"I went into this experience open minded not knowing what to expect as I had never done anything like it. All I can say is WOW I was completely mind blown. The whole hearted love and support I felt while there was out of this world! I came out a whole new women with a mind set I never thought I could achieve.
I would highly recommend to anybody looking to change their mindset or just have time to relax and reconnect.
Danilo and Ilse are the most warm welcoming and loving couple to invite you into their beautiful home in the most beautiful location. They really helped me feel connected and I am very thankful for the emotional support they gave me during my time with them. "
Highly Rated Retreats in Colombia
/
/
Types of Retreat in Colombia
Short Retreats in Colombia
/
/
Upcoming Retreats in Colombia
/
/
Experiences on Retreat
"This experience was beyond anything I could have imagined or dreamt of. The support and guidance is unlike anything I have seen before. With small groups the connection to the facilitators but also the other participants is so much deeper, than at other retreats. This also means that they can make individual adjustments to the group or single participants, if needed. The sessions and integration are so immersive, it is hard to put in words. Ilse is singing with the voice of a goddess and Danilo has the gift to always feel/know exactly what song or sound are needed to gently drive the participants in full immersion. Also I loved that they were not acting like untouchable gurus, but were vulnerable and shared parts of their journeys as well. This helped me a lot to connect and let my guard down completely to get the most out of the retreat. Also the location is amazing. They grow fresh foods and veggies on the little farm, there is a small river and also some hills to go for a little hike. The ideal spot to relax and connect with nature. "
"I attended the retreat knowing I had to find some deep emotional change to deal with many life difficulties and find a path that was right for me. And boy did I find it with Danilo and Ilse. They provide a very loving and compassionate experience for all guests to explore their most personal needs. I can honestly say that I have found an achievable way to grow and flourish with a higher perspective and more positive life to come. The retreat will challenge you but the rewards are worth every effort. There is magic here in these people.. book it in and embrace the beautiful experience of FromGaiaForYou."
"I have been at similar retreats before, but what Danilo and Ilse are doing is absolutely outstanding. Doing the retreat in a small group is key to build trust and be able to guide each participant individually. Danilo has helped me to resolve emotional, mental and physical issues that troubled me and prepared me to be able to receive a wonderful, one of a lifetime experience with the plant medicines. He has earned my deepest trust and respect.
As for the ceremony itself, Ilse and Danilo created a truly magical atmosphere with music, singing, playing guitar and piano and performing various rituals that helped me to connect with very ancient wisdom and spirits. They are exceptionally skilled holistic healers. I left the retreat enchanted with high spirits, motivation and inspiration for my life journey.
I highly recommend the retreat for everyone who seeks support on their journey and is open to receive a deeply mystical expirience. It is not meant to be understood with the scientific method and one has to let go and trust them but then this is precisely why it's so powerful. "
"Na deze retreat was ik precies herboren en heb ik terug mijzelf geworden. De retreat heeft mijn ogen geopend👌. Ik vond de retreat zo goed dat ik nog een keer gegaan ben met mijn familie.
Danilo en Ilse bedankt!!!!🙏 "
"Where do I even start. I had a truly life altering experience here. I am so incredibly blown away by everything.
For me, psychological/emotional (& physical) safety were top priority (as I have anxiety and also this was my first time with the plant medicine) and I felt extremely safe with Oliver, the Shaman, and the entire team. The ceremonies were truly authentic, the energy was powerful (unlike anything I’ve felt before), the musicians (playing guitar, flute, drums, instruments I’ve never seen before, at one point there was even a proper soundbath in the middle of the night/ceremony(!)) were extraordinarily talented and went on ALL night throughout the ceremony. The music is a BIG part of the experience as the lyrics and the otherworldly sound hold you with unconditional love throughout the ceremony.
The food was great and always ready on time, and the house, wow the house was beautiful on top of a breathtaking mountain outside of Medellin in Colombia. It was perfect for this, from the interior art and setting to the beautiful views and nature outside. It was also very clean and was thoroughly cleaned every morning before everyone woke up (so you woke up to a brand new house every day!).
Not to mention, I did connect very powerfully with Mama Aya each night and I think it’s thanks to the shaman’s work and power, ingredient/plant quality, team’s guidance & prep.. And I did get the answers I needed from Mama Aya (and every person in my group did too).
If you are being called by Ayahausca (and you are if you’re here), this is the place to do it.
Thank you Oliver, Kevin, Daniel, Sergio, Julian, Richard and so many more. And thank you to the amazing new life long friends I’ve made.
With so, so much love.
"
"When it comes to find the right setting and shaman for something as personal and vulnerable as an ayahuasca journey it is a blessing to find a good shaman who has the best intentions for you.
It was not my first aya retreat but the one I resonated the most with. Oliver, the faciliator and Sergio, the Shaman, Kevin as doctor for medical questions, who also plays and sings lovely as well as Maria who's also a gifted singer and musician during the ceremonies and all the rest of the team, clearly are whole-heartedly into what they are doing, to me this was felt and brought my experience to a whole other level.
"
"Sergio te debo mil gracias por mi experiencia en enero. La verdad que no sabía nada de como iba a ser o pasar. Y ustedes me dieron la bienvenida como familia y eso fue muy agradable para mí. Gracias por los consejos y la experiencia que ofrecieron. La vida es más alegre ahora.
Sergio I owe you a thousand thanks for my experience in January. The truth is that I didn't know anything about how it was going to be or happen. And you welcomed me as family and that was very nice for me. Thank you for the advice and experience you offered. Life is more joyful now.
"
"Thank you so much for being who you are. You truly have restored my faith in humanity. You're a great man, friend and person and you will continue to guide others on their paths for many years. It was an honor staying at your retreat and I can't wait to book another. In the meantime I've sent a few people your way. Mil gracias."
"I came across this website while looking for things to do in Medellin and this retreat came up. Now i had never heard of Ayahuasca, but my spirit had been needing something new, something different. I did my research and thought it seemed like a sign. I must have read the reviews a million times before I booked it. One review mentioned it being a sign that this was the place for me. This was the first thing I've done for myself in a long time, so I had lots of emotions going in. Once I arrived and met Oliver and his team, plus my family (other participants) I knew this would be life-changing. From the location, to the ceremonies and everything in between, this was the best experience I've had in my life. I felt heard, seen, safe , loved and cared for the entire time. My soul is happy. I've made lifetime friends and most of all I met my inner child and have healed myself like never before. If you're looking for a sign to book this place, this is it. Thank you Oliver. "
"This experience helped me a lot and gave me true deep healing. Danilo and Ilse created a beautiful space for healing and growth.
"
"You are on this website for a reason. You will get what you are looking for here. The ceremony itself will exceed your expectations. The food/accommodations are great as well.
Enjoy!"
"Somehow the retreat exceeded my expectations. Oliver is an amazing host, filled with kindness and a lot of patience. He helped guide all of us through the experience with calm and assured demeanor resulting in life changing lessons. Sergio's presence alone is enough to assure and calm your soul and every other person involved in the process is there to help and contributes wonderfully to the event. If you are looking for a change in your life, look no further (and being nervous about it is a natural part of the experience, don't worry :) )"
"It was my first time sitting with plant medicine here at From Gaia For You. I was welcomed with a big hug from Ilse, Danilo and their friendly doggie Porchie.
I booked for the private 1:1 retreat and stayed for two nights and three days. I was really happy there was a friendly affectionate dog there, which helped make me feel safe and loved.
I did a lot of talking and sharing of my experiences, feelings and perspectives. Danilo is a great listener and he has beautiful presence to hear you out. Ilse and Danilo encourage you to trust yourself and what you think, rather than seeking the answers outside of you.
The music is very healing, both guitar by Danilo and he’s big heart to play for you and Ilse’s beautiful voice. Both offer a healing perspective from the male and female point of view.
The presence of Gaia there is also a reminder of the cycle of nature and the process we all go through as children growing up and how parenting, compassion, support, nurturing is offered to Gaia but also to ourselves as we are all learning and un-learning.
The environment is really beautiful and I love love that there is fruits and vegetables growing all around. From fresh oranges, tomatoes, lemons and limes and much more. I really enjoyed picking them and making fresh juice. It was a reminder of how Mother Nature is always providing for us to flourish. The environment ties into the name of their retreat ‘ Gaia ‘, earth goddess. And Gaia is a beautiful child, it’s a blessing to meet her and get to know her.
Ultimately I was supported with love, compassion, a listening ear, which allowed me to surrender and allow the medicine to works its magic.
The universe works in mysteries ways and I’m grateful I have got to meet Danilo, Ilse, Gaia and Porchie.
I wish them the best of luck and prosperity in their work and purpose.
Love, light and lots of laughter 🌍🧡"
"My experience at "From Gaia for You" was deeply enriching, thanks to the outstanding facilitators, Danilo and Ilse. The retreat's living conditions were exceptionally comfortable, offering a tranquil and homely atmosphere perfect for personal reflection. Danilo and Ilse stood out for their heartfelt approach to plant medicine. Their deep knowledge, combined with immense kindness and love, created a safe and nurturing environment. They were more than just facilitators; they were compassionate mentors who greatly contributed to my personal growth and healing.
"From Gaia for You" provided a transformative experience, elevated by Danilo and Ilse's nurturing presence. I highly recommend this retreat for a meaningful and personal plant medicine journey."
"The retreat was a life changing experience for me. Danilo and Ilse are amazing people, the care I have felt over the days I stayed was unbelievable. My mind is in peace , my eyes have opened and my body feels healthy. I will never forget the moments i've spend at their beautiful house and will forever be grateful for this beautiful experience. Thank you to those people i've shared this retreat with, I love you all , one by one. If you feel like you are struggling, need time away or want to experience something surreal, this is the place to go. Thank you From Gaia for you, Thank you Danilo and Ilse <3 I will be back, Aaron"
"From Gaia for you opened my eyes to the true meaning of life and love.
I felt for the first time in my life I was home, the care and support I received from Danillo and Ilse was amazing and I will forever be grateful for them both.
I will never forget my experience there and would highly recommend this retreat.
Thank you 🧘♀️❤️"
"I had an amazing life changing experience thanks to everyone working with Ancestral Retreats.
They have all showed nothing but kindness and compassion , while guiding us through our own personal journeys.
Being a solo traveler , in a foreign Country , it took a lot of courage to be able to do this kind of spiritual experience on my own , and they have made it easy for me.
It’s been over 3 weeks since the retreat now , and I sleep naturally every single night (after being dependent on THC or pharmaceuticals for 10+years ) thanks to finding peace within as a result of this retreat.
Palomino was absolutely beautiful, so serene and we were lucky to have the BEST cooking team .. I’m still daydreaming about the experience !!! 😍"
"From the moment I booked the retreat I sensed how deeply committed, authentic and trustworthy Danilo and Ilse are.
They take care of the people in the group, I sensed how deeply they care, how compassion and deep listening is present and they also take care of themselves!
During the ceremonies they make a very safe space, there is sharing, beautiful music which is personal, and many more things.
For me the experience was way more then I had expected and was advertised. I was welcomed so deeply in a family, accepted for how I was and trusted for being. I could feel this deeply moment to moment.
This all together created for me a perfect environment to go deeper within myself and be present with traumas and negative believes.
I have since the retreat a profound new understanding of the feeling of gratitude. And my meditations are more connected and deeper then ever.
Thank you both so much, like I said before there are no real words to describe. Hopefully meet again:-)
Goed goed.
Thank you Danilo , thank you Ilse, thank you Gaia, thank you doggy
"
"It was my first time doing Ayahuasca so I was quite nervous beforehand, also going as a solo female. However as soon as I got there, I was welcomed with a big hug from Danilo and ilse and was made to feel at home and safe immediately.
For the past 14 years I have been working on getting myself out of depression but had reached a block and so thought Ayahuasca might help. On the retreat I found a new level of understanding, acceptance and love of myself, even feel like I integrated my inner child. Danilo and ilse also gave me insights and pointed out things I had not identified in myself and my life, which helped immensely in my self acceptance.
I highly recommend this retreat. Danilo and Ilse were so loving and supportive, and welcome you into there beautiful home. I can't thank them enough. I will definitely be returning! "
"Many thanks to Danilo and Ilse for providing such a good programme and supportive environment on this retreat. Danilo is very experienced and empathic - his retreat leadership was warm and intuitive, tailored to the needs of the participants. The house is spacious and comfortable and Ilse provided delicious, wholesome food for us. The surroundings are beautiful - one of my most abiding memories will be looking out at the sunset after a beautiful Bufo experience. It was lovely to have their two year old daughter, Gaia, and their very friendly dog Porchie present throughout. They really added to the therapy!
I elected to buy the basic package, but was able to participate in additional plant medicine ceremonies as I saw fit once at the retreat. Danilo and Ilse also played beautiful music for us during ceremonies and at other informal moments throughout the weekend - this really enhanced things and some of the songs have really stayed with me.
I arrived with some apprehensive feelings but I felt safe and held while working through some difficult personal issues during the weekend. An unexpected bonus for me was to be able to share with men and to see them being vulnerable, not something I experience much in my life normally. Another personal win was sitting in an ice bath for 3 minutes! I am a cold phobic and would never have believed I could do this. It taught me something about pain and how we can choose how we respond to painful stimuli, both physical and emotional.
I would recommend this retreat to anyone who would like to explore their subconscious in a safe environment and build a new approach to life. Thanks again for a profound and beautiful experience From Gaia For You. "
"I went there hoping to grow, to learn, and find peace. It ended up being so much more. The retreat leaders were all really cool. They complemented each other quite well. I left there with new spiritually, self awareness, happiness and a bond with the leaders + other participants.
I can’t recommend them enough. "
"I was lucky enough to stumble upon this retreat while searching for someplace to go on holiday, and never in my life have I been so grateful for falling into a Google rabbit hole.
From Gaia for You is so special. I had never done anything like this before, but the way they eased us into the practice and gave us space to breathe made it comfortable. It was like being a part of a tribe, and the support and guidance from the retreat allowed for maximum reflection and growth; in whatever form we wanted it. I'm not sure what other retreats may look like, but I'm so grateful that I was able to experience this one with Danilo, Ilse, and all the friends I made through the few days I was there.
I would recommend this retreat to anyone (and I already have). Words can barely describe the profound impact those few days had on me, and the question now is not if I'll return to From Gaia for You, but when. "
"Oliver is a very wise man and has big heart. The way the retreat is set up works out great. The music is the most beautiful thing to your ears and your soul. Sergio can play like 14 different instruments, and sing at the same time. Julian has such an amazing voice. I literally got my blanket n sat next to Jaime while he was playing his guitar and singing. Oliver has such great energy and has so much wisdom to share. Defensively a life changing experience.
Blessings to all of the Guacamayo Fam.
I will be back soon brother "
"I searched for the chance to face myself and was not disappointed. The combination of plant medicine with sharing in the small group did not allow me to escape in the group and I felt always be seen by both of them.
Thank you From Gaia for you 🙏"
"I decided to wait a while before leaving a review. There is often an afterglow effect with hallucinogens and I wanted to wait for things to settle a bit before making any comments on my experience at Lawayra. It seems more honest that way. I'll also add that the former facilitator and a volunteer left a few months ago, and things are a lot less structured and professional now at this retreat than in the past.
With that being said, my experience overall was just okay. There were a few circumstances that really reduced the quality of the experience. And some things came across as a bit disrespectful to the medicine and the seriousness of this ancient tradition.
Lawayra is cheaper than many other retreat centers. That itself doesn't make the place bad, but I do think that a cheaper price does invite SOME people who may take things a lot less seriously. You can end up with people who do things such as talk during ceremonies, people who bring processed junk food to the center because they refuse to stick to the diet, people who spend all their free time on their phones, etc.
As a participant I had no say over other people's actions, which I accept. But as a paying customer, I expected the environment to be a bit more strict and rigid and to hold the guests accountable so that everyone can get the most from their experience. The people who are a part of your group can really affect the atmosphere at the retreat. The place is quite small for the amount of people who are there at any given time. Ayahuasca opens you up to other energy which is why it's so important to have a solid environment to drink the medicine and work through the processes.
Lawayra was a place full of distractions. WiFi stays on full time and I often saw people occupying their minds with Facebook and Netflix and whatever else. It was frustrating that the people running the facility aren't more strict with such things. Phones and social media can easily be as addictive and harmful as drugs or alcohol. Some people might go to an Ayahuasca center in the hopes of disconnecting for a little while.
Socializing was overly encouraged, rather than quiet introspection and taking time to self reflect. There were times when it was difficult to find a quiet place to rest due to all the loud conversations, music, construction noise, etc. It became more of a social event or party than anything else. People were even playing rap music on a speaker at one point. Something I never expected to experience at an Ayahuasca center. I'm also not sure how we were expected to be able to relax and be well rested, when the ceremonies would often keep us up until 1 or 2am and then construction workers show up at 6am and immediately start using grinders and other loud equipment.
I am not writing this review to trash talk Lawayra or the people who own and operate the place. I only want those who are considering this retreat to have the opportunity to see both sides. I think that it is common for these retreats involving plant medicine that most people who have a less than optimal experience remain quiet rather than say anything bad or negative most of the time, but I'd rather speak my mind.
I didn't walk away from my experience completely empty handed. The medicine is strong and the music is beautiful. The taita is a good guide. But the retreat just didn't really seem optimized for deep work and healing. They appeal more to the crowd who want to experiment or want a cool story or pictures for Instagram. If you're searching for a more authentic experience or somewhere to do deep healing, I would recommend going elsewhere. They often said at the retreat that there are many different traditions related to consuming Ayahuasca and that everyone does it differently. But to me they seemed overly dismissive of getting negative input from the guests (or seeming offended by it honestly). There was a strong my way or the highway type of attitude and that's fine. The inability to handle negative criticism in an empathetic and constructive manner is what made me decide to never return to Lawayra. Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope it was helpful. Good luck on your journey."
"This was my first time encountering Ayahuasca, and I couldn't have felt in better hands, starting with the generous, sweet soul of our host Oliver, the loving, nurturing spirit of Clara, who fed us every meal, and the rest of the crew that came in and out, led by the shamans who, at the start of the ceremony, make you feel comforted and safe. They carry the ancient knowledge by an ancestral mamita from the Amazon region. The ceremonies felt very sacred. You'll know you're in a safe space. The journey is yours, but you will be supported and cared for. If you've been wondering about experiencing this mother plant for a while, and you feel you're ready, I wholeheartedly recommend this loving place as a first experience. I'm eternally grateful that this is where I met this sacred, ancestral medicine. GRACIAS MADRE."
"The experience at this retreat was fantastic, with ice bath and breathing exercises on top of 2 amazing ayuhasca ceremonies.
The teachers were very supportive and approachable and guided everyone through the retreat. Everyone on the retreat was from a wide range of ages and backgrounds successfully, but all managed to have a very positive experience after the two ceremonies with the guidance from staff.
Also in a beautiful location on a hillside 1 hour outside of Medellin with transport included from the city."
"Oliver & team are experienced and will guide you through your personal journey. I felt comfortable and safe from the moment I got to the retreat and every part of the experience was fantastic from the ceremonies to the heathy delicious meals. Highly recommend. Thanks Oliver!"
"From the moment I stepped through their door, Ilse made me feel so much warmth, love and openness - I immediately knew that I was in a safe space.
Her presence was always gentle and caring - she was there for me in the most emotionally intense moments and I felt so much empathy from her. I had to push through some tough mental obstacles during the retreat, but she was literally there to hold my hand throughout the most difficult ones and for that I will be forever grateful.
Last but not least, the meals she made for all of us really made me appreciate what it means to commune and share nourishment around a table. "