About this Retreat
Katie is the facilitator and organizer for Allpa Mama Retreats. She is from Chicago, USA, and is Miguel's partner. She has lived in Ecuador for five years, assisting in Ayahuasca, San Pedro and Wilka ceremonies. She does her own San Pedro ceremonies, having received the blessing from the spirits and Miguel to work with this medicine. She also gives limpias (energetic cleansings), does cleansing rituals and massage as well. She is honored to be able to work with these sacred plants, and believes they are here to help us heal, grow, remember the ancient ways of living and connecting with each other and the earth. Katie is also an ancestral herbal medicine and midwifery student of Mercedes
Miguel was born in Cuenca, Ecuador and at an early age his perception of spirits and energies were awakened. Since he was 20 years old, he began helping taitas in ceremonies, and some time later he began to perform his own ceremonies. He first learned to work with Huachuma from Taitas of the Andes. After this he was introduced to Mama Wilka by a shaman from the North of Bolivia, and was initiated into this almost-lost Inkan tradition. He learned to work with Ayahusaca from several respected Shuar Ubishines (curanderos) in the jungle of Gualaquiza.
Miguel has a unique ability of being able to feel the pains of other people, just upon meeting them. This helps him to give excellent cleansings, which can take away physical, mental and spiritual pains and illnesses.
He is a humble, kind person and loves to teach others about his country, culture and the plants he works with.
Details of this retreat
Healing Huachuma Retreat
April 1-7, 2025 in Cuenca, Ecuador
Step into a sacred space of healing and self-discovery with our San Pedro Plant Medicine Retreat. Known for its gentle yet profound healing properties, San Pedro offers a powerful opportunity to reconnect with your true essence, release blockages, and gain clarity on your life's path. Set in a serene and nurturing environment, this retreat invites you to embark on a transformative journey that integrates mind, body, and spirit.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll work closely with San Pedro in both day and night ceremonies, guided by experienced facilitators who honor the wisdom of this sacred plant. San Pedro’s energy opens the heart, facilitating emotional healing, expanding consciousness, and fostering deep spiritual connection. These ceremonies are designed to guide you in releasing old wounds, unlocking inner wisdom, and cultivating peace.
In addition to the plant medicine ceremonies, our retreat includes workshops focused on the mind/body/spirit connection, breathwork, and meditation. You’ll explore the profound link between your mental, physical, and spiritual health, learning techniques that help you achieve balance and harmony in everyday life. Breathwork and meditation practices will support your journey, deepening your connection to the present moment and enhancing the healing process.
This retreat is ideal for those seeking clarity, personal growth, and deep healing. Whether you are new to plant medicine or experienced, the combination of San Pedro ceremonies, workshops, and integration practices will provide you with the tools to transform your life.
Are you ready to heal, connect, and awaken your true potential? Join us on this life-changing San Pedro retreat and step into a deeper, more vibrant version of yourself?
Huachuma, or San Pedro, is the sacred cactus medicine of the Andes. He is often seen as a gentler plant of power, though he can also be extremely deep, heal profoundly, and shares much wisdom. He comes on a lot slower, like a ray of sunshine slowly warming you up, taking you by the hand like a grandfather, gently yet firmly healing and teaching. Unlike some other medicines, he doesn't usually thrust you into a dark abyss, yet by connecting with him and we can know the Divine, source.
Plant Medicine Ceremonies:
- 3 San Pedro ceremonies: 2 nighttime and 1 daytime
- Optional Wilka ceremony (extra)
- 1 Cacao ceremony
Workshops:
- Herbal medicines
- Mind/Body/Spirit workshop
- Pranayama breathing techniques
Other Activities:
- Limpias, energy cleansings
- Plant bath ritual
- Group discussions
- Visit Giron Waterfall and Lake tour
- Visit gorgeous spa with thermal baths, sauna, hot/cold baths, mud bath
- Daily meditation & yoga
We will have ceremonies at night and during the day. By the sacred grandfather fire.
San Pedro varies quite a bit at night vs. in the daytime. At night, it is easier to go deeper, connect more with the cosmos, your spirit, your internal world, and heal quite deep wounds and fix energetic kinks. In the daytime, the medicine is more external, bringing clarity, joy and connection with others and the Earth
We will be in silence during the ceremoneis, next to the grandfather fire. Katie & Taita Miguel will sing, call on friendly spirits, utilize instruments and give cleansings if desired.
Some people have sat in ceremonies previously, whereas, for others, it is their first time meeting with the plant medicines.
Optional:
Huilka seed reading with Taita Miguel - before or after on Zoom, or at retreat. Ask questions about your life, work, relationship, connect with loved ones who have passed over
Virtual limpia (energetic cleansing) - We can do a limpia for you via Zoom before the retreat if you wish, or after. We will do them at the retreat, but it can be helpful to start aligning your energy or help with any health issues you might be experiencing even before you arrive.