Alicia Castillo surrendered to Plant Medicine 3 years ago, but she has most importantly surrendered to the process of spirituality and growth for the past 15 years.
Alicia first began her calling in 2009 in search for a better understanding of what healing really entailed through many different cultures and countries. Thus enabling her to open her mind to the knowledge and growth that the world had to offer.
Alicia felt then, the strong calling to collaborate with Ayahuasquero Arturo, bringing more than a decade of experience in life and business coaching, transformational activities, integration, support and most important the keys on how to step into your purpose. She has emerged herself in the tradition of the Tlahuicoatl moon dance, fostering the growth and knowledge of carrying the tradition of medicinal music, cacao, and working with the elements.
After two years of strong research utilizing all the tools learned through; traveling to spiritual countries, meeting gurus, managing seminars and assistance in transformational journeys she found this unique sacred space in Cancun, Mexico - Xochipilli Retreat Center.
Her intention with each retreat is to nurture with love and curiosity. Uplift and connect soul to soul while transitioning through the spirit world of plant medicine. Alicia understands the importance of guarding a safe circle with the healing spirit of this Ayahuasca sacrament.
Our Ayahuasquero Arturo has dedicated his life to plant medicine for 15 years, eight of those here at Xochipilli. He is dedicated to his work and shows up with the utmost integrity.
Arturo began his journey when he traveled to Pisac the Sacred Valley in Peru and met one of his teachers, Diego Palma, and his assistant Jean Piel. Arturo later became Piel’s apprentice helping him with dozens of ceremonies. As Piel pursued his own path Arturo felt connected with his work of medicine and music and followed his lead.
Arturo knows that we are going through a transition where all social masks are falling, and we know there is a problem on the outside but we don’t know what it is. We know that there is something that is not right in our habits, our relationships, and our external lives.
Wanting to work with Ayahuasca becomes an internal calling. Having a medicine facilitator as loving and nurturing as Arturo allows you to trust and transition to the love mama ayahuasca can bring into your life.
Arturo values his tribe, his family which include the staff and the participants he has connected with. This is an opportunity to go beyond. He is sharp and fully connected with the medicine allowing all ceremonies to become integrated personally to each participant.
He is musically gifted, formatting every sound and voice to allow you to integrate your experience. He has a peaceful demeanor, his calming presence has made many participants ask if they could take him home to further carry the peace he gives others. But what most miss is the energy of peace he can integrate within your life if you decide to trust Mamay and most importantly Arturo with your experience with the vine.
Arturo has worked with one cook of medicine only, he comes from a vast lineage from Pucallpa, Peru. The respect for this sacrament and connection to the spirit world of plants bring a unique experience in each of his ceremonies.
Details of this retreat
Immerse yourself with the sacred sacrament of grandmother Ayahuasca on a special weekend crafted for our retreat grads and new tribe family. We will experience the medicine for two consecutive nights.
Xochipilli Retreat Center has been the cradle of many medicine men and women. This is a sacred space committed in keeping the flame alive in human consiousness. The shaman has been a mentor for many and has cultivated an environment that feels safe, grounded and primed for a deep internal dive with the medicine. The jungle of Cancun has a unique and powerful vortex, this is why it matters to experience plant medicine in the jungle. There is a unique frequency in each city and country stepping out to another environment is part of the medicine. Allow yourself to experience this sacrament in the Maya land.
Mamay Ayahuasca Experience understands the feelings when acknowledging the internal call to sit with plants of power. After a decade of intense spiritual inner work and apprenticeship with a powerful mentor in different countries with groups from 15-150 we know what it takes to transcend to the next highest level. Integrating and cultivating a life with kind self-responsibility. Three years ago we began working with Xochipilli, month to month creating this nurturing environment. Mamay Ayahuasca understands the importance of the quality and sacredness of the medicine, prayer and safe container. Our promise is to help you bridge on to the next step of such important decision. Guiding with the utmost love and care moment to moment of your healing retreat for your highest good.
All ceremonies are led by our medicine man, Arturo Lopez. He has 7 people in his staff for groups of 10-14 people this is key! The medicine he serves is traditional and comes directly from the Peruvian Amazon. It is prepared by his dear brother Adler from the Ushnawa tribe. His intention is that each participant experiences the quality and purity of this medicine. The medicine of Kambo detoxing your blood, organs and liver is of vital importance before connecting with Grandmother Ayahuasca.
All of our retreats are priced with shared accommodations but a couple single rooms are available for an additional fee (first come first serve). Remember, on many different levels we call on to our special ceremony circle and most aligned roommate. Xochipilli has created a safe setting for healing, cultivating deeper community, organic and nature friendly facilities resulting in bigger take aways. Trust that all has been paved with your process in mind.
Our retreat begins the morning of Friday June 07, 2024. at 1 pm. with a Cacao medicine integration circle and ends on Sunday June 9 by 1 pm.
If you plan to arrive one night before and need accommodation please let the organizer know.
Please send an email to the organizer if you need more information before booking. Please note this mini retreat does not include Kambo (optional xtra fee), cenote trip, therapy classes and massages as in our 6 day Mamay retreat experience.
“Ayllu Masikunapa” we are family!
P.S. Ask us about our Grad Xochipilli 10 Day Amazon/Sacred Valley Peru Experience.
Schedule
RETREAT ITINERARY
Friday:
(Please check in by 11AM)
9 AM Kambo Ceremony (optional)
1:00 PM Cacao Welcome Circle with Medicine facilitator
3:00 PM Lunch
6:00 PM Ayahuasca Ceremony
Saturday:
10:00 AM Kambo Ceremony (optional)
9:30 AM Breakfast
12:00 PM Temazcal
3:00 PM Lunch
7:00 PM Ayahuasca Ceremony
Sunday:
9:30 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM Closing Integration
1:00 PM Check out
CUN is the Airport City code for Cancun international Airport. We will pick you up and drop you to and from the airport. Retreat center is 25-30 min. from airport.
Accommodation
Xochipilli Retreats Center was built with nature in mind. Accommodations are simple but comfortable, fewer rooms more jungle. Yes, double occupancy in a peaceful sanctuary. We offer Wifi and reception can be spotty. Each room has a desk to share and double shelves to store your clothes. Private bathroom with shower, ceiling fans and air conditioning. You are supplied with a towel, blankets and cushions for ceremony. Please reach out if you need special accommodations. We match roommates as best as it is aligned and the process of the experience of a roommate adds to the experience. Remember you call your special circle unconsciously, not to mention your own roommate. If a private room is a must then it is first come first serve for an additional fee.
2 Ayahuasca Ceremonies, Cacao Ceremony, Temazcal
Venue & Amenities
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
Beautiful jungle landscape throughout. Every room is a few steps from the main house where all the meals are served. The maloca was built with Ceremony in mind with crystal quarts buried in its foundation. Spacious yet cozy for groups to connect easily and yet so many walk ways to spend time alone. This center has bikes for guests to enjoy the surrounding jungle and a refreshing pool. Wifi on premises
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Oatmeal
Fruit
Vegetables
Egg
Quinoa
Rice
Corn Tortilla
Black beans
Lentils
Coconut milk
What's Included
Full retreat dates accommodation with meals.
2 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
1 Temazcal
1 Cacao Ceremony & Sound Healing
1 Introduction Circle with Shaman
1 Integration Closing Circle with Shaman
All meals, special diet Vegan/Vegetarian.
Airport only transportation included.
Life Coaching Session with Shaman.
Life Coaching Session with Organizer
What's Not Included
Airfare not included and any additional extras, gratuity.
Customer Reviews
5.00 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Transformational
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.
5.0
Verified
Nice and refreshing experience
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
5.0
Verified
Amazing Ayahuasca Retreat
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.
5.0
Verified
Everything I could've asked for.
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.
5.0
Verified
A Truly Heartfelt Experience
I have been working with different plant medicines for about 5 years now and have been truly reaping the benefits of each ceremony I attend. With each experience I discover a deeper understanding of who I truly am, what my experiences have taught me and what I need to apply more attention to in my life. It has been enlightening, healing, transformative and heart opening.
In July I attended Mamay Ayahuasca for a one week retreat. The whole week was beautiful. Filled with different ceremonial experiences unlike any other retreat. The last ceremony I attended, the maloca was full of people. Mostly locals. This is the optional night of the retreat when outsiders are invited to share the medicine. It was actually my 40th birthday and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect way to celebrate. The medicine was strong this night. I followed my intuition and drank as much as I felt I needed. Laying on the grass, under the beautiful Mexican starry sky; my heart opened. It was visceral and intense but deeply pleasurable. In that moment I fell deeply in love with myself. I released all the shame and anger and resentments that had plagued me my whole life. I forgave everyone who ever hurt me. I forgave myself for the wrongs I had done to others and to myself. I saw perfection in everything. It was the most beautiful experience I had ever encountered and I can’t imagine anything topping that.
This was in July 2024. 8 months ago now. Im still basking in the afterglow. Not only do I feel that my Complex-ptsd symptoms have vastly improved, but in the weeks following the retreat I noticed my Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms diminish. After seeing a doctor and running some tests in December it was revealed that my Pcos had been cured! The doctors have no explanation for this. It’s believed that hormonal imbalances like this are often caused due to high stress hormones in early childhood development. Coming from a very traumatic childhood it made sense that I’d developed Pcos. I full heartedly believe by working with Ayahuasca at Mamay and feeling the LOVE from the faculty, healing my deeply embedded emotions, I gave my body permission to balance my chemistry. It really is magical!
I recently returned from a powerful two week retreat in the Peruvian Amazon at one of the worlds top tier Ayahuasca retreats. It was also incredible, healing and insightful. But nothing compares to the way my heart felt at Mamay. I am forever grateful for the warmth, compassion and opportunity. Life is such a special gift and I will always walk this path with an open heart thanks to my friends at Mamay.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
The event is 100% refundable for cancellation 30+ days before the event start date. The event is 50% refundable if cancelled 15 days before the start date. The event is not refundable if cancelled 14 days before the event start date. We offer the option to reschedule within 6 months.