Pachamama Sanctuary

A truly transformative experience! The sanctuary sits on 42 acres of untouched, beautiful land just minutes away from Sabago Lake National Park in Casco, ME. It’s conveniently located for me which is one of the reason I chose it but not before doing my due diligence and researching it thoroughly. While the majority of the reviews are positive, a few are not so favorable. Some call it ‘cultish’ while others call it ‘a business’. Call it what you will but the bottom line is that ‘Ayahuasca’ is none of those things. ‘The Medicine’ is the medicine and the journey is your own, period. This experience is meant for people who have been struggling with PTSD and for those who wish to gain self awareness, better understand their trauma and hold space for whatever shows up. For me, The Medicine didn’t just show me my trauma with intense clarity but also how and why it has affected me and my loved ones. It’s eye opening and humbling. The staff is very loving, supportive and professional. They are there for whatever or however you need them. If you do not ask for help, they leave you alone but they are ever present; always vigilant…(sentinels, if you will)…and responding accordingly if someone is in distress. While I felt wholly supported and cared for, I also felt the heaviness and the sadness in the room (there were 40 participants). With that many people sharing the same space, it is inevitable to encounter dark energy and you need to discern whether that energy is your own or the collective which can be a bit challenging. Initially, the ‘noise’ (purging, crying, loud music, etc.) felt distracting but eventually I was able to focus on my own journey and seek my truth while feeling the unconditional love and compassion from ‘Mother Aya’ and the staff. The integration sessions between each ‘ceremony’ and the breath work are just as important as The Medicine itself. Without it, “you are just getting high with a bunch of hippies” as Derek very candidly stated. However, if you truly want to work on yourself and your trauma, Pachamama Sanctuary is a place where you can achieve it. As others had told me before doing it myself; when you go back home, everything and everyone will still be the same (your family, friends, colleagues, boss) but you are not. You will continue to process for the next couple of weeks and you’re encouraged to journal during your entire experience so as not to forget (trust me, you will not forget!) and continue to build upon and integrate what is revealed to you. Ayahuasca is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime (IF, they are able). It is NOT for the faint of heart. My work is just beginning.

Upon arrival I felt reserved amongst the group. The first night the medicine put me into a sound sleep, I haven’t slept that good in I don’t know how long. I felt it in my bones that it was preparing me for the second night and to say the least it was. As we integrated our experiences as a group I started to feel at home. The second night I made the decision to step into the pain for better or for worse and I am so grateful I did. I felt the collective consciousness of the group that felt like a warm hug, the nervousness slipped away and by the end I felt like these people who I shared this beautiful experience with were family. I can’t say enough about how accommodating the staff was, they didn’t act like these spiritual gurus that knew better or were better than you, we were one. I had a 9 hour ride home I shed the happiest tears I’ve ever shed. What a powerful powerful experience. I intend to stay connected to the community via integration meetings, volunteering opportunities, and eventually another ceremony. Much love to all who attended.

If you feel called by Ayahuasca, Kambo, or other plant medicines, I cannot recommend Pachamama Sanctuary MORE. The medicine and the ceremonies were of the highest quality. And to be totally honest, I underestimated how important the Pachamama staff would be in this experience. I've never been around a more altruistic group of people who seriously want the best for each and every person who comes through the Sanctuary. During the ceremonies, they are SOOO impressively attentive. They went above and beyond to individually help me through my journey, and they were actually HAPPY to be there for me. I could go on for days about how overwhelmingly positive my experience was, and if you choose to go on this journey, I'm excited that you get to experience it for yourself. Pachamama Sanctuary is a true place of good in this world.

I’ve had two different experiences with this beautiful organization. Both times were amazing but I was particularly blown away this past weekend by the sanctuary, the staff, the reverence, the taita, the food, accommodation even at basic level. I felt safe, respected, nourished in every way! 100/10 i recommend and cannot wait to return!

I can not thank Derek and his team enough for such a profound weekend. I went for healing and i got exactly what i asked for. Everyone was so kind and compassionate. They really get joy from helping people and it shows. I went on a solo trip without my wife, and we both plan on going back once the weather gets a bit nicer (December in Maine is snowy and cold). It changed my outlook on life and will have a beautiful impact on my relationship with my wife. I am very introverted, but felt so much comfort and peace with everyone there, staff and participants alike. We all went for healing, and i think we all left as better people.