8 Day Ayahuasca Retreat in Portugal

The retreat will be carefully and lovingly held by Peruvian shaman and spiritual teacher Sanango along with his assistants. Sanango has over 20 years of experience with inviting Ayahuasca and other Amazonian Master Plants. Before the creation of Sinchi Runa, he dedicated many years to learning with different masters in the Peruvian Amazon as well as prolonged retreats in solitude with master plants in what is traditionally called dietas or shamanic diets. During this time he created a deep bond with the spirit of Ayahuasca and other medicinal plants and divine deities which allows him to hold safe ceremonies and processes that lead to profound spiritual realization and soul healing.

Through our retreats we aim to create a safe and sacred space that allows each individual to experience profound spiritual healing and understanding. We do this with the hope that we may contribute to the healing of humanity as a whole and to a more peaceful world that is based on love, care, understanding and the genuine search for truth.

With much gratitude we share this invaluable medicine and sacred journey with all those who feel called to join.

Purge Ceremony (La Purga)

All genuine spiritual paths must begin with the stage of purification; In order to comprehend, heal and grow spiritually we must dare to step out of our comfort zone. This requires an act that will always demand sacrifice. The purge in Amazonian Shamanism, can be linked to a religious pilgrimage or fasting taken upon the disciple be able to receive greater spiritual insight and awareness.

The purge is an act of humility and reconciliation with our essential being, an act to free ourselves from constraints and ego as well as to prepare us to enter into world of Ayahuasca, or as Sanango says “the world of the Gods”. It is the act of letting go, using our human nature, defecating and/or vomiting, cleaning ourselves from the unnecessary, from toxins accumulated in our body, from feelings of suffering, beliefs and ideas that do not belong neither to our physical, mental or spiritual being.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

“Ayahuasca is a portal to the essence of humanity, a portal where all the memories and dreams of the species can be found. This opening can bring an understanding of the higher Self and the purpose of being, not only as an individual, but as humanity as a whole. Ayahuasca is a chance to heal the soul and reach the truth that lives within each one of us.” 

Maestro Sanango

Purification Through the Element of Fire

During the retreat we will work with the element of fire in various ways; in sacred fire ceremonies, in saunas for detoxification and energy protection, as well as through the purge ceremony.

We will finish the retreat with a Vedic fire ceremony called Agni Hotra or Homa. This may be the most ancient ritual known to humanity. It is an alchemical ritual of sacrificing that which does not allow us to be free in the sacred fire of the heart or the Spirit.

Silence and Contemplation in Nature

The mayor part of the retreat will be in silence (with exception of sharing circles or consultations with the shaman) allowing each person to interiorize and go within. It is important to be able to detach from the usual “day-to-day” routines, habits, personal stories and external noise to be able to integrate the healing and wisdom through ones process with the plants. Disconnection with the exterior allows participants to concentrate all their energy on the healing process and gives place to observe their lives without interference from the elements that one way or another have created the circumstance they are living. We nurture and provide the space for self-observation, introspection, and contemplation.
The opportunity of a process with master plants is to become aware of and release what causes one harm and to understand oneself and one’s relationship to the entire movement of life and existence. This is a beautiful and challenging process of comprehension, reflection and silence that requires great willpower, dedication, honesty, sacrifice and pureness of intention.

Hridaya Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama

Through hatha yoga and mediation practice we will balance both the physical and energetic bodies along with all its subtle layers. Hridaya Hatha yoga is yoga of the spiritual heart in the method and style of Self-enquiry and contemplative traditions. We are attuning to the subtle energies experienced within the chakras, preparing the body, nadis (energy channels), and mind for meditation as well as for the Ayahuasca Ceremonies. We use the physical asana (posture) to bring awareness of the spiritual Heart, the heart being the abode of our inner wisdom.