Know
Thyself
Know Thyself Retreat
An 8-day immersive journey into self-awareness, emotional healing, and deep inner clarity.
An English-speaking Ayahuasca Retreat in Brazil with Indigenous Guidance, featuring traditional Amazonian ceremonies, shamanic healing practices, and transformational inner work.
Eden Santuário — Vale do Capão, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
What Is the Know Thyself Retreat?
Know Thyself is an 8-day English-speaking Ayahuasca Retreat — an immersion in self-awareness, emotional healing, and inner clarity, held in the natural sanctuary of Eden Santuário in Vale do Capão, Bahia, Brazil.
Designed for guests seeking safety, trust, and comfort, the retreat brings together traditional ayahuasca ceremonies guided with Indigenous knowledge from the Amazon rainforest, along with mindfulness practices, yoga, breathwork, and nature immersion.It is a safe, intimate environment for those who feel the call to pause, look within, and reconnect with the deeper truth of who they are.
Throughout the 8 days, you will experience:
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3 traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies and Kambô sessions
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Daily yoga, meditation, and breathwork
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Therapeutic spa treatments: herbal baths, Ayurvedic massage, sauna, and clay therapy
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Self-inquiry and integration circles
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Guided visits to waterfalls and scenic trails of Chapada Diamantina
Held by an experienced facilitator and a dedicated team, the retreat offers a grounded, heart-centered environment where deep transformation becomes possible.
Dates for the year 2026
February 12th - 19th
March 18th - 25th
April 29th - May 6th
August 26th - September 2nd
September 9th - 16th
October 1st - 8th
Find the perfect moment to reconnect with yourself.
Why “Know Thyself”?
In moments of transition, confusion, or inner restlessness, life invites us to look inward, reminding us that the answers we seek are not outside, but within.
Most of us live on the surface of ourselves: carrying unresolved emotions, repeating patterns, and reacting to life from old wounds instead of presence.
But when we slow down and turn our attention inward, something profound begins to happen:
We begin to see ourselves clearly.
Benefits Reported by Participants:
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Relief from depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
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Breakthroughs in understanding past traumas.
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Recovery from substance dependency.
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Strengthened self-awareness and life purpose.
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Improved relationships and emotional resilience.
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A fresh perspective on life and its challenges.
Feeling the call?
Experienced Guidance
Led by facilitators with over 35 years of combined experience in transformative retreats.
Keepers of Tradition
The ceremonies will be guided by Indigenous Pajé Pēnawa Huni Kuī and his wife Helaine Payayá, respected carriers of Amazonian ancestral wisdom — bringing authenticity, spiritual depth, and a sense of sacred safety to the Know Thyself retreat.
Comfort & Nourishment
Modern, comfortable accommodations and a balanced, retreat-friendly, tasty diet (adapted to your needs).
Stunning Natural Setting
Located inside of Chapada Diamantina National Park, Eden Santuário is surrounded by mountains, Atlantic rainforest, rivers, and waterfalls — an ideal environment for deep rest, reflection, and reconnection with nature.
Holistic Daily Practices
Yoga, meditation, and breathwork to help you prepare for and integrate your work with the medicine.
Structured Integration
Group sharing, 1:1 support, and guided integration sessions to help you anchor insights and create lasting change.
Authentic Community
Connect with like-minded individuals on a sincere path of healing, growth, and self-discovery.
What You Will Experience
The Know Thyself Retreat is designed as a complete, immersive journey combining ancestral plant medicine, embodied practices, nature immersion, therapeutic treatments, and deep integration work. Over 8 days, you'll move through a carefully crafted flow that supports physical, emotional, and spiritual alignment.
1. Sacred Plant Medicine & Indigenous Guidance:
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3 traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies conducted by Pajé Pēnawa Huni Kuí
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Kambô cleansing rituals
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Intimate ceremonial setting with experienced guidance
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Pre-ceremony preparation and post-ceremony integration
2. Daily Practices for Inner Alignment
Begin each day in the Oca with:
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Yoga (accessible to all levels)
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Pranayama
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Mindfulness meditation
Plus:
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Breathwork journeys
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TAKETINA dynamic meditation
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Guided self-inquiry and integration circles
These practices prepare your mind and body for deep healing and help anchor the insights that arise throughout the retreat.
3. Nature Immersions in Chapada Diamantina
Explore some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes:
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Angélica Falls & Purification Falls
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Butterfly Falls
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River bathing near Eden
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Sunset at Lagoa dos Patos
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Gentle scenic walks
Nature becomes a silent teacher — grounding, cleansing, and expanding your inner space.
4. Therapeutic Spa & Bodywork
A rejuvenating sequence of treatments to support your process:
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Clay bath
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Sauna
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Herbal bath
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Ayurvedic massage
These therapies relax the nervous system, ease emotional release, and open space for deeper clarity.
5. Nourishing, Retreat-Friendly Cuisine
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Balanced, tasty meals aligned with a traditional ayahuasca dieta
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Local culinary experience: traditional lunch at Lady Maria’s restaurant
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Light, mindful evening meals on ceremony days
Food is prepared with care to support your physical and energetic wellbeing.
6. Connection & Community
Throughout the retreat, you will enjoy:
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Evening campfires
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Sharing circles
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Moments of silence and reflection
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Meaningful connection with a supportive international group
Many guests describe leaving with lifelong friendships.
7. Integration & Closing
On the final day, you gather in the Oca for:
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Closing circle
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Integration guidance
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Sharing of insights and intentions
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Preparation for returning home with clarity and alignment
Your journey continues long after the retreat ends.
Ayahuasca & Safety
At Know Thyself, participant safety, ethical sourcing, and cultural respect are the foundations of our work. We offer a safe, responsible, and professionally guided retreat experience rooted in authentic Amazonian tradition and supported by modern safety standards.
Authentic & Ethical Ayahuasca Sourcing
Our ceremonies are led by Pajé Pēnawa Huni Kuī, a traditional spiritual leader of the Huni Kuī people, one of the largest Indigenous nations of the Brazilian Amazon. Pēnawa is a guardian of ancestral forest wisdom, dedicated to restoring harmony between human beings, nature, and spirit. He cooks his own medicine in his homeland, following sacred practices passed down through generations. Alongside Pēnawa’s ceremonies, we also work with medicine sourced directly from Santo Daime’s headquarters in the Amazonian community of Mapiá, prepared by an experienced master brewer using traditional methods and prayers. We maintain a long-term relationship with this lineage to ensure sustainability, ethical reciprocity, and fair compensation. Every batch of medicine is handled with respect, transparency, and reverence for its origin.
Comprehensive Participant Pre-Screening
Your safety begins long before the retreat. All participants complete a confidential intake form covering: - Medical history - Current medications - Mental health background Our team reviews each form carefully. Individuals with contraindicated conditions, such as heart disease, severe hypertension, psychosis, schizophrenia—or those using incompatible medications (including SSRIs or MAOIs) cannot join the ceremonies. When needed, we schedule follow-up conversations to make a responsible, case-by-case assessment. This process ensures the retreat remains safe for everyone.
Diet & Lifestyle Preparation
To prepare body, mind, and spirit, participants receive clear guidance for a two-week pre-dieta, following traditional Amazonian recommendations. This includes reducing or eliminating: - Red meat - Alcohol & recreational drugs - Processed foods - Excess salt & caffeine - Sexual activity These practices support emotional clarity, energetic alignment, and a deeper connection with the medicine. We also provide materials for intention-setting and emotional preparation.
Emergency Protocols & On-Site Support
We maintain a well-established safety protocol throughout the retreat: - Team members trained in first aid - Access to emergency medical services 24/7 - Transportation available at all times - Clear orientation for participants on how support is provided Although emergencies are extremely rare, our structure ensures you are cared for swiftly, calmly, and professionally.
Integration Support
Integration is essential to transforming insights into lasting change. We offer: - Daily sharing circles during the retreat - Integration materials and grounding practices - Optional 1:1 support - Online group integration meetings after the retreat - A private community group for ongoing connection and support You are never alone in your process—before, during, or after the retreat.
Your Facilitators
The Know Thyself Retreat is guided by a team with decades of experience in plant medicine, somatic work, meditation, and Indigenous Amazonian traditions. We hold a safe, grounded, heart-centered environment where transformation becomes possible.
Paul Mallon
Founder of Eden Santuário | Lead Facilitator
Paul accompanies participants throughout the retreat with presence, warmth, and lightness. He guides daily practices in yoga (accessible to all levels), mindfulness meditation, and breathwork, while offering grounded ceremonial support built on more than 15 years of experience. Originally from London, Paul felt a deep call to step away from the conventional path and seek greater meaning and purpose. During a solo journey through Brazil in 2009, he encountered ayahuasca and experienced a profound inner transformation — an awakening that inspired him to create a sanctuary where others could safely explore their own healing and self-discovery. As the founder of Eden, Paul has facilitated transformational retreats across Brazil and Europe for over 15 years. His work is dedicated to creating environments where people feel safe, supported, and invited to reconnect with their essence. Paul’s apprenticeship with ayahuasca began in 2008 under the guidance of a native ayahuasquero, leading to a three-year intensive shamanic training. In 2011, he became an initiate of the Santo Daime tradition in the community of Mapiá, deep in the Amazon — a lineage that continues to inform his work with reverence, integrity, and devotion. He is also deepening his studies with Pēnawa Huni Kuí, integrating the ancestral knowledge of the Huni Kuí people into his practice.
Pajé Pēnawa Huni Kuí
Indigenous Ceremonial Leader
Pēnawa is a spiritual Pajé (shaman) of the Huni Kuí people, one of the largest Indigenous groups of the Brazilian Amazon, known for their profound connection with the forest and their ancestral mastery of sacred plant medicines. A guardian of ancient traditions, he is devoted to reconnecting human beings with the spirit of the Earth and restoring harmony in the mind, body, and soul. With humility and discipline, Pēnawa has completed nineteen sacred diets, rigorous initiations that grant the right to guide healing rituals within his culture. With more than 30 years of practice, he has served both his own community and nawa (non-Indigenous people), bridging Indigenous and modern healing traditions. For many years, he worked as a community health agent, deepening his understanding of medicinal plants and human well-being. Among the sacred medicines he carries are: - Shuri Pae (Ayahuasca) - Rume Rēshkē (Rapé) - Shanētsamati (Sananga) He leads traditional ceremonies in his village and throughout Brazil and also offers individual healing sessions, including pajelança, Kapū (Kambô), and Hãpaieirã (the sacred “pepper baptism”). Rooted in devotion, humility, and ancestral memory, Pēnawa brings authenticity, depth, and spiritual protection to every ceremony he guides.
Helaine Payayá
Ceremonial Support & Ancestral Wisdom
Born in Salvador, Bahia, Helaine has been a dedicated student of forest medicines for more than 11 years, with the last five spent studying the ancestral traditions of the Huni Kuí people in the Amazon. She carries in her lineage the spiritual wisdom of Quimbanda, which she integrates harmoniously with the ancestral knowledge of the Amazon and the Northeast of Brazil. Her own healing path with the medicines led her through deep processes of self-discovery — overcoming depression and anxiety, and reconnecting with a professional and spiritual vocation that brings her genuine joy, clarity, and well-being.
Martina Esperon
Ceremonial Support & Ayurvedic Therapist
Martina offers ceremonial support throughout the retreat and is available for individual therapeutic treatments. Born and raised in Pergamino, Argentina, she studied Music Therapy at the University of Rosario before following her calling to Brazil. In 2012, she moved to the Capão Valley, where she has spent the last 14 years training and working as an Ayurvedic therapist. She produces and facilitates Ayurveda retreats, courses, and workshops, bringing a deep understanding of bodywork, balance, and holistic well-being. Her first encounter with ayahuasca took place in 2016 with Alonso del Río in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where she spent nine months studying medicine songs and deepening her connection with the sacred plants and their healing tradition.
Isabel Cardona Colina
Ceremonial Support & Circle Music Therapist
Isa offers support during ceremonies and facilitates Circle Music Therapy sessions throughout the retreat. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she has lived in Brazil since 2013 and brings a rich multicultural background to her work with music, voice, and healing. With more than 20 years of experience, Isa is a singer, percussionist, composer, voice coach, improviser, and producer of cultural events. She is the creator of CantaqueteCura (“Sing for Your Healing”), a workshop series dedicated to exploring the transformative power of singing in collective life. Isa facilitates workshops in musical initiation, vocal expression, circle music, and therapeutic musical practices. Since 2003, she has travelled as a singer and percussionist to festivals across Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and Switzerland — sharing her gifts, rhythm, and passion for music as a tool for healing.
Jorge Seixas
Ceremonial Support
Jorge is one of our ceremonial leaders and will be present throughout the retreat offering support and individual sessions. At 71, Jorge was born on Marajó Island in Pará and has lived in Vale do Capão for 25 years, where he weaves his innate Amazonian wisdom with his studies in Hermeticism and esoteric medicine. An alchemist and an initiate in the Santo Daime tradition (Unified Lineage of Chandra Lacombe), Jorge carries over 20 years of experience serving the medicine within his community, offering depth, clarity, and guidance to those seeking personal transformation.
Where Know Thyself will take a place?
Eden Sanctuary — A Refuge for Inner Transformation
Nestled in the mountains of Vale do Capão, in the Chapada Diamantina National Park of Brazil, Eden Sanctuary is a retreat center created with one intention: to offer a safe, beautiful, and comfortable environment where deep healing becomes possible.
Surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, waterfalls, crystal rivers, and vast open skies, Eden provides a rare combination: the raw power of nature and the comfort of modern accommodations, designed for deep rest and inner work.
A Sanctuary in the Heart of Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina is one of Brazil’s most spectacular national parks, known for:
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towering mountain range
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canyon landscapes
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pristine waterfalls
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clear rivers and natural poolsunique biodiversity
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breathtaking sunsets and starry nights
For many visitors, it is one of the most beautiful regions they have ever seen.Its energy is grounding, cleansing, and expansive — an ideal setting for spiritual work.
Modern Comfort in Nature
Eden blends simplicity with elegance. You will enjoy:
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Private or shared accommodation surrounded by nature
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Comfortable beds, hot showers, and high standards of cleanliness
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Spaces designed for silence, rest, and integration
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A large ceremonial Oca built in sacred geometry
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Meditation decks, gardens, and direct access to the river
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A spa area with sauna, mud bath, herbal bath, and massage space
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A spacious refeitório (dining hall) for meals and gatherings
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A healthy, tasty, retreat-friendly kitchen, nourishing body and mind
Everything is created to support your physical and emotional well-being.
Accommodation Options
Eden offers simple, beautiful, and comfortable accommodations surrounded by nature — designed to support deep rest, silence, and inner work.
We offer two types of rooms:
Shared Accommodation (included in the program)
A spacious dormitory or cabana shared with a maximum of 3 people.
Ideal for those who enjoy community, simplicity, and a cozy environment.
Private Accommodation (upgrade available)
Private rooms and chalé for those who prefer more personal space and privacy during their process.
Available in limited quantity.
For private room availability or upgrade pricing, please contact us directly.
Easy Access from Europe & North America
Despite being immersed in nature, Eden is surprisingly accessible.
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Nearest airport: Lençóis (LEC) or Salvador (SSA)
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20–25 minutes from the colorful village of Vale do Capão
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Safe roads, friendly community, and welcoming atmosphere
International guests consistently describe the journey as worth every moment.
What’s Included in the Retreat
The Know Thyself Ayahuasca Retreat in Chapada Diamantina, Brazil includes:
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Full 8-day transformational program at Eden Sanctuary in Vale do Capão
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3 traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies guided by Indigenous Pajé Pēnawa Huni Kuī and team
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All scheduled practices: yoga, meditation, breathwork, integration circles, campfire sharings
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Nature immersion program: visits to rivers and waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina region
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Therapeutic spa circuit as outlined in the program (sauna, mud / clay bath, herbal bath)
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7 nights in shared accommodation (max. 3 people per cabana or dormitory)
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All meals – healthy, retreat-friendly cuisine supporting your cleansing and inner work
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Use of all common areas: ceremonial Oca, meditation decks, gardens, and river access
Private accommodations are available for an additional fee and can be arranged during your personal registration.
How to Join the Retreat
Know Thyself is designed for people who feel a genuine call to pause, look within, and reconnect with themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
It is suitable for beginners and experienced journeyers alike — anyone seeking emotional clarity, inner healing, and a deeper sense of purpose.
We invite each guest to begin the process with a personal call, where we can understand your intentions, your current state of health, and offer precise guidance for your preparation. This first conversation ensures you feel fully supported from the moment you decide to join us. We help you prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for the ayahuasca work; we provide guidance on travel routes, and we even assist you in finding flights and planning your arrival.
Booking Process
1. Send us a message
Reach out via WhatsApp, email, or the contact form to express your interest.
2. Personal call
We schedule a short call to understand your needs, answer questions, and confirm whether the retreat is the right fit for you.
3. Secure your place
If everything aligns, we guide you through confirming your spot and preparing for your arrival at Eden.
Tap to chat and request your call.(Fastest way to reach us.)
Send us a message and we will reply within 24 hours.
What People Say
FAQ
Every journey begins with clarity.
Do I need previous experience with Ayahuasca or other medicines?
No. The Know Thyself retreat is open to both first-time and experienced participants. The program is structured to gently prepare you — through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and integration circles — so that your experience with the medicine is as safe, grounded, and meaningful as possible.
How safe is this Ayahuasca retreat in Brazil?
Safety is our priority. Group size is limited so that each person can receive individual attention. All ceremonies are guided by experienced facilitators in collaboration with Indigenous leadership, following traditional protocols and clear ethical standards. Before confirming your place, we review your health history and current medications to ensure that participation is appropriate for you.
Is Ayahuasca legal where the retreat takes place?
In Brazil, ayahuasca is officially recognized for religious and ceremonial use within specific guidelines. Our work at Eden Sanctuary, in Vale do Capão (Chapada Diamantina, Bahia), is carried out with respect for these norms and in alignment with traditional lineages and responsible practice.
Are there any health conditions that may prevent me from joining?
Yes. Certain heart conditions, severe psychiatric diagnoses, a history of psychosis, and some prescription medications (especially antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs) may be incompatible with ayahuasca. During our personal call, we will carefully review your health situation and, if needed, request medical clearance. If at any point we feel that this retreat is not safe for you, we will explain this with honesty and care.
How should I prepare for the retreat?
Once your participation is confirmed, we send clear guidance on physical, emotional, and energetic preparation. This includes suggestions for dieta, which is an important part of preparing your body and mind for the ayahuasca ceremonies. The dieta is not a punishment or a religion — it’s simply a gentle way to clear your system, regulate your nervous system, and arrive more open, focused, and receptive. Here are the main guidelines we usually recommend: • Avoid alcohol and recreational substances for at least 7–14 days before the retreat. • Reduce or stop caffeine if possible (coffee, energy drinks), to help nervous system regulation. • Avoid heavy, processed, or very fatty foods (fried foods, fast food, excessive oils). • Favor plant-based, clean meals: vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, legumes. • Reduce red meats and stick to lighter proteins if needed (fish, eggs). • Avoid fermented foods and strong spices (vinegar, pepper, chili, excess salt). • Decrease sugar and packaged sweets to help your energy stabilize. • Avoid sexual activity (including self-pleasure) for 2–3 days before and during the retreat — this conserves energetic focus according to traditional teachings. On the emotional and mental level, we also encourage: • Spending time in silence or nature • Journaling your intention • Reducing media consumption and social overstimulation • Avoiding conflicts and emotional turbulence as much as possible These practices are not strict rules — they are recommendations that greatly support safety, clarity, and a harmonious ceremony. During your personal call, we will discuss your current lifestyle and help you adapt the dieta in a way that feels realistic and supportive for you
What is included in the retreat price?
Your contribution includes the full 8-day Know Thyself program: all group activities, three ayahuasca ceremonies, daily yoga/meditation/breathwork, group integration, shared accommodation (up to three people per room or cabana), and all meals prepared with a retreat-friendly, nourishing menu.
What is not included?
Flights to Brazil, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included. Some optional offerings — such as individual therapeutic sessions — may carry an additional fee, and can be arranged directly on site.