Join us for a safe, authentic ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador.
Welcome! Alma Healing Center organizes small and safe ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador with trusted, experienced healers.
Through a process of self-exploration, guided by ancestral medicine and connection with nature, learn the lessons and tools that will improve your daily life, relationships and worldview.
Discover who you really are and your place in this vast and incredible universe.
Miracle experience that changed my life! Forever grateful and thankful for this incredible opportunity.
Response from the owner 19:47 24 Oct 25
Thank you, Elizabeth, for this review. We can't wait to have you again.Miracle experience that changed my life! Forever grateful and thankful for this incredible opportunity.
Response from the owner 19:47 24 Oct 25
Thank you, Elizabeth, for this review. We can't wait to have you again.
Top notch experience. Very professional, thoughtful and organized. I can’t say enough good things about Paulina and Amalia. They gave us great advice to prep and provided an amazing experience to my son and I. We will be going back next year.
Response from the owner 19:48 24 Oct 25
Thank you so much, Dave, for this review. We look forward to having you again.Top notch experience. Very professional, thoughtful and organized. I can’t say enough good things about Paulina and Amalia. They gave us great advice to prep and provided an amazing experience to my son and I. We will be going back next year.
Response from the owner 19:48 24 Oct 25
Thank you so much, Dave, for this review. We look forward to having you again.
Recently I returned from the women's retreat of Alma Healing in Mindo. It was an extraordinary positive experience. I really liked the warmth of the team as well the high level of empathy and sensibility. The ceremonies were beautifully designed. A special highlight for me was the creative workshop with Pauli, which offered a wide varierty of brillant ideal. At this point I would like to thank the whole team for everything. Embedded in beautiful nature the entire stage was a great expirience.
Response from the owner 18:58 28 Jul 25
Dear Verena, thank you very much for this review. We love you and were so happy that you joined this last women's plant medicine retreat. Thank you for your positive attitude and love for nature, willingness to participate and open yourself to the process. We hope to share with you again in the future. Muchos abrazosRecently I returned from the women's retreat of Alma Healing in Mindo. It was an extraordinary positive experience. I really liked the warmth of the team as well the high level of empathy and sensibility. The ceremonies were beautifully designed. A special highlight for me was the creative workshop with Pauli, which offered a wide varierty of brillant ideal. At this point I would like to thank the whole team for everything. Embedded in beautiful nature the entire stage was a great expirience.
Response from the owner 18:58 28 Jul 25
Dear Verena, thank you very much for this review. We love you and were so happy that you joined this last women's plant medicine retreat. Thank you for your positive attitude and love for nature, willingness to participate and open yourself to the process. We hope to share with you again in the future. Muchos abrazos
We thoroughly enjoyed our ayahuasca ceremony with Amalia and Seba. Both exhibited the utmost compassion, patience, and love for us throughout the entire journey—from helping us wade through knee-high mud puddles (wear rain boots if going to the cabin outside Mindo!) on the hike there and back, to plying us with blankets and tea during the outdoor ceremony, to guiding us into and through deep interactions with Grandmother Ayahuasca. Amalia and Seba are talented musicians, and their beautiful songs deepened our spiritual experiences. We wholeheartedly and without reservations recommend an ayahuasca ceremony with Amalia and Seba. On the business side, Sandra was very responsive and communicative, and made setting up the ceremony a breeze. Muchas gracias, Amalia, Seba, Sandra and Alma Healing Center!
Response from the owner 01:06 28 Jul 25
Hi Emily, thank you very much for taking the time to submit your review. Amalia expressed how lovely it was to share with you and I am glad you also had a such a positive experience. Many blessings from Mindo, Ecuador.We thoroughly enjoyed our ayahuasca ceremony with Amalia and Seba. Both exhibited the utmost compassion, patience, and love for us throughout the entire journey—from helping us wade through knee-high mud puddles (wear rain boots if going to the cabin outside Mindo!) on the hike there and back, to plying us with blankets and tea during the outdoor ceremony, to guiding us into and through deep interactions with Grandmother Ayahuasca. Amalia and Seba are talented musicians, and their beautiful songs deepened our spiritual experiences. We wholeheartedly and without reservations recommend an ayahuasca ceremony with Amalia and Seba. On the business side, Sandra was very responsive and communicative, and made setting up the ceremony a breeze. Muchas gracias, Amalia, Seba, Sandra and Alma Healing Center!
Response from the owner 01:06 28 Jul 25
Hi Emily, thank you very much for taking the time to submit your review. Amalia expressed how lovely it was to share with you and I am glad you also had a such a positive experience. Many blessings from Mindo, Ecuador.
We did a 4 day ayahuasca retreat. Sandra and Pauli were kind and we felt very safe with them. Pauli didn’t talk a lot to us, I wasn’t sure if that was because of the medicine woman traditions or because of the language barrier. We were disappointed though with the lack of group activities (the only activity other than the ceremonies was a short waterfall hike). There were 3 integration activities on the schedule but we didn’t do any of them. It was an interesting cultural experience but the therapeutic value of the experience was little for us because of the lack of integration and connection with the group. Also I wasn’t aware of the possibility that I would feel nothing after 2 shots which is why I didn’t ask for more as we were told that 2 shots should be more than enough but this seems to be very different for everyone. I also would’ve liked to know that you’re not supposed to talk and move around during the ceremony. Despite all that it was a nice experience being in nature and without internet and electricity and the subtle effect I felt left me with very good insights that I tried to then integrate myself in the weeks after.
We did a 4 day ayahuasca retreat. Sandra and Pauli were kind and we felt very safe with them. Pauli didn’t talk a lot to us, I wasn’t sure if that was because of the medicine woman traditions or because of the language barrier. We were disappointed though with the lack of group activities (the only activity other than the ceremonies was a short waterfall hike). There were 3 integration activities on the schedule but we didn’t do any of them. It was an interesting cultural experience but the therapeutic value of the experience was little for us because of the lack of integration and connection with the group. Also I wasn’t aware of the possibility that I would feel nothing after 2 shots which is why I didn’t ask for more as we were told that 2 shots should be more than enough but this seems to be very different for everyone. I also would’ve liked to know that you’re not supposed to talk and move around during the ceremony. Despite all that it was a nice experience being in nature and without internet and electricity and the subtle effect I felt left me with very good insights that I tried to then integrate myself in the weeks after.
The San Pedro Day Hike experience with Alma Healing Center was fantastic! From communication to organizing and helping us plan it, Alma healing center was great. They started the ceremony very nice. The setting they create is very healing and intention focused. The hike was nice, the food and the transportation. Also the hot springs were divine. Sandra and Paulina made this experience amazing and I highly recommend them. Look no further for your healing journey in Ecuador!!
Response from the owner 01:08 28 Jul 25
Thank you so much, Shawn! We loved meeting all of you, it truly was a pleasure. Thank you for your friendliness, openness and respect. We hope to share with you again in the future. Big hugs from us both.The San Pedro Day Hike experience with Alma Healing Center was fantastic! From communication to organizing and helping us plan it, Alma healing center was great. They started the ceremony very nice. The setting they create is very healing and intention focused. The hike was nice, the food and the transportation. Also the hot springs were divine. Sandra and Paulina made this experience amazing and I highly recommend them. Look no further for your healing journey in Ecuador!!
Response from the owner 01:08 28 Jul 25
Thank you so much, Shawn! We loved meeting all of you, it truly was a pleasure. Thank you for your friendliness, openness and respect. We hope to share with you again in the future. Big hugs from us both.
Wonderful experience can’t imagine going anywhere else. From beginning to end every word they spoke was for a with purpose to help you with your journey, a very special place! If you’re one of the people in the pictures, I don’t ever hesitate to reach out to in North Carolina ! What an amazing journey we went on together!
Response from the owner 01:25 28 Jul 25
Thank you, Alex, for your kind review. I apologize about the delay, we had an issue with our Google account and I can finally say thank you to you and many other past participants. Sending you so much love from Ecuador, take care and come visit again one day 🙂 Wonderful experience can’t imagine going anywhere else. From beginning to end every word they spoke was for a with purpose to help you with your journey, a very special place! If you’re one of the people in the pictures, I don’t ever hesitate to reach out to in North Carolina ! What an amazing journey we went on together!
Response from the owner 01:25 28 Jul 25
Thank you, Alex, for your kind review. I apologize about the delay, we had an issue with our Google account and I can finally say thank you to you and many other past participants. Sending you so much love from Ecuador, take care and come visit again one day 🙂 
I’ve participated in two retreats at Alma Healing now. Of the ayahuasca ceremonies I’ve been in throughout South America those here led by Paulina (the Medicine Woman) are the most beautiful I’ve experienced. This is the place I recommend to family and friends.
Response from the owner 01:26 28 Jul 25
Thank you, dear friend. Can't wait to have you again. Much love from us both <3I’ve participated in two retreats at Alma Healing now. Of the ayahuasca ceremonies I’ve been in throughout South America those here led by Paulina (the Medicine Woman) are the most beautiful I’ve experienced. This is the place I recommend to family and friends.
Response from the owner 01:26 28 Jul 25
Thank you, dear friend. Can't wait to have you again. Much love from us both <3
The 4 day retreat in Mindo with Paulina and Sandra was an amazing experience, and an incredible opportunity to learn about yourself and what holds you back, so long as you are committed to unraveling that in your life. It was my first time working with this medicine and understandably you can feel nervous and uncertain. However, from the moment you arrive at the retreat space you sense the respect Paulina and Sandra have for this powerful medicine (ayahuasca). They are experienced and capable of guiding people through their journeys, and are both simply a pleasure to be around and get to know! Paulina has so much wisdom to share and her faith and respect for nature, our shared human existence, and our natural internal wisdom is very inspiring. I can highly recommend this center for anyone looking to establish for the first time, or deepen a relationship with Mother Ayahuasca. I truly feel grateful to Paulina and Sandra and to all the circumstances that allowed me to have this experience.
Response from the owner 01:29 28 Jul 25
Dear Alex, thank you for your thoughtful and honest review, it is greatly appreciated. We are always so grateful to people like you who come with an open and willing heart, ready to receive whatever the grandmother wants to show you. We hope to see you again, sending much love from Ecuador.The 4 day retreat in Mindo with Paulina and Sandra was an amazing experience, and an incredible opportunity to learn about yourself and what holds you back, so long as you are committed to unraveling that in your life. It was my first time working with this medicine and understandably you can feel nervous and uncertain. However, from the moment you arrive at the retreat space you sense the respect Paulina and Sandra have for this powerful medicine (ayahuasca). They are experienced and capable of guiding people through their journeys, and are both simply a pleasure to be around and get to know! Paulina has so much wisdom to share and her faith and respect for nature, our shared human existence, and our natural internal wisdom is very inspiring. I can highly recommend this center for anyone looking to establish for the first time, or deepen a relationship with Mother Ayahuasca. I truly feel grateful to Paulina and Sandra and to all the circumstances that allowed me to have this experience.
Response from the owner 01:29 28 Jul 25
Dear Alex, thank you for your thoughtful and honest review, it is greatly appreciated. We are always so grateful to people like you who come with an open and willing heart, ready to receive whatever the grandmother wants to show you. We hope to see you again, sending much love from Ecuador.
I had a wonderful time with Sandra and Paulina. They're both great people and take their time. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and felt like they both had a wealth of experience, which they willingly shared with us. All in all, it was very enriching!
Response from the owner 19:25 28 Jul 25
Hello Lena, thank you very much for your kind review, it was a pleasure sharing with you and we wish you well on your plans and projects. Many blessings!I had a wonderful time with Sandra and Paulina. They're both great people and take their time. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and felt like they both had a wealth of experience, which they willingly shared with us. All in all, it was very enriching!
Response from the owner 19:25 28 Jul 25
Hello Lena, thank you very much for your kind review, it was a pleasure sharing with you and we wish you well on your plans and projects. Many blessings!
I cannot really express in words how profound my experience was with the women from Alma Healing Center. The rigorous training that they have gone through to get the blessing of the indigenous family is inspiring. They are very well trained and connected to the plants they serve. They are kind, intuitive and AMAZING musicians! I am from the United States and my Spanish is not great. That was not a problem at all as there are people available to translate. I always felt welcome in the presence of these women and highly recommend the Alma Healing Center to anyone looking for a safe, supportive and transformative healing experience.
I cannot really express in words how profound my experience was with the women from Alma Healing Center. The rigorous training that they have gone through to get the blessing of the indigenous family is inspiring. They are very well trained and connected to the plants they serve. They are kind, intuitive and AMAZING musicians! I am from the United States and my Spanish is not great. That was not a problem at all as there are people available to translate. I always felt welcome in the presence of these women and highly recommend the Alma Healing Center to anyone looking for a safe, supportive and transformative healing experience.
Sandra was so wonderful and helpful in answering all of my questions and addressing all of my concerns regarding the retreat! She was very responsive and caring, and I could tell that she really cares about people and their healing process
Sandra was so wonderful and helpful in answering all of my questions and addressing all of my concerns regarding the retreat! She was very responsive and caring, and I could tell that she really cares about people and their healing process
Sandra was so easy to work with to set up a retreat for my friends and I. Highly recommend!
Sandra was so easy to work with to set up a retreat for my friends and I. Highly recommend!
If you're looking for a trustworthy place to try plant medicines, like ayahuasca, wachuma, psilocybin mushroom etc definitely get in touch with Alma Healing Center. They organize different ayahuasca retreats near Quito and around Ecuador and work with a handful of healers that are intuitive, sensitive and trustworthy. I really appreciate that it is woman-led and many of the healers they work with are also women, as well as therapists, which is important before/during/after having a psychedelic experience. Their ceremonies have beautiful music and a very loving tone, ideal for people just beginning their journey in the world of ceremony, healing and plants.
If you're looking for a trustworthy place to try plant medicines, like ayahuasca, wachuma, psilocybin mushroom etc definitely get in touch with Alma Healing Center. They organize different ayahuasca retreats near Quito and around Ecuador and work with a handful of healers that are intuitive, sensitive and trustworthy. I really appreciate that it is woman-led and many of the healers they work with are also women, as well as therapists, which is important before/during/after having a psychedelic experience. Their ceremonies have beautiful music and a very loving tone, ideal for people just beginning their journey in the world of ceremony, healing and plants.
Our group had a sweet and gentle introduction to Ahuyasca shamanic rituals. We always felt safe and the retreat center was beautiful and comfortable with lovely vegan meals. The pools are especially healing. We truly enjoyed the beautiful voices of Paulina, Sandra and Diego during our evening rituals. The temezcal sweat lodge the following day was especially meaningful for me.
Our group had a sweet and gentle introduction to Ahuyasca shamanic rituals. We always felt safe and the retreat center was beautiful and comfortable with lovely vegan meals. The pools are especially healing. We truly enjoyed the beautiful voices of Paulina, Sandra and Diego during our evening rituals. The temezcal sweat lodge the following day was especially meaningful for me.
As featured on AyaAdvisors, Book Retreats, Retreat Guru and Google Reviews:
Our Plant Medicine & Ayahuasca Retreats
We organize the following plant medicine and ayahuasca retreats near Quito (Tumbaco) and near Mindo cloudforest, Ecuador:
Small groups, loving medicine and experienced, humble healers.
Alma Healing Center offers individuals and groups an exclusive, safe and authentic Ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador, among other plant medicine retreats, to experience the healing power of ancestral master plants including, but not limited to, Ayahuasca, San Pedro / Wachuma, and Mushrooms.
Watch these video testimonials to hear directly from our guests.
Upcoming Retreat Dates
If your dates don’t match ours, get in touch about planning a new date or private retreat, depending on # of participants.
| Dates | Location | Retreat type |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Tumbaco | 6 day Private Ayahuasca Therapy Retreat |
| **SPECIAL** September 7-13, 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 7 Day Women's Healing Retreat |
| **SPECIAL** August 16 - 31 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | VISION QUEST RETREAT |
| October 19-22 2025 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| November 9-10 2025 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| November 16-19 2025 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| December 7-8 2025 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| December 14-17 2025 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| January 4-7 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| January 18-19 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| February 1-5 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | Private Couples Retreat |
| February 8-9 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| February 15-18 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| March 1-2 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| March 8-11 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| April 5-6 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| April 19-22 (dates pending confirmation) | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| May 3-4 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| May 24-27 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| June 7–10 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| June 14-15 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| July 5-6 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| August 2-3 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| **SPECIAL** September 7-13, 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 7 Day Women's Healing Retreat |
| September 26-29 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| October 18–21 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
| November 1-2 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| December 6-7 2026 | Tumbaco (near Quito) | Overnight ceremony in Quito |
| December 13-16 2026 | Mindo cloudforest | 4-day Ayahuasca retreat in Mindo |
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We look forward to holding space for you.
Other Plant Medicine Retreats and Experiences
A Safe Ayahuasca Experience
While we can try to convince you that we’re trustworthy, you need to hear it from others that have participated in our rituals and ceremonies.
Women in Leadership
The plant medicine world is often dominated by men. While we work with wonderful medicine men, we also priotize working with experienced female healers.
Language Interpretation
We offer Spanish-English interpretation for our visitors that don’t speak Spanish. Q&A sessions ensure that all doubts are addressed during your visit.
Restore harmony between your mind, body and spirit.
Our foremost desire is to support your holistic development during and after your time with us.
We offer:
- Overnight or 4 day Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador, options for longer retreat (private 6 day therapeutic retreats, or private 4 day ayahuasca retreats) may also be possible, depending on your dates.
- Healing through a variety of medicinal plants, including Ahuacoya/Wachuma (San Pedro), Cacao, Mambé and Ambil
- Special ceremonies and blessings, such as our Couples’ Blessing Retreat and Ritual
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy combined with spiritually guided ceremonies.
- Rituals and ceremonies combined with outdoor activities and connection with nature.
- Energetic cleanses and/or massages
- Private and tailored retreats upon request
What our guests say
Words can not express the power, the heart, the love, the sacred space and more that I experienced with Sandra, Paulie and the whole dynamic team at the Alma Healing Center. I came for the 2 day retreat and I left deeply nourished, transformed and inspired. Every part of the retreat was deeply meaningful. This retreat holds each person in love and care which then has a ripple effect on the world. Thank you Sandra and Paulie for who you are and this life changing work that you offer. Your work has impacted my entire community. I highly recommend this healing space. I will hold the sacred medicine and music that you shared in my heart always. So much love!
Ahmane
2 day retreat near Quito
"I’ve told some of my friends in Switzerland and will
continue to do so. It was a wonderful, memorable experience, and I
plan on returning to Alma. You were
great, so kind and helpful at all times. Maybe on my return visit I
won’t fall down so much. I will do everything I can to help you spread
the word.
See You in The Future.
- The Old Man in The Mud 🙂 "
Jim (70 years old!)
3 night/4 day retreat
Words cannot express my deepest, sincerest gratitude to Alma Healing Center! This has been such an intense, profound experience and I cannot wait to continue my healing process. My life will never be the same & I'm forever blessed! Pintag was a great introduction but Mindo Cloud Forest was absolutely exceptional and I loved every moment!
Thank you, Sandra for making me feel so comfortable in this beautifully safe space from the very beginning through communication. Your words, your music, your sweet melodies are in my head and continue to be in my heart!
My love to Pauli for nurturing and guiding me throughout this life-changing journey! You allowed me to feel, see & learn things I never imagined. Your special prayers continue to impact my life as I still hear your beautiful voice. Thank you for caring for me as I needed you most!
I'll always be grateful to each and every one of you for being vulnerable and allowing me to be open as well. I look forward to seeing you again to share our new chapters in life~
Besotes
Arlene
5 day ayahuasca retreat (Quito and Mindo)
I had a great experience here. The calm and respect that Paulina and Sandra showed towards me, the group and the ritual made me feel in the right place. I felt safe. This is a place and these are people where the medicine and the ceremony is taken seriously and where profound insights can come to you.
Timothy
5 day retreat
Under the guidance of the ancestral, Amazonian and Andean cosmovision and its sacred plants, you can heal from your emotional trauma.
Learn more about sacred plant medicine:
Ayahuasca
San Pedro / Aguacolla / Wachuma
Cacao
Mambe Medicine
Ambil
Tobacco
Sananga
Connect with us.
We welcome your questions and interest. Please, contact us today!
Address
Mindo, Ecuador
Phone
+593 985271478 (international)
0985271478 (Ecuador - Claro)
Email Address
Business Hours
Monday/Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 12am
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers about ayahuasca
In Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Colombia, Ayahuasca is highly respected, considered an important part of national heritage and is definitely NOT illegal. It is, in fact, a valuable heritage for all of humankind.
Much more goes on during an Ayahuasca ceremony than vomiting. But the short answer: Probably.
Not everyone feels the need to throw up during a ceremony, but Ayahuasca does tend to cause nausea and some digestive discomfort, so it is quite common to purge either through vomiting or by going #2. In fact, this is considered an important part of the experience since your body needs to release toxins and toxic energy prior to receiving the full power of the medicine.
The strongest effects from drinking Ayahuasca, including the ultra-visionary and purgative effects, occur during the 12-hour ceremony itself.
The plant’s active ingredient remains in the body for around 40 days, during which you will continue to feel, understand and learn from the plant and the ceremony, often through dreams.
The life principles you obtain during the ceremony will last a lifetime. That is, ultimately, the effect of drinking Ayahuasca.
The hard truth is YES. The same way you might die if an anesthesiologist administers too much, or too little, anesthesia.
Like an anesthesiologist, the maimas and taitas that guide you during the ceremony are professionals. Over the course of decades, they have been learning from and administering this medicine.
To someone that is not familiar with the spiritual world, it can be a difficult place to navigate through. Maimas and taitas, your spiritual guides, are completely familiar with this territory; it is their home. And if you were to get frightened during a ceremony, they know how to guide and help you so that you don’t get lost along the way.
Drinking Ayahuaska, or any powerful plant medicine, is to be taken seriously and should be done with the utmost respect. We strongly discourage buying Ayahuaska off the street or internet and drinking it without proper guidance, (spiritual) protection and supervision.
