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Shamanic Initiation Retreat in Peru – April 1–26, 2026
Intensive Masted Plant Dieta in
What's Included

Why Choose AYA Healing Retreats?

What to Expect

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Step into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon for a 26-day immersive retreat rooted in the sacred traditions of the Shipibo lineage. Guided by an experienced and respected Maestro, this spiritual apprenticeship invites you into a deep and transformative relationship with the world of Master Plants through an authentic Master Plant Dieta.

This journey goes far beyond traditional learning—it’s an intimate exploration of the natural world, its unseen energies, and the ancient practices of Amazonian plant medicine. In solitude and silence, you’ll cultivate a profound bond with the plant spirit you diet, receiving guidance that can support your path for years to come.

The retreat combines traditional ceremonies, in-depth teachings, and communal sharing to provide a holistic and grounded understanding of the shamanic healing path. These teachings are offered with respect and care, ensuring the integrity and depth of the lineage are honored at every step.

Please note: while this experience may be deeply impactful, it does not grant the title of Shaman. The path of becoming a healer is a lifelong process of personal growth, discipline, and devotion. This retreat is an invitation to begin—or deepen—that path with clarity, humility, and connection.

More than a retreat, this is a sacred passage toward spiritual awakening, plant wisdom, and ancestral knowledge.

  • Guided by Shipibo Healers

    Work with authentic Shipibo shamans, carrying deep ancestral knowledge passed down through generations. Our Shamanic Apprenticeship will immerse you in the sacred wisdom of plant spirits, not just ayahuasca but a full spectrum of plant spirits in the Amazon.

  • Sacred Ceremonies in the Heart of the Amazon

    Participate in transformative ceremonies that include Master Plant Dietas and Ayahuasca rituals, all facilitated by experienced healers. Each ceremony is held in a safe and sacred space designed to honor the spirits of the plants and deepen your connection to the spiritual world.

  • Personalized Healing

    This is not just a group experience; personalized energetic healing will be offered before, during, and after each ceremony. This will help you integrate Master Plants' teachings as they unfold, guiding you along your individual spiritual path.

  • Master Plant Dieta

    Dive deep into a powerful Shipibo Master Plant Dieta, one of the core pillars of this retreat. It’s not just about ayahuasca—it’s about creating a strong connection with plant spirits to work through spiritual, emotional, and energetic healing. The plant spirits will guide you in this sacred dietary apprenticeship.

  • Support Beyond the Medicine

    Our holistic approach integrates more than ceremonies. It includes bodywork, personalized plant treatments, jungle walks, floral baths, shamanic teachings, and practices rooted deeply in Shipibo cosmology. This ensures you’re supported both during and after your retreat, carrying the Amazonian wisdom forward into your life.

  • Trauma-Informed & Culturally Rooted

    We honor both indigenous traditions and modern therapeutic practices. Our goal is to offer a bridge between worlds—spirituality and healing, in a way that is deeply respectful and trauma-informed, ensuring integrity for everyone’s personal transformation.

Free Explorative Call

Your Healing Journey

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Your retreat includes 10 traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies, held in a sacred and safe container, deeply guided by experienced Shipibo healers. These ceremonies are complemented by personalized spiritual guidance and energetic work to support your journey into the shamanic realms.

Beyond the ceremonies, you will be immersed in the powerful practice of a Master Plant Dieta, a profound journey of self-discovery and healing with a plant spirit chosen specifically to support your spiritual, emotional, or energetic transformation.

What's Included

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Experience

Discover Your Spiritual Guide: Choosing Your Master Plant

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Embarking on a Master Plant dieta is a journey into the heart of the forest and the soul. The choice of which Master Plant to partner with is typically guided by the Maestro or Maestra, drawing on centuries of wisdom and insight. However, the call of a Master Plant can resonate deeply within you, emerging through dreams or visions, an ethereal invitation beckoning your spirit. At AYA Healing, we welcome you to explore connections with sacred plants like Noya Rao, Bobinsana, Chiric Sanango, Ayahuma, Marusa, and Chullachaqui.

The core mission of your Shamanic Initiation is to forge a bond with your chosen plant spirit, a relationship meant to endure a lifetime.

Like any deep and meaningful connection, the depth of this relationship is sculpted by the dedication and sincerity you bring to this union. Engaging wholeheartedly with your Plant Spirit, you immerse yourself in a spiritual dialogue, unlocking ancient wisdom and transformative energies. This journey is about uncovering truths and receiving insights, guiding you towards profound healing and understanding.

Upon the completion of your dieta, the spiritual safeguards are meticulously set in place by your curandero or teacher. This ceremonial act is crucial, ensuring the preservation of the transformative insights and healing you have achieved.

Who Should Embark on This Sacred Plant Dieta?

Our Shamanic Initiation Plant Dieta beckons to those drawn to the ancient paths of Shipibo Shamanism, whether you’re seasoned in the practice of Master Plants dietas or eager to begin this sacred journey. This training is an invitation to those prepared to commit to the profound, respecting the dietary and lifestyle strictures that frame this spiritual expedition.

The dieta is not just a retreat; it’s a pledge to transformation, requiring you to step away from everyday indulgences and distractions. This act of renunciation signals to the plant spirit your readiness for change, your openness to receive its powerful gifts of healing, guidance, and even new abilities. It’s a testament to your resolve, a declaration that you are ready to embark on a path of healing, growth, and profound spiritual discovery.

Embracing Authentic Traditions: The Heart of Our Retreats

Our retreats are deeply rooted in the rich shamanic traditions of Peruvian healers, offering a comprehensive journey beyond the realms of Ayahuasca plant medicine. Through workshops on Icaros, Master Plants, and various plant treatments, we provide an immersive educational experience grounded in ancient wisdom. Our holistic approach extends beyond Ayahuasca to include personalized treatments, embracing the full spectrum of traditional shamanic natural medicine. This ensures a transformative journey, not just through Ayahuasca, but through the profound healing power of nature’s offerings.

What's not included?

Schedule

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Embark on a transformative 26-day journey within the nurturing embrace of El Encanto de Chullachaqui under the guidance of Don Miguel from the Shipibo tribe and his family. This program invites you to walk the Shamanic path of the Shipibo people, engaging deeply with plant medicine for profound healing and self-discovery. Are you ready to explore the depths of your being and unlock new realms of understanding?

The Initiation Program is meticulously structured into three blocks, each crafted to provide an immersive learning experience in the rich traditions of the Shipibo culture and the Shamanic way.

Program Schedule:

Note: While we maintain a flexible approach to each day, allowing for the natural flow of individual and group energies, here’s what you can typically expect:

* Welcome and orientation to immerse you into our community and the healing journey ahead.

* Personal consultations with Don Miguel to tailor your individual healing experience.

* 5 Ayahuasca ceremonies to initiate the opening and cleansing of your spiritual pathways.

* Beginning of your Master Plant dieta.

* Daily integrative activities tailored to enhance your healing process, including:

* Icaros Classes: Dive deep into the heart of Shipibo healing with these sacred songs, learning their meanings and how they are used in ceremonies for healing and protection.

* Workshops on working with Ayahuasca, exploring the ceremonial use, history, and preparation of this sacred medicine.

* Practical workshops on the use of shamanic tools, including mapacho (sacred tobacco) and the ceremonial pipe.

* Group sharing circles to foster community, understanding, and mutual support among participants.

* Detailed workshops on Shipibo culture, offering insights into the traditions and practices of plant medicine.

* Plant treatments, including the use of purgative plants and Mocura treatment, to cleanse the body and spirit.

* Traditional saunas and purgative plant treatments to aid in the detoxification and cleansing process.

* Fascinating group lectures on the Shipibo’s traditions, Master Plants, and their roles in the healing journey.

By integrating these elements into the first block, you’ll start your journey with a strong foundation in both the practical and spiritual aspects of the Shamanic path, preparing you for deeper exploration and connection in the subsequent phases.

* A period of silence for reflection, focusing on inner healing and self-discovery.

* Traditional Shipibo culinary experiences, with two meals a day to align with dietary cleanses.

* Continued individual healing sessions and plant baths for deep detoxification.

* Ongoing personal consultations with Don Miguel to guide your spiritual journey.

* Expansive workshops aimed at understanding visions, deepening connections, and emotional healing.

* Integration sessions featuring art therapy, journaling, and guided reflections.

* Additional Icaros classes to deepen your understanding of sacred songs and their healing powers.

In Block Two, you delve deeper, aligning closely with your Master Plant dieta, fostering a profound bond with nature and spiritual realms, and preparing for the practical application of your learning.

  • 5 concluding Ayahuasca ceremonies to solidify your transformation and readiness for reintegration.
  • Practical application of Icaros within ceremonies to enhance your spiritual connection.
  • Hands-on experience in preparing Ayahuasca, plant treatments, and traditional Shipibo sauna.
  • Instruction in the preparation of spiritual baths, including the Love bath and Mocura.
  • A guided Plant Garden walk by Don Miguel, offering insights into the properties and preparations of various Master Plants.
  • A closing circle to share experiences, insights, and transformations.
  • Final individual consultations and blessings from Don Miguel, ensuring you’re supported for the journey ahead.
  • Integration planning sessions to develop strategies for incorporating your newfound knowledge and insights into everyday life.
  • Closing of your Master Plant Dieta; learning the meaning of the Arkana and Post Dieta. 
  • A farewell feast and celebration with the Shipibo family and fellow participants to honor the journey and the community built together.

Block Three transitions you from learning to application, emphasizing the practical aspects of the Shamanic path. Final Ayahuasca ceremonies and hands-on healing practices solidify your transformation. This phase prepares you for real-world integration, equipping you with tools and experiences to carry the healing and insights into your daily life, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your spiritual journey.

Availability: Reserve Your Spot Today

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Our retreats fill quickly due to limited space, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Embark on your journey​

Our Full Package Ayahuasca Retreat Prices

$ 4900.00

Pioneer Pass

Limited to the first 4 bookings

 Availability

$ 5200.00

Advance Pass

Enjoy priority pricing when you book 40 days in advance.

 Availability

$ 5900.00

Final Call

Last-minute opportunity to join at the standard rate.

 Availability

$ 4500.00

Legacy Lane

for returning participants to deepen their transformative journey.

 Availability

$ 4300.00

Sacred South

for Central & South American residents, honoring our shared heritage.

 Availability
Calculate your payment plan
  • Start: 01/04/2026
  • End: 26/04/2026
  • 26 Days Private Accomodation, 2-3 Meals Per Day
  • 10 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
  • Plant Baths, Icaros, Sacred Tobacco
  • 1 or 2 Master Plant Dieta
  • Full Training Program
  • Preparation Session
  • Integration Session
  • World Class Safety Standards

Meet the Healers

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Our retreat is guided by Don Miguel, a respected Shipibo maestro with over 30 years of experience, and Macarena Arias, trauma-informed integration specialist and facilitator. Together, they create a bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern therapeutic support.

AYA March 12 April 6 2025

Don Miguel

Shipibo Curandero

kris ayahuasca

Kris

Lead Facilitator

Marco

Marco

Facilitator

Immersion in authentic tradition is at the heart of our work

Our retreats focus on education in the shamanic traditions of the Peruvian healers with classes and workshops on Icaros, Master Plants, and a variety of plant treatments. We are rooted in ancient traditions and we provide a fully immersive experience that includes much more than simply Ayahuasca plant medicine!

The holistic approach of traditional shamanic natural medicine is not only centered on Ayahuasca but also on personalized plant treatments.

Integration & Preparation

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Before arriving, you’ll receive personalized guidance to prepare your body, mind and spirit. After the retreat, we offer continued support to help you integrate the insights and healing into your daily life.

Support: We’re Here to Help

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At AYA Healing Retreats, we believe in providing full support to ensure a seamless and transformative experience. If you have any questions or need guidance, our team is here for you every step of the way.

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Comprehensive Support Before and After Your Journey with Us

Your transformative journey is fully supported with dedicated guidance before and after your retreat. Begin with a personalized preparation session, designed to help you mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare for the deep work ahead. This session provides essential tools, practices, and insights to ensure you step into the experience with clarity and readiness, allowing for a more profound and meaningful retreat.

After your retreat, continue your journey of integration with a one-hour personalized session, helping you ground and embody the experiences and insights gained. Using somatic-based approaches, this session supports you in applying your healing and transformation to everyday life, ensuring lasting impact and continued personal growth.

This holistic approach, from preparation to integration, ensures you feel fully supported at every stage of your journey.

Apply with: The Path to AYA: Step by Step

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This retreat is for those ready to commit to their healing path with respect, humility and intention. To apply, click below and complete a short form. A team member will schedule a call to answer your questions and ensure this is the right fit.

  • 1. Pre-Apply by Filling Out the Initial Form

    Start your journey by submitting a brief pre-application form to help us get to know you.

  • 2. Complete the Full Application

    Once pre-approved, you’ll receive the full application to share more details about your intention and health background.

  • 3. Wait for a Response from Our Team

    Our team will review your application carefully and get in touch via email if any further information is needed.

  • 4. Receive the Payment Link

    Once accepted, we’ll send you a private payment link to securely reserve your space.

  • 5. Secure Your Spot

    Make your payment in full or choose a monthly payment plan to confirm your place in the retreat.

  • 6. Receive Your Welcome Pack

    We’ll send you a detailed welcome guide with all the key information to prepare for your experience.

  • 7. Join Our Telegram Community

    You’ll be invited to join our private Telegram group to connect with facilitators and fellow participants.

  • 8. Pre-Retreat Integration Call

    Our team will schedule a call to guide you through preparation and answer any remaining questions.

  • 9. Attend the Retreat

    Travel to our center with clarity and confidence. We’ll be there to receive you and guide the process.

  • 10. Post-Retreat Integration Support

    After your retreat, we’ll offer integration support so you can continue the healing journey with clarity and care.

  • 11. Stay Connected

    Remain part of our extended community and reach out anytime. We’re here to support your path.

Book now

What Our Guests Say

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Hear directly from those who have walked this transformative journey with us. Their stories reflect the deep healing, spiritual awakening, and growth they experienced during our Ayahuasca retreat.

FAQs

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Is this retreat suitable for first-timers?

Yes. We support both newcomers and experienced participants with personalized guidance.

Our team will guide you based on your intentions and needs. The final plant is chosen in agreement with our maestros.

We offer group calls and personalized support post-retreat.

Spaces available
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Not Included

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turtle
  • Personal accommodation in Iquitos before/after the retreat
  • Your airfares
  • Your travel insurance
  • Your Peruvian visa (if necessary)
  • Personal expenses and meals in Iquitos before/after the retreat
maestro dom miguel dressed in traditional Shipibo clothing

Don Miguel

ayahuasca vine

Shipibo Curandero

AKA Senen Yoi - 'Speaking the Truth'

Don Miguel was born into a Shipibo community called Roaboya on the River Ucayali. When Don Miguel was a child, Angel Sanchez Vargas, his grandfather was the community’s curandero. Vargas was an expert in sacred plant medicines and was frequently called upon to heal and share his spiritual wisdom with members of Roaboya. The school built some years later was named after Vargas and Roaboya went on to be recognised as the first indigenous community 114 years ago. Don Miguel grew up surrounded by the Shipibo wisdom and possess intimate knowledge of the sacred plant medicines. At a very young age he began his apprenticeship as a curandero through plant dietas under the supportive guidance of his grandfather. Miguel is also a trained literature professor and thoroughly enjoys teaching the Shipibo language and culture. Since 2012, Don Miguel has spent the bulk of his time leading lectures, workshops, initiation courses and retreats. Don Miguel will lead our Ayahuasca ceremonies, circle discussions and be available for personal consultations whilst on retreat.

maestro dom miguel dressed in traditional Shipibo clothing

Don Miguel

ayahuasca vine

Shipibo Curandero

AKA Senen Yoi - 'Speaking the Truth'

Don Miguel was born into a Shipibo community called Roaboya on the River Ucayali. When Don Miguel was a child, Angel Sanchez Vargas, his grandfather was the community’s curandero. Vargas was an expert in sacred plant medicines and was frequently called upon to heal and share his spiritual wisdom with members of Roaboya. The school built some years later was named after Vargas and Roaboya went on to be recognised as the first indigenous community 114 years ago. Don Miguel grew up surrounded by the Shipibo wisdom and possess intimate knowledge of the sacred plant medicines. At a very young age he began his apprenticeship as a curandero through plant dietas under the supportive guidance of his grandfather. Miguel is also a trained literature professor and thoroughly enjoys teaching the Shipibo language and culture. Since 2012, Don Miguel has spent the bulk of his time leading lectures, workshops, initiation courses and retreats. Don Miguel will lead our Ayahuasca ceremonies, circle discussions and be available for personal consultations whilst on retreat.

facilitator kris portrait

Kris

ayahuasca vine

Facilitator

Kris has been living for seven years in the Peruvian Amazon. Originally from Barcelona, she followed a calling to be of service to the indigenous elders. As soon as she arrived, Kris deeply immersed herself in the traditional knowledge of the rainforest.

She was an on-site facilitator and administrator for an Ayahuasca retreat center for five years. Her role enabled Kris to work closely with Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, facilitating Ayahuasca retreats and plant medicine dietas. She helped participants integrate and process their experiences and made sure the retreats ran smoothly.

For the past six years, Kris has forged a deep and very close relationship with the Matses tribe, who initiated and taught her how to work traditionally with Kambo.
During her time in the rainforest, Kris has worked and collaborated with many powerful curanderos from different lineages and tribes, giving her a broad depth of knowledge about Amazonian plant medicines.

Those experiences ignited a passionate love for Amazonian herbalism, and she has dived deep into plant medicine alchemy for the past seven years.

Kris currently works at Aya Healing Retreats, facilitating the groups and establishing a deep connection with the local Shipibo community.
She also offers Amazonian Herbalism training courses and has started her apothecary creating pure essences from these Amazonian plants and Master Plants.

Kris is a solid bridge keeper between the indigenous cultures and practices of the Amazon, and the West, bringing a unique perspective from her direct experience.
Kris is a strong jungle medicine woman with a kind heart that is always ready to help those in need; she is a faithful caretaker of the forest and the indigenous traditions.

facilitator kris portrait

Kris

ayahuasca vine

Facilitator

Kris has been living for seven years in the Peruvian Amazon. Originally from Barcelona, she followed a calling to be of service to the indigenous elders. As soon as she arrived, Kris deeply immersed herself in the traditional knowledge of the rainforest.

She was an on-site facilitator and administrator for an Ayahuasca retreat center for five years. Her role enabled Kris to work closely with Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, facilitating Ayahuasca retreats and plant medicine dietas. She helped participants integrate and process their experiences and made sure the retreats ran smoothly.

For the past six years, Kris has forged a deep and very close relationship with the Matses tribe, who initiated and taught her how to work traditionally with Kambo.
During her time in the rainforest, Kris has worked and collaborated with many powerful curanderos from different lineages and tribes, giving her a broad depth of knowledge about Amazonian plant medicines.

Those experiences ignited a passionate love for Amazonian herbalism, and she has dived deep into plant medicine alchemy for the past seven years.

Kris currently works at Aya Healing Retreats, facilitating the groups and establishing a deep connection with the local Shipibo community.
She also offers Amazonian Herbalism training courses and has started her apothecary creating pure essences from these Amazonian plants and Master Plants.

Kris is a solid bridge keeper between the indigenous cultures and practices of the Amazon, and the West, bringing a unique perspective from her direct experience.
Kris is a strong jungle medicine woman with a kind heart that is always ready to help those in need; she is a faithful caretaker of the forest and the indigenous traditions.

Marco

Facilitator

ayahuasca vine

Marco has a rich artistic background in commercial design and illustration, having worked in the advertising and publishing industries. For the past 14 years, he has dedicated himself to exploring and experiencing the ways of Amazonian vegetalismo and the traditions of the Peruvian Loreto region. From a young age, Marco has been deeply aware of his spiritual journey—a genuine interest that began with curiosity and grew into a lifelong fascination.

Strongly influenced by Western Esoteric traditions and his Catholic upbringing, Marco continuously sought deeper truths. This pursuit led him to the dhamma of the Theravada traditions of Southeast Asia. His spiritual path included extensive travels through China, eastern Tibet, India, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

To gain a more profound understanding of Buddhist traditions and their historical connections to pre-Himalayan influences, Marco gravitated toward the Tantric practices of Tibet. A pivotal moment came during a unique event in Himachal Pradesh, India, where he and fellow students were initiated into the Kalachakra Tantra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Drawn by the rich culture and ancestral wisdom of Peru, Marco made it his permanent home in 1995. After living in Lima and exploring the coast and highlands, it was the majestic Amazon and its mysteries that truly captivated him. The symbolic confluence of the Amazon’s two great rivers mirrored his own spiritual journey into the unknown.

Marco’s first encounter with Ayahuasca in 2009 in Iquitos was transformative, quickly becoming a cornerstone of his practice. By mid-2010, he began dieting with Ernesto Garcia, which deepened his understanding of plant medicine and took his journey to another level.

Over the years, Marco has facilitated ceremonies at retreats such as Nature’s Hospital and Amaru Spirit. After a brief leave beginning in 2013, he returned to Iquitos in February 2017 to administer and facilitate at Gaia Tree retreats. Despite the two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Marco continued his personal work and resumed facilitation at Amaru Spirit in late 2021, staying there until the end of 2023.

Throughout his time facilitating retreats, Marco has worked closely with Shipibo maestros and developed a deep respect for their ways, though he humbly acknowledges there is always more to learn.

In 2024, Marco has focused on witnessing the global impact of plant medicine, facilitating retreats with his partner and continuing to deepen his understanding of this work.

For Marco, facilitation is about paying close attention to detail, practicing patience and respect, and being present in his own inner process. His approach centers on creating a safe, grounded space for others who, like him, are navigating their personal journeys toward growth and transformation.

Marco

Facilitator

ayahuasca vine

Marco has a rich artistic background in commercial design and illustration, having worked in the advertising and publishing industries. For the past 14 years, he has dedicated himself to exploring and experiencing the ways of Amazonian vegetalismo and the traditions of the Peruvian Loreto region. From a young age, Marco has been deeply aware of his spiritual journey—a genuine interest that began with curiosity and grew into a lifelong fascination.

Strongly influenced by Western Esoteric traditions and his Catholic upbringing, Marco continuously sought deeper truths. This pursuit led him to the dhamma of the Theravada traditions of Southeast Asia. His spiritual path included extensive travels through China, eastern Tibet, India, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

To gain a more profound understanding of Buddhist traditions and their historical connections to pre-Himalayan influences, Marco gravitated toward the Tantric practices of Tibet. A pivotal moment came during a unique event in Himachal Pradesh, India, where he and fellow students were initiated into the Kalachakra Tantra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Drawn by the rich culture and ancestral wisdom of Peru, Marco made it his permanent home in 1995. After living in Lima and exploring the coast and highlands, it was the majestic Amazon and its mysteries that truly captivated him. The symbolic confluence of the Amazon’s two great rivers mirrored his own spiritual journey into the unknown.

Marco’s first encounter with Ayahuasca in 2009 in Iquitos was transformative, quickly becoming a cornerstone of his practice. By mid-2010, he began dieting with Ernesto Garcia, which deepened his understanding of plant medicine and took his journey to another level.

Over the years, Marco has facilitated ceremonies at retreats such as Nature’s Hospital and Amaru Spirit. After a brief leave beginning in 2013, he returned to Iquitos in February 2017 to administer and facilitate at Gaia Tree retreats. Despite the two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Marco continued his personal work and resumed facilitation at Amaru Spirit in late 2021, staying there until the end of 2023.

Throughout his time facilitating retreats, Marco has worked closely with Shipibo maestros and developed a deep respect for their ways, though he humbly acknowledges there is always more to learn.

In 2024, Marco has focused on witnessing the global impact of plant medicine, facilitating retreats with his partner and continuing to deepen his understanding of this work.

For Marco, facilitation is about paying close attention to detail, practicing patience and respect, and being present in his own inner process. His approach centers on creating a safe, grounded space for others who, like him, are navigating their personal journeys toward growth and transformation.

atira tan

Atira Tan

ayahuasca vine

Trauma Specialist - Mentor

Hailing from her native Singapore, has over 15 years of experience healing trauma through yoga, mindfulness, art, and counseling. Atira holds a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from La Trobe University, Melbourne, and has been featured on TEDx. She is also the founder of Art to Healing and the international Yogathon event, Yoga for Freedom. Her work is dedicated to trauma recovery, supporting individuals and communities through therapeutic and healing practices.

Atira has worked extensively throughout Asia and Australia, spearheading programs that empower women and girls who have survived sexual abuse and exploitation in the sex trafficking industry. Since 2004, she has designed and implemented trauma-informed art therapy, somatic healing, and mindfulness programs for vulnerable populations, partnering with international organizations to bring these modalities to refugee camps in Burma, war zones in Cambodia, the brothels of Kathmandu, post-earthquake recovery efforts in Nepal, and remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.

Mentorship at AYA Healing Retreats

Atira now serves as Mentor for Facilitators and Practitioners at AYA Healing Retreats, playing a pivotal role in the development and training of trauma-informed facilitators and healers. Through structured mentorship, supervision, and guidance, she ensures that the AYA Healing team maintains the highest ethical, professional, and trauma-sensitive standards in their work with plant medicine. Her mentorship program provides practitioners with ongoing support, reflective practices, and skills refinement, fostering a safe and integrity-driven healing environment for all participants.

In addition, she has trained extensively in trauma recovery approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Neuroaffective Touch, and Polyvagal Theory, and is currently training as a Womb Surround Facilitator.

As the Founder and Clinical Director of Art to Healing, Atira has developed groundbreaking trauma recovery programs for sex-trafficked survivors in Asia, pioneering research on the efficacy of Somatic Experiencing, Creative Art Therapies, and Reproductive Health Education in empowering BIPOC survivors of gender-based violence and complex trauma. She also co-developed and delivered the first-ever Somatic Experiencing Trauma Resolution training for sex-trafficked survivors in collaboration with SETI and Lotus Circle International.

Atira is deeply committed to fostering transformative healing experiences, integrating cutting-edge trauma therapies with ancient wisdom traditions to support practitioners, facilitators, and participants on their healing paths.

atira

Atira Tan

ayahuasca vine

Trauma Specialist - Mentor

Hailing from her native Singapore, has over 15 years of experience healing trauma through yoga, mindfulness, art, and counseling. Atira holds a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from La Trobe University, Melbourne, and has been featured on TEDx. She is also the founder of Art to Healing and the international Yogathon event, Yoga for Freedom. Her work is dedicated to trauma recovery, supporting individuals and communities through therapeutic and healing practices.

Atira has worked extensively throughout Asia and Australia, spearheading programs that empower women and girls who have survived sexual abuse and exploitation in the sex trafficking industry. Since 2004, she has designed and implemented trauma-informed art therapy, somatic healing, and mindfulness programs for vulnerable populations, partnering with international organizations to bring these modalities to refugee camps in Burma, war zones in Cambodia, the brothels of Kathmandu, post-earthquake recovery efforts in Nepal, and remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.

Mentorship at AYA Healing Retreats

Atira now serves as Mentor for Facilitators and Practitioners at AYA Healing Retreats, playing a pivotal role in the development and training of trauma-informed facilitators and healers. Through structured mentorship, supervision, and guidance, she ensures that the AYA Healing team maintains the highest ethical, professional, and trauma-sensitive standards in their work with plant medicine. Her mentorship program provides practitioners with ongoing support, reflective practices, and skills refinement, fostering a safe and integrity-driven healing environment for all participants.

In addition, she has trained extensively in trauma recovery approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Neuroaffective Touch, and Polyvagal Theory, and is currently training as a Womb Surround Facilitator.

As the Founder and Clinical Director of Art to Healing, Atira has developed groundbreaking trauma recovery programs for sex-trafficked survivors in Asia, pioneering research on the efficacy of Somatic Experiencing, Creative Art Therapies, and Reproductive Health Education in empowering BIPOC survivors of gender-based violence and complex trauma. She also co-developed and delivered the first-ever Somatic Experiencing Trauma Resolution training for sex-trafficked survivors in collaboration with SETI and Lotus Circle International.

Atira is deeply committed to fostering transformative healing experiences, integrating cutting-edge trauma therapies with ancient wisdom traditions to support practitioners, facilitators, and participants on their healing paths.