An 8 Day Ayahuasca Retreat in Brazil
Get in touch"Know Thyself was more than just a retreat for me. It was a turning point."
Anderson Lemos
The Know Thyself retreat program offers you the opportunity to embark on a profound and meaningful inward journey—one that supports deep healing, self-discovery, and a renewed connection to life.
“Know Thyself was one of the most transformative experiences of my adult life. When I went back to work, I felt nothing could cause me fear or anxiety or stress. I felt bulletproof. All of the stress that I’d felt before was completely lifted. I had insights that just hit me, like moments of epiphany. Even though it’s many years later, these insights still act as guides in my decision-making today.”
Led by facilitators with over 35 years of combined experience in ayahuasca ceremonies and transformative retreats.
Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, this serene landscape offers the perfect environment for deep healing and reflection.
Yoga, meditation, and breathwork to support body, mind, and spirit—and to help you prepare for and integrate your work with the medicine.
Group sharing, 1:1 support, and guided integration sessions to help you anchor
insights and create lasting change.
Connect with like-minded individuals on a shared path of healing and growth.
Experience the power of being seen, heard, and supported in a safe, judgment-
free space
“After years of running from grief, addiction, and substance abuse — and many failed attempts at healing through clinics, rehab, therapy and medication — I arrived at Eden with a frozen heart, with no choice left but to trust the medicine. Gently held by the people, the place, and the spirits, I was finally able to enter the spiritual work without fear. What happened to me was a spiritual surgery — I reunited with my spirit, my feelings, and my heart that had patiently waited for me. I learned that all the healing, love and presence I was searching for lives inside of us. And we are never alone.”
Nestled deep in the heart of the Capão Valley, within Brazil’s breathtaking Chapada Diamantina National Park, The Sanctuary of Eden offers a truly awe-inspiring environment for healing and transformation.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, hidden waterfalls, and lush forest, this sacred land invites stillness, contemplation, and a powerful reconnection with nature—and with your own innate inner wisdom.
Located in the heart of Bahia, Brazil, Chapada Diamantina National Park is one of the country’s most breathtaking and biodiverse natural reserves. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the park features towering tabletop mountains, crystal-clear rivers, hidden caves, and some of Brazil’s most iconic waterfalls.
At its center lies the Capão Valley—a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination known for its vibrant energy, rich ecology, and conscious community. Surrounded by wild beauty, the valley offers access to legendary hikes like Cachoeira da Fumaça (Brazil’s second-highest waterfall at 340 meters) and countless natural swimming spots.
This region is a true sanctuary for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect - with the earth, with themselves, and with a more meaningful way of life.
“My first experience with the Know Thyself retreats was in 2010. I can say that I came back from that experience a better person, more self aware, kinder to others and to myself. Over the last 14 years i have attended four Know Thyself retreats. Each experience is uniquely insightful. On my most recent visit I took my daughter and niece to experience the transformative power of the ceremonies. Both found the experience truly enlightening, learning about themselves and helping to guide their decisions about the future. I have no hesitation in recommending Know Thyself retreats and the infrastructure that Paul has created there.”
7 nights at Eden with a range of lodging options available.
Nourishing, detox-friendly cuisine supports your healing journey
Guided by experienced facilitators.
Ground, center, and prepare your body and mind for deep inner work and integration.
Restorative treatments to support physical renewal and mental clarity - herbal baths, Ayurvedic massage, sauna, and clay therapy.
Guided visits to waterfalls, scenic trails, local markets, and places of extraordinary natural beauty.Visits to waterfalls, local markets, and hidden your sense of place and perspective.
“My experience with Know Thyself had a deep, long lasting impact on my life. It’s not easy to quantify with words what I experienced, but I can say that for the first time in my life I deeply felt my own soul, and a sense of unity came over me. I felt I connected with my essence. I received deep healing and a new life and will be forever grateful for this experience”.
We offer over 35 years of combined experience holding ayahuasca ceremonies and guiding transformative retreats. We’ve known and grown alongside each other for many years, building a strong foundation of trust, friendship, and shared purpose. Our connection enables us to hold space with stability and heart, creating a safe and grounded environment for each participant’s unique healing journey.
Born in the heart of the Amazon on Ilha de Marajó, Jorge brings over 20 years of experience in sacred plant work and spiritual healing. Now 71, he combines ancestral Amazonian wisdom with extensive studies in hermetics and esoteric medicine.
An initiated member of the Santo Daime tradition, Jorge is an alchemist and a highly respected figure in the local community. His presence and experience offer grounded guidance and insight for those navigating personal transformation.
Throughout the retreat, Jorge will lead the ceremonies and offer one-on-one sessions for deeper integration and support.
Born and raised in Pergamino, Argentina, Martina studied Music Therapy at the University of Rosario.
In 2012, she moved to the Capão Valley, where she has worked for the past 14 years as an Ayurvedic Therapist. She produces and hosts retreats, courses, and workshops focused on Ayurveda.
Martina’s first encounter with Ayahuasca was in 2016 with Alonso del Rio in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where she spent nine months studying medicine songs.
A mother, gardener, and massage therapist, Martina offers ceremonial support and will also be available for individual treatments during the retreat.
Known as Isa, she is a singer, percussionist, composer, vocal coach, improviser, and cultural events producer. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Isa has lived in Brazil since 2013.
With over 20 years of experience, she has developed and led her signature workshop series, CantaqueteCura (“Sing-for-your-healing”), which explores the transformative power of collective singing. She facilitates sessions in musical initiation, vocal exploration, circle music, and music therapy—helping participants connect to their inner voice and shared resonance.
Since 2003, Isa has performed and taught at festivals and gatherings across South America and Europe. Her work is rooted in creating inclusive musical spaces that foster healing, creativity, and connection.
During retreats, Isa offers Circle Music therapy sessions and provides musical support during ceremonies.
Paul will be your host throughout the retreat, guiding daily sessions in yoga, meditation, and breathwork, and offering ceremonial support.
As the founder of Eden, Paul brings over 14 years of experience producing and facilitating transformational retreats in Brazil and Europe.
His first encounter with Ayahuasca was in 2008, under the guidance of a native Ayahuasquero, which led to a three-year intensive shamanic apprenticeship. In 2011, Paul became an initiate of the Santo Daime tradition in the community of Mapiá, deep in the Amazon.
He now lives in Aracaju with his partner and daughter, where they study within a Gnostic Academy.
"My experience at Eden was truly transformative! I felt very welcome from the moment I arrived by Paul and his wonderful team. It’s such a magical place to connect with nature. The ayahuasca ceremonies were deeply meaningful for me, conducted with great respect and intention, which allowed me to relax and trust and surrender enough to experience profound self-discovery. The meals and the rest of the program was extraordinary, with visits to waterfalls, yoga, saunas, herbal baths, therapies, bonfires, and also having time and space for moments of introspection. Every aspect of the retreat served for growth and transformation. My time at Eden was an unforgettable journey. I will be back soon."
If this retreat speaks to you and you’d like to learn more, we’d be happy to share the next steps.
We’ll send you a detailed PDF with everything you need to know — the retreat program, how to participate, travel logistics, and what to expect.
You can reach us at edensantuario@gmail.com or simply click the WhatsApp link below to start a conversation.
We’re here to answer any questions and help you feel into whether this retreat is right for you.
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