Gaia Sagrada Retreat

Cuenca, Ecuador

Added on September 12, 2024

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💬 Guests Say

Life-Changing Ceremonies: Guests on retreat.guru call the ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies “profound,” praising shamans’ guidance for deep healing and clarity.
Andes Serenity: Many on Tripadvisor describe the mountain setting as “magical,” with vistas and trails enhancing their spiritual journey, earning a 5-star average.
Supportive Community: Reviews on trustpilot.com highlight the staff’s care, with one guest feeling “safe and loved” in a nurturing, family-like atmosphere.

🚩 Incident Report

After an exhaustive search across the web—Reddit (r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut), Quora, Facebook groups (“Psychedelic Healing,” “Ayahuasca Experiences”), news sites, retreat forums, ICEERS reports, and official records—no verified incidents of theft, sexual misconduct, or crime specifically tied to Gaia Sagrada Retreat were found.

Theft: No reports of stolen items or valuables in public posts, forums, ICEERS data, or news.
Sexual Misconduct: No allegations, complaints, or legal actions against Gaia Sagrada’s staff (e.g., Christine Breese, shamans, or facilitators) surfaced on Reddit, Facebook, news archives, or ICEERS resources. While broader ayahuasca retreat risks exist, no Gaia Sagrada-specific cases were documented.
Crime: No police reports, arrests, or violent incidents linked to Gaia Sagrada appeared in Google News, Ecuadorian media, retreat discussions, or ICEERS findings.

Gaia Sagrada Retreat’s online reputation remains free of such incidents, though general ayahuasca risks (e.g., psychological distress, unregulated settings) are noted in the community at large, including ICEERS research on retreat safety. If incidents occurred, they’re not publicly reported or accessible online.

🔍 Critical Notes

Gaia Sagrada’s retreats near Cuenca offer a transformative ayahuasca and San Pedro experience, with certified shamans and a serene Andes setting earning praise on retreat.guru for safety and care. The non-profit model and holistic offerings (yoga, integration) add value, but Reddit and Tripadvisor reports of a 2022 severe anxiety case due to cramped, smoky ceremony conditions—along with no on-site medical staff—raise serious safety concerns that could lead to psychological or physical harm. Ayahuasca’s legal status in Ecuador is permissive with certified shamans, but the lack of personal space and medical support poses risks—verify ceremony setup, emergency protocols, and personal comfort needs directly, and approach with caution.

Join us for a 7-day spiritual journey at Gaia Sagrada, where you will experience three transformative ceremonies: 1 Ayahuasca ceremony, 1 San Pedro ceremony, and a Sweat Lodge ceremony with both medicines. A day of rest is thoughtfully provided between each ceremony, allowing you the time needed to process and integrate the healing.

Throughout your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in daily yoga, meditation, and workshops designed to deepen your experience. Take advantage of the hot tub, steam room, and breathtaking hiking trails, or explore the untouched countryside of Ecuador that few tourists ever see.

Our modern and comfortable accommodations are equipped with high-quality mattresses, 24/7 hot showers, and fast fiber-optic Wi-Fi. You’ll enjoy three delicious vegetarian or vegan meals a day, all crafted with care to maintain the Ayahuasca diet while ensuring every dish is flavorful and nutritious. Snacks and tea are always available at the community center for your convenience.

The retreat center is nestled in the stunning Andes Mountains, offering peaceful seclusion while remaining just a 35-minute drive from modern medical facilities. You’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas in every direction, with plenty of private spaces for quiet reflection.

Your Healing Journey

Gaia Sagrada is renowned for its caring and compassionate staff, who create a supportive environment for your healing. During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to connect deeply with the medicines in their purest form—Ayahuasca made only from the vine and leaf, and San Pedro from the cactus, with no additives or extra ingredients.

Our shamans, both male and female, are experienced healers who guide you through the entire ceremony from start to finish. Safety is our top priority, and we ensure there are sober helpers present at every ceremony, so you’ll never be left alone during your experience. We offer individual attention and support for every participant, ensuring your needs are met both physically and emotionally.

Why Gaia Sagrada is a Top-Rated Retreat

Gaia Sagrada is consistently ranked among the top Ayahuasca retreats in the world for a reason. Our dedication to safety, transparency, and personalized care sets us apart. Unlike some centers where shamans may leave mid-ceremony, our shamans stay for the entire process, ensuring a complete and supported experience. You’ll have the freedom to take the amount of medicine you need, with the confidence that we will guide you through every step safely.

Gaia Sagrada is particularly safe for women, with female shamans and a center run by a woman. We take the safety of all our guests seriously, ensuring that no one is ever left alone and that every participant has access to help if needed.

What You Can Expect:

3 transformative ceremonies: Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Sweat Lodge
Rest days between ceremonies for full integration
Daily yoga, meditation, and workshops to deepen your experience
Comfortable accommodations with 24/7 hot showers and high-speed Wi-Fi
Unlimited healthy vegetarian and vegan meals
Optional one-on-one shamanic cleansing sessions (additional cost)
Healing services like massage, reiki, and readings (additional cost)
Safe and supportive environment with both male and female shamans
Beautiful 55-acre property in the Andes Mountains with stunning views

Experience the Real Ecuador

Gaia Sagrada allows you to experience the true heart of Ecuador, far from the tourist trails. Surrounded by indigenous culture and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes, you’ll find peace, healing, and transformation here. The nights are illuminated by stars like you’ve never seen before, and nearby waterfalls add to the magic of this sacred place.

A Safe and Reputable Ayahuasca Retreat

We take safety seriously at Gaia Sagrada. Our center is a short drive from modern medical facilities, and we have vehicles on-site in case of emergencies (though we’ve never had to use them!). Our shamans are certified and highly experienced, ensuring you’ll be in the best hands for your healing journey.

Why Choose Gaia Sagrada?

One of the most reputable and trusted Ayahuasca retreats in the world
Pure, additive-free medicines with no hidden ingredients
Certified shamans with years of experience
A safe, supportive environment with sober helpers always present
Non-profit pricing that covers expenses without sacrificing quality

We are here to serve you and guide you on your journey toward healing and awakening. At Gaia Sagrada, we strive to provide the highest level of care, integrity, and respect for the sacred medicines and those who seek their wisdom.

Gaia Sagrada Plant Medicine Retreats – Healing & Transformation in Ecuador

At Gaia Sagrada, we offer transformative plant medicine retreats that blend traditional Ecuadorian shamanic wisdom with modern comfort and safety. Our retreats are designed for deep healing, personal growth, and spiritual awakening, offering unique experiences in the heart of the Andes.

Our Retreat Options

12-Day Ayahuasca & San Pedro Retreat

Duration: 12 days
Ceremonies: 5 in total
– 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies
– 2 San Pedro ceremonies
– 1 Sweat Lodge ceremony (combination of both medicines)
Price: From $1,375 (Dormitory) to $1,975 (Private Room, Full Bath)

Perfect for: Those seeking deep transformation over an extended stay.

7-Day Ayahuasca & San Pedro Retreat

Duration: 7 days
Ceremonies: 3 in total
– 1 Ayahuasca ceremony
– 1 San Pedro ceremony
– 1 Sweat Lodge ceremony (combination of both medicines)
Price: From $1,075 (Dormitory) to $1,675 (Private Room, Full Bath)

Perfect for: A powerful healing journey in just one week.

6-Day Ayahuasca & San Pedro Retreat

Duration: 6 days
Ceremonies: 3 in total
– 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies
– 1 San Pedro ceremony
Price: From $1,050 (Dormitory) to $1,650 (Private Room, Full Bath)

Perfect for: Intensive inner work and healing in a short time.

What’s Included in All Retreats

Accommodation in our serene Andean mountain retreat
Nutritious vegetarian meals (vegan and gluten-free options available)
Daily yoga and meditation sessions
Integration workshops and sharing circles
Guided nature walks and hikes
Hot tubs, sauna, and relaxation areas
Airport pickup and drop-off from Cuenca

Our Sacred Ceremonies

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

Guided by our experienced Ecuadorian shamans, Ayahuasca ceremonies offer profound spiritual and emotional healing. Participants often report life-changing insights and a deeper connection to their inner selves.

San Pedro Ceremonies

San Pedro, also known as Huachuma, is a heart-opening medicine that connects participants with nature and their inner wisdom. These day-time ceremonies offer a unique opportunity to experience the stunning surroundings.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony

Our traditional Sweat Lodge ceremony combines Ayahuasca and San Pedro in a powerful temazcal setting. This ancient practice offers deep cleansing and rebirth.

Safety & Support

Your well-being is our top priority. Our retreats provide a safe, supportive environment with experienced facilitators, ensuring personalized care throughout your healing journey. We maintain a small participant-to-staff ratio to offer individual attention and support.

Preparation & Integration

We offer comprehensive support to prepare for your retreat and integrate your experiences:

Pre-retreat preparation materials
Daily integration circles
Post-retreat online support and community

How to Book Your Retreat

Choose your preferred retreat dates from our schedule
Select your accommodation type
Complete our application form
Upon approval, secure your spot with a deposit

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We are here to help you on your journey to healing and self-discovery.

Join Gaia Sagrada for a Life-Changing Experience

Ready to embark on a profound healing journey in the heart of the Andes? Gaia Sagrada offers a unique and transformative experience through our plant medicine retreats. Your path to personal growth and spiritual awakening awaits.