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Going into Gaia I didn’t really knew what to expect exactly. I booked last minute. I’m travelling and before Ecuador I was in Peru, thinking to do the ayahuasca there. Timings and retreats didn’t really match my itinerary and Amazone wasn’t in my planning. Since I’ve been hiking through Peru for multiple days I really was sick of the mosquitos. Although I really felt certain this was the right time to get to know the medicine.Looking into retreats in Ecuador I saw Gaia. The moment I saw it I thought this is a nice place. Besides the introduction texts of the staff on the website were so adorable. And timings of the 6 day one seemed perfect!
Two weeks later I arrived in Cuenca. I got a pick up at the airport and that’s where I first met a few people of the group I would spent the next days with. All different ages, all different backgrounds. A nice mixture of all very lovely people. The way up to Gaia was already beautiful. Arriving at Gaia was even more beautiful. Everyone came directly to the van to welcome us. Names and hugs were exchanged and it really felt like arriving in a safe zone. I literally felt so much love of everyone.
The place itself is also great. It’s really big and has everything you need. Hammocks, places to be by yourself, you can go for a small walk around, do gardening, there’s an outdoor place where food is served with a bonfire and also in the cottage there’s always space to chill on the couches near the fire, read a book from the bookshelf (with inspiring books) or play some music, ah I almost forget to mention the hot tubs. Three dogs are walking around, there’s a volleybal field and the buildings are really nicely decorated with happy murals. If you pay attention to the murals, you might recognise them in you own aya ceremony.
About the ceremonies. They're amazing. Being part of such on old tradition and being able to work on yourself, on your own healing is so magical. The songs they sing, the fire in the middle, the energy you feel of a group who’s becoming so close in such a short time. Everyone is so supportive. The world needs a little bit more of this love and less of the bitterness that’s often the energy that floats around. The shamans are really caring about our Pachamama, treating it with so much respect and them sharing their knowledge and vision is really one I can personally relate to.
Every ceremony is different and has a different effect on everyone. Although it’s not always fun - but hey you never can get to the top if you havent been in the valley right? But all of our group stayed even though it sometimes was tough. And all of us opened up more every day. The day after the ceremonies we would come together and discuss our experiences.
My intention for coming here was to open up my heart more. The people here and the ceremonies really made me do so, it was almost easy actually. Now I see how beautiful a group of people together can be, and that I’m able to open up, my biggest challenge will be to keep on practicing this when I go home, and not get back into the same routines again. But after such a powerful experience I really have the idea that I’ll be able to maintain this mindset. And whenever I’ll feel like losing it I’ll try to meditate and go back to the safe space in the ceremonies with the fires and the inspiring prayers of the shamans. The 6 days I booked flew by. Days are perfectly filled with yoga, workshops and other stuff. The place and the people feel so good, I don't want to leave. So if you by any chance have the opportunity to book the 7 or maybe even 12 day one.. I would highly recommend it!
So if you have the feeling that mother aya is calling you, I can tell you to listen to this calling and book your retreat in this place. Easy to combine it with a few days in Cuenca (which is honestly one of my favourite cities in South America and has very good veggie/vegan restaurants so dieta wise you’ll be good).
Speaking about food. Oh my, I enjoyed e-ve-ry meal in here. Only for the food it would already be worth staying here 12 days...
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Every medicinal experience is completely personal and varies significantly from painful to ecstatic. This review will focus mainly on the location, accommodations, services, experience, and shamans of Gaia Sagrada that may help you in your journey. This review was a first experience, so in no way am I claiming to be an expert, and people and services offered can change.
Location –Being in the mountains it can get cold after the sun goes down. They have plenty of wool blankets in thoughtfully placed locations. Bring warm layers for the outdoor, night time ceremonies and flashlight or headlamp. Compared to the snakes and mosquitoes of the Peru jungle, Gaia Sagrada offers hummingbirds and fireflies.
Accommodations – Gaia Sagrada will meet you at the airport and get you there and back safely. Although not necessary, I booked a private room and was glad I did. The bathroom was in the building. There is a short uphill walk to the showers. A solar powered shuttle will ferry you up to the showers, but not really – you get the opportunity to walk and experience gravity. Gaia eco-consciously pipes rain and shower water via gravity to the toilets. The food is amazing and artfully arranged by the volunteers. There is snack food like avocados, chips, and other items in the cottage so you don’t have to worry about going hungry. The 12 day package includes a choice of day tour with transportation as well.
Services – Of all the Ayahuasca centers researched, Gaia Sagrada was the only one where the shamans as well as several volunteers stay with you through your experience. I am one who does not like to ask for help, but it was reassuring knowing it was there if needed. They offer San Pedro ceremonies in conjunction with Ayahuasca as well as rest days to reflect. This combination is dynamic and synergistic. And the sweat lodge is an unforgettable experience with both medicines.
Experience – You get a choice and a chance to release your burdens and feel more connected. Ppen up to the group and express your concerns and desires to allow the medicine to work. You may face your inner demons only to find out they are not so bad. There is a connection felt with other members even after the ceremonies. Some families had heartwarming healing together. Some undergoing a disturbing experience had a gentle visit from the shaman who helped them release whatever was tormenting them. I still consider my one ceremony of purging a good experience. The others were unbelievably good. The more one has to release, the more cause for celebration. Keep an open mind and heart. Trust in it. Shamans – The most important part of the experience besides you are the shamans. If you are considering Ayahuasca, shamans are necessary to hold space during the ceremony and release. Think of suffering alone vs having a trained professional calmly administer what you need to ease the pain you experience in. You are in good, gentle hands with Salvador and Amalia. All the shamans at Gaia Sagrada are certified and real. The shamans are fully present for the duration and show genuine concern no matter what you came to heal.
Leave your mark at Gaia Sagrada with plantings or paintings and take with you a life changing memory. A year later and I am still reflecting on the lessons and learning. I am forever grateful to Christine for creating the absolutely beautiful, refreshingly conscious Gaia Sagrada retreat center and to the shamans, staff, volunteers, group members, mama Ayha, and papa Pedro for providing a truly unique...
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I had my call to Gaia Sagrada at the beginning of this year (2023) after a 12 year fascination with Ayahuasca plant medicine. I am so glad I found this retreat while searching for a destination to attend an Ayahuasca ceremony. I attended a 7 day retreat at the end of May (1-Ayahuasca ceremony, 1-San Pedro ceremony, and 1-sweat lodge ceremony consisting of Ayahuasca and San Pedro). From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with love and kindness. All of the staff were amazing. The week felt like one big long eventful day but I was sad it was over at the end of the week. There were plenty of workshops to attend along with bonding with other participants. My only regret is that I didn't book the 12 day retreat.
Gaia Sagrada sits on 55 acres in the beautiful Andes mountains. The views are breathtaking. On site there are several different buildings for housing, ceremonies, common areas, places for workshops, and places to sit/relax/meditate/hike etc. I stayed in the dorms which I chose to take myself out of my comfort zone. It turned out to be the best choice I made because it kept me from secluding in my own room and created an environment to get to know everyone there. The food was amazing. Thank you Matt. His culinary creations were way above my expectations of what a vegetarian diet could be. The smells and flavors had me looking forward to every meal. I need a copy of his "kitchen bible" to replicate those meals into my daily life or find a "Matt" close to home to cook for me.
Christine has really created a magical place to explore your inner self. The way she breaks through and touches your heart you will know that she is not doing this for the money. She is creating an army of "007 secret agents of love". She really makes you feel comfortable jumping into plant medicine feet first and let it have its way with you.
The other people attending the ceremonies while I was there have become my new family. The bond created because of the struggles we took together is like no other. We all grew together while searching within ourselves and sharing our passages during the integration meetings after each ceremony. It was suggested to create a WhatsApp group so we could all keep up with the growth and healing once we integrate back to our normal lives. We will always be there to support each other and witness the changes/transformations we have made in our journey from that first day at Gaia. I will miss the interactions with the participants and staff but I will be back to visit again in the future.
I could not say enough nice things about Gaia Sagrada. If you are looking for a retreat to attend, take a look at the reviews and get there to see that they are all accurate.
Thank you Christine, Wendy, Paula, Fernando, all the shamans, the rest of the staff and volunteers. You all make Gaia a very...
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