Alma Healing Center

Alma Healing Center is a woman-run, inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly ayahuasca retreat center in Ecuador, operating in two locations convenient to Quito, including Pintag (Andes) and Mindo Valley (Cloudforest). Ceremonies are led by medicine women (and sometimes men!) with over 23 years of experience. In addition to Ayahuasca, facilitators at Alma also work with other sacred plant medicines – San Pedro, Hape/Rapé, Psilocybin mushrooms and Peyote. Their affordable retreats include meals, accommodations, and sweatlodge/temazcal. Offering a variety of ayahuasca (and other plant medicine) retreats: 2-day, 4-day, 7-day, women-only, private, and even artists retreats. Retreats are bilingual. All are welcome!

The Process

STEP

1

Initial Inquiry and Intake Inquiry: The process begins with an individual expressing interest in attending one of our ayahuasca retreats. This can be done through the retreat center's website or by contacting us on Whatsapp. Intake Form: After expressing interest, you are required to complete an intake form that collects essential information about your medical history, mental health, current medications, past experience with psychedelics and reasons for seeking ayahuasca therapy.

STEP

2

Screening and Assessment Medical Screening: Our team reviews the intake form and follows up with questions if necessary to determine if there might be any medical contraindications for ayahuasca use. Mental Health Evaluation: In some cases, we will request a video call to speak to you directly to clarify on certain points, to identify potential contraindications or provide additional support if needed.

STEP

3

Step 3: Pre-Retreat Preparation Dietary Guidelines: Participants are provided with dietary guidelines and recommendations that they should follow in the weeks (1-3) leading up to the retreat. This typically includes avoiding certain foods, substances, and medications. Pre-retreat detox protocol: In exceptional cases (definitely not the norm), particilarly related to substance addiction and/or extended pharmaceutical drug use, we may require that certain participants undergo further detox before attending a retreat. This can be done with a local nurse we work with (in the Quito area) that uses IV fluids, colonic enemas and antiparasitic treatments. Normally, patients should plan to set aside 4-5 days prior to the retreat to undergo these protocols, although in more serious cases, more time may be needed. Orientation and Education: Participants receive information about the ayahuasca retreat, what to expect during ceremonies, and how to navigate challenging moments. They may also be informed about the cultural and spiritual aspects of the retreat. Packing and Travel Arrangements: Participants receive guidance on what to pack and any travel arrangements they need to make to reach the retreat center.

STEP

4

Step 4: Treatment Sessions Ayahuasca Ceremonies: Participants engage in 1 or more ayahuasca ceremonies during their stay at the retreat center. These ceremonies are led by experienced shamans or facilitators. Participants consume ayahuasca, and the ceremonies often involve singing of icaros (sacred songs), meditation, and a focus on inner exploration. After the first ayahuasca ceremony, we offer a temazcal or sweatlodge ritual to close the ceremony process from the previous night and to further detox and relax the body after a long night. Support and Guidance: Throughout the ceremony, participants are provided with support and guidance from experienced facilitators or shamanic practitioners, when needed. They may receive individual attention if they encounter difficulties during the journey. Integration: Integration is a crucial part of the treatment process, which involves reflecting on and discussing the experiences and insights gained during ayahuasca ceremonies. Group or individual integration sessions may be offered to help participants make sense of their experiences and apply them to their daily lives.

STEP

5

Step 5: Post-Retreat Integration and Follow-up Integration Support: After the retreat, participants are encouraged to continue the integration process through a partner facility that offers integration support online. Follow-up Care: We offer follow-up support to check in on participants' well-being and provide ongoing assistance if needed. This can include referrals to mental health professionals or additional resources for continued personal growth and healing. Post-ayahuasca diet: We strongly recommend you continue the "pre ayahuasca diet" 1-2 weeks AFTER the retreat, as your body and digestive system and recently cleansed and particularly vulnerable. Especially in Ecuador, participants should avoid under cooked meats, or unfiltered water. Community Engagement: We encourage connecting with your retreat group's participants, to share, and support each other in ongoing journeys of healing and personal development.

Session Types

Ayahuasca ceremony (night time) in Pintag

Part of the 2-day portion of the retreat, we begin at our location in Pintag (1 hr from Quito) with a light meal, introductions and intention setting, meditation/bodywork activity, Q&As, hapeh circle, ayahuasca ceremony (8pm-4am), sweatlodge ceremony (7-9am), and breakfast

Temazcal/sweatlodge ceremony

Almost immediately after the overnight ayahuasca ceremony (ceremony ends at 4am, temazcal begins at 7am) we enter the temazcal for this ancient closing, cleansing ritual.

Ayahuasca ceremony (day time) in Mindo Cloudforest

On Day 3 of the 5 day retreat, we travel together from Pintag to Mindo Cloudforest where we stay at the retreat center and participate in another ayahuasca ceremony, this time during the day.

Psilocybin ceremony in Pintag and Antisana National Park

Our daytrip psilocybin experiences begin at our ceremony space in Pintag and then we go on a little excursion to a nearby national park where you can experience the mushrooms while observing condors and paramo flora. We sing songs to the mountains and rivers and then return to the ceremony space to close.

San Pedro ceremony in Mindo

This is an overnight San Pedro ceremony, usually taking place a day after our 5 day retreats end and led by a highly experienced medicine couple. This is an opportunity to try San Pedro and work deeply with this healing medicine.

Upcoming Events

5 day ayahuasca retreat · December 15-19, 2024

This 5 day plant medicine retreat combines with an initial 2 day retreat. That is, the first two days will take place near Quito with a group of people – the highlight being a night-time ayahuasca ceremony followed by a temazcal from Saturday to Sunday. On Sunday, participants of the 2 day retreat will depart, leaving only the 5-day retreat participants. On Monday, the 5-day ayahuasca retreat participants will depart the Quito (Pintag) area and travel to Mindo, about a 3 hour drive. This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that.

4 day ayahuasca retreat · January 24-27, 2025

This 4 day ayahuasca retreat takes place on an off-grid wilderness compound deep in the cloudforest and is a unique opportunity to connect with grandmother medicine during a day time and night time ceremony. The environment is pristine and idea for nature-lovers and those that aren’t afraid of a little adventure! The retreat is led by Paulina, a medicine woman and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Sandra, her partner and assistant, also an experienced retreat facilitator. Read more about them below. This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that. The price of this 4 day ayahuasca retreat ($700 per person) includes: Accommodation Meals 2 ayahuasca ceremonies (1 night time, 1 day time) Rapé/Hape circles before ceremonies Group activity (meditation/body work) on Day 2 before ceremony Hike to waterfall and swims in a pristine river Transport TO Mindo and retreat space and back to North Quito (Mitad del Mundo – we don’t drive into Quito itself) or Tumbaco/Cumbaya, if you are returning with us. If you are not returning with us on Day 4, you will need to cover your own transport.

4 day ayahuasca retreat · February 16-19, 2025

This 4 day ayahuasca retreat takes place on an off-grid wilderness compound deep in the cloudforest and is a unique opportunity to connect with grandmother medicine during a day time and night time ceremony. The environment is pristine and idea for nature-lovers and those that aren’t afraid of a little adventure! The retreat is led by Paulina, a medicine woman and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Sandra, her partner and assistant, also an experienced retreat facilitator. Read more about them below. This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that. The price of this 4 day ayahuasca retreat ($700 per person) includes: Accommodation Meals 2 ayahuasca ceremonies (1 night time, 1 day time) Rapé/Hape circles before ceremonies Group activity (meditation/body work) on Day 2 before ceremony Hike to waterfall and swims in a pristine river Transport TO Mindo and retreat space and back to North Quito (Mitad del Mundo – we don’t drive into Quito itself) or Tumbaco/Cumbaya, if you are returning with us. If you are not returning with us on Day 4, you will need to cover your own transport.

4 day ayahuasca retreat · March 16-19, 2025

This 4 day ayahuasca retreat takes place on an off-grid wilderness compound deep in the cloudforest and is a unique opportunity to connect with grandmother medicine during a day time and night time ceremony. The environment is pristine and idea for nature-lovers and those that aren’t afraid of a little adventure! The retreat is led by Paulina, a medicine woman and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Sandra, her partner and assistant, also an experienced retreat facilitator. Read more about them below. This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that. The price of this 4 day ayahuasca retreat ($700 per person) includes: Accommodation Meals 2 ayahuasca ceremonies (1 night time, 1 day time) Rapé/Hape circles before ceremonies Group activity (meditation/body work) on Day 2 before ceremony Hike to waterfall and swims in a pristine river Transport TO Mindo and retreat space and back to North Quito (Mitad del Mundo – we don’t drive into Quito itself) or Tumbaco/Cumbaya, if you are returning with us. If you are not returning with us on Day 4, you will need to cover your own transport.

4 day ayahuasca retreat · April 20-23, 2025

This 4 day ayahuasca retreat takes place on an off-grid wilderness compound deep in the cloudforest and is a unique opportunity to connect with grandmother medicine during a day time and night time ceremony. The environment is pristine and idea for nature-lovers and those that aren’t afraid of a little adventure! The retreat is led by Paulina, a medicine woman and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Sandra, her partner and assistant, also an experienced retreat facilitator. Read more about them below. This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that. The price of this 4 day ayahuasca retreat ($700 per person) includes: Accommodation Meals 2 ayahuasca ceremonies (1 night time, 1 day time) Rapé/Hape circles before ceremonies Group activity (meditation/body work) on Day 2 before ceremony Hike to waterfall and swims in a pristine river Transport TO Mindo and retreat space and back to North Quito (Mitad del Mundo – we don’t drive into Quito itself) or Tumbaco/Cumbaya, if you are returning with us. If you are not returning with us on Day 4, you will need to cover your own transport.

4 day ayahuasca retreat · May 18-21, 2025

This 4 day ayahuasca retreat takes place on an off-grid wilderness compound deep in the cloudforest and is a unique opportunity to connect with grandmother medicine during a day time and night time ceremony. The environment is pristine and idea for nature-lovers and those that aren’t afraid of a little adventure! The retreat is led by Paulina, a medicine woman and therapist with over 25 years of experience, and Sandra, her partner and assistant, also an experienced retreat facilitator. Read more about them below. This retreat is for those of you looking for healthy and transformative experiences with plant medicine and the opportunity to learn more about yourself, find clarity in your purpose and work decisions, reconnect with your essence and feel connections with the divine, however you might define that. The price of this 4 day ayahuasca retreat ($700 per person) includes: Accommodation Meals 2 ayahuasca ceremonies (1 night time, 1 day time) Rapé/Hape circles before ceremonies Group activity (meditation/body work) on Day 2 before ceremony Hike to waterfall and swims in a pristine river Transport TO Mindo and retreat space and back to North Quito (Mitad del Mundo – we don’t drive into Quito itself) or Tumbaco/Cumbaya, if you are returning with us. If you are not returning with us on Day 4, you will need to cover your own transport.

Staff

Photo of Paulina Quilla Pakari -Tsunkinua

Paulina Quilla Pakari -Tsunkinua · Lead facilitator and medicine woman

Paulina received the Chakana altar, Andean table, and Heart of the Carnation altar from the Andean elders. She has been working with ancestral medicines for about 25 years. Founder of the collective group Mujeres de Luna, she works with chants as a prayer for healing of the spirit and body. She is a Leader of the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan and a conductor of temazcals. She is also a trained Gestalt therapist specialized in accompanying processes.

Treating:

Anxiety

Depression

PTSD

Relationship Difficulties

Mind Expansion

Utilizing:

Psilocybin

Ayhuasca

Meascaline

San Pedro Cactus

Peyote

Ra'peh Tobacco

Kambo

Specialties:

Somatic Psychotherapy Gestalt therapy Expressive Arts

Shiram Ucucuy · Ceremony facilitator

Shiram Ucucuy is a carrier of ancestral medicine. She has been working with native rituals and power plants for 15 years. She is a conductor of temazcals and a co-founder of the group Mujeres de Luna. Along her path, she has worked with the feminine energy and the obsidian mirror. She accompanies the work of some of the Andean and Amazonian elders.

Treating:

Depression

Anxiety

PTSD

Chronic Illness

Relationship Difficulties

Mind Expansion

Utilizing:

Ayhuasca

San Pedro Cactus

Ra'peh Tobacco

Peyote

Specialties:

Somatic Psychotherapy

Sandra · Retreat facilitator

Sandra is a queer Peruvian and Dutch artist that expresses herself through music and ceramics. She is a vision quester and has been following the plant medicine path for nearly a decade, giving her voice and musical talents as offerings to the Great Spirit.

Treating:

Anxiety

Mind Expansion

Utilizing:

Ayhuasca

Psilocybin

San Pedro Cactus

Specialties:

Expressive arts

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Alma Healing Center • Retreat Center

The Process

Session Types

Ayahuasca ceremony (night time) in Pintag

Temazcal/sweatlodge ceremony

Ayahuasca ceremony (day time) in Mindo Cloudforest

Psilocybin ceremony in Pintag and Antisana National Park

San Pedro ceremony in Mindo

Upcoming Events

5 day ayahuasca retreat · December 15-19, 2024

4 day ayahuasca retreat · January 24-27, 2025

4 day ayahuasca retreat · February 16-19, 2025

4 day ayahuasca retreat · March 16-19, 2025

4 day ayahuasca retreat · April 20-23, 2025

4 day ayahuasca retreat · May 18-21, 2025

Price

Hours

Staff

Paulina Quilla Pakari -Tsunkinua · Lead facilitator and medicine woman

Shiram Ucucuy · Ceremony facilitator

Sandra · Retreat facilitator

Reviews

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Price

Hours