Find Authentic Retreats in Maine

"Didn’t really feel welcome. My boyfriend was welcomed thought but me not so much. I am black, I was very kind and welcoming but for some reason the people at Juan’s gathering weren’t very open to me. Spoke to my boyfriend but would ignore me. It’s fine we won’t be coming back nor recommending. And the set up was so poor . 3/10 for the atmosphere and set up. The medicine its self was great. "

"This past weekend changed my life. I was able to answer a lot of questions and heal past trauma. I definitely plan on doing more retreats in the future. I'm truly grateful and highly recommend everyone to experience for themselves."

"I had the opportunity of a lifetime by being called and coming to Pachamama, difficult to express how much of an impact the ceremonies and the people had on me. Taita Jhon and his wife were truly magical, their music, Yage recipe, and command of the ceremonies were the perfect conduits to connect me with Mother Aya and her unique ability to open my mind and heart. I came to her and Pachamama to face the depths of my being, to grieve, for self-mending, guidance, self-love, and to get over my anxious fears about life. I got exactly what I came for, it was a true reset for my soul and allowed me to clear some major blockages in my past that were inhibiting me from moving forward as a person. Derek has put together something truly special and in such a beautiful sanctuary. The grounds are stunning! With trails, a sacred fire pit, a river to plunge in, a safe and secluded large retreat where you feel disconnected from the outside world but close enough to ground you. I searched for other retreats internationally and had all but booked one in South America, but checked more local and found Pachamama, I couldn't be more pleased. Derek was very gracious and allowed me to stay an additional night to process things and get ready to integrate back to my life. He even gave me a ride to the airport when my Uber didn't show up and I was close to missing my flight, I am forever grateful to him. His volunteer team was equally as impressive, just a great collection of wonderful human beings who were there to assist, guide, and be a reassuring shoulder for us while we faced our toughest pain points over the weekend. My experience with Angela and meeting Kambo for the first time was a fantastic experience that helped me better master my fears. Lastly, the family that I gained by being there will forever be special to me, we built such a strong and genuine bond with each other, it was extraordinary. I will be coming back to Pachamama and beautiful Maine annually for this, there was so much bounty and love that surrounded me and my newly found friends. What a transformational experience all around, thank you Derek and team, Mother Aya, Taita Jhon, and my Pachamama family! "

"I could not be more grateful and impressed with my weekend ayahuasca retreat with Akawa at Pachamama Sanctuary. I had the BEST overall experience with not only the plant medicine, but every beautiful ceremony, the staff was incredibly kind and supportive, the accommodations were cozy and welcoming/safe. Derek was so knowledgeable and his words and breath work session were so helpful. I will definitely be back. "

"I wasn't expecting anything, I prepared my self mentally and physically, I set my goals and I can't express with words what the experience did to my life, I can say that is a me before it, and after, still a lot of work to do, but so happy with the process and so far the results. Thank you all"

"This was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. I had never done ayahuasca before, and I was a little anxious to do it but very in need of it. The sanctuary was so beautiful, out in nature, and all the staff were so supportive and patient. They knew exactly when to talk, and when to just listen. It was such a blissful and peaceful place to over come some of the darkest reasons I went there to begin with. I would definitely go back and do it again. "

"I came here with a lot of anxiety, my first actual retreat using plant medicine among other people and knowing I would be in vulnerable states around strangers. The second I got to the retreat I was welcomed with a hug and smile and felt immediately at ease. The whole weekend from the staff to like minded participants made this journey as easy, smooth and powerfully transformative. The level of care and attention is astronomical and its all genuine. I came with anxiety and left with nothing but immense feelings of love and gratitude and a new understanding of myself. This was truly an important and critical milestone in my path and i’m overly thankful for the warmth, kindness and safety this sanctuary offers to everyone."

"I was a bit apprehensive about this retreat including my walk up the hill but as soon as I sat down I knew it was the right decision! The staff and volunteers were incredible and the experience itself was life changing. I can’t say enough good about my experience and would definitely go back!"

"Not sure what to make of the experience, rich was neither informative or uninformative He served the Ayawaska and spent the rest of the evening just walking around"

"We got there mid afternoon on Friday around 230 3 o’clock. Actual ceremony did not start until between eight and nine. That time was spent just getting to know the other people in the group it was all fine. Ceremony was held in a large open air tent somewhere to a wedding reception. The ceremony itself started around nine, And ended around 3 AM. my brother and I both were participating in the ceremony and had very similar experiences we felt little to no effect from the Ayawaska others in the group spent the entire encounter curled up on their mats in silence except for the sound of people throwing up. We were told we were unable to talk to each other during the ceremony. The only noise was the never ending music that played for five hours straight. I don’t know if the dosage was too small or I was not open to the experience although I believed I was but my brother had an equal reaction to the medicine. The volunteers all dressed in white wandered around during the entire ceremony keeping watch to make sure everyone was OK. I’ve had other psychedelic experiences this was not like mushrooms or LSD. We left first thing Saturday morning and did not stay for the rest of the day Saturday or the Saturday night ceremony so I do not know how the other people in the group experienced this. The cultlike part was that there were several young women who said they came for one experience and I’ve basically been there ever since volunteering.It was very odd. Talking to my brother on the way home we did some math $600 per person times 34 people is around $18-$20,000 per weekend for Derek and his team I don’t believe they’ve spent more than a couple hundred dollars on the entire experience for everyone so good on them. This is just my experience your experience may be different"

"This was my 4th retreat, and my first with Rich. I am so impressed and grateful. Rich is a supremely loving guy, but he's not all love and light and rainbows. He's about pursuing the truth and seeing reality as it is. His calm encouragement inspired in me a focused determination to dig deep and get the learning I came for. I felt safe and protected. Rich is an American, and has spent a lot of time in the jungle being trained to offer medicine and lead ceremony. He beautifully honored the medicine and the traditions from where it originates. Yet he did that in a way that I, as an American, could relate to. He is bridging cultures in a powerful and respectful way. During ceremony, he played a variety of amazing music, which really helped me move into the medicine. He set the right mood. He looked after us. He felt the energy of the room, and helped us get where we needed to go. I plan to sit in ceremony with Rich again. He's amazing."

"Pachamama Sanctuary is a truly special place. I had done 3 previous retreats at a different place, which were great growth experiences, but they were more like "sit and drink your medicine and see what happens." But at Pachamama, it was all more in depth and well organized. We received great instruction on how to use the medicine and get the most out of it. I feel like I finally learned how to use it well for maximum benefit. Pastor Derek is an amazing person. He offered so much wisdom, not only about the medicine, but about additional tools and thought patterns for daily life to make important changes and live well. The place and the whole process is so well-organized. All of our needs were thoughtfully taken care of. Derek takes his work seriously. He carries a beautiful determination to make sure people are taken care of and get what they came for. Derek and a team of beautiful volunteers gracefully helped me exactly when I needed it - and when I needed space to go within and do my work, that was honored also. There were several activities outside of ceremony, like breathwork, hiking, conversations, teaching about various medicines. I learned more than I thought I would, and these activities made the weekend more productive and interesting than simply sitting around and killing time between the two ceremonies. Pachamama fosters amazing community. It's not only a place to go do my growth work. The setting promotes connection and friendship. I met so many great people, had thought provoking conversations, and now have new friends I really care about. Everyone was so authentic and trusting and supportive with each other, in a way I wish was more common in our mainstream culture. I've now found a community where I'm loved, can be myself and feel at home. I will return again - I don't see a need to go anywhere else."

"Rich, I can't tell you how happy I am that we met and how inspired I feel to continue on my path after our conversation. I went to the retreat to learn about running ceremonies and I feel like I found the perfect teacher. Both you and Kim were so incredibly supportive throughout the entire weekend. I REALLY appreciated the both of you being willing to meet me where I was, and put things in terms that I could easily understand. You are both so down to earth and both clearly care so much about the people under your care. The ceremony itself was so carefully curated and run with so much Love. It came through in every aspect. And the MUSIC!! Wow, my mind was (and is) blown by how good all of it was. "

"when i most needed help with a dificult experience, both a facilitator and the shaman were right there to give me the help i needed"

"I attended a retreat from 9/9/22 - 9/11/22 that was facilitated by Rich, Kim and Derek. It was truly life changing. I came prepared to do the work, to surrender to the medicine and let Aya do her thing. The more I released my need to control the outcome and dropped any expectations about the experience, the deeper I got. I took advantage of almost everything they offered, including the Rappa (sic) ceremonies, the breathing exercises and of course the multiple offerings of Ayahuasca. The medicine fixed me physically and spiritually. When she was done doing her work and it was time to get rid of the waste byproducts, I purged. This was the part of the experience I feared most, I mean who WANTS to throw-up in front of other people, but by the end of the weekend, I came to view the purge as a beautiful part of the overall experience. As an opportunity to physically release that which was no longer serving me. My advice it to let the body do what it needs to do and you will have a much better experience than if you tried to fight it. The staff was so incredibly supportive and I felt cared for in a way that I didn't even think was possible. They made it clear there would be no judgement about working through my process and they were right. By the end of the weekend it truly felt like I had found a new family. I would recommend this experience without any hesitation and I look forward to going back. "

"Staff is unbelievably supportive and exceeded my expectations on every level. Without going into detail, I needed extra service that they provided despite a huge inconvenience. Despite my visit not going as planned, it helped me in a huge way, and I hope to return soon to do more work. Derek is a gentleman and goes above and beyond to be helpful. He is a genuinely kind soul. Antonio has a way about him that is truly amazing. Terrific on every level. Don’t wait. Go do the work on yourself and find freedom and contentment❤️"

"My experience here was truly beautiful. Going in I knew what I wanted to let go of and heal from, and I left my expectations of how that would look at the door so I could be open the whatever this experience had to offer. I was guided on the most intensely healing inner journey that left me with a sense of peace I’d been praying for my whole life. My advice to anyone going in- really think about and reflect on what it is deep down, as honestly as you’ve ever been with yourself, what it is you want to release or heal, and give it everything you have because you owe that to yourself and you won’t regret it. "

"I came together with a fun and generous community, both attendees and helpers, and shaman, all there for different but similar reasons to experiencing challenges, love, surrender of our issues and egos, all in a safe and supportive setting. My gratitude goes beyond words. Thank you. Namaste. I recommend to anyone who feels this calling. "

"Incredible talent and such passion for the work he does! I was so lucky to experience who evenings with Arkawa and consider myself quite lucky I could experience all aspects of the two ceremonies with him. "

"I can't say enough about Pachamama Sanctuary! It is a weekend I will never forget. I didn't know what it would be like but I did have high expectations for my experience and it surpassed them all by far! I can't wait to go back in the future! If you are looking for a retreat like this and are unsure, this is your sign to do it. You deserve it!!!"

"Derek and the team do a great job of making it an overall great experience - lots of options, activities and valuable insights to gain. Highly recommend!"

"I have experienced Arkawa's music during my first Ayahuasca retreat with Pachamama Sanctuary. I chose that specific retreat because I was a bit afraid of my first experience and thought that having music around might be encouraging and soothing. It turned out it was exactly that and far beyond. Arkawa's voice, touch of the guitar strings, breath onto the wind instruments was simply Divine. I felt he was talking to the Ayahuasca/Chacruna at work in me, directly and profoundly, with so much love and strength; it was the most beautiful dance inside my core. He has that thing. I am beyond grateful that I was on this once in a lifetime journey with him supporting me and each and everyone of us. I remain connected to his music and will continue to listen to it."

"I came to Pachamama Sanctuary with the intention of seeking to find my purpose in life. Derek and all of the volunteers were very welcoming, open, and helped anyone with fears of anxiety, prior to, and during the Ayahuasca ceremonies. The mornings after every ceremony we were served a delicious breakfast and each of us talked about our experiences of surrender during morning ‘integration’ sessions. Even though I am quite introverted in nature, the group was extremely welcoming as everyone came from different walks of life. I will never forget this experience at Pachamama Sanctuary and all the amazing people that came to surrender to the medicine. Ayahuasca answered my call and I am truly thankful for reaching out. -J"

"There couldn't have been a better place and a better space for my first experience ever. The entire staff was compassionate, loving, non-judgemental. They have walked the path and they were there for me. To do this as a community was the best thing ever. Your individuality and your journey remains very personal but it is lived altogether at the same time. Sharing with other first timers as well was wonderful. I was afraid of course of what might happen but all fears were dropped down when I arrived. THANK YOU Pachamama Sanctuary!"

"His music was the guiding light which kept me grounded during the often intense ceremonies. Any time I felt myself/the group getting lost in negativity, this master musician knew exactly what was needed to keep us collectively together, while also facilitating each of our own individual journeys through ourselves. Very powerful music, beautifully and expertly written. Arkawa was a most wonderful guiding light to my spirit and soul. Whenever I began to journey too deep into my own internal darkness, he brought me right back to where I needed to be at that time. If you ever have the chance to sit with this experienced teacher and powerful musician in ceremony, go for it! You will not be disappointed. He made my fear of the internal unknown infinitely more bearable during the sacrament, and for that I will be forever grateful. "

"You will be safe here, Derek and staff were excellent. They did every ceremony with love, without judgement. There were members in attendance from all different places, ages, and walks of life. Made many wonderful new friends, who were also instrumental in making an amazing weekend. The journey may not be easy, but it is absolutely worth it."

"This was an amazing experience. I was nervous about doing something like this, but the staff were welcoming and the weekend was thoughtful. My fellow participants were from all walks of life, and some of the nicest people I met. I came with intentions, and left having those met - of which I am most grateful. Derek gave lots of sound advice and wisdom, and the staff were so helpful. "

"This guy is incrediable. He took my experience to the next level. "

"The ceremony was amazing! Derek is extremely passionate and educated. He’s not a tripped-out hippie! Holding space helpers, there are a few helpers that I feel are more “groupies” than wanting to be there to help. The remaining holding space helpers are phenomenal! To name a few; Sarah, Zach, Lane; their demeanor is very comforting! Day 2, I felt like family. I’m excited and eager for the next therapeutic weekend. Thank you!!"

"Arkawa is a professional musician!! As a female, I was extremely comfortable with his ceremonies. I can’t wait to hear his beautiful rhythm again ❤️"