True Self-Discovery & Transformation Rooted in Ancestral Wisdom.
THE PATH IS OPEN. YOUR SOUL IS READY.
True Self-Discovery & Transformation Rooted in Ancestral Wisdom.
THE PATH IS OPEN. YOUR SOUL IS READY.
We believe true healing begins when you reconnect with your soul. Rooted in sacred ancestral knowledge, we guide you through a journey of self-discovery, emotional clarity, and spiritual awakening; so you can return to your truth, walk with purpose, and live in peace.
Only Retreat in Ecuador registered by the Ministry of Health
Awaken Your Spirit in the Living Heart of Ecuador’s Sacred Forest
Awaken Your Spirit in the Living Heart of Ecuador’s Sacred Forest
Awaken Your Spirit in the Living Heart of Ecuador’s Sacred Forest
Guided by the wisdom of generations, Awakenings Ayahuasca offers you the chance to experience plant medicine as it was always meant to be . Held with care by Indigenous Tsáchila healers on protected tribal land. Every element honors the sacred traditions passed down through the hands and hearts of those who still live them today.
Here, our Tsáchila tribe shares what no book or modern guide can teach; the true essence of plant medicine, woven with the power of our sacred icaros, ceremonies qnd every plant prepared by hand. These healing sounds move through the body and spirit like the pulse of the jungle itself. Passed down through centuries, these melodies are more than songs, they are living prayers, unlocking transformation, protection, and deep connection.
PREPARATION OF AYAHUASCA
Awaken Your Spirit in the Living Heart of Ecuador’s Sacred Forest
Awaken Your Spirit in the Living Heart of Ecuador’s Sacred Forest
Every ceremony, every teaching, every moment is rooted in ancestral wisdom, untainted and undiluted. Unlike many retreats shaped by outside influences, this is a space where authenticity is not a selling point; it is the very foundation of everything we do. Here you will step into a world where the plants speak, where the spirits of the forest guide, and where you are held in the care of those who have known this path since birth.
If you seek true healing, if you feel called to experience Ayahuasca, San Pedro and other medicines in the way it was always meant to be, then this is where your journey begin.
A RETURN TO NATURE, TO SELF, TO THE WISDOM THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN WAITING FOR YOU.
WHO WE ARE
Nestled in the sacred Tsachila Lands in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, Awakenings Ayahuasca is an authentic Indigenous-owned and operated spiritual retreat. Unlike many other retreats, we are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Tsáchila people, offering a truly ancestral healing experience in the heart of our community.
Here, you will find not only comfort but also a profound reconnection with yourself and nature. Our team of fully qualified Tsáchila shamans, along with a holistic doctor, will guide each ceremony with respect, care, and centuries of wisdom.
Safety is our priority; we are certified as one of the safest retreats in South America, following strict regulations and offering pre-screening for all participants. A female is always present, and upon request, we provide ceremonies with a Tsáchila female shaman for those who feel called to that energy.
Unlike many places, our medicine is 100% pure, free from additives, and prepared traditionally; with you as part of the process. What you put in your body should never be a mystery.
At Awakenings Ayahuasca, your experience is deeply personal. We welcome small, intimate groups, allowing for individualized healing and flexible scheduling. We work year-round, ensuring that your journey happens on your time,not on a fixed retreat schedule.
Most importantly, when you choose us, you support the true Indigenous keepers of this sacred medicine. Your investment goes directly into the community, preserving the traditions and supporting the people who have safeguarded this wisdom for generations.
Our shamans: Manuel, Augusto, Tigui, and Juan are all generational spiritual keepers, carrying the sacred knowledge of plant medicine and ancient healing techniques.
Located in the lush cloud forest of the Chiguilpe Commune, Awakenings Ayahuasca offers a safe, sacred space where all are welcomed with love, respect, and open arms.
Now more than ever, the world is being called to remember its connection to nature, spirit, and ancestral wisdom. If you feel this calling, we are here to guide you.
EMAIL US: awakeningsayahuasca@gmail.com
Activate your power, heal and conquer the world.
PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONIES:
Ayahuasca Ceremonies: Cleanse your energy, heal past wounds, and open a new path of spiritual connection.
San Pedro Ceremonies : Move beyond the ego and enter a deeper union with nature, the four elements, and the world around you.
Magic Mushroom Ceremonies: Experience profound insight and balance between the physical and spiritual realms.
Cacao Ceremonies – Cultivate deep feelings of love, gratitude, and connection with yourself and others.
SACRED HEALING PRACTICES:
Kambo Sessions: Detoxify and strengthen your body, mind, and spirit.
Bufo Sessions: Dissolve the ego, achieve emotional and mental clarity, and experience unity with the universe.
Sananga: Enhance focus, clear negative energy, and sharpen your perception.
Rapé: Purify your respiratory system, fortify your immune system, and ground your energy.
SPIRITUAL CLEANSING & ENERGY WORK
Chakra Alignment & Aura Cleansing: Restore balance and cultivate a deep connection with the present moment.
Private 1-on-1 Cleansing in a Ceremonial Altar :
Release emotional and ancestral blockages, bringing harmony and peace into your life.
Cultural Immersion & Traditional Wisdom
Ancestral Dance & Music :
Move beyond the physical and reconnect with your true essence.
Botany & Ancestral Plant Medicine :
Learn about the healing power of over 200 sacred plants, including Ayahuasca, from root to preparation.
Healthy Eating :
Nourish your body with natural, high-vibrational foods that promote well-being and inner balance.
Traditional Medicine Preparation :
Become part of our family by participating in the making of sacred plant medicines.
Restorative & Nature-Based Therapies:
Temazcal (Sweat Lodge) & Renaissance Baths:
Detoxify, rejuvenate, and awaken your spirit through sacred water and fire ceremonies.
Waterfalls, River Cleansings & Hiking :
Reconnect with nature and purify your energy in the heart of the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Massage & Holistic Therapies:
Restore balance and relaxation through bodywork and energy healing.
Cultural teachings and much more.
BENEFITS
Find Inner Peace & True Happiness:
Release emotional burdens, quiet the mind, and find lasting harmony within yourself.
Deep Connection with Your Spirit & Guides:
Strengthen your intuition and receive wisdom from the unseen realms.
Expanded Vision & Clarity:
Open your mind to new perspectives, insights, and creative inspiration.
Restored Trust in Life & Self:
Heal past wounds and rediscover your confidence, purpose, and direction.
Recognizing Life’s Signs & Messages:
Become more aware of the synchronicities and guidance always present in your journey.
Reconnection with Nature & Personal Power:
Absorb the energy of the earth, awaken your inner strength, and align with the natural world.
Breaking Through Limitations & Fears:
Free yourself from self-imposed barriers and embrace your true potential.
Healing from Pain & Emotional Trauma:
Learn to process, accept, and release past suffering, allowing space for renewal and growth.
Ancestral Weddings and Baptism
A Sacred Union, Blessed by the Ancestors
Step into a timeless tradition with an ancestral wedding, vow renewal, or baptism ceremony where Mother Earth, the sky, and the spirits of the land bear witness to your sacred commitment. Led by a Tsachila cacique shaman, this deeply intimate ritual takes place in the heart of Ecuador, the Middle of the World, where powerful energies converge. Surrounded by nature and the blessings of ancient wisdom, you will celebrate with traditional music, sacred offerings, and a feast prepared in honor of your union. This is more than a ceremony; it is a soul-deep connection to love, spirit, and the ancestral forces that guide us.
Shamanic Training
This is not a retreat; it is a sacred introduction to the ancestral healing path. Led by Tsáchila healers, this training invites you to walk beside those who carry generations of wisdom with humility, clarity, and care. Becoming a healer is not a title; it is a responsibility.
You’ll be guided through the traditional practice of dieta, a time of fasting, silence, and deep spiritual discipline used by Indigenous healers to build connection with the plant spirits and prepare the body and mind. You’ll learn how to cleanse energy, protect yourself, and begin working with natural tools like crystals, plants, candles, instruments,stones, sacred words, and healing touch.
This is not about mastering it all in one moment. It’s a foundation, a doorway into the path. For those who feel the call to serve, to remember, and to heal with integrity, this training offers a powerful beginning.
Doula and or Midwife Training
Ancestral Doula Training
Step into the sacred path of the guardian of life’s threshold. This immersive training awakens your ancestral memory as you learn to hold space with presence, intuition, and love. Guided by wise women and ancient practices, you will learn to walk beside the mother before, during, and after birth. Offering spiritual, emotional, and energetic support rooted in Earth wisdom. A calling to serve life with reverence.
Ancestral Midwife Training
Become the vessel through which the spirit of life is welcomed into the world. This sacred apprenticeship is guided by a revered traditional midwife. You will learn ancient birthing arts, herbal allies,womb massage, intuitive diagnostics, and the rituals of bringing forth life with sacred power. A path of courage, humility, and deep connection to the mysteries of the feminine.
SOME ACTIVITIES ARE:
WATERFALLS VISIT
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
As the pure waters flow; they cleanse not just the body, but the spirit, washing away stagnant energy and bringing renewal, clarity, and deep connection to the natural world.
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
A space where centuries of ancestral wisdom resonate in every corner. Here, surrounded by the presence of the shamans and the protective energy of the land, you will embark on a profound inner journey.
TEMAZCAL
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
TEMAZCAL
Enter the temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge that represents the womb of Mother Earth. Inside, guided by the heat of volcanic stones and the prayers of the shamans, you will experience a powerful purification releasing toxins, emotional burdens, and past traumas. This is a ceremony of renewal, leaving you lighter, stronger, and deeply connected to yourself and the earth.
The colors are the smiles of nature.
Tsachila Community
Fitseyah Cabins and Camping
Fitseyah Cabins and Camping
An indigenous community that has safeguarded ancient traditions for generations. Known for their striking red-painted hair and deep connection to nature, the Tsachilas are true keepers of sacred plant medicine and spiritual wisdom. When you visit our land its a chance to witness a living culture, learn from authentic shamans, and immerse yourself in traditions that have remained untouched by time.
Fitseyah Cabins and Camping
Fitseyah Cabins and Camping
Fitseyah Cabins and Camping
Your comfort blends seamlessly with nature. Our cabins are handcrafted using natural materials, reflecting Indigenous traditions while ensuring a peaceful, cozy retreat. Whether you choose a natural cabin, a glamping experience, or a more immersive camping stay, every option offers tranquility and a direct connection to the sacred land. Each accommodation is private, allowing for deep personal reflection, and we offer a variety of options to suit your needs; lets discuss what feels right for you.
SACRED MEDICINES
WHAT ARE THEY?
AYAHUASCA
The Sacred Medicine of the Amazon
Powerful ancestral brew made from the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine and the Psychotria Viridis leaves. Used for centuries by Amazonian tribes, it remains a sacred medicine among Indigenous communities in Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador, guiding deep spiritual awakening, emotional healing, and connection to the universe.
KAMBO
The Warrior’s Medicine
Sacred secretion from the Amazonian giant monkey frog, known for its intense detoxifying and immune-boosting properties. Used traditionally by Indigenous warriors for strength, clarity, and resilience, this potent medicine purifies the body, releases toxins, and resets the nervous system, leaving you feeling revitalized and renewed.Is the dried skin secretions of the kambo, a species of frog, used as a transdermal medicine.
SANANGA
Eye Drops for Spiritual Vision
Powerful plant-based eye medicine used by Amazonian tribes to enhance vision, intuition, and energetic perception. Often described as an intense but purifying experience, it is known to clear emotional blockages, increase focus, and sharpen both physical and spiritual sight.
SAN PEDRO
The Heart-Opening Cactus
San Pedro, or Huachuma, is a visionary cactus that has been used in the Andes for millennia. Known for its heart-expanding and deeply grounding effects, it allows you to connect with nature, break through mental barriers, and find profound clarity and emotional healing.
CACAO CEREMONY
The Medicine of the Heart
Cacao is a sacred plant known as the “Food of the Gods,” used by ancient civilizations for its heart-opening and mood-lifting properties. Our Cacao Ceremony is a deeply nurturing experience that fosters love, gratitude, and emotional connection. Through guided meditation, music, and intention setting, you will feel a powerful sense of joy, peace, and unity with yourself and those around you.
MAGIC MUSHROOM
A Gateway to Inner Wisdom
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing fungi, have been used for centuries in spiritual and healing ceremonies. This natural entheogen allows for deep introspection, emotional release, and a profound connection with the universe. It can help dissolve fears, expand consciousness, and bring clarity to life’s purpose in a safe and guided setting.
RAPÉ
Sacred Tobacco For Clarity and Focus
Pronounced “ha-peh” or “rapay”, this shamanic snuff contains Nicotiana Rustica, a type of tobacco known as mapacho. Rapé is a finely ground sacred tobacco snuff, traditionally used for mental clarity, spiritual grounding, and energetic cleansing. Blown into the nostrils by a trained shaman, it enhances focus, strengthens intuition, and purifies the mind, body, and spirit.
CHANGA
The Smoke of Enlightenment
Changa is a blend of DMT-containing plants and natural herbs, offering a powerful yet gentle entheogenic experience. Unlike Ayahuasca, which is a long ceremony, Changa’s effects are short yet profound, leading to deep insights, heightened awareness, and a rapid connection to the spirit world.
BUFO ALVARIUS
THE GETAWAY TO THE INFINITE
Derived from the Sonoran Desert Toad, is considered one of the most powerful entheogens known to humankind. Its profound effects dissolve the ego, bringing deep emotional release, unity with the cosmos, and a transcendent state of pure consciousness. A true rebirth of the soul.
HOLISTIC PRACTICES
Balance Through the Four Elements
For those seeking spiritual growth and deep relaxation without plant medicine, we offer a range of holistic ceremonies inspired by the four elements. These include sound healing, energy cleansing, breathwork, ancestral dance, fire rituals, and traditional ceremonies. These practices are designed to restore balance, release stagnant energy, and help you reconnect with your body, spirit, and the natural world.
meet the tsachi pone shamans
MANUEL CALAZACON
AUGUSTO CALAZACON
MANUEL CALAZACON
A True Master of Ancestral Healing
With over 50 years of experience in traditional healing, Manuel is more than just a shaman; he is a living bridge to ancestral wisdom. Recognized as one of Ecuadorians most powerful healers, he has traveled across the world, sharing his knowledge and guiding those seeking true transformation. As the direc
A True Master of Ancestral Healing
With over 50 years of experience in traditional healing, Manuel is more than just a shaman; he is a living bridge to ancestral wisdom. Recognized as one of Ecuadorians most powerful healers, he has traveled across the world, sharing his knowledge and guiding those seeking true transformation. As the director and spiritual leader of our retreat, his presence alone carries an energy that awakens, cleanses, and elevates. Manuel’s icaros (sacred healing songs) and powerful cleansing techniques are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced vibrating through your very soul and leaving an imprint on your heart forever. A master of both spiritual and physical healing, he is also certified in lymphatic drainage, bringing a deep understanding of the mind-body connection.
A man of few words, his energy speaks in ways that transcend language. Simply being in his presence allows you to feel seen, understood, and guided.
JUAN CALAZACON
AUGUSTO CALAZACON
MANUEL CALAZACON
A guardian of Ancestral Medicine
With over 25 years of experience; despite being only 35 Juan is a shining example of dedication, wisdom, and ancestral mastery. Unlike many who claim the title of “shaman,” Juan has earned his coronation from all seven community elders, making him one of only five officially recognized shamans in Ecuador w
A guardian of Ancestral Medicine
With over 25 years of experience; despite being only 35 Juan is a shining example of dedication, wisdom, and ancestral mastery. Unlike many who claim the title of “shaman,” Juan has earned his coronation from all seven community elders, making him one of only five officially recognized shamans in Ecuador who are not yet elders,profound honor and privilege for both his family and his people.
Juan is deeply committed to preserving ancestral medicine and traditions, passionately training future generations and ensuring that the sacred wisdom of plant medicine lives on. He is highly specialized in healing trauma, restoring inner confidence, and guiding deep emotional transformation. Known for his gentle yet powerful presence, he has been recognized as one of the greatest healers in his province, not only for his work with individuals but for his dedication to the well-being of his entire community.
Beyond ceremonies, Juan is an exceptional guide for integration, helping participants navigate their healing journeys with clarity and support. Those who meet him describe him as a pure soul, full of wisdom and compassion. His deep understanding of plant medicine and his unwavering commitment to healing make him a rare and invaluable presence in the world of shamanism.
AUGUSTO CALAZACON
AUGUSTO CALAZACON
AUGUSTO CALAZACON
Bridging Ancestral Wisdom and Modern Science
With over 60 years of experience working alongside scientists, biologists, anthropologists, and doctors. His knowledge extends far beyond the realm of traditional healing; he seamlessly integrates ancestral medicine with holistic practices to address some of the most complex physical ailments,
Bridging Ancestral Wisdom and Modern Science
With over 60 years of experience working alongside scientists, biologists, anthropologists, and doctors. His knowledge extends far beyond the realm of traditional healing; he seamlessly integrates ancestral medicine with holistic practices to address some of the most complex physical ailments, including cancer, diabetes, viral illnesses, skin illnesses, neurological illnesses and more. Unlike many who focus solely on the spiritual or energetic aspects of healing, Augusto applies his profound understanding of indigenous plant medicine to tangible, life-threatening conditions, offering real solutions where conventional medicine often falls short. His dedication is unmatched providing extra consultations, assisting with energy work, color therapy, and beyond, always tailoring his approach to the individuals needs. With a lineage rooted in deep healing traditions, he carries forward the wisdom of his ancestors, yet his work is firmly grounded in the present, merging the best of both worlds to restore health and balance.
FERNANDA DE CALAZACON
FERNANDA DE CALAZACON
AUGUSTO CALAZACON
The Heart and Soul of Cacao Medicine
Fernanda embodies the warmth, love, and deep spiritual connection of cacao medicine. As a guardian of this sacred tradition, she leads transformational cacao ceremonies that open the heart, awaken the senses, and cultivate a profound sense of love and gratitude. For her, cacao is not just a drink. It is
The Heart and Soul of Cacao Medicine
Fernanda embodies the warmth, love, and deep spiritual connection of cacao medicine. As a guardian of this sacred tradition, she leads transformational cacao ceremonies that open the heart, awaken the senses, and cultivate a profound sense of love and gratitude. For her, cacao is not just a drink. It is a sacred bridge to self-discovery, emotional healing, and pure connection with life itself. Through her ceremonies, you will feel the gentle yet powerful embrace of this ancient medicine, allowing you to release, heal, and reconnect with yourself and those around you. With every sip, song, and moment of stillness, Fernanda invites you into a journey of warmth, healing, and deep spiritual nourishment one that lingers long after the ceremony ends.
TIGUI CALAZACON
FERNANDA DE CALAZACON
TIGUI CALAZACON
The Keeper of Plant Wisdom and Sacred Rituals
Tiwi, the youngest of his brothers, carries an immense and rare depth of knowledge about the healing power of plants, far beyond his years. His understanding of medicinal plants, natural elements, and ancestral traditions is both vast and deeply intuitive; something that can only come from a li
The Keeper of Plant Wisdom and Sacred Rituals
Tiwi, the youngest of his brothers, carries an immense and rare depth of knowledge about the healing power of plants, far beyond his years. His understanding of medicinal plants, natural elements, and ancestral traditions is both vast and deeply intuitive; something that can only come from a life immersed in the wisdom of his people. He is the guardian of Temazcal (sweat lodge ceremonies), natural saunas, floral baths, and cultural teachings, ensuring that every ritual is performed with authenticity and profound spiritual connection. Whether guiding guests through the purifying heat of the Temazcal, teaching the secrets of the land, or preparing traditional healing baths, Tiwi’s presence is one of wisdom, grounding, and transformation. His passion for preserving and sharing ancestral plant medicine makes him a living encyclopedia of Indigenous knowledge, offering a truly immersive and powerful experience to all who seek healing at the retreat.
Step Into Living Tradition/Held by Nature, Guided by Spirits
Where ancient spirits whisper and Tsáchila hands guide your awakening.