7 Day Mexican Medicines Retreat: Peyote, Psilocybin and Bufo Alvarius

It's hard to put into words how incredible this place is and how profound my experience here was. To start, the people that you meet here - everyone from the kitchen staff, to the security, to the cleaning staff, the facilitators, the Shamans, even the founder who was in attendance, are all so intentional with seemingly everything they do. They are showing attention to detail and care at levels beyond any 5-star hotel could achieve and it seems to just be the type of people they are.

The living spaces are also incredible. The nature around you really reenergizes you and puts you at peace. The sound of the birds (oropendolas) around the retreat, the cranes you'll see walking around, the intensely green trees and plants that surround you really create a one of a kind setting for the experience. You'll also get to go on excursions to feed some monkeys which was extremely exciting and fun as we got to interact with an entire family, see sloths hanging at the tops of trees, we got a peak at one of the river dolphins, and caught a baby caiman.

For the ceremonial experiences, I had extremely profound, insightful, and helpful relationships with both the ayahuasca and the bufo which I HIGHLY recommend. The Shaman do a great job of guiding you through the spiritual world with their icaros the facilitators are extremely caring and helpful during the ceremonies, doing everything they can to give you a great experience. You also get to share your experiences with the group the next morning, which was my favorite part. Getting to hear the learning from others and the types of experiences they went through gives you a new perspective on your own journey as does sharing your own experiences. The Shaman and founder, Jose, also give feedback and tips at times while hearing the groups experience. The facilitators do a great job of giving you guidance on how to take the lessons you've learned during the retreat and applying them in your everyday life so you can continue your growth.

Thank you to Jose, the Shamans, Crystal, Vint, Ray, Falcon, the kitchen staff, the cleaning staff, and the security for showing me what it is like to care for others and put awareness, care, and love into ALL the things you do whether big or small. I'm hoping to come back to this little paradise soon.

I attended the 7-Day Ayahuasca Retreat at Arkana Spiritual Center during a pivotal time in my life, and I can honestly say it marked a turning point in how I see myself, my purpose, and my path forward.

What impressed me most was how intentional and grounded the entire experience was. This was not “spiritual tourism.” The facilitators, healers, and staff created a container that felt safe, structured, and deeply respectful of the medicine and each participant’s process. I never once felt alone, even during the most challenging moments.

The ceremonies were powerful in ways that are difficult to put into words confronting at times, but ultimately clarifying and healing. I left with a renewed sense of direction, emotional release I had been carrying for years, and a much deeper connection to myself.

Beyond the ceremonies, the environment itself played a huge role. Being in the Amazon, disconnected from everyday distractions, allowed me to truly slow down, reflect, and reset. The integration support and resources provided afterward have been just as important as the retreat itself, helping me bring the insights back into real life rather than leaving them behind in the jungle.

What stands out most is the heart behind this center. You can feel that the team genuinely cares about people’s healing, not just running a program. That sincerity is rare.

I left feeling not only grateful, but also inspired to continue this path of growth and to give back in some way — including potentially volunteering in the future if the opportunity arises. Experiences like this create a desire to contribute, not just receive.

If you feel truly called to this work and are looking for a place that balances authenticity, safety, and deep spiritual integrity, Arkana is a powerful space to do that work.

With deep gratitude to the entire Arkana family for an experience I will carry for the rest of my life.

This was a life changing experience located in a very beautiful and peaceful setting. The staff was amazing and many details were thought of for this to be an exceptional experience.

Before coming to Arkana, I was deeply struggling. I knew cognitively that I needed change. I knew I carried trauma that had kept me in overdrive for most of my life. But I didn’t truly understand how much my mind, body, and spirit were longing to slow down, soften, and feel safe again.

I was honestly scared when I arrived. Excited, but scared. I didn’t know what I was walking into, and I couldn’t have imagined how beautifully held and supported I would be. From the moment I stepped onto the property, there was a sense of safety and reverence that surrounded everything. The facility itself is stunning - peaceful, grounding, and intentionally designed to support deep inner work. It feels sacred without being overwhelming.

The pacing of the experience was one of the most healing parts. Everything was so thoughtfully structured. The restorative yoga, breathwork, and sound healing weren’t just “add-ons,” they were essential pieces that helped my nervous system feel safe and regulated between ceremonies. Each practice felt purposeful, helping me stay connected to my body and gently integrate what was unfolding emotionally and spiritually.

Having a full day of rest and exploration between ceremonies two and three was incredibly powerful. Being able to visit Machu Picchu and take in its beauty gave my system space to breathe, reflect, and anchor everything that had already shifted within me. It reminded me that healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time - it can also be expansive, awe-inspiring, and deeply grounding.

The guides and shamans are extraordinary. Their presence is calm, grounded, and deeply compassionate. I never once felt rushed, judged, or pushed. They held space with such integrity and tenderness, especially when things felt vulnerable or intense. I always felt seen, protected, and trusted to move through my experience in my own way.

The integration support is where Arkana truly stands apart. They don’t just guide you through the ceremonies; they help you understand, embody, and carry the experience forward into your real life. I left with tools, grounding practices, and a deeper trust in my own intuition and nervous system. It wasn’t about fixing me. It was about helping me remember myself.

And the food deserves its own recognition. Every meal was nourishing, intentional, and deeply supportive of the healing process. It felt like part of the ceremony itself - clean, grounding, and prepared with so much care and respect for the body.

Coming back to Texas, I already feel different. My relationship with my body, my energy, my food, and my pace of life has shifted. I’m calmer. More present. Less driven by urgency and more guided by awareness. It’s showing up in how I eat, how I rest, how I train, and how I listen to myself.

I thought I was going to Arkana to “work on myself.” What I didn’t realize was that I was going to be gently reintroduced to who I already was beneath years of survival mode. The experience was not rushed, forced, or overwhelming. It was spacious, intentional, and deeply respectful of the human nervous system.

If you are feeling called but scared, I was too. And I can say with complete honesty: you will be met with more compassion, professionalism, and integrity than you can imagine. This experience changed my life in the most grounded, embodied, and sustainable way possible.

I had a really powerful experience at Arkana Spiritual Center. It is a very peaceful place surrounded by nature, which helped me feel calm and focused. The ceremonies were intense but meaningful, and they helped me learn a lot about myself. The shamans and staff were kind, caring, and made me feel safe the whole time.

The retreat was well organized, and the food and rooms were amazing (vegan options available). I also liked the extra activities like yoga, group sharing, and spending time outside. I felt connected to the other people there, and it was nice to share the experience together.

This is not an easy or relaxing vacation it can be emotional and challenging, but most people, including me, felt it was worth it. Overall, Arkana is a good place for people who are serious about healing, learning, and personal growth. I’m so grateful for my new outlook on life it’s truly a fresh start once you do the hard work in each ceremony. I will be forever grateful for Arkana, Jose, and the wonderful shaman and facilitators that made this place run so smoothly for people to come and heal!