and connection. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the incredible team behind this unforgettable experience."
"I had an amazing journey with Siddiq. He hosted me with his thoughtful and caring partner Payton that cooked amazingly vegan herbal meals. Both made me safe and comfortable. I had a wonderful big room in this arty house in the mountains. The perfect landscape to connect with mushrooms. Siddiq hold the space respectfully with presence and gave me an amazing massage to relax and get into my trip. He was present all along to support whenever I had emotional moments. I highly recommend to be accompany by Siddiq !"
"I was an amazing healing experience in the heart of Tulum’s lush jungle guided Agustina.
Her and Angle’s energy transcends time, weaving ancient Mayan threads into the sunset ceremony. Melodic beats from Angle and perfect care made it so comfortable for the seekers. Together, they led us toward healing, whispering forgotten truths through nature’s embrace. We bathed in moonlight, merging with the earth’s pulse. Nature, our silent guide, witnessed our metamorphosis.
To Augstina and Angle, infinite gratitude. Your retreat is a portal—a return to self. God bless you both. "
"Let me start by saying our session host Augustina was an absolute goddess of the earth I felt comfortable and safe from the moment we met. As for the Bofu experience it was life changing for me, I am 59 and I've never felt so connected with myself and the natural world. It was a total reset for my spirit. All I need do is put on my headphones play the ancient Mayan flute music and I'm transported back to the moment. I am forever grateful the experience will live in me forever. "
"I recently had the privilege of participating in a session facilitated by Siddiq, and I must say it was a truly meaningful experience. From the moment I reached out to inquire about joining a psilocybin session, Siddiq was incredibly attentive and supportive. He took the time to address all my concerns and provided invaluable materials to help me prepare for the session, including a wealth of resources like videos, podcasts, and books. These resources served as a roadmap for further exploration and reflection, both before and after the session.
Upon arriving at the retreat, Siddiq made me feel completely at ease. He listened attentively to my apprehensions and took proactive steps to ensure my comfort. The relaxation exercises we engaged in beforehand were instrumental in calming my nerves and fostering a sense of acceptance.
Throughout the session, Siddiq was a steadfast presence, guiding me through each stage of the journey with compassion and expertise. His unwavering support, whether it was holding my hand during moments of fear or offering insightful suggestions when I felt lost, was truly invaluable. Even after the effects of the mushroom had subsided, Siddiq remained by my side, helping me process and integrate the experience.
The following day, we took a rejuvenating walk in the woods, allowing me to reconnect with nature and engage in meaningful conversation. Through it all, I came to a profound realization: individuals like Siddiq are the catalysts for healing in this world. His dedication, empathy, and wisdom have left an indelible mark on me, and for that, I am deeply grateful."
"For me Arkana was exactly what I needed. The whole week and each day’s itinerary was completely planned and thought-out so that I could have the best time, not have to stress about anything, and focus all my time and energy on my healing and manifesting. The staff at the Sacred Valley retreat is wonderful and they really care. Highly recommend for first time Ayahuasca, or those that want fully planned-out experience in Peru. Thank you!"
"Professional, safe and effective care! I highly recommend to all my friends and family!"
" attended Arkana by myself for a week long retreat. I had heard about Arkana over the years, but decided to attend after I had heard some fantastic personal recommendations (and I finally felt ready for this sort of experience). My expectations were far exceeded. First, there is such a feeling of professionalism, respect, and organization. I sensed how thoughtful and well run this retreat center was, which matters a lot to me. They do an incredible job making you feel safe and creating a genuinely very safe and supportive environment. The food was exceptional. The retreat space I beautiful! Much more beautiful than the photos do justice. I participated in four ceremonies and witnessed a level of healing I had never seen before. This is truly a world class healing hospital. There is so much integrity and heart poured into this place. I watched true service at work. That was transformative on my own. The ceremony experience is intense, as to be expected with any retreat of this kind, but the impact it has had on my life (which was already incredibly beautiful and aligned) is profound. I look forward to my return, and have recommended it widely to anyone who feels called to experience this medicine. You will be glad you came and very glad you chose Arkana. You are in excellent hands.
- Sam Pfotenhauer
P.S. I recommend you bring anti-itch cream, as there are mosquitoes in the amazon and you will get bites. I also recommend bringing a few light items of clothing that cover your body, like a light linen shirt and a light long skirt or pants. I also highly encourage that you closely follow the recommended diet before and really lean into the experience."