Experience Deep Healing & Growth
Are you someone who:
- Is seeking to heal from emotional or physical stress and find inner balance?
- Feels stuck or lost joy in life?
- Wants to embrace transformation and leave behind what no longer serves you?
- Feels called to explore ancestral plant medicine?
- Feels called to reconnect with your authentic self and true purpose?
Transformation Awaits
Embark on a 10-day journey of healing, transformation, and self-discovery, deep in the heart of Colombia. Immerse yourself in transformational experiences with Yagé, Wachuma, Yopo, and other sacred rituals under the guidance of trained professionals and indigenous healers. Reconnect with your life and reclaim your identity and purpose.
Journey Features
Supported by a Nurse
Preparation before the retreat, integration support during the retreat, and 4 weeks of integration occurring after provided by Ariane (registered nurse), ensuring safety and support of your healing journey.
Ancestral Ceremonies with Indigenous Healers
These sacred medicines are keys to deepening your relationship with nature and yourself. They have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures for healing, transformation, and connection to the divine.
Immersed in the Flow of Nature
The ecovillage of Atlántida, located in the Cauca region of Colombia, is a remarkable ecovillage with organic vegetable gardens and a rich biodiversity, and one of the most diverse bird habitats in the world.
Holistic Wellness
Guided mindfulness practices, yoga, and meditation in lush natural surroundings. Enjoy nutritious, organic food. Participate in ancient practices that harmonize the body, mind, and soul.
Retreat Details
Dates: March 16-25th, 2025
Location:
Atlántida Ecovillage in Cajibio, Cauca, Colombia
Sacred Medicine Ceremonies:
- Sweat Lodge
- Yage (Ayahuasca) Ceremony
- Yopo Ceremony
- Wachuma Ceremony
- Yoga Sessions
Meet Your Guides
Ariane Williams, BSN, RN
Director of Patient Care Services
Ariane is a highly skilled and deeply compassionate facilitator with over 17 years of experience as a nurse specializing in holistic health and wellness by integrating plant medicine with foundations of health and mindfulness. Based in Texas, Ariane has dedicated her life to empowering others on their wellness journeys. With a background in Emergency Medicine, extensive studies in alternative and herbal medicine, and personal experience guided by mentorship, she seamlessly blends her profound knowledge of the human body with a deep respect for ancestral wisdom and plant medicines.
As an integrative endocannabinoid specialist, cannabis educator, and psychedelic guide, Ariane brings a unique ability to bridge the gap between modern science and ancient healing traditions. Her approach is grounded in her passion for fostering mind-body awareness, regulating the nervous system, and unlocking profound personal growth.
Harry Barney Arango
- Colombian, member of the Atlantida ecovillage, recognized in the world of alterniative projects as a bridge between the indigenous peoples of America and the Mestizo world
- 20 years of experience serving and guiding plant medicine journeys.
- Certified tour guide, bird photographer, economist with a master’s degree in solidarity economy and sustainable development.
- Tri-lingual in Spanish, French, and English.
Itinerary
- 2 Weekly calls to help prep for the plant medicine journeys and retreat, starting March 2
- March 16 Arrival-Arrival at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón airport (Cali, Colombia). Accommodation near the airport to bring together people participating in the tour.
- March 17 Travel to Atlantida, introduction to ecovillage and settling in, evening sweat lodge
- March 18 Exploring the ecovillage, evening yage ceremony.
- March 19 Rest, Yoga, Integration
- March 20 Yoga, evening Yopo ceremony, Yoga, Integration
- March 21 Yoga, Travel to hot springs (two locations)
- March 22 Travel to Puracé National Natural Park.
- March 23 Yoga x2, evening Wachuma ceremony
- March 24 Rest, Integration, Yoga, Return to Cali
- March 25 Return home
Find a more detailed itinerary here
Investment: $2100
What’s Included:
- Accommodation (Atlantida ecovillage, hostels, indigenous communities).
- Meals from dinner on 3/16 to breakfast on 3/25 (26 total).
- All guided medicine, yoga, and sacred rituals.
- Ground transportation
- Entrance to natural and archaeological parks & hot springs
- Insurance
- Pre & post integration
F.A.Q.
Yagé, also known as ayahuasca, is a traditional psychoactive brew originating in South America. Yagé has been used for centuries, if not millennia, by indigenous tribes in the Amazon for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes. The practice is deeply interwoven with their cosmologies and beliefs about the interconnectedness of nature, spirits, and healing. It is a combination of a DMT containing plant and a MAOI to create the active experience.
Yagé can interact dangerously with medications, particularly SSRIs, MAOIs, or other substances affecting serotonin levels. It can also exacerbate certain mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)
The experience can be cause intense emotional and physical purging (vomiting and diarrhea are common). Be prepared for this as part of the process.
Yopo is a psychoactive snuff made from the seeds of the tree Anadenanthera peregrina, native to South America and the Caribbean. The seeds contain DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenine, which produce powerful visionary and hallucinogenic effects when prepared and administered. Yopo has been used for thousands of years by indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin, such as the Yanomami and Piaroa, and other groups in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
Yopo seeds are roasted, crushed, and mixed with alkaline substances like ash or lime to create a fine snuff. This preparation enhances the absorption of its active compounds through the nasal membranes.
Traditionally, the snuff is blown into the nostrils of participants using a specialized pipe, often by a shaman or another individual in the ceremony. Typically the experience can last 45-60 minutes.
Avoid yopo if you are taking medications like SSRIs, MAOIs, or have conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or mental health disorders like schizophrenia.
Yopo administration can cause burning sensations in the nostrils, intense sneezing, and temporary discomfort. Physical purging (vomiting or diarrhea) is also common.
Wachuma, also known as San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi), is a sacred plant medicine traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the Andes. It contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound that induces profound visionary and spiritual experiences.
The name “Wachuma” derives from Quechua, meaning “removal of the head,” symbolizing the dissolution of the ego and opening of consciousness.
Wachuma can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with heart conditions, hypertension, or serious physical illnesses should consult a medical professional before participating. Wachuma may not be suitable for those with severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)
Physical purging (vomiting) may occur, often viewed as a form of energetic cleansing. Be prepared for this possibility.
Wachuma’s effects can last 8–14 hours, with experiences ranging from deeply peaceful to intensely emotional or challenging.
Generally speaking, yes. There is caution with travel advised due to civil unrest and increase crime. However, the places that we will be visiting are safe and there are currently no concerns around safety.
Please email [email protected] to have any questions answered around travel and safety within Colombia.
Yes, when preparation is done and the ceremony is conducted by a trained facilitator or indigenous healer.
AND, there is a low to moderate risk involved when using these medicines.
There is increase risk of adverse reactions when proper preparation is not taken, when mixed with other substances that are not compatible, or when done in unethical ways without trained facilitators or indigenous practitioners.
These plant medicines can elevate blood pressure, induced nausea/vomiting, and bring up emotional distress which can be challenging for some.
We will be taking many things into consideration and preparation will be provided for all participants to ensure safety and best possible outcomes.
Information about preparing for the retreat will be discussed on the preparation calls and resource education will be provided.
