9 Days Ayahuasca Retreat: Letting Go of the Old & Welcoming the New

5.009 reviews
Location icon
Calle Rosa Mistica, Olon, Ecuador
Users icon
Up to 10 in group
Date
December 18 - 26, 2024

Retreat Highlights

  • Plant Medicine Ceremonies
  • Temazcal ceremonies
  • Plant baths
  • Tabacco Purge
  • Sharing circles
  • Pre and post calls with facilitators
  • Breathing exercises
  • Tai chi and Chi Qung
  • Yoga
  • Healthy fresh meals
  • Beachfront location
  • Small group settings

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

As we prepare for the new year, our Ayahuasca retreat offers a unique opportunity to release what no longer serves you and make space for the new. This retreat invites you to look deeply into your shadows, integrating and transmuting them into sources of strength, light, and wisdom.

Our ceremonies are led by experienced facilitators with many years of practice, preserving the traditional wisdom of the indiginious people. Our main medicine man, Colas, has spent many years with the Shipibo tribes in the Peruvian jungle where he spent time with different plants and Dieta before meeting his maestro, Pascal, who taught him to connect with the "flying tree" an energetic tree, which serves as a powerful tool for healing and energy clearing. The way Pascal taught was alligned with the way of love and comapssion and that is a quality we bring to our retreats.

During the retreat, we use a variety of healing plants and therapies to help cleanse dense energies, bringing clarity, balance, and peace. The ceremonies are infused with the sacred Icaros—traditional Shipibo songs—accompanied by live instruments, creating a deeply immersive and healing experience.

In addition to the transformative power of Ayahuasca, we offer San Pedro medicine, a deeply heart-opening plant medicine cherished by the Andean people for centuries. Known for its ability to connect us with the essence of love, San Pedro invites us to explore the deeper layers of our hearts, cultivating self-love, compassion, and a profound sense of unity with the world around us.

San Pedro, or Huachuma, is revered for its gentle yet potent effects, helping to release emotional blockages and bringing clarity to our life’s purpose. Unlike Ayahuasca, which is often focused on inner healing and shadow work, San Pedro works primarily on the heart and community. It enhances our ability to feel deeply, fostering empathy, interconnectedness, and an expansive sense of love that ripples outward to our relationships and beyond.

At Vikara, San Pedro offers the perfect complement to your journey. It is an ideal starting point for those new to plant medicine, as it encourages a gentle opening of the heart and a deeper connection to self-love. Whether you're looking to heal from past emotional wounds, deepen your connection to your purpose, or simply cultivate a more loving relationship with yourself and others, San Pedro can guide you on this path.


Your safety and well-being are paramount at Retreat Center. We foster a supportive environment with intimate groups of no more than 10 participants, allowing our experienced facilitators to offer personalized attention and prioritize your complete well-being throughout your transformative journey.


Absolutely! Here’s an expanded version that highlights the support services available at your retreat:

Professional Support for Integration and Healing

At Vikara, we understand that the journey with plant medicine can be profound, and the integration of these experiences is just as important as the ceremonies themselves. To ensure that your healing continues long after you leave, we offer comprehensive support throughout your retreat and beyond.

We are fortunate to have a licensed psychologist on-site, who specializes in helping individuals navigate the deep emotional and psychological shifts that often arise during plant medicine journeys. After your ceremonies, we offer group sessions for integration or we can provide a personalized one-on-one integration sessions to help you make sense of the insights and experiences you’ve had. These sessions offer a safe, supportive space to process difficult emotions, address any challenges that arise, and integrate the wisdom gained from the medicine into your daily life. Integration is an essential part of the healing process, and our team will work with you to ensure that the benefits of your retreat continue to unfold in a healthy, sustainable way.

We also offer a range of therapists and healers who specialize in accompanying people on their plant medicine journeys. Each of our therapists brings a unique set of skills and expertise to help support you through every step of your healing process. From emotional and spiritual guidance to energy work and somatic healing, our team is equipped to address the varied aspects of your journey—whether you need help processing trauma, navigating shifts in consciousness, or simply understanding the deeper messages that the plant medicines bring.

For more information visit our webpage : www.vikarahealingcenter.com or email us at info@vikarahealingcenter.com

Schedule

Healing Retreat Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival & Welcome
Arrival at the Retreat Center. Welcome by the staff and introduction to the facilities and routines.
Midday: Light lunch and opening session. Meet your fellow retreat participants and the facilitators. Introduction to the Retreat and safety guidelines.
Evening: Group dinner. Early rest to recover from the journey.

Day 2 (Sunday):
Morning: Breathwork session to open the retreat and open your hearts
Midday: Healthy lunch.
Afternoon:naturopathy-iridology session,
Ceremony for the ancesors.
Evening: Dinner and rest.

Day 3 (Monday):
Morning: San Pedro power walk to the jungle
Evening: San Pedro medicine temazcal ceremony.
Dinner

Day 4 (Tuesday):
Morning: Breakfast and time to enjoy nature and relax.
Midday: Lunch.
Afternoon: Integration session by the sea and yoga session.
Evening: Group dinner and free time to meditate, read, or socialize.

Day 5 (Wednesday):
Morning: Tobacco purge on an empty stomach. Breakfast.
Midday: Light lunch.
Afternoon: Group discussion and preparation for the first Ayahuasca ceremony. Cleansing plant bath from the Amazon and time for rest.
Evening: First Ayahuasca ceremony.

Day 6 (Thursday): Integration & Yoga
Morning: Light breakfast and time for journaling and reflecting on the previous ceremony.
Afternoon: Integration session with the facilitator and group discussion. Yoga session to integrate the healing process and connect with the body and its messages.
Evening: Dinner and free time.

Day 7 (Friday):
Morning: Breakfast and time to enjoy nature.
Midday: Light lunch.
Afternoon: Yoga session.
Evening: Second Ayahuasca ceremony.

Day 8 (Saturday): Integration & Temazcal
Morning: Light breakfast and time for journaling and reflecting on the previous ceremony (if applicable).
Midday: Lunch.
Afternoon: Integration session and temazcal ceremony for closing the retreat.
Evening: Farewell dinner.

Day 9 (Sunday): Departure
Morning: Light breakfast and closing ceremony to express gratitude for the experience and the insights gained.
Mid-morning: Transportation back to the starting location.
Post-zoom call with the entire group two weeks after the retreat.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Vikara Healing Center, Calle Rosa Mistica, Olon, Ecuador

Directions

We are located directly on the beach in Olón, an authentic and quaint village in Ecuador-off the beaten track.

Olon is an easy 2.5 hour bus ride from the Guayaquil (GYE) airport. Here in Olon you will find the perfect balance of nature, people and culture. You can swim with dolphins, practice Spanish with the locals and walk the beautiful 7.6 km beach. Surf is year-round and the beach break is both friendly for beginners and challenging enough for more advanced surfers. The sunsets are epic, and because we are beachfront, you will fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.

To come from Guayaquil you have 2 options:
· We can arrange for our driver to pick you up at the airport for an extra charge (some of our retreats include transportation)
· You can take a bus from the bus station.

Taking a bus from Guayaquil:
Take a taxi from the airport to central bus station in Guayaquil (may cost between 3 to 5 dollars ).
At the bus station, you have to go to the C.L.P (Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular) and ask for a ticket for a bus DIRECT to Olón. There are many buses to Olón, but only de Direct one could bring you faster.

The bus ride ends exactly at the Olón´s bus station. There we will be waiting for you :)

Accommodation

Vikara offers eight ocean-front suites with shared (two people) and private-room options. All suites include private bathrooms, air-conditioning, locally designed wood furniture, and Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a swimming pool, ceremonial tepee, sweat lodge, garden, yoga shala overlooking the ocean, and a community area featuring the dining area and lounge space to relax in.

Accommodation
Program Price
Accommodation
Price

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
The retreat centre boasts modern and comfortable accommodations, appealing to those seeking a unique and beautiful setting. From the moment you arrive, you will be surrounded by nature, tranquillity, and everything you need to slow down and relax. Here in Olon, you will find an authentic and quaint seaside village off the beaten path, with the perfect balance of nature, people and culture.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

Healthy, nutritious meals catered to your dietary needs. As Hippocrates said, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” At Vikara, food is art and central to our well-being. “There are corporeal, organic things that need to be cleared before you can see the essential,” Jan Kounen says in the book The Psychotropic Mind: The World According to Ayahuasca, Iboga, and Shamanism. His words poetically sum up why it’s important to physically prepare your body for taking ayahuasca. Most of our bodies are cluttered with all kinds of stimulating, sensational foods from our modern diets — foods filled with salt, sugar, and caffeine. To open yourself up to receive the messages of Madre Ayahuasca, you need to first clear yourself of these toxins. With the chef’s flair in design and knowledge in healing foods, you can expect during your stay that your plate will look as attractive as it does deliver on taste and nutrients. *If you have special dietary requirements please let us know

What's Included

  • Airport Transportation to Vikara
  • Private Accommodation
  • Plant Medicine Ceremonies
  • Alternative Therapies
  • Pre and Post calls with Facilitators
  • All meals are included
  • Drinks and fruits at all time

What's Not Included

  • Extra Therapeutic sessions
  • airport shuttle at the end of the retreat
  • flights
  • health insurence

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Great transformation
Vikara retreat center is a unique place where true healing can take place. I came there for their 9 days plant transformation and plant medicine retreat in February 2020 and it exceeded all my expectations. Roey and Lindsy have created a unforgettable program focused on spiritual growth, meditation, breath work, healthy food,and of course the scared plants: Ayahuasca & Sanpedro. Each member of the team that works in this center is dedicated to support you in your process of healing and transformation. I have enjoyed the integration circle after every ceremony. These sharing circles have truly contributed a lot to my personal growth and understanding better my own situation and also understanding my experience in the night. The shamans Amalia and her sister Diana were animating selflessness, and care to every individual who took part of this retreat. Their voices and songs during the entire night were comforting and restoring a feeling of calmness and serenity. I truly recommend you look no further! This is a place of true transformation.

5.0
Beautiful!
I had the honor of participating in Vikara’s 9-day Yoga, Surf and Ayahuasca retreat this past August. I am not sure if I can put into words how grateful I am for Vikara. From the very beginning, when Roey picked me up, I felt like he was family. Roey is so sweet and welcoming and you can talk to him about anything. The retreat was very well organized. We started our mornings doing yoga. For someone who has only previously dipped her toes in yoga, these yoga classes were amazing. Roey put so much thought and love into his classes. It made me start to love yoga and want to practice it more. We also had the honor of meeting Elba, her mother and mother-in-law during one of our yoga classes. Our meeting was way too brief, due to Elba about to give birth. But her presence is beyond amazing. She has such a beautiful and peaceful soul!

As for the ceremonies held by Aime and Hwaneetah, I do not think I can do justice in words on how beautiful they were. Aime and Hwaneetah put so much extraordinary energy into these ceremonies! Their intuition is unlike anything I’ve seen before. They genuinely care and want the best for everyone. I felt very safe and at peace in their presence. It was such a resplendent and transformative experience.

The days I spent in Vikara were amazing and life-changing. I will be forever grateful to all the people I met - my new family. Thank you Roey for making this organization happen. I can’t wait to see the new retreat center. It’s going to be awesome! Thank you, Ellie, for throwing it down in the kitchen! Every meal was incredible. Thank you, Elba, for blessing us with your presence. When I come back, I can’t wait to meet Padme. Thank you Aime for your advice, guidance and sense of humor. Thank you Hwaneetah for being so beautiful and a goddess and making me want to be one too! Also, thank you Aime and Hwaneetah for those beautiful icaros and for being #relationshipgoals. And thank you to my wonderful sisters Claudia and Rebecca for going on this amazing journey together.

Thinking about Vikara and the time I had there just fills my heart with so much love, gratitude and joy. I would without any hesitation, highly recommend coming here. I hope one day to also come back.

5.0
Truly transformational
I rarely come with expectation but Vikara has exceeded any I could have had.
Vikara is a place I will go back to (hopefully) so that shall tell you enough.
For me, what makes this place so special is all the people working there, who give their heart at what they are doing which creates an incredible experience for the end client. You can feel their intention.
Truly caring vibes, amazing healthy food, a wonderful deep yoga practice and last but not least a truly exceptional holding of medicinal plant ceremonies – which will leave you enriched towards a better understanding of yourself.
Can’t recommend this place enough!
Oh and Olon and the beach is just ever so charming!

5.0
Fantastic
Every part of this tailor made retreat was fantastic. From the homemade food cooked by Roey, to the accomodation, surging lessons and company I was surrounded with. Roey is attentive, kind and a pleasure to be around. Like Elba the yoga teacher, when Roey gives a surfing lesson he critiques technique in a gentle but directive way which means that the lesson is challenging but fun at the same time. I was also offered the chance to join in on personal training sessions and we took a bike ride around Olon. The retreat gave me time to reflect, rest and I came away feeling like a new person. This feeling has lasted until now months later and it influences my daily life and decision making frequently. The retreat came at somewhat of an emotional cross roads for me and it inspired me to live a more active life style and I can definitively say I’m so much happier now in the way that I appreciate roach my life. There was no pressure to do the activities in terms of if you needed rest then you could easily say that to roey. The massage was again wonderful and I have recommended the massage parlour to several friends that have visited Montanita. If you’ve not decided yet I would say just do it, you will not regret it, say yes to every opportunity offered to you and enjoy the time you spend in Olon.

5.0
Fitness, Bliss and Elightenmnet
Vikara, is honestly what you make of it. My wife had sent me for two whole weeks,
I did not want to leave!.
Life is a journey and along the way we need time to reflect and grow and sometimes even get healthy and physically fit.
Everything is available and more at this retreat.
I went over to Ecuador with no expectations and found this cute little villa with a beautiful team of people who are there just for you and your experience. Situated on the majestic beach of Olan it doesn't get much better.
So many things to do or do nothing at all.
I chose to Surf, Yoga and Box most days with Spanish lessons and delightful Massages in between.
Besides the sound of a luxurious retreat it really is a simple, humble and beautiful experience that you get out, what you put in.
Totally up to you and each time it will be different.
Its has changed my life in many ways for the best reasons and I will be back as much as I can.
Roey is an incredible and tireless host, Elba is an amazing spirit who will fill your life full of energy and light and work you through your Yoga. I did not do Yoga before this trip I now do it most days.
I couldn't recommend this experience more if I tried.
Everyone needs to experience Vikara once in their lives at least.

Oh and the ayahuasca medicine ceremony is legit and a must. It will be different for everyone and is not any where as scary as people write about on the internet. I will continue to practice this for life also.
Thank you Roey and your team. I will see you soon.
BC