Find Authentic Retreats in Bolivia

"I did the three day ayahuasca retreat with Miguel as the lead. He is a great spiritual guide, kind but very wise. The experience was fantastic and the ceremonies he held were just beautiful. Very thankful for his guidance. "

"Please read the whole of my review or not at all to ensure a fair understanding. I have detailed the issues I had with Don Miguel around money in high detail, as I believe high ethical standards should be adhered to as a shaman and anything otherwise should be exposed. The amazing time I had and the kindness I received until the sad end remain at the forefront of my mind as they constitute the bulk of my experience. I was planning to do 3 months, taking ayahuasca twice per week and san pedro only once. From the start I found little benefit of the Ayahuasca and much stomach pain. After 7 attempts with this medicine, I still couldn't say I'd experienced anything with much value. This isn't unheard of - unpredictability of the experience for each person is just part and parcel of consuming Ayahuasca. As weeks went by in the jungle with nothing new to process, it was clearly not for me. I'd paid him $4,500 at the start - obviously this is a high price in the cheapest country in South America when you're eating a very basic shamanic diet for most of the time, but that's fine because you can find Sacha Runa online, you can see the reviews and know that the ceremonies are of a high standard etc. It's a good option for many reasons, many of which I mention at the end of this review, but one of them is that the online presence enables people to see reviews that ensure a safe experience, so it would be a good experience for vulnerable people, especially with mental health issues who cannot afford further problems. For this reason, I write this review. Don Miguel briefly tried to use his shamanic authority to manipulate me to stay, implying that I shouldn't trust myself by telling me it was my ego running away. At first, I really questioned myself, but when I did make a clear decision he revealed he just cared about keeping my money... "We had a gentleman's agreement", he said Don Miguel gives a 44% discount to buy 3-months worth of medicine. Even the pharmaceutical industries that are happy to suppress these powerful medicines and cause the opioid crisis do no hook you in to such long-term commitments to their medicines. Yes, theirs are more addictive, but with free living costs and the greaer expense of these you don't want to waste the thousands of dollars by leaving, so in the sense you are on the hook. In the end, after stringing me along with hopes of reaching an agreement just after the next ceremony, then the next, he made me a deal such that I spent $3,000 in 3 weeks. Don Miguel was defensive when I asked him for clarification. I simply didn't understand what he meant, but got the cold "No Negotiations". I only found out when he eventually handed me my partial refund. Later, I messaged a previous agreement we'd had of allowing me a 1-month escape option. After saying "if you wanna continue crying and pouting I'm gonna have to block you", he did ask Retreat Guru to give me $400 more dollars off when he'd actually read my message. Having spoken about Don Miguel's defensiveness, and prioritisation of business revenue, it's as if he was wearing his 'CEO cap' then and during a ceremony he'll put on his 'Shaman cap'. Like the rest of us, he's only human. Don Miguel is in his element during the ceremonies, staying up late playing the most beautiful music, taking great care of you and ensuring safe and very special cermonies especially on my incredible, healing pilgrimage with San Pedro. The locations of the jungle and the mountains are second-to-none, as are the ceremony rooms more specifically. I am grateful for all the incredible people I had met, the insight into the shamanic tradition and being in the most biodiverse national park in the entire world. I found more effective psychedelics elsewhere - Don Miguel being the only one at the site never to wish me well on my journey to find them. It's also very importantant to consider the following when giving your money to this organisation. Ayahuasca is a highly valuable medicine that many people need, yet accessing it is difficult for people outside of South America. And there are not enough shamans around, at least not at the level of any of the shamans or apprentices at Sacha Runa. So if you support Sacha Runa, not only do you enable people to easily access these life-giving opportunities via a trusted website, but he promotes a lineage of great people that can provide these highly valuable and under-accessed medicines long after he is gone. For all of this, we can only applaud the work of Don Miguel. All the shamans and apprentice shamans are incredible, and are so kind and helpful - I emphasise that I have detailed only the negative side of Don Miguel's character, which is only in relation to money, and he was totally different at other times. I really do hope this place continues to thrive. It benefits humanity massively. To everyone else who is a part of Sacha Runa, I hope you can understand why I decided to write this. I believe it to be true, yet I write it with sorrow. A message to all prospective users: make sure you agree with Don Miguel in advance to have an escape route - a partial refund - as he will try to win you round to long commitments without informing you that it doesn't work for everybody. A message to Don Miguel: please show some more respect to the medicine by not making it into a commodity and end this malpractice of locking vulnerable people into long contracts."

"From the moment I arrived at Sacha Runa for the start of a three month retreat and learning program I knew that I had landed in a profoundly special place and community. After a month with the program I am feeling an extraordinary sense of gratitude for this opportunity, for the Sacha Runa Community and for the incredible healing and teaching work offered by Miguel. Over the last month I have participated in a series of wachuma and ayahuasca ceremonies at both the Alkamari and Rurrenabaque centers. In each of these ceremonies I have been able to work through deep personal blocks, develop insights and clarity into long standing life patterns and receive deep healing. Both the jungle and Andes retreat centres offer gorgeous environments in which to deep dive into the work and your personal process. In the Andes I would wake each morning to the sunrise over the snow capped mountain peaks and in the jungle have the opportunity each day to swim in the crystal clear rivers, hike tracks around the centre and enjoy the company of the Amazonian wildlife including butterflies , monkeys and armadillos. If you are looking for an opportunity to participate in beautiful, transformative plant medicine work I thoroughly recommend joining a program or retreat with Sacha Runa."

"Phillipe is a very sensitive guide. I spent 11 days in the Jungle at Wizard´s Mountain Healing Retreat Center where I used the Master Plant and a special diet under his guidance. During the ceremonies he was able to gently and firmly create a space free of distraction, where I felt safe, able to get connected easily with myself and to experience deep inner visions. Each ceremony I was able to dive deeper into my subconscious, observe and allow things which I encountered. Ultimately I began healing my wounds, reconnecting with myself, feeling happy, inspired and loving. Thank you for having me, Phillip, ahoou <3"

"I recognize Miguel Kavlin as a great soul, by the vision he conceived, and by the fruits of his labour. He understood very early, the key principle of the Universe – the sound. He also understood the sacred geometry, and found such auspicious place as Allkamari is, near La Paz. The first building he established there, was the Peace Sound Chamber, which binds by sacred geometry to all the other sound chambers around the planet. This chamber – Kiva - serves humanity for about 35 years with powerful and wonder-filled ceremonies. Two decades later, Miguel established a sister structure for Kiva, Tibetan stupa, another sound and prayer magnifier. How thoughtful was to add a circular building for yoga, meditation and celebration, a sharp pointy “Cosmic Accupuncture” statue on the view point, surrounded by a cactus garden, and to host the Sun and Moon Dance on the sacred grounds around the Tree of Life. The whole center is tastefully aligned with Pachamama’s elements, and even when staying indoors, the eco cottages make one feel connected to surrounded nature. This creation of Miguel, and his people, is simply delightful and reveals deep heart connection with the Spirit. Another thread, confirming Miguel’s affinity to sincere cultivation of spiritual values, is his inclination to outstanding teachings and teachers. He has the capacity to recognize a true essence, depth, and purity of teachings. This gift served him well, also in recognition of young shamans, who are now excellently working with people when he is not around. Let Divine Grace continually bless your service to this world, Miguel, and allow many more to benefit from your gifts. With gratitude and respect, Jana Ziman/Guru Bhai Kaur"

"The very moment I met Miguel he was absolutely wonderful with loving energy beaming out of him. Our circle was beautiful and everyone was there for the most healing journey of their lives. We all sat in a circle on our mats and he explained to us what ayahuasca was and how we should have a intention before embarking on this journey. We all set our intentions, did a quick meditation and drank our first cup of the brew. A bit later we were invited to grab our second cup. Within seconds of my second cup I felt it. The experience was overwhelming with the visuals and music at first but as the night went on I started having amazing visions and communicating with the higher realms. Ayahuasca taught me so much and my journey was beyond profound!! The biggest realization I had was our essence remains the same, our beautiful remains unaltered by our perceived negative experiences and we are perfect. Love is everything and everything is love even the bad that we perceive. I saw my relationships in my life in the clearest light I've ever seen. It was the most surreal, beautiful experience of my existence. Please go on this inner journey to meet your soul you won't regret it???????? thank you so much Miguel and everyone that set up this amazing night for us. Many many blessing ???????????????? Trisha Bondurant"

"I recognize Miguel Kavlin as a great soul, by the vision he conceived, and by the fruits of his labour. He understood very early, the key principle of the Universe – the sound. He also understood the sacred geometry, and found such auspicious place as Allkamari is, near La Paz. The first building he established there, was the Peace Sound Chamber, which binds by sacred geometry to all the other sound chambers around the planet. This chamber – Kiva - serves humanity for about 35 years with powerful and wonder-filled ceremonies. Two decades later, Miguel established a sister structure for Kiva, Tibetan stupa, another sound and prayer magnifier. How thoughtful was to add a circular building for yoga, meditation and celebration, a sharp pointy “Cosmic Accupuncture” statue on the view point, surrounded by a cactus garden, and to host the Sun and Moon Dance on the sacred grounds around the Tree of Life. The whole center is tastefully aligned with Pachamama’s elements, and even when staying indoors, the eco cottages make one feel connected to surrounded nature. This creation of Miguel, and his people, is simply delightful and reveals deep heart connection with the Spirit. Another thread, confirming Miguel’s affinity to sincere cultivation of spiritual values, is his inclination to outstanding teachings and teachers. He has the capacity to recognize a true essence, depth, and purity of teachings. This gift served him well, also in recognition of young shamans, who are now excellently working with people when he is not around. Let Divine Grace continually bless your service to this world, Miguel, and allow many more to benefit from your gifts. With gratitude and respect, Jana Ziman/Guru Bhai Kaur"

"We had an amazing experience! Deeply cleansing and healing week of clean diet, peaceful reflection, meditation and of course the other-worldly ayahuasca ceremonies. Friendly people and beautifully environment in the jungle. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a time of peace, self-reflection and healing."

"My experience: I spent in Allkamari 3 weeks in December 2019 dedicated to my personal Vision Quest. All my requests were met with much understanding and loving care: privacy and safety, special diet and Master Plant medicines specific to my health condition, consultations with local shamans (Miguel and Juan), options meeting my personal needs, sacred ceremonies and temazcals (purification rituals), and gradual preparation for Sun and Moon Dance - first time in my life without water, food, and outdoors with elements for 3 nights and days. At the end I felt purified, empowered, solidified, inspired, peaceful, rested and ready to meet a new chapter of my life. For lovers of the nature: The place is blessed with natural beauty, auspiciously located on energetic lay-lines, so the simple presence at this space vibrates each cell of your being into a high frequency. The Illimani mountain ahead of you, Valley of the Souls all around you, a canyon of mesmerizing beauty calling you for a hike, and a quietness broken only by occasional donkey, sheep, or horse call. Fields, pastures, villagers, llamas, dogs and birds can be your companions. This is a natural bliss of this eco-resort, where you can enjoy private moments, or a great company of friendly hosts, and interesting curious visitors coming here from the whole world. In convenient distance from La Paz and all city’s amenities, you can feel far away from the buzz of our civilization. Still being in safe, clean and comfortable environment of tastefully designed eco cottages, enjoying warm bed, clean water, and freshly prepared food in restaurant with the best view you can possibly imagine! Food for the Soul: Besides surrounding beauties of Mother Nature, in Allkamari you can enjoy divinity of Peace Sound Chamber serving with sacred ceremonies here for 35 years; next to that is Tibetan Stupa magnifying your prayers and meditations; and traditional temazcal – sweat-lodge, where you return to the womb of Pachamama to connect with the Spirit World and the Ancestors. Such rich combination! In addition, if you are lucky enough and come in December, you can experience Sun and Moon Dance, taking place outdoors on the sacred circular grounds once a year for 3-4 days! There is also enchanting round building - yoga/meditation/celebration gathering place – blessed with beautiful views and lots of natural light. Right next to that is a steep prayer hill, with a cactus garden and “a cosmic acupuncture” wooden statue, where you simply want to be quiet in humble adoration and gratitude for all this plentitude. All of this combined comes as a sacred geometry of time, space, plants, shamans, sacred sounds and rituals, for the best result of one's own healing journey, healing of humanity, and our collective consciousness on our dear Mother Earth. Whether you come for 3-7-21 days, it is worth-while to give it a chance!"

"Una experiencia maravillosa, Mi mas profundo ser me decía que que actuará con amor y sabiduria. me siento libre y en paz, Gracia maestro miguel."

"Meeting Miguel was like meeting a spiritual God, he must be best healer on this planet. He has showed me a beautiful world I never knew it exists. What an out of this world experience.The location was quiet and peaceful with amazing view, located in Valle de Las Animas which certainly has a special energy. I felt safe from the beginning to the end of this incredible spiritual travel and would  advise you to have your own to understand it. "

"It couldn't be any better, it's hard to put it in words but I really healed... Wounds that were bleeding for years, I can openly say that my experiences we're always incredible with such a powerful and loving guide I found so much true inside of me, I feel so grateful, the last time I've done the ritual felt like a year of resting so so much healing it was like resting my would mind and body inside mother Earth's heart... Like I came from thousands of war years and suddenly I find perfect peace... Perfect rest for the soul the mind..."

"It couldn't be any better, it's hard to put it in words but I really healed... Wounds that were bleeding for years, I can openly say that my experiences we're always incredible with such a powerful and loving guide I found so much true inside of me, I feel so grateful, the last time I've done the ritual felt like a year of resting so so much healing it was like resting my would mind and body inside mother Earth's heart... Like I came from thousands of war years and suddenly I find perfect peace... Perfect rest for the soul the mind..."

"One of the best experience with medicinal pplants in Bolivia. Miguel is very profesional and will recive you with a big smile and will do everything for you to live one good experience. The place si very good and everything is well organized to live a beautiful trip. Miguel is very experienced and will help you to understand the ayahuasca or san pedro ceremonies. I advise you this place whatever fi you are experienced or for the first time ."

"Estoy muy agradecida con Miguel , ha sido un gran aporte fundamental a mi vida , este mes tuve la oportunidad de vivir la experiencia de las ceremonias de Ayahuasca , y de San Pedro! Fue una experiencia bastante linda ! Y muy pero muy sanadora! Fue un lindo despertar de consciencia! Miguel tiene un corazón enorme! Creo absolutamente que cada persona merece vivir esta gran experiencia !! Recomiendo al 100% estas ceremonias! AHO!????"

"Primeramente agradecer mucho al maestro Miguel.. quien me ayudó a liberar y sanar mediante está ceremonia espiritual, mejoro mi situación para llevar bien mi día a día... Además de recomendar a cualquier persona q necesite de esta guía para mejorar y sanar espiritualmente para asi rendir al 100% en su vida... Una experiencia única y bendita aho!"

"In the Wachuma Ceremony we did in Santa Cruz, Bolivia I felt very safe and taken care of. The music Miguel played was beautiful and it was very important during my experience. When he blew on my head, I felt a beautiful expansion and I felt so could trust him. I had amazing visions and the whole experience was pleasant."

"My first time with any plant medicines, i must say, its an experience you must try in your quest to get to know yourself more. Shaman Miguel was so loving and caring, the experience couldn't have been more pleasant, comfortable, and safe. its prob to me the most important aspect of it, feeling safe so you can really be in the moment and explore yourself. Miguel is full of knowledge and love. I can not wait for him to come back to Miami again!"

"My family and myself were part of a San Pedro ceremony under Miguel's guidance and it was a beautiful experience. Miguel's chants and prayers make you feel protected, guided and peaceful. Looking forward to next ceremony and forever grateful to Miguel and to rest of the atendees. Gracias!"

"I experienced the San Pedro ceremony under Miguel's guidance. Prior to the ceremony we were given just the right amount of educational material in the form of videos and voice recordings from Miguel to prepare our consciousness for the ceremony. I was nervous going into the ceremony because I had never tried anything remotely similar, and many in our group felt the same way. With Miguel's presence and his guidance however I felt confident to take the leap and I am so glad I did. The experience was eye-opening and one that I will never forget. Will most definitely want to do it again."

"Mi nombre es Ingrid Bernal quiero agradecer de ante mano la ayuda incondicional del maestro miguel gracias por darme una ceremonia en la cual me ha brindado sanación que precisaba aun me faltan mas sesiones gracias x ese amor incondicional y esa entrega devota para con la mamita y la planta sagrada lo recomiendo con el maestro tomar ceremonias agradecida infinitamente con usted gracias gracias gracias Aho!"

"Miguel is a maestro with decades of experience behind and you can immediately notice that in the ceremonies. Very thankful for the ceremony shared and all the work that has been done. Besides, Hotel Allkamari is a perfect retreat close to La Paz surrounded by an amazing natural landscape with espectacular views, very close to Valle de las Ánimas. Hope to have the opportunity again to be back in La Paz to repeat the experience."

"Sacha Runa is a special community led by Miguel Kavlin. On many occasions my husband and I participated in events at Allkamari, a ceremonial space and beautiful boutique hotel located in a valley near La Paz with a spectacular view of the mountain Illimani and surrounding valleys. All experiences with Miguel have been exceptional, healing and life changing -- marking a before and after. He is highly skilled and brings wisdom from his decades of training with great masters from diverse lineages including Andean shamanism, North American Native American traditions, Tibetan Buddism and Sikhism. You will not be disappointed."

"I attended 2 Ceremonies with Miguel as a facilitator. In my first ceremony he held a great positive energy and made sure I have a good first time experience with the medicine. After having one ceremony under my belt, I had a good idea of how my second ceremony would go in term of the effect of the medicine and how Miguel would hold a good positive space. I came out of both ceremonies with big changes which in turn have a great effect in my ongoing life. One thing to keep in mind is that there is no magic shortcut, the ceremony is a good tool but I still have to put in the work in my everyday life by maintaining certain practice like meditation for example. Overall I would recommend anyone to sit in a ceremony with Miguel. Price is very reasonable as well."

"I had the pleasure of going through a plant medicine ceremony with Miguel. His demeanour and aura immediately set not only me, but the rest of the participants at ease. He guided us through 5 hours of the ceremony, singing the Icaros for hours without stopping. He consecrated a direct experience with the divine. I had a direct conversation with passed over loved ones. I left the ceremony with healed emotional wounds and having no fears. I am forever grateful to Miguel and the ceremony"

"Late last month I attended a long dance healing ceremony with San Pedro near La Paz led by Tupak Wayra Runa who works with Casa Ajayu. I am forever grateful to Wayra for leading with the right balance of care and confidence that we would all get through the ceremony and learn from the experience. His love and passion for the Aymara healing knowledge really shows and the ceremony was as authentic as I hoped. I only wish I would have been able to take part in the larger program! Being a musician, I can also say the role the music played was important and of the highest quality. It felt like each song had it’s place and matched the energy of the circle. The experience has left a mark and I feel like it’s only the beginning of a better understanding of my roots, my journey, and the love of the universe. Infinitamente gracias, y hasta la próxima Wayra. Jallalla hermano!"

"I had some difficult experiences, but the result is fantastic. Wayra told me to don't let walk over me in life and after some months I can say that I succeeded. At the end of the retreat Wayra knows your problems and helps you with it. You can ask personal advice during the retreat. The ceremonies are very traditional and with lots of love! Aho"

"The Wizard Mountain Jungle Lodge, located in a beautiful patch of dense forest in the Bolivian Amazon, proved the perfect setting for my first real ayahuasca retreat, and I couldn't be more happy to have begun here. The retreat itself comprises a few large, and key, huts - a dormitory, bathroom, the kitchen and eating area, and that of the ritual - each of which perfectly served the natural simplicity and beauty of the position and its surrounds. And whether at night or during the day, one could always feel or sense the proximity of a range of beautiful and exotic creatures and flora, with all their strange scents and sounds - something that no doubt contributed to the 'authenticity' of the ayahuasca experience that was to come. One thing about the way in which Phillip, a warm and personable Chilean, prepared us for the ceremony that I liked was the quiet walk, complete with guided tour of the various plants and animals along the way, that ended with a very tranquil meditation amid the steps of a soft, trickling waterfall somewhere deep in the jungle. The ceremony: At no time did I feel unsafe during the ceremony. I felt as if I was in very capable hands and could therefore relax and give myself over to the experience of the ayahuasca. And now, after having undergone several ceremonies, I can say that Phillip definitely did a very good job of leading our group through the various stages of the journey. One thing that was particular to Phillip's ceremonies, too, that I also liked was the variety of instruments, sounds and icaros (songs) he put to use, each of which brought on and carried us all to new sensations and revelations. Overall it was a very beautiful and healing introduction to ayahuasca for me, one that I would recommend to anyone. As well, I would also recommend hanging around a bit longer at the retreat afterwards if you can - walking around through the forest, swimming in the river or hiking up the mountain felt great in the days that followed (much better than going straight back to reality). Thanks Phillip and everyone for everything and I hope to see you again someday! Andy (Australia)"

"An awesome spiritual leader. Felt safe, secure and at one with everything and all during the ceremony. Wara really displays all the facets of healing your after, and provides a peaceful sanction to embrace the medicine. Nothing but love was shared, an amazing soul and human being!"

"An amazing healer, a strong soul with a soft heart. Guided us through a peaceful and touching San Pedro ceremony. A real connection was felt by all"