Find Authentic Retreats in Santa Cruz California

"Amina & Tony were amazing all throughout- from initially contacting me to explain the process of Ayahuesca, the philosophies & connecting with your wisdom within - to transform your mindset, heal & integrate back into the real world. They created a truly safe & inclusive setting, which for first timers was so important. The food and camp with wonderful too. Can’t recommend this enough if you are looking for a pattern interruptor to make meaningful change in your life ❤️ "

"Aya de la vid was absolutely such an incredible experience. The staff did such an amazing job of facilitating the entire experience and created such a warm and welcoming environment. I found tremendous growth and healing in my experience and felt I had someone with me holding my hand every moment of the journey. A satisfied and grateful soul. "

"Amina was the best guide I could’ve asked for for my experience with ayahuasca. She approached everything from a place of love, and made sure that everyone was cared for throughout the retreat. I wouldn’t want to do a retreat without her as my guide, and will seek her out in future."

"Amina, Paola, Laeti, and Charlotte were amazing guides through this experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to share this with. The retreat exceeded my expectations. Everything was approached from a place of love and care, so that no one felt unsure or unsafe at any point. I would (and have) strongly recommend this retreat to anyone who is interested in experiencing the spirituality of ayahuasca."

"My experience guided by Tony and the truly beautiful group of healers in Cancun was indescribable. Exactly what I needed and so much more than I expected. Everyone I encountered was remarkably genuine and pure, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to experience this life changing medicine with, from the participants in our group, to all of the healers involved. The connection you’ll feel to everyone is absolutely magical. I felt safe and supported every step of the way, which was of course really important to me as a woman traveling alone. What a pleasant surprise that all of the other women in our group were also traveling alone! Tony & everyone at Xochipilli are wonderful gifts to the world. I am so grateful for this experience and all of the people I encountered along the way. A’ho family!"

"How do you describe an experience that puts you through some of the toughest moments of your life only to rise above them and realize the strength of your character and importance of your being? Each and every person at the retreat was kind, generous, genuine, and passionate. The music is trance-like, powerful, and sung with so much soul it brings tears to your eyes. Tony, the owner, is amongst the most beautiful of people you'll ever meet and is willing to share his heart with you. He's willing to sit with you, decompress, and help you understand your experiences after ceremony as you attempt to extract the messages amongst the hurricane of thoughts. Aya De La Vid is difficult, it's cathartic, and it's unique. Much love to my tribe. "

"I could not express my gratitude for my experience at Xochipilli in Cancun, Aya De La Vid. My appreciation and love for everyone there grew from when I arrived, from Tony to Arturo to his Familia. I felt safe and cared for. You can feel the team's passion and love for what they do, from the beautiful ceremonies to the delicious food made with love. Arturo is highly devoted to his work and is a true master of his art. I wish it did not take me 41 years to find this place. While living my life in deep depression and darkness, I knew this was something I needed to do, and I researched for a while before choosing a location; this place felt perfect. Being a user of multiple medicines and psychotherapy for over 12 years, I gained more insight and healing in one week than in the past 12 years. I am honored and appreciative that I had the means and opportunity to share this experience with many wonderful people. The people you share this experience with start as strangers but end as family. I recommend this place to everyone; the work done here is not for the faint of heart; you must be ready and dedicated to the process and respect the culture and ceremonies. The ceremonies are indescribable; the facilitators are talented (singing, playing instruments, and dancing). David, Lorena, Gabi, Esther, Luis, Jose, and David (El Professor) and caring that they pour everything they have into everything they do, and it shows. This experience was one of a lifetime and one I will never forget, I owe them my life, and I can say that if it weren't for them, I would not be here now. Simply put, you cannot give what you do not have or get what you do not provide. "

"Amina is a mind blowing medicine woman! Her ceremonies were unlike anything I’ve every experienced. She’s a transformative, powerful person! "

"This was a huge week filled with lots of love, many ah-has, wonderful people, and delicious food! Not to be missed! "

"I had a wonderful experience with Amina, our Shaman, and Tony. Could not have asked for a more powerful, incredible first Ayahuasca journey than what Amina took us through. Kambo was challenging - to say the least - but well worth it to cleanse the body and provide the best opportunity for an optimal Ayahuasca experience. Thanks! "

"Amina and Tony are true spiritual guides, who are following their calling, they are responsible, ethical, kind and loving. The real deal. In this retreat, I’ve seen them respect and honor the medicine, the participants, their individual and collective journey, and facilitate a retreat worthy of a meaningful transcendent retreat. Amina is incredibly gifted, born to do this, and a wonder to behold . Tony demonstrated wisdom, support, reassurance, deep knowledge, and faith in the medicine. Together they walk and live the talk. I am so blessed to have had them both together with the amazing people who were at this retreat with me for a first encounter with Ayahuasca. If you decide to meet the medicine and follow this journey, I highly recommend Aya de la Vida. Tony and Amina: Thank you both for the experience of a lifetime. "

"I went into the week with a lot of resistance and little expectation. It ended up being a profound and powerful week of healing. I recommend this retreat to anybody!"

"We booked our trip to Xochipilli in Cancun about 3 weeks before the retreat began, and I was instantly impressed by Tony's responsiveness and up-front communication. It was clear from the first phone call we had with him that Tony is incredibly passionate about helping others connect with plant medicine. We had initially planned to have our first experience with the medicine in Peru, but life had other plans, and it all still worked out perfectly, because our time at Xochipilli with Aya de la Vid was excellent. The accommodations were comfortable and beautiful, the food was lovingly made, and Arturo and his team were brilliant facilitators. We always felt safe as we sat in ceremony. I also appreciated the small group size—another commitment Tony makes to ensure everyone has the experience they deserve! In addition to all the immeasurable benefits that come from working with these medicines, we learned a lot about the local culture and history. I would absolutely recommend Aya de la Vid to anyone, and I'm sure we will meet Tony again on another of his retreats! Aho!"

"I remember how analytical and logical my mind was while reading these reviews. I was terrified as a young woman going alone to a foreign country to try something I wasn't sure about. I researched until my heart knew I had to do something. Then I spoke to Tony and was encouraged to follow my heart to come to this retreat. I will be forever greatful for having that courage. Everyone at this retreat creates a safe and loving environment. The people, music, medicine, and jungle enriches your soul. The feeling of true healing is indescribable. If you are reading this familia then you need to take a chance and come find yourself. Thank you Xochipilli! Thank you Arturo and everyone there for a life changing experience! 🙏 "

"I am a new psychotherapist residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Several. While in graduate school I attended a week long psychedelic assisted therapy workshop that blew my mind. I had never dipped my foot into psychedelic waters out of a healthy fear of the destabilization involved as well as having been a child of the 80’s in the thick of the “war on drugs”. Having been in therapy myself for many years prior to (and during) graduate school , I was fascinated by the profound impact that ayahuasca has had in the lives of therapist, neuroscientist, those impacted by trauma and people with various backgrounds and life experiences . Aya La Vid’s tag line of “healing people to heal the world” sealed the deal. I made the commitment to sit with grandmother Aya to not only support my ability to hold space for and connect with my clients but to attempt to “shake” my own residuals somatically stuck trauma that years of SSRI’s were masking. The first leap was to go off my medication. It’s been over two months and I can almost positively say I’m will never be on psychopharmaceuticals again. I am now two weeks past my first ceremony. Amina and Tony were amazing. I felt safe, supported and held by there presence. The retreat space was magical and staff was warm attentive and kind. A profound connection was forged between all of the guests of the retreat who came from such rich and varying experiences, backgrounds and geographical locations . The experience was life changing . I would recommend I to anyone being called. The schedule is perfectly curated and spaced allowing for time to rest, reflect, relax, play and participate in other profound ceremonial practices. My intent was to be “one-and-done”. However I now look forward to sitting in ceremony again, when called. I can not recommend aya la vid and ayahuasca enough. You will not regret it. M SF, California "

"I can not imagine undergoing this transformational experience with any other organization. I spent months carefully researching. Peer-reviewed articles, magazines, blogs, social media..... Do yourself a favor - If you decide to go through with your experience. You must choose this place. The delivery is as important as the ayahuasca (in my humblest of opinions). You will understand on the plane ride home :). Be safe in your journey my friend(s). P.S. - Thank you Tony, you are forever a friend, and may all of what's good in this world be with you."

"My retreat at Xochipilli in Cancun was the second Ayahuasca retreat that I've participated in, with the first retreat being several years earlier in Iquitos, Peru (the Amazon jungle). My first Ayahuasca retreat had a profoundly positive effect on my life and this retreat at Xochipilli was no different. If you are already planning on participating in an Ayahuasca retreat and are deciding which retreat center to go to, I would recommend Xochipilli without hesitation. I didn't feel that being in the Amazon jungle added anything essential to my first retreat experience and although Xochipilli is only a short drive from the Cancun airport, it is still secluded enough to serve as a tranquil and safe setting for an Ayahuasca retreat. If you are considering coming to Xochipilli to participate in your first Ayahuasca retreat, I think it is important to understand what you hope to get out of the retreat. If you are looking for a fun, comfortable vacation, you will most likely be disappointed. The Ayahuasca ceremonies, the Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremonies, and the group sharing/integration sessions were neither fun nor comfortable and forced me to confront suppressed feelings of anger, sadness, and fear. I find it helpful to view the retreat as a powerful form of emotional therapy. Tony and the rest of the facilitators will lovingly support you without judgement as you work through your self-limiting beliefs and instincts but in order to get something meaningful out of the experience, you need to be willing to put in the effort, to be vulnerable, and to trust the process. If other forms of emotional therapy have not been successful for you, an Ayahuasca retreat may be a great option. On a personal level, my experience at Xochipilli was both emotionally and physically challenging, but I am deeply grateful for the experience. It marked a transition from the time in which I chose to suffer to the time in which I choose to be happy. My life is still challenging and I still embrace a certain level of discomfort to achieve my goals, but I now choose to be happy rather than choose to suffer. I don't know when or if I'll participate in another Ayahuasca retreat, as I believe sleep and meditation are now sufficient for me to maintain my emotional well-being, but I will always remember and be grateful for the lessons I learned and the people I met at Xochipilli. Thank you :)"

"... and much more than I would have known to ask for. I'm incredibly grateful to Tony and the people of Xochipilli for the love, intention, and understanding that made my transformative experience possible. Every aspect of the retreat served to make everyone's experiences more meaningful and impactful. The combined talents and purpose of the Aya de La Vid family is really something to behold and brought tears to my eyes several times. If Mother Aya is calling to you, I highly recommend letting Tony, with his strength of character, guide you."

"It is so surreal to have met Tony, and all the things we share - similar upbringing, an understanding of our shared experiences, love of aviation, and so much more. Anyone inclined to the belief would say without a doubt I was destined to meet this man, that a higher power brought us together. I don't know, all I know is that I can't imagine how my path would be had I not met him. There was never a time where Tony wasn't attentive, open, caring, and healing. Protective, and never busy when needed. He was a strength for all of us, with us and next to us every step of the way. I can't imagine having a better host, and I don't want to look for another. There is no one better. "

"A master of his craft, inviting, open, loving, and a powerful force in healing. Honored and privileged to have been a part of everything he did. Together with his tribe, this experience, and his words, have given me new energy to change my life for the better, and I will. "

"The start of a new life journey, thanks to the loving and inviting family that I am blessed to have experienced. I will cherish this for my entire life, and everyone involved. I'm already counting the days to when I can come again!"

"I cannot recommend aya de la vid enough, from start to finish everything was simply perfect. The location, the food, the ceremonies, the integration, the number of people, everything! Thank you so much to Tony and the team for being such amazing hosts and delivering such an amazing life changing experience. I will most definitely be back again at another point in time. Aho ✨"

"One of the best experiences of my life, highly recommend!"

"I can't say enough thanks to the amazing crew that made this experience possible. The ceremony helped me work through deep trauma and helped me to reconnect to my spirituality. I can't recommend enough that every human should do a ceremony at least once in their life. Many thanks to Tony for being our guide and for protecting and caring for us. Thank you to Lorena, you are an angel. Thank you to Arturo, David, ramses and Tony for all of the amazing work to guide us. "

"An absolutely beautiful, intense, life changing experience. It is hard to put into words the experience I lived through. From the first contact with Tony from Aya de La Vid, to the activities scheduled by Xochipilli Retreat Center-I never doubted how much love, and energy they put into the work they do. The Temazcal baths, the Kambo sessions, the breathwork sessions, and of course the Ayahuasca ceremonies were intense, and transformative in so many levels. I came in hoping to release a couple of emotions that have lingered in my soul for decades, and left feeling like I had dumped pain, loss, and self-critical behavior that didn't allow me to appreciate my life. I walked out of there much lighter, and appreciative of the life I have been given. Gracias Tony, gracias Arturo, y el bello equipo de Xochipilli por su dedicación y compromiso de amar a sus hermanos. I recommend that anyone that has been carrying things in their life backpack, should give themselves the chance to attend this retreat, it will definitely transform your life. "

"What an incredible week. So much love and thought has gone into make this retreat absolutely perfect. I'm still integrating all the love, wisdom, growth and healing that have occurred there. Xochipilli Retreat Center is a gorgeous location with very kind and generous staff, and an overall sacred & traditional shamanic experience. I definitely intend on coming back to another retreat organized by Aya de La Vid! Thanks Tony for this life-changing experience, words don't do justice to the gratitude that I feel. Ahoo!"

"Tony is a wonderful human being. He is extremely caring and supportive and was there for everyone and making sure we all had a positive and safe experience. He was also key in my integration as he is a great listener and filled with wisdom. Thank you Tony!"

"Arturo lead our group through the experience with care and friendly guidance. He is a very warm person amd radiates positive energy. The whole experience was safe and supportive. Thank you Arturo! "

"Tony is a wonderful person who cared about everybody's experience and was extremely supportive and attentive to details. The staff and the shaman were also incredible and very professional. The environment was safe, friendly and supportive. I can't recommend aya de la vid enough. The whole experience has Chang my life forever in the most positively powerful ways. Thank you Tony!"

"Going to this retreat was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The staff were so professional and talented. I appreciated how well thought out and organized our days were and the variety of experiences were all so rewarding. I went solo on the trip but made some amazing connections thanks to the small group setting. You will make some good friends and great memories. My advice for anyone considering this experience. DO IT!!!!! Kenny Harrison December 6th 2021 Retreat"