Atmosphere

Features

Corazon de Pachamama Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Ecuador

Corazón de Pachamama is a plant medicine retreat center located in Malacatos, Ecuador that specializes in helping individuals restore harmony between mind, body, and spirit through the use of medicinal plants like Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Wilka. The center offers specialized programs including 3-month addiction healing programs, 30-day treatments for anxiety and depression, shamanic trainings ranging from 40 days to 4 years, and regular Raimis Retreats during equinoxes and solstices. By offering small and intimate retreats, they ensure a safe and personalized experience for each participant.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Located in Landangui, Malacatos, Ecuador, the retreat center sits in a mountainous region of southern Ecuador near the city of Loja. Students in training programs live independently in a private house with electricity, water, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, Turkish bath, and sauna.
• Approach: The center uses medicinal plants like Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Wilka in small and intimate retreats to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Standard retreats include 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies, 2 San Pedro ceremonies, and 1 optional Wilka ceremony with energetic cleansings and shaman consultations.
• Suitable For: Those seeking deep healing from addiction, anxiety, and depression, as well as individuals interested in shamanic training and plant medicine apprenticeships. Best suited for participants ready for intensive, long-term healing programs.
• Costs: 12-day retreats are available with pricing likely ranging from $1500-3000 based on program length. Training programs require students to buy and cook their own food, which may affect total costs.
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: B- (noted for specialized addiction programs and shamanic training options, flagged for limited verifiable reviews and unclear safety protocols).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Guest testimonials on the center’s website present overwhelmingly positive experiences. Participants describe feeling secure and safe throughout their retreats, with several noting life-changing healing outcomes. One guest reported complete relief from chronic migraines after three ayahuasca ceremonies, while others praised the setting as paradise-like and emphasized feeling deeply supported by staff. Multiple reviews highlight maestro Mukipal as an exceptional shaman who provided lasting positive impact. However, the lack of reviews on major platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, or established retreat directories like Aya Advisors raises questions about the breadth of guest experiences beyond those featured on their website.

French-speaking guests specifically mentioned feeling transported beyond visible boundaries through introspective journeys guided by Miguel with mastery and benevolence. Several testimonials emphasize the center as one of the safest places on earth for plant medicine work, though these claims are difficult to independently verify given the limited external review presence.

We encourage sharing your perspective through our submission form to maintain current insights.

🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no safety incidents, deaths, sexual misconduct, criminal activity, or fraud allegations were found specifically related to Corazon de Pachamama.

• Theft: No reports of theft or financial misconduct found across checked platforms including Reddit, Facebook groups, and public forums.
• Sexual Misconduct: No allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior found in searches of Reddit discussions, retreat forums, or safety databases.
• Crime: No criminal charges, arrests, or legal issues found in public records searches or online discussions related to the center or its staff.

The search results were complicated by numerous other organizations using similar “Pachamama” names, including legitimate tour companies and other retreat centers. However, no negative incidents emerged specifically for this Ecuadorian center.

New update as of March 2026: No new incidents reported.

🔍 Critical Notes

The center demonstrates commitment to ethical practices through its community support initiatives, including reforestation efforts with ayahuasca plants and rescue programs for abandoned dogs in Ecuador. Their specialized focus on addiction treatment and long-term shamanic training programs suggests serious therapeutic intent rather than casual retreat tourism. The 27 years of shamanic experience claimed by their healers indicates substantial traditional knowledge, though this cannot be independently verified.

However, several concerns warrant attention. The center lacks presence on major review platforms and retreat directories, making it difficult to assess the breadth of guest experiences beyond their curated testimonials. Medical screening procedures and safety protocols are not clearly outlined on their website. The pricing structure and exact program inclusions remain unclear, potentially creating confusion for prospective participants. Ecuador’s regulatory environment for plant medicine retreats is less established than Peru’s, raising questions about oversight standards.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

The website does not provide clear information about medical screening procedures or health requirements for participation. While they offer consultations with shamans, there is no mention of medical professionals on staff or specific protocols for participants with mental health conditions. The center acknowledges that physical and emotional problems can stem from trauma, spirit loss, negative energies, or poor decisions, suggesting awareness of mental health complexities. However, the absence of detailed screening information is concerning given their focus on addiction treatment and depression healing. Prospective participants should consult healthcare providers before attending any plant medicine retreat, especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions or medication dependencies.

🧪 Brew Substance

The center works with traditional medicinal plants including Ayahuasca, San Pedro (mescaline cactus), and Wilka. Based on their location in Ecuador and traditional approach, they likely use authentic ayahuasca made from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis (chacruna) leaves. Their retreat packages include multiple plant medicines in addition to ayahuasca, which may intensify experiences but also increase complexity for participants. The center appears to follow traditional preparation methods, though specific brewing protocols are not detailed on their website.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Ecuador: Located in Ecuador’s Loja province, the Malacatos area is known for its temperate climate and mountainous terrain. The region offers a peaceful setting away from major tourist areas while remaining accessible to infrastructure.
• Setting: The retreat features accommodation with electricity, water, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, Turkish bath, and sauna. Guests describe the location as paradise-like and perfect for healing. The property appears to be designed for both short-term retreats and extended training programs.
• Style: Training program participants learn self-reliance by buying and cooking their own food alongside spiritual discipline. Staff take time to know each person personally and are available for guidance before, during, and after retreats. Days likely include ceremony preparation, integration activities, and cultural education.

Practical guidance: Access requires flying to Loja from Quito airport, or taking a bus to Loja from Quito or Guayaquil international airports. Contact the center directly via their website or phone number 00593995311293 for booking and detailed logistics information.

Should You Book?

Consider Corazon de Pachamama if you’re seeking intensive, long-term healing work and are drawn to traditional shamanic training approaches. The center appears best suited for serious practitioners ready for extended programs rather than introductory retreat experiences. Their specialization in addiction treatment may benefit those with substance abuse histories, though medical supervision details remain unclear. However, the limited verifiable reviews and unclear safety protocols suggest proceeding with caution. Consider centers with more established track records and transparent medical screening if you’re new to plant medicines or have health concerns.

The Team & Story

The center offers learning directly from a shamanic healer with 27 years of experience in plant medicine healing. Miguel appears to be a key figure, with guests praising his guidance and mastery. Maestro Mukipal is specifically recommended by guests as exceptional, with one visitor claiming he is “by far the best” shaman they’ve encountered and continues to impact their life positively. The center emphasizes traditional Ecuadorian shamanic practices and cultural education, though specific lineage information is not provided on their website.

Prep & Integration Tips

Food is considered sacred medicine that is organized and prepared with love, suggesting dietary guidelines are important. Staff are available for guidance before, during, and after retreats, indicating ongoing integration support. Specific preparation requirements and post-retreat support protocols should be confirmed directly with the center during booking discussions.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Contact the center via email at hello@corazondepachamama.org or phone at 00593995311293. Packages include accommodation, food, multiple ceremonies, energetic cleansings, and shaman consultations, though flights to Ecuador are not included.