Alma Healing Center
Atmosphere
Features
đź’¬ Guests Say
- Authentic Healing: Guests on almahealingcenter.com call the ayahuasca ceremonies “profound,” with one saying Paulina’s 25 years of experience created a “safe, loving space” for emotional breakthroughs.
- Cloudforest Magic: Many on retreat.guru praise the Mindo cloudforest setting, noting its “healing energy” and serene pools, with a 5-day retreat earning consistent 5-star reviews.
- Supportive Women-Led Team: Reviews on Facebook’s “Ayahuasca Experiences” group highlight the women-led team, with one guest feeling “nurtured” by Sandra’s logistics and Paulina’s “beautiful” ceremonial music.
đźš© Incident Report
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Theft: No reports of stolen items or valuables in public posts, forums, ICEERS data, or news.
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Sexual Misconduct: No allegations, complaints, or legal actions against Alma Healing Center’s staff (e.g., Paulina, Sandra, or Rosa) surfaced on Reddit, Facebook, news archives, or ICEERS resources. While broader ayahuasca retreat risks exist, no Alma Healing Center-specific cases were documented.
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Crime: No police reports, arrests, or violent incidents linked to Alma Healing Center appeared in Google News, Ecuadorian media, retreat discussions, or ICEERS findings.
🔍 Critical Notes
We offer:
- 2 and 4 day Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador, options for longer retreat (private 6 day retreats, 7 day women’s retreats) and San Pedro ceremony add-on may also be possible, depending on your dates.
- Healing through a variety of medicinal plants, including Ahuacoya/Wachuma (San Pedro), Cacao, Mambé and Ambil
- Special ceremonies and blessings, such as our Couples’ Blessing Retreat and Ritual
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy combined with spiritually guided ceremonies.
- Rituals and ceremonies combined with outdoor activities and connection with nature.
- Private and tailored retreats upon request
- Courses in dome construction (used for temazcal), ceremonial instrument making, essential oil distillation, identification and use of medicinal plants and more.
chat with us on WhatsApp
or simply write to
 almahealingcenter@gmail.com
Reserve early, this retreat fills up quickly!
Location:Â Near Quito, Ecuador
Price:Â $200 pp (see all prices)
# Participants: 4-15 (min. 4 – see more under “how to reserve?“)
Includes:Â meals, workshops/activities, ayahuasca ceremony and accompaniment
Weather: Andes, cold at night
General Information about the 2-day ayahuasca retreats in Quito, Ecuador
Join our monthly 2-day ayahuasca retreats in Quito, Ecuador taking place one weekend a month. Spanish to English interpretation is available.
This short ayahuasca retreat was created to offer a more affordable and 2-day option to those that don’t have the budget or time to attend longer retreats, particularly EC nationals and residents, though also travelers.
This retreat is an inclusive and safe space led by a female retreat guide (read her profile below). Solo female travelers are encouraged to join, as well as people that identify as queer or LGBT+.
This is an opportunity to drink the sacred and healing medicine of ayahuasca to attain greater introspection and to deal with traumas, difficult emotions and decisions you might be facing.
The retreat consists of only 1 night of ayahuasca, apart from the sharing circle with songs, and a rapé circle before the ceremony.
The price of this 2-day ayahuasca retreat ($200) includes:Â
- Sharing circle and songs
- Rapé circle
- Ayahuasca ceremony
- 1 light lunch upon arrival
- 1 breakfast post ceremony
Reserva your spot at our 2-day ayahuasca retreats in Quito – Ecuador:  almahealingcenter@gmail.com
Upcoming dates for 2-day ayahuasca retreat in Quito-Ecuador
Please see our latest dates here:Â https://almahealingcenter.com/plant-medicine-retreats-in-ecuador-upcoming-dates/
Retreat Leader
This retreat is led by Paulina Quilla Pakari -Tsunkinua, an Ecuadorian medicine woman dedicated to supporting others in their healing journey. She has worked with plant medicine for more than 15 years, including ayahuasca, aguacolla (San Pedro), peyote and mushrooms.
She was adopted by the original peoples of Shuar nationality (indigenous tribe in the Amazon); their elders gave her the blessing to continue her calling as a healer. She has also shared with and learned from the Shipibo in Peru and the Piaroa in Venezuela. She is an advocate for feminine collectives, an artist, and investigator of ancestral songs and chants.
Paulina hosts regular women’s retreats in Ecuador and Mexico where ancestral rituals and medicines are used to facilitate deep personal work and transformation. She is the Founder of an international women’s collective, Mujeres de Luna, and is also a trained Gestalt therapist, specialized in accompanying processes in a holistic and integral way.
Finally, she is a leader of the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan, a sun dancer, vision quester, and healer of the Chakana altar, Andean table, and Heart of the Carnation altar from the Andean elders.
During these 2-day ayahuasca retreats, Paulina shares with those that wish to experience the healing power of ayahuasca and sacred rituals to enhance greater self-awareness and healing.
The ayahuasca ceremony guide is usually accompanied by 1 or 2 ceremony assistants, depending on retreat group size.
Schedule for 1 night / 2 day ayahuasca retreat
Day 1
2:30pm Light lunch, introductions, Q&A
3:00pm Sharing circle and songs, often combined with yoga, bodywork, or meditation)
6:00pm Rapé circle (tobacco snuff)
8:00pm Ayahuasca ceremony
Day 2
3:00am Closing of ceremony, rest
8:00am Breakfast, reflection and good byes
Retreat Prices
The total cost of the retreat includes: lunch and breakfast, guided meditation or bodywork, ayahuasca ceremony and accompaniment. Transportation is not included.Â
- Complete retreat: $200.00 (not including transfer/withdrawal fees) depending on mode of payment
- An additional night near the retreat location costs: $35 per person, per night (includes breakfast)
Retreat Photos
What to expect from this ayahuasca retreat / what not to expect
This is not the typical ayahuasca retreat geared to foreigners. It is a very authentic space and group, often comprised more of Ecuadorians and residents than foreigners.
Ceremonies take place in a comfortable space or in the garden, depending on weather.
Since Quito is in the Andes, the temperature drops significantly at night. Be prepared and take warm clothes. This is also why ceremonies may take place inside, where it’s warmer.
The ayahuasca ceremony itself is open to people who are not in the retreat so ceremony participant numbers may go up (e.g. 8 retreat participants, 12 people attend ceremony).
Expect simplicity, honesty and a home environment where everything is done with loving intention.
How to reserve a spot at a 2 day ayahuasca ceremony?
To reserve, you will need to:
- Fill out a questionnaire so we know more about your health and medications. This is for your own safety.
- 50% deposit + fees. Payment options include Paypal, EU bank transfer, Zelle, Western Union, or cash (no fees!)
- We do not accept minors, you must be over 18+
- The deposit is only reimbursed if the retreat is cancelled.
- *A minimum of 4 participants is required to carry out the retreat. If this number isn’t reached, we will return your money or apply it to a future retreat (your choice).Â
Location – 45 mins from Quito
This retreat begins in Pintag, about 45 minutes from Quito and about 40 minutes from Quito International Airport.
If you’re arriving to Quito’s international airport, aeropuerto internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO), we can arrange for a reliable driver to take you directly to the retreat or spend the night at a recommended hotel, depending on your day/hour of arrival.
Upon reservation, you will receive detailed directions on how to get to the retreat.
Private ayahuasca retreats for small groups
If you wish to organize a private retreat outside of the available dates, please get in touch. You would need to organize a minimum of 4 participants ($800) and give us at least 1-2 weeks notice in order to prepare.  This may be interesting to family groups, women’s groups, friends groups that wish to have a more exclusive retreat.
Pre-Ayahuasca Diet
If you’d like to follow a cleansing protocol, here’s what we recommend in general (section 1) and then more specifically leading up to the retreat (section 2):
Section 1: General guidelines
– avoid excessive alcohol and weed (pure CBD is fine)- avoid pork
– eat organic plant-based whole foods as much as possible
– limit refined sugar and flour
– practice intermittent fasting
1 week before the ceremony (or more, if you can) reduce and, if possible, completely remove:
- Sex of all types (including masturbation)
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Recreational drugs of any kind, especially synthetic DMT or other psychoactive substances
- Avoid opiates and other drugs
- Medications (antibiotics, injections, pills, vitamins, supplements, etc.)
- Avoid drinks with stimulants (such as coffee, black tea, green tea, yerba mate, etc.), chocolate, chili, soft drinks, dairy, fried foods, canned foods, red meat and pork
- Eat as many healthy, fresh, organic greens and fruit as you want!
- Stay well hydrated
Two days before, reduce salt, sugar and spicy foods as much as possible, if not completely. Also avoid fermented foods.
Diet the day of the ayahuasca ceremony:Â Eat a hearty breakfast and then try to fast the rest of the day, eating only fruit, teas, water. Bananas are a great way to stay full, but ideally you come to the ceremony a bit hungry, on an empty stomach.
What to Pack for Ayahuasca Retreat
IMPORTANT: We do not carry towels, please bring your own! 🙏
For the ayahuasca ceremony:
- Offering or gift for the ceremony guide, which is customary (tobacco, essential oil, sage – or a thoughtful gift)
- Warm and comfortable clothing for the ayahuasca ceremony. Nights are COLD near Quito, be prepared!
- Warm socks
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket (if you do not have this because you’re traveling, let us know)
- Towel
Other general items:
- Sun protection, hat, sunglasses
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Fruit or snacks
If you are traveling light and don’t have one or more of the above items, let us know and we will do our best to find something you can use.
or simply email almahealingcenter@gmail.com
Location:Â Departing from the Quito area, retreat in Mindo cloudforest.
Price:Â $700 per person
Retreat guides:Â Paulina and Sandra
Price Includes:Â transport to Mindo (read details below), meals, accommodation, ceremonies & accompaniment
Weather:Â Tropical cloudforest, can get chilly when it rains and at night. Packing list provided below.
General information about 4 day ayahuasca retreat in Mindo cloudforest
This 4 day ayahuasca retreat takes place on an off-grid wilderness compound deep in the cloudforest and is a unique opportunity to connect with grandmother medicine during a day time and night time ceremony. The environment is pristine and idea for nature-lovers and those that aren’t afraid of a little adventure! The retreat is led by Paulina, a medicine woman and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Sandra, her partner and assistant, also an experienced retreat facilitator. Read more about them below.
This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that.
The price of this 4 day ayahuasca retreat ($700 per person) includes:
-
- Accommodation
- Meals
- 2 ayahuasca ceremonies (1 night time, 1 day time)
- Rapé/Hape circles before ceremonies
- Group activity (meditation/body work) on Day 2 before ceremony
- Hike to waterfall and swims in a pristine river
- Transport TO Mindo and retreat space and back to North Quito (Mitad del Mundo – we don’t drive into Quito itself) or Tumbaco/Cumbaya, if you are returning with us. If you are not returning with us on Day 4, you will need to cover your own transport.
What is NOT INCLUDED:
- If you are not returning with us on the last day of the retreat, we do not cover transportation.
- Airport transfer to your hotel/s before and after retreat (though we are happy to coordinate these for you).
- Airfare
Retreat healers / hosts
This retreat is led by Paulina Quilla Pakari -Tsunkinua, an Ecuadorian medicine woman dedicated to supporting others in their healing journey. She has worked with plant medicine for more than 20 years, including ayahuasca, aguacolla (San Pedro), peyote and mushrooms.
She was adopted by the original peoples of Shuar nationality (indigenous tribe in the Amazon); their elders gave her the blessing to continue her calling as a healer. She has also shared with and learned from the Shipibo in Peru and the Piaroa in Venezuela. She is an advocate for feminine collectives, an artist, and investigator of ancestral songs and chants.
Paulina hosts regular women’s retreats in Ecuador and Mexico where ancestral rituals and medicines are used to facilitate deep personal work and transformation. She is the Founder of an international women’s collective, Mujeres de Luna, and is also a trained Gestalt therapist, specialized in accompanying processes in a holistic and integral way.
Finally, she is a leader of the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan, a sun dancer, vision quester, and healer of the Chakana altar, Andean table, and Heart of the Carnation altar from the Andean elders.
During these 4-day ayahuasca retreats, Paulina shares with those that wish to experience the healing power of ayahuasca and sacred rituals to enhance greater self-awareness and healing.
The ayahuasca ceremony guide is usually accompanied by 1 or 2 ceremony assistants, depending on retreat group size.
Our Approach: How we work
Our retreats are guided by a deeply intentional approach that blends plant medicine, therapy, creativity, and connection to nature. We honor ancestral traditions while creating a safe, inclusive space for personal inquiry, healing and transformation.
We believe in conscious dosing, safe spaces, and honoring the traditions of the medicines we use. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to deepen your practice, our approach prioritizes safety, respect, and personal growth.
Plant medicine isn’t easy. It’s not meant to be. But when held in the right way, it’s profoundly healing. Here’s what you’ll experience with us:
- A gentle start with conscious dosing for first timers.
- Experienced facilitators who accompany you through every part of the journey.
- A mix of ceremony, nature, therapeutic accompaniment, and creative practices to help you integrate.
- A deep connection to nature and community.
And most importantly, you’ll feel safe—safe to let go, to explore, to heal.
4 day ayahuasca retreat schedule
1. Pick up/drop off in Tumbaco/Cumbaya area or the north of Quito by Middle of the World. We do not drive into Quito city itself, however we can help you coordinate safe taxis/cars to take you to/from your hotels if they are not on our route.2. To get to the retreat space, we must walk 20 minutes along a dirt path. It is not a difficult path, but you must be capable of walking this distance (there is a short, steep section near the end). We normally have horses to help carry packs, but please do not bring a large suitcase. Backpacks or carry-on suitcases are ideal.
| Day 1 | Travel Day |
| 11:00am | Depart Tumbaco/Quito area. Pick up in Tumbaco/Cumbaya area or the north of Quito by Middle of the World (we do not drive into Quito city itself) We can help you coordinate safe taxis/cars to take you to your hotels if they are not on our route. |
| 1:30pm | Arrive in Mindo, Lunch, walk around Mindo |
| 2:30pm | Depart Mindo for retreat space (40 min drive) |
| 3pm | Unpack cars, hike to retreat space (20 minute walk, we usually have horses to help carry things, please do not bring a large suitcase). |
| 3:30pm | Arrive to retreat space, settle in, introductions and orientation |
| 6pm | Light dinner (keep in mind there will be a ceremony the next day, so we won’t be eating a full meal) |
| Day 2 | Day-time Ayahuasca Ceremony |
| 8am | Breakfast |
| 9-10am | We encourage you to take advantage of the morning to relax and connect with your breath and body: swim in river, go on hike to waterfall, journal, yoga |
| 10am | Group integration activity |
| 11am | Gather at ceremonial space to share intentions and receive explanation of ayahuasca, the process, guidelines. |
| 12pm | Open ceremony with rapeh circle |
| 6pm | Close Ceremony |
| 8pm | Dinner and Rest |
| Day 3 | Rest Day and Night-time Ayahuasca Ceremony |
| 8/9:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9am-2pm | Time to hike, go to river, journal, help around the space etc |
| 2pm-3pm | Lunch (if you think you’ll need to eat before, we will have fruit or you can also bring snacks). |
| 3pm – 5pm | Nap, rest so that you will be awake during the night! |
| 5pm – 6pm | Sharing Circle |
| 6pm – 1am | Gather at ceremonial space to open night-time ceremony |
| 1:30am | Eat something light (soup) to hep ground, then go to beds to rest |
| Day 4 | |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9am | Ritual by the river to give thanks and close the retreat |
| 10am | Pack up and walk out to where cars are parked (20 min hike) |
| 10:30am | Drive out to Mindo, quick bathroom break and onwards to Quito! |
| 1pm | Drop off in the north of Quito by Middle of the World (we do not drive into Quito city itself) or drop off in Tumbaco/Cumbaya area. We can help you coordinate safe taxis/cars to take you to your hotels if they are not on our route. |
Accommodation during the retreat
The main house, made of bamboo and wood, was built specifically for these retreats. It is a large, well-illuminated two-story structure (80 m2 / 860 square feet), the beds are located on the second floor along with a large balcony overlooking the lush cloud forest.
Each bed has its own mosquito net.
The bottom floor of the house is our dining hall and kitchen.
In the main house, we have a large dorm room that can hold up to 12 people. We tend to get between 4-8 participants at these retreats, so there is more than enough space. Accommodation is shared.
Retreat location
This retreat location is a 3 hour drive from Quito, another 40 minutes past the town of Mindo. This retreat brings you very close to nature in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, allowing you to connect with a natural, deep, and rooted experience.
It is set amidst the lush beauty of the cloud forest, a place teeming with life, pure, fresh air and clean water. It is off-grid so there is no internet or cellular data, ensuring a real detox from the modern world. Our facilities are basic, accommodation is shared in an ample, luminous dorm room.
There is a nearby river where you can bathe, and a hiking path where you can explore the forest for hours, birdwatching, forest-bathing, listening.
The dream for this place was born 15 years ago from the need to create an integral community space, combining healing tools such as art and master plants to enable transformative, therapeutic processes while respecting and conserving the environment in a sustainable way.
The retreat space sits on a 10 hectares (25 acres) property of primary and secondary forest and beside Nuestra Tierra Aldea Creativa, a local nonprofit and sister project. The essence of this space, in general, is meant for community living dynamics such as cleaning shared spaces, gardening, kitchen service, caring for ceremonial areas, carrying firewood, and taking care of grandfather fire.
What to bring to ayahuasca retreat
- Offerings: It is customary to bring a gift to the person that prepares and serves sacred medicine. We would be grateful to receive sage flat cedar, sweetgrass, frankincense resin, good quality essential oils and/or organic tobacco offerings, which are all difficult to get in Ecuador.
- Ideally pack using a backpacking backpack. This is helpful for the hike in and out of the retreat space.
- Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (remember, we are on the equator; the sun is strong!)
- Clothes to hike: loose/breathable, comfortable long sleeve is best. Short sleeves and shorts lead to more bug bites.
- Other changes of clothes comfortable for humid weather, e.g.leggings can be used under shorts or skirts
- Bathing suit and towel (IMPORTANT: We do not carry towels, please bring your own!)
- 1-2 sweaters – evenings and mornings sometimes get chilly
- Waterproof jacket or poncho (cheap poncho can be bought in Mindo)
- Hiking or trekking boots, closed toes, waterproof preferable
- Rubber boots (while it will be the dry season, we recommend that you come with rubber boots, especially for the hike-in. Cheap $6 boots can be bought in Mindo, sometimes we have extras depending on shoe size).
- Socks (these are essential, especially if there are mosquitos)
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Extra battery for phone/camera/headlamp
- Sarong or wrap for entering the sweat lodge (optional; you can also wear shorts and a tank top)
- Flip-flops or sandals to wear when not in hiking boots
- Sugar-free electrolytes
- You may need medication; antihistamines can be useful (you can purchase histacalm in Mindo locally). Remember that all medications should be mentioned in advance.
- Kindle, book and/or journal
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Other toiletries (always prefer natural since everything is released into the earth)
- Phone for pictures
- Bug spray (preferably natural)
- Cash, especially small change (bills above $20 can be difficult to change, though if paying for the retreat we accept $50 and $100 bills.)
- Ear plugs & sleep mask – accommodations are shared
Dietary Guidelines Ayahuasca Retreat
If you’d like to follow a cleansing protocol, here’s what we recommend in general (section 1) and then more specifically leading up to the retreat (section 2):
Section 1: General guidelines
– avoid excessive alcohol and weed (pure CBD is fine)- avoid pork
– eat organic plant-based whole foods as much as possible
– limit refined sugar and flour
– practice intermittent fasting
2-3 week before the ceremony (or more, if you can) reduce and, if possible, completely remove:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Recreational drugs of any kind, especially synthetic DMT or other psychoactive substances
- Avoid opiates and other drugs
- Medications (antibiotics, injections, pills, vitamins, supplements, etc.)
- Avoid drinks with stimulants (such as coffee, black tea, green tea, yerba mate, etc.), chocolate, chili, soft drinks, dairy, fried foods, canned foods, red meat and pork
- Eat as many healthy, fresh, organic greens and fruit as you want!
- Stay well hydrated
- Though it’s quite difficult while traveling through Ecuador, try to reduce onion and garlic consumption as this can decrease the visionary effect of ayahuasca.
Two days before, reduce salt, sugar and spicy foods as much as possible, if not completely. Also avoid fermented foods.
Reviews
In a setting that blends rustic charm with mindful practice, Alma Healing Center provided me with an experience that challenged me to confront both my light and my shadow. The rituals were raw and stirring, unraveling layers of personal history I’d long kept hidden. I found the communal energy to be uplifting, as sharing my journey with other seekers brought a sense of solidarity. That said, the process sometimes felt disjointed—the transition between intense ceremonies and group reflections wasn’t always smooth, leaving some profound insights hanging in mid-air. Although the emotional breakthroughs were undeniable, I occasionally wished for more structured, one-on-one guidance to help ground the experience. Even so, the retreat offered deep healing and left me with valuable tools for self-reflection and growth.
Stepping into Alma Healing Center felt like entering a realm where time slows and the soul is given room to breathe. Every ritual was a doorway to self-discovery—each meditation and ceremonial practice offered an opportunity to confront parts of my inner self with courage and compassion. One particularly poignant session, set against the backdrop of a starry night, led to a profound release of years of pent-up emotions, leaving me both vulnerable and empowered. The gentle guidance from the team and the sincere camaraderie among fellow participants transformed the experience into something truly transcendent. I now carry with me a deep sense of renewal and a vibrant clarity that continues to influence my daily life. It was an immersive journey that reawakened my spirit.
I ventured into Alma Healing Center seeking a breakthrough, and while I did experience flashes of intense clarity and emotional release, the overall journey left me with mixed feelings. The setting is undeniably serene—a peaceful retreat that promises deep introspection—but the structure felt somewhat fragmented. Some ceremonies unlocked powerful emotions that seemed life-changing, yet the integration sessions often felt too generic to help me fully anchor those revelations into daily life. I found that I had to piece together many of the insights on my own, and the lack of consistent personal follow-up sometimes left me with lingering questions. Although the medicine is potent and the environment inspiring, the overall process felt incomplete for my needs. For those who are self-directed, there may be hidden gems to uncover; for me, however, the journey felt like a collection of potent moments without a cohesive roadmap to lasting transformation.
Alma Healing Center offers an environment steeped in natural beauty and authentic ritual that can stir deep emotional breakthroughs. The ceremonies here are powerful—there were moments when I felt every long-suppressed emotion rise to the surface, creating vivid insights into my personal journey. However, amid these intense experiences, I sometimes found that the follow-up sessions lacked the individualized attention needed to fully integrate such profound revelations. While the collective sharing provided comfort and connection, the transitions between high-energy rituals and quiet reflective periods were occasionally rushed. Despite these moments, I walked away with significant personal insights and a renewed sense of direction, even if some aspects could benefit from a more tailored approach.
Beneath the canopy of ancient trees and the gentle hum of nature, a transformative experience unfolded at Alma Healing Center that I’ll never forget. It was as if every element— from the serene, artfully designed spaces to the thoughtful rituals—conspired to help me let go of old burdens. One memorable evening, during a quiet ceremony illuminated by soft lantern light, a cascade of emotions washed over me, revealing hidden layers of pain and hope. The facilitators created an environment that honored every tear and every smile, inviting authentic sharing in small, heartfelt circles. I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and inner clarity, carrying with me a lightness I had long forgotten existed. This retreat is a rare sanctuary where healing feels both deeply personal and beautifully communal.