Embracing Nature and Spirit: A Journey Through Our Ecuadorian Ayahuasca Retreat
Our first Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador of the year for individuals who come from abroad is a month away, and I felt to share a bit about what our Ayahuasca Retreat is like.
One of the things that makes our Ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador special is the location. Ecuador is a beautiful and diverse country. Our Ayahuasca Retreat is held in the sierra or mountain range, thirty minutes outside of Quito in a town called Tumbaco. It’s a valley and thus has a microclimate quite different from the city. The sun is strong, and it’s very warm throughout the day. The temperatures drop in the evening and early morning, but otherwise, it’s perfect spring weather all year round.
The simple act of being in nature is healing. It supports mental health by reducing stress, rejuvenating and restoring the mind, and cultivating joy. The retreat center where our Ayahuasca Retreat is held is a spacious space with sprawling green gardens, a meditation pond, and views of the surrounding mountain ranges. When the clouds clear, you can see the Cotopaxi volcano. At night, the lack of light pollution makes for the perfect dark backdrop to take in the stars.
The first full day of the retreat includes a nature walk in one of the many areas available to explore. Rivers and waterfalls abound, and we always pick a place with water where we can stop to cleanse our bodies, as water is a powerful element to work with for its cleansing properties. It washes away the energies that we carry that contribute to us feeling out of balance. It’s a natural way of purifying ourselves energetically before entering into the ceremony that evening.
Another way we work with natural elements is with the use of plants in baths. Everyone receives two – a plant bath for cleansing and a plant bath for flourishing. The plant bath for cleansing serves to clear away all sorts of negative energies and both formal and informal black magic. It allows us to restore harmony and equilibrium to our mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. The plant bath for flourishing at the end of the second ceremony supports us in calling forth the prayers that we hold for ourselves and our lives.
In addition to the shamanic activities mentioned, we include a trip to the local artisan market. Ecuador is a mecca of artisanal techniques, centered on transforming natural local materials into beautiful garments and accessories. The techniques of Ecuadorian artisans have been recognized worldwide. In 2012, the traditional weaving of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat was declared an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. From jewelry, garments, textiles, accessories for the home, and more, there’s something for everyone to take home for themselves, their friends, and loved ones. Those who visit get to take home one-of-a-kind crafts to remember this special country while giving back to the local community.
When we’re not engaged in activities, there is ample time for rest and self-reflection. We recommend that everyone bring a journal and a book. If someone is artistically inclined, paints or colored pencils and paper are also highly recommended. The six-day retreat is an opportunity to really connect to oneself. Everything about the environment supports this process, and it is encouraged to use the ample amount of time and space incorporated into the schedule to deepen this process. If any part of you resonates with this experience that we have curated with much intentionality and love, we’d love to have you join us for an Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador in 2024.
