Alicia Castillo surrendered to Plant Medicine 4 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 October 10, 2025. at 9 am. with Kambo Detox Ceremony and ends on Sunday October 12, 2025 by 1 pm.
Please plan to arrive one night before (Thursday) the retreat center opens after 3pm.
Please send an email to the organizer if you need more information before booking. Please note this mini retreat does include Kambo, Ayahuasca ceremonies, Temazcal, integration circles and one 50min massage.
“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.
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 Kambo Detox Ceremony
1 Temazcal
1 Cacao Ceremony
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
My first Ayahuasca experience - and it was amazing!
Experiencing Ayahuasca with Arturo, the healer, and his incredible team, especially Alicia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Though I am not a religious or particularly spiritual person, my curiosity led me to explore this journey — and it ended up changing my entire perspective on life. From the moment the ceremony began, I felt an unparalleled connection to the Earth and an overwhelming sense of love that is difficult to describe in words. It was a profound awakening, one that opened my heart and mind in ways I never thought possible. Mama Ayahuasca guided me with wisdom and compassion, helping me realize that this experience is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of self-discovery and deeper understanding.
I am incredibly grateful to Arturo, Alicia, and the entire team for creating such a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment throughout this powerful experience. Their guidance, warmth, and authenticity made all the difference. I definitely recommend this experience with Mamay Ayahuasca to anyone seeking growth, healing, or a deeper connection to life!
5.0
Verified
Forever Grateful
Words feel inadequate to capture the profound gratitude I hold for everyone at Mamay and Xochipilli. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by an environment of love and empathy that made this retreat truly transformative.
The team here is extraordinary. Arturo is a remarkable guide that made every moment feel safe and meaningful. He gently yet powerfully pushes you towards the edge of your comfort zone, opening doors to profound personal transformation. Alicia is truly the glue that binds the experience together, ensuring every detail flows seamlessly so you can focus entirely on your journey. Together with Esther, Lorena, David, Luis, and Marek, they've created something that feels both sacred and special - their dedication to service is evident in every interaction. They are all generous souls who have chosen to serve with their whole hearts.
The ceremonies speak a language beyond words. The teachings and integration work are deeply moving, guiding you to face your shadows with courage and rediscover the brilliance you have within. Here, you are seen, heard, and held in a way that reconnects you with your truest self.
I will carry this experience always, and I look forward to when our paths cross again. Until then, with boundless gratitude—thank you for being the light that you are.
5.0
Verified
This tribe is the real deal
I’m48 yeas young from The Bronx. I have been smoking weed for over 28 years. I was depressed overwhelmed with the chatter in my head.my brain was on overload. This place is exactly what I am looking for in my life. I wasn’t expecting the amount of love care gratitude and peace I receive from this tribe. They are all magical Lorena and David they sing they play live instruments. Her voice gives me chills and open my heart. Closest I have been to heaven hearing her sing. The yoga they did was just amazing. They took us to the cenote which is so beautiful refreshing. They are super friendly and do things with love 💕.Ester also sings beautifully.Gave us some delicious cacao. We shared dancing 💃🏻 and hope love and laughter. Marek a wonderful musician you can feel his music in your core such a wonderful gentleman. Luis reads the tarot card totally on point even read the card for my mother who was not able to attend m. Totally made my mom feel blessed and best advice she needed to hear from him. My favorite was his Singing 🎵 class he makes it so fun singing and dancing and laughing and moving around and not to mention he rocks the heck out of his guitar 🎸. He trained us well and brings the child out in me and the group.. Alicia we just love her she sings and dances the love and care that she gives us makes us feel special like family we cried we laughed we sang we dance we ate we shared stories. My sister for life. The best for last Arturo the spiritual doctor also known as the medicine man. He open my heart throat third eye and crown chakra . When he sings it’s so meaningful. I felt everything in my soul not to mention his voice I couldn’t believe how beautiful he sounds. And plays that drum I have one now lol.He took his time to care for this circle gave us the best advice guidance the love that he has for his staff his people and us made us feel the love and gratitude peace he has inside shines just like the sun ☀️. When the heart breaks the heart shines when the heart shines the heart sings. Everything he told me is true he prepared me well to come back home. Even tho I now want to live with them and be with them every day. I have never in my life felt such peace such love such care. I will return this is my life now. Also the food is so pure and delicious the cook has magical hands 🙌🏻 and dinner was delicious and made with love. Even shasa is the protector dog makes you feel safe and guided.
Zulee
5.0
Verified
1000 ⭐️
All the staff is very respectful. I have never been around people that carry such peace it spreads to the surrounding community. Thank you to all of them I love them all. A piece of me will forever be there. I’m healed and now I know my life purpose. Ayahuasca is the truth grandmother give you what you truly need. Even if you not sure she knows. if you are lost depressed broken hurt in need of something and not sure this is the place for you. Worth every penny don’t think twice. Everyone need plant medicine it’s the truth.. see you soon xoxox Zulee
5.0
Verified
Amazing woman beautiful spirit
Very beautiful inside and out, great translator, very accommodating and helpful for organizing the retreat and answering questions, super friendly and supportive
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Deposit is non-refundable. 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 non refundable if cancelled 14 days before the event start date. Reschedule Option available.
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