Ayahuasca Retreat with remote Achuar Tribes in Ecuadorian Amazon

Location icon
Shell, Ecuador
Users icon
Up to 14 in group
Date
July 13 - 22, 2024

Retreat Highlights

  • HIGH-END STAY AMONG TRIBES
  • PRIVATE FLIGHT TO THE LODGE
  • RAINFOREST EXPLORATION
  • Supported by Trauma Informed Professionals
  • Guided by Amazonian Shamans
  • Facilitators with over 12 years of experience
  • Safety is our priority
  • Small groups, not more than 14 people

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

The Ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador offered by APL Shamanic Journeys is a unique experience that incorporates traditional Amazonian shamanic practices with modern integration techniques. This journey is designed to provide participants with an immersive experience into the world of plant medicine, focusing on personal growth and spiritual exploration.

Nature Exploration: Prepare for an unforgettable adventure kayaking along Amazonian rivers and trekking through the forest, guided by knowledgeable Achuar locals.

Exclusive Amazonian Flight: Experience a unique journey flying over the Amazon to reach our lodge, nestled deep in the Achuar tribe's heartland, offering a high-end stay among the tribes.

Visiting Local Ashuar Communities: The journey includes visits to local Ashuar communities, offering a deeper connection with the indigenous people.

Traditional Ayahuasca Ceremonies: Participants have the unique opportunity to partake in Ayahuasca ceremonies, led by experienced shamans. These ceremonies are conducted with deep respect, honoring the sacred heritage of Amazonian shamanism.

Integration Support: The retreat includes specialized integration circles facilitated by therapists and experts. This essential feature helps participants process and comprehend their experiences, fostering lasting personal growth.
Educational Elements: The retreat offers educational sessions about dieting with Master Plants, providing in-depth insights into their traditional use in shamanic practices.

Comfort and Safety: The safety and comfort of participants are paramount. The retreats are held in a secure environment with Red Cross certified facilitators, and the accommodations are designed for a comfortable stay.
Flexible and Personalized Experience: The retreat schedule is adaptable to meet the unique needs and preferences of each group. Participants have the option to opt out of certain activities, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Cultural and Environmental Responsiveness: The retreat emphasizes respect for the Amazonian rainforest and its indigenous cultures. Participants contribute to supporting and preserving these vital elements.

Legal and Ethical Approach: All activities are conducted in a legally compliant and ethical manner, ensuring responsible engagement.

Schedule

DAY 1
Arrival in Quito;
Transfer and accommodation at San Jose de Puemb.

DAY 2
Pick up at 8.30 am from San Jose de Puembo;
Waterfal Pailon del Diablol in Baños;
Lunch at Miramelindo in Rio Verde;
Dinner and accommodation at Hotel El Jardin in Puyo.

DAY 3
Transfer to Shell;
Private flight to the retreat center;
Lunch
Introductory briefing with APL team.
Dinner

DAY 4
Breakfast;
River discovery on kayaks;
Lunch;
Ayahuasca ceremony.

DAY 5
Breakfast
Group meeting with the Integration Specialist;
Lunch;
Forest discovery;
Ayahuasca ceremony.

DAY 6
Wayusa ceremony
Breakfast
Group meeting with the integration specialist;
Lunch;
Achuar Myths Shared by Campfire Light;
Dinner.

DAY 7
Breakfast;
Visit to the Achuar tribe;
Lunch;
Ayahuasca ceremony.

DAY 7
Breakfast;
Visit to the Achuar tribe;
Lunch;
Ayahuasca ceremony.

DAY 9
Breakfast;
Private flight back to Shell;
Land transfer to Papallacta thermals;
Lunch;
SPA, dinner and accommodation at Papallacta SPA.

DAY 10
Breakfast and check out before noon;
Transfer to Quito airport;
Hugs and goodbyes.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon APL Shamanic Journeys, Shell, Ecuador

Directions

The program begins and concludes at the Quito airport. Participants will meet on the first day and part ways on the last day of the retreat at this location.

All transfers and the flight from Shell to the lodge are included.

Accommodation

Built & Thriving Hand-in-Hand with the Achuar Tribes: Our Lodge, a jewel nestled deep in the untouched rainforest, is a testament to committed sustainability. This tranquil retreat offers a refreshing escape from modern chaos, immersing guests in the authentic Achuar tribal life. Private & Shared Bungalows Safe & Protected territory Surrounded with 11 Achuar communities

Accommodation
Same-Gender Shared Room with Private Bathroom
Accommodation
Private room for 1 participant with Private Bathroom

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
Built & Thriving Hand-in-Hand with the Achuar Tribes:
Our Lodge, a jewel nestled deep in the untouched rainforest, is a testament to committed sustainability. This tranquil retreat offers a refreshing escape from modern chaos, immersing guests in the authentic Achuar tribal life.

Private & Shared Bungalows
Safe & Protected territory
Surrounded with 11 Achuar tribes

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

We carefully adhere to an Ayahuasca dietary protocol during our retreats to ensure participants' well-being and reduce health risks during ceremonies.

What's Included

  • INCLUDED:
  • Transfers:
  • • Arrival transfer from Quito airport to San Jose de Puemb.
  • • Transfer from San Jose de Puembo to Baños and then to Hotel El Jardin in Puyo.
  • • Transfer to Shell.
  • • Private flights to and from the retreat center.
  • • Land transfer to Papallacta thermals.
  • • Transfer to Quito airport on the last day.
  • Accommodations:
  • • One night stay at San Jose de Puemb.
  • • One night stay at Hotel El Jardin in Puyo.
  • • Accommodation at the retreat center from Day 3 to Day 8.
  • • One night stay at Papallacta SPA.
  • Ceremonies
  • • Four Ayahuasca ceremonies.
  • • Wayusa ceremony.
  • Preparation & Integration
  • • Introductory meeting on the preparation for Ayahuasca ceremonies (3 hours).
  • • Four group meetings with the Integration Specialist (2-3 hours).
  • • 2 Individual sessions with an Integration Specialist (45-60 minutes)
  • • Private chat with the shaman (45 minutes)
  • Experiences:
  • • Visit to Waterfal Pailon del Diablo in Baños.
  • • River discovery on kayaks.
  • • Forest discovery.
  • • Achuar Myths Shared by Campfire Light.
  • • Visit to the Achuar tribe.
  • • Night hike to the jungle (optional for participants).
  • SPA Experience:
  • • Access to thermals on Day 9.
  • Meals:
  • • Daily breakfast from Day 2 to Day 10.
  • • Lunch on Day 2 at Miramelindo in Rio Verde.
  • • Lunch from Day 3 to Day 9.
  • • Dinner on Day 2 at Hotel El Jardin in Puyo.
  • • Dinner on Day 3, Day 6, and Day 9 at the respective locations.

What's Not Included

  • NOT INCLUDED:
  • International flights to and from Quito.
  • Additional SPA treatment on Day 9.
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional snacks, beverages).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Any meals or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Optional activities or personal requests not part of the retreat program.
  • Tips and gratuities for staff and local guides.

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Verified logo
The best Retreat Centre
I have previously experienced Ayahuasca in different settings and must say that this one was hands down, the best.
Such a warm welcome from the people and a loving house in the most beautiful nature.
There was no rush. There was plenty of time to arrive, to settle and to explore. Zero pressure.
I have felt so much love coming from the facilitators. Not only towards the medicine, but towards the act of service and fostering a safe and secure space where everyone feels relaxed and able to express their true authentic self.
There was no pretentiousness. It was a very loving experience that nurtures healing and rest.

It is truly the perfect setting for everyone who is looking for healing and transformation.
For me, it was the first time experiencing a Shipibo Shaman. My wildest imaginations were blown! José did truly an amazing job. There was so much wisdom and healing coming from him.

I am deeply touched and grateful to have experienced this in this lifetime.
Everyone who feels the call or curiosity to join this place, please do.
In comparison to other retreats that I have been to, this one has been the best (by far!).
I can highly and truly recommend it.

5.0
Verified logo
Highly recommended
APL are very professional. The team are all amazing people and they made me feel very supported, cared for and safe.

5.0
Verified logo
Life altering
The work has just begun. The retreat was very well organized and the people were so knowledgeable experts. I truly appreciated their experience with the medicine and how they could relate to what I was going through. Being supported with counselling plus the medicine and the shaman, made for a total holistic approach to this. I also liked that it wasn't just ayahuasca, but we were also introduced and educated about other master plants and amazon medicine and were able to try it. It was encouraged that we try everything that we were comfortable with and then we have the ability to go further.

I was nervous to arrive to a location with 14 strangers. But they all became close friends. Sharing all our secrets and feelings and then going through the ceremonies deepened our connection to each other and to madre aya.

Overall, it was life-altering experience. One that has embarked me on a new journey. A new path. Thank you to my group and the APL team.

5.0
Verified logo
Everything was perfect
If you want to do Ayahuasca in Europe this is the place to go. Every single person in the team made my experience special. I had a great time, I felt like at home and I literally have only positive things to say.
The kitchen team managed to make delicious dishes every day despite of all the limitations we had, Amanda, Boris and Aleksandr, our facilitators, supported us in every step of the journey, they really know what they are doing, so if you are looking for people who have experience with the medicine, you are in a safe place here. Our curandero was Alberto, again he grew up with Ayahuasca so he knows the medicine like the back of his hands and answered any of our questions, was always there available to talk to us and give us guidance. The villa is beautiful and in a great location, immerse in nature.
Again, I highly recommend APL Journeys, it was my first experience with Ayahuasca and I never felt scared or uncomfortable.

5.0
A Life Changing Experience Facilitated by an Experienced, Caring and Knowledgeable Team
Hello to one and all. I have had the pleasure of attending two ayahuasca retreats with APL Shamanic Journeys.
I must admit that I, like everyone else who is about to have a psychedelic experience with and under the supervision of strangers, was a bit apprehensive at first. Those apprehensions were dispelled upon meeting the APL team on the very first day (and all the days that followed). They gave us all a very warm welcome, made us feel at home and comfortable. Over the next days their guidance and education about what to expect with the experiences during the ceremonies satisfied all our curiosities despite not influencing our very personal journeys in any way. Boris, Alex, Amanda and Celeste are all very experienced in working with the plant medicine and helping others to have their own personal awakening through the experience with Ayahuasca. No mater the doubt, worry or assistance that we required, they, as a team, having their own personal, unique knowledge and experience with the plant medicine were always there for us.
Last but not the least, the Shaman Anel has vast experience working with Ayahuasca as a healer. His beautiful Ícaros kept us safe and guided us all on on our journeys during the ceremonies. He has the strength, knowledge and ability to sense the flow of the ceremony and the flow of each participants’ own personal journey and guides each person towards reaching where they need to reach.
Personally, I only have good things to say about the two retreats that I have attended. I have not just observed the team as they work with each member of the group but have also perceived them at higher states of consciousness during the ceremonies and I can say with absolute certainty that their intentions are pure and that their purpose is singular, to help everyone who attends their ceremonies to reach where they need to reach and to bring the knowledge of this wonderful teacher plant to humanity. They tailor their interaction and help to each participant depending his/her own personal needs. They work tirelessly to help guide and care for everyone. And it doesn’t end there, once the retreat is over, they devote their time to helping all participants to integrate their experience into their daily life and way of thinking.
I recommend APL Shamanic Journeys to all those looking to have a life changing experience.
Godspeed!