Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Ecuador

If you are considering ayahuasca in Ecuador, Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat has operated since its founding, facilitating plant medicine sessions on sacred Tsachila lands in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. The Indigenous-owned center supports participants with ancestral wisdom from generational shamans, emphasizing authentic ceremonies for self-discovery, inner peace, and transformation. Offerings include ayahuasca, San Pedro, magic mushrooms, cacao ceremonies, kambo, bufo alvarius, sananga, rapé, changa, and holistic practices like temazcal and chakra alignment, with programs priced $1,600-$2,000 for 7-10 days. It is worth noting the certification by Ecuador’s Minister of Health as the only registered retreat, with small groups and flexible scheduling in a protected Indigenous community, earning high praise for cultural depth and safety without major issues reported as of August 2025.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Sacred Tsachila lands in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, with protected jungle and community spaces for immersive healing.
• Approach: Ancestral Tsachila-led, using pure plant medicines like ayahuasca and San Pedro, with small groups and additions such as icaros, temazcal, waterfalls visits, and cultural teachings.
• Suitable For: Those seeking authentic Indigenous experiences or preferring supportive, community-rooted settings in Ecuador, with feedback highlighting value for emotional healing and spiritual clarity.
• Costs: $1,600-$2,000 per person for multi-day programs, covering ceremonies, meals, lodging, integration; flexible dates with family and pet-friendly options.
• Overall Assessment: Strong on cultural authenticity and safety, with potential for broader medical ties. Directory evaluation: A (notable for Indigenous ownership, opportunities in integration).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Participants in Awakenings Ayahuasca sessions in Ecuador frequently highlight ancestral wisdom, as in site descriptions noting authentic ceremonies with shamans Manuel and Augusto praising healing icaros and teachings. The safe haven draws praise, with accounts on Retreat.guru from 2024-2025 emphasizing sacred Tsachila lands feeling protected, averaging 4.9 stars from 50+ reviews. Experiences include personalized healing, with some noting honored spiritual journeys on Facebook groups, though a few mention needing more post-retreat tools. Aggregated from various entries: Strong on transformation, positive on overall resonance.

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🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca and r/Psychonaut, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no confirmed cases of theft, sexual misconduct, or criminal activity directly connected to Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador have emerged.

• Theft: Public forums, ICEERS data, and news searches reveal no accounts of stolen belongings or valuables at Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat plant medicine ceremonies.
• Sexual Misconduct: Searches across Reddit, Facebook, news databases, and ICEERS show no complaints, allegations, or legal issues involving Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat staff or guides in ayahuasca sessions. While broader ayahuasca retreat risks exist, no Awakenings-specific cases were documented.
• Crime: No arrests, police involvement, or violence linked to Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat appears in Google News, Ecuadorian media, retreat forums, or ICEERS documentation.

That said, a Reddit post from 2023 mentioned severe nausea from strict diets, though no formal harm escalated. Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat’s online reputation remains free of verified incidents, alongside general ayahuasca hazards like psychological strain in unregulated environments noted in ICEERS studies. No publicly available reports of additional incidents exist.

New update as of August 2025: Recent AyaAdvisors reviews from July 2025 highlight life-changing healing from addiction and cultural enrichment without new concerns, reinforcing positive sentiment, but unreliable as most reviews.

🔍 Critical Notes

Awakenings Ayahuasca’s ayahuasca programs in Ecuador seek to provide meaningful transformation through Tsachila frameworks and group support. Positive aspects include icaros and teachings that assist in emotional release, with cultural immersion like ancestral dances fostering harmony. However, considerations include the 2023 nausea from diets potentially amplifying discomfort, limited post-retreat integration beyond community support, and no on-site medical staff beyond a holistic doctor that could heighten risks during ceremonies. Regulatory contexts: Ecuador permits plant medicine with certified shamans under Minister of Health registration, but remote Tsachila lands add isolation factors. Direct confirmation of dietary protocols, emergency measures, and shaman expertise like Manuel’s 50+ years is advisable, given occasional reports of intensity in similar Indigenous retreats.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

For Awakenings Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador, screening involves pre-retreat consultations for health and intentions, with a holistic doctor available and female shaman options for comfort. Preparation encompasses dietary readiness like plant-based meals, complemented by post-session integration through community sharing and ancestral wisdom. Reports indicate supportive environments, but general ayahuasca research suggests approximately 55 percent of participants encounter transient challenges like heightened anxiety, particularly without sufficient groundwork. For individuals addressing trauma, benefits may include emotional reconnection, yet avoidance is recommended for those on certain medications due to interaction risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential prior to engaging in ayahuasca sessions in Santo Domingo, Ecuador.

🧪 Brew Substance

Awakenings Ayahuasca employs traditional ayahuasca prepared purely without additives, with participant involvement, forming a preparation rooted in Tsachila wisdom for profound effects on body, mind, and spirit. Participants report it facilitates deep cleansing with emotional catharsis, while add-ons like San Pedro or bufo alvarius aid grounding and rebirth. Supplementary elements like rapé or sananga enhance purification. Those expecting conventional potency should align with preferences for plant medicine engagements in Ecuador, noting the site’s emphasis on authenticity.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Ecuador: Situated on sacred Tsachila lands in Santo Domingo, the venue provides a protected jungle with waterfalls and communal spaces conducive to quiet ceremonies.
• Setting: Immersed in cloud forest for nature reconnection and ancestral vibes.
• Style: Emphasizes Tsachila elements with inclusions like icaros, temazcal, shared meals, and hiking. Group interactions promote purpose, incorporating Indigenous traditions without dependency.

Practical guidance: Arrive via Quito International Airport (3 hours away) or Santo Domingo bus; local transport options are straightforward, and advance reservations are suggested for 2025 availability, with flexible dates.

Should You Book?

Awakenings Ayahuasca presents a viable option for ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador, particularly for those valuing Indigenous authenticity and ancestral guidance over modern amenities. With high satisfaction from attendees rating it 4.9 stars for liberating experiences and supportive shamans, it suits exploration of healing or purpose. Nevertheless, if robust integration or medical oversight are priorities, variable assessments on diet intensity warrant review. Should cultural immersion and intention-setting align with your needs, it may prove beneficial; thorough evaluation is recommended.

The Team & Story

Initiated by the Calazacón family, Awakenings Ayahuasca originated from Tsachila commitments to preserving ancestral wisdom on sacred land. The team includes generational shamans like Manuel (50+ years), Augusto (60+ years), Juan (25+ years), Tigui, and Fernanda, oriented toward empathetic assistance. The narrative centers on fostering wholeness through plant medicine, influencing programs that support community preservation. The approach prioritizes guidance, with shamans carrying knowledge from birth.

Prep & Integration Tips

Prior to participation: Adhere to a plant-based diet for preparation, excluding heavy foods; fully disclose health details and consult for medications. Bring comfortable attire, a notebook, and an eye covering. Following: Document reflections, engage in community sharing, or arrange professional support. Effective integration sustains benefits; avoid abrupt returns to routine activities.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings are managed through Awakenings Ayahuasca’s platform; consult their schedule for details. Ecuador programs: Flexible multi-day immersions with ayahuasca, San Pedro, and kambo at $1,600-$2,000, encompassing ceremonies, nutrition, lodging, and supportive activities.