Otorongo Center

My experience at The Otorongo Center was as raw as it was transformative. The retreat is set deep in the jungle, where nature’s relentless energy forces you to confront both your inner and outer worlds. The ceremonies provided moments of powerful clarity—each one a personal revelation that helped me understand the deep-seated roots of my anxiety. I appreciated that the center didn’t try to coddle you; the environment is demanding, and you quickly learn to trust your own inner guidance. However, the rustic setup did present challenges: sometimes the basic accommodations and limited amenities felt rough after long, emotionally draining days. Still, these were minor compared to the profound insights I gained. For anyone looking to explore the raw edges of their soul amidst the wild, this retreat offers a truly deep experience.

I went to The Otorongo Center seeking a breakthrough from years of emotional turmoil. The retreat’s setting—deep in the jungle—immediately struck me with its unpredictable beauty and raw energy. The ceremonies were intense, filled with moments where I felt the weight of my past dissolve into the sounds of the forest. What I loved most was the unpredictability: no two sessions were the same, and that kept you truly engaged with your inner process. On the downside, the experience could be quite demanding physically—the basic lodging and minimal comforts meant you had to be ready for a real, no-frills immersion. Even so, I left with a deep sense of clarity and a newfound trust in my ability to heal from within. If you’re prepared for an experience that’s as wild as it is transformative, this retreat is an adventure for your soul.

I entered The Otorongo Center carrying a heavy load of unresolved pain, and I left feeling like a completely new person. The retreat’s atmosphere is raw and unfiltered—there’s no sugarcoating here, only the honest, challenging work of confronting your inner truth. One ceremony in particular sent me on an emotional rollercoaster that forced me to acknowledge parts of myself I’d been in denial about for years. The environment, with its untamed jungle and rustic facilities, created a setting that was both intimidating and liberating. Every moment felt unpredictable and genuine, and I found that in that chaos, I could finally find order within myself. This journey wasn’t easy, but it was exactly what I needed to rediscover my strength and resilience.

I approached The Otorongo Center with high hopes for a transformative journey, but my experience was a mixed bag. The jungle setting is undeniably powerful—there’s an almost mystical quality to the untamed wilderness that forces you to slow down and reflect. I did have moments during the ceremonies that unlocked deep, meaningful insights, and the natural energy of the place is intoxicating. However, I also found the overall experience to be inconsistent. Some sessions left me feeling exhilarated and profoundly moved, while others felt disjointed, as if the chaos of the environment sometimes overwhelmed the healing process. The facilities were minimalistic to a fault—after long, intense days, I craved a bit more comfort and structure. In the end, while the medicine was potent, the retreat’s unpredictability and basic setup left me with mixed feelings about the overall value. If you’re adventurous and can navigate a bit of uncertainty, you might find moments of deep healing here—but it might not be for everyone.

My time at The Otorongo Center completely redefined what healing means to me. I came here after years of feeling stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and chronic stress. From the moment I arrived, the vibrant jungle setting—alive with sounds of nature and an almost palpable sense of ancient energy—provided a radical escape from the modern world. The ceremonies were intense and unpredictable in the best possible way. I experienced moments that felt like peeling away years of emotional buildup, leaving me with a fresh perspective and a lighter heart. What truly struck me was the raw authenticity of the space: it wasn’t sanitized or over-polished, but instead was real, grounded, and deeply connected to nature’s rhythms. I left feeling reborn and ready to embrace life with newfound clarity and purpose.