Everything you need to know about Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador, plant medicine ceremonies, and life at Kinti Yaya Healing Sanctuary near Quito.
About Ayahuasca and Plant Medicine
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a sacred plant medicine brew used for centuries by indigenous peoples of the Amazon and Andes for healing, spiritual guidance, and self-discovery. At Kinti Yaya, Ayahuasca ceremonies are led by Tayta Willak, a seventh-generation Kichwa Otavalo yachak (shaman), in a traditional Andean ceremonial context rooted in ancestral wisdom.
What is Huachuma (San Pedro)?
Huachuma, also known as San Pedro, is a sacred cactus medicine with deep roots in Andean shamanic tradition. It is known for its heart-opening, clarifying qualities and is often used during daytime ceremonies in nature. At Kinti Yaya, Huachuma ceremonies are held at sacred natural sites in the Andean highlands.
Is Ayahuasca legal in Ecuador?
Yes. Ayahuasca is legal in Ecuador and has long been part of indigenous healing traditions. At Kinti Yaya, all ceremonies are conducted within an authentic indigenous cultural and spiritual framework, led by a legally recognized indigenous yachak.
Is Ayahuasca safe?
When held in a responsible, experienced ceremonial container, Ayahuasca is generally safe for most people. We conduct a thorough intake process prior to any ceremony to ensure suitability. There are contraindications, especially with certain medications such as SSRIs, MAOIs, and other psychiatric drugs, which we review carefully with each participant. If you have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or serious heart conditions, please contact us before booking.
Do I need prior experience with plant medicine?
No. Our 5-night retreat is specifically designed to be a safe and grounded entry point for those new to plant medicine. All levels of experience are welcome at Kinti Yaya.
How do I prepare for an Ayahuasca ceremony?
Upon booking, we send you a full preparation guide covering diet (dieta), medications to pause, mental and emotional preparation, and what to expect. In general, we recommend reducing processed foods, alcohol, and recreational substances in the weeks before your retreat, and approaching the experience with openness and intention.
About Kinti Yaya and Our Team
Where is Kinti Yaya located and how do I get there?
Kinti Yaya Healing Sanctuary is located in Perucho Centro, Pichincha, Ecuador, approximately one hour from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport. We offer free pick-up and drop-off from the airport as part of all our retreat packages, so you don’t need to arrange your own transportation.
What makes Kinti Yaya different from other retreat centers?
Kinti Yaya offers something rare: a fully authentic Andean Kichwa ceremonial experience, rooted in generations of living tradition rather than adapted for tourism. Ceremonies are led by Tayta Willak, a seventh-generation indigenous yachak who has been practicing for nearly three decades. Our retreats are small (5 to 10 people), deeply personal, and combine plant medicine with Andean shamanic healing, nature ceremonies, cultural immersion, and professional integration support from M.Sc. nature-therapist Maja.
Who is Tayta Willak and what ceremonies does he offer?
Tayta Willka Willak (Guillermo Santillán) is a seventh-generation Kichwa Otavalo yachak (shaman) from Agato, Ecuador, with nearly three decades of experience in traditional Andean healing. He leads Ayahuasca and Huachuma ceremonies, spiritual energy cleansings (wayrapichay), home blessings (wasipichay), wedding and naming ceremonies, and the four major annual Andean celebrations (Raymikuna). He speaks five languages (Kichwa, Spanish, English, French, and Italian) and is a respected leader in a national network of indigenous yachakkuna. His work is rooted in deep reverence for nature, ancestral wisdom, and the principle of Randi-Randi (reciprocal balance). He also offers private healing sessions and online consultations. Contact him directly via WhatsApp at +593 96 719 2214.
Who is Maja and what role does she have at Kinti Yaya?
Maja Krauss is a nature-based therapist and psychedelic integration coach, and the co-facilitator at Kinti Yaya. She holds a Master of Science in Nature-Based Counselling and Therapy (M.Sc. Green Care, 2023) and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and Educational Sciences (2016). Since 2016, she has been supporting people in personal transformation processes, including work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and autism spectrum conditions.
In 2024, Maja completed additional training as a psychedelic guide in Germany and the Netherlands. Since January 2025, she has been in ongoing spiritual training with Tayta Willak, deepening her own practice and weaving together Western nature therapy with Andean indigenous wisdom.
At Kinti Yaya, Maja is responsible for the professional preparation and integration support of all retreat participants, offering therapeutic guidance before, during, and after each retreat in English and German. Alongside her work at Kinti Yaya, she offers 1:1 nature coaching and psychedelic integration sessions online and in Germany through her own practice mAYAcura.
Are private sessions or ceremonies available outside the retreats?
Yes. Tayta Willak offers personal healing ceremonies, spiritual guidance, and consultations both at Kinti Yaya and online. Maja offers 1:1 nature coaching and psychedelic preparation and integration coaching online and in Germany. Reach out to either of us directly to discuss your needs.
Pricing and Booking
How much does a retreat at Kinti Yaya cost?
Our retreats start from $995 per person for the 5-night retreat (shared room), $1,195 for the 7-night retreat, and $1,995 for the 14-night retreat. Prices vary depending on accommodation type (shared dorm, double room, or private apartment). All retreats include ceremonies, meals, lodging, airport transfers, and online preparation and integration sessions. See the individual retreat pages for full pricing details.
Is financial support available?
Yes. We believe healing should not be a privilege. If finances are a genuine barrier, please reach out directly and we will do our best to find a solution together.
How do I book a retreat?
You can book directly through our Book Now page, or reach out to us via WhatsApp or our contact form to discuss upcoming dates and availability. We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, as our small group sizes fill up quickly.
Practical Information
What language are the ceremonies held in?
Ceremonies are held primarily in Kichwa and Spanish. Maja provides translation and support in English and German. We welcome participants from all linguistic backgrounds.
What should I bring?
We will send you a full preparation guide upon booking. In general: comfortable, warm clothing for the Andean highlands (temperatures can drop at night), comfortable clothes for ceremony, a journal, an open heart, and a willingness to surrender to the process.
What is the altitude, and could I experience altitude sickness?
Kinti Yaya is located at an elevation of over 8,300 feet (approx. 2,500m) in the Andes mountains near Perucho, Ecuador. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes, please be aware that altitude sickness can affect you. Common symptoms include headaches and fatigue. We recommend arriving one to two days early to acclimatize. Medicinal plant remedies and prescription medications are available on-site and can be arranged in advance if needed.
Is there a risk of malaria or dengue? Are there insects?
Due to our high-altitude location, there is no risk of contracting malaria or dengue, unlike retreat centers in the Amazon or coastal areas of Ecuador. We do have noseeums, tiny flying insects (Cerato-pogonidae) that do not transmit diseases. While they do not bother the local indigenous community, about half of foreign visitors develop an itchy reaction to their bites. We recommend bringing an effective insect repellent, preferably DEET-free with natural ingredients such as lemongrass oil.
What is the area like?
Kinti Yaya is set in Perucho, a peaceful rural community in the Pichincha province, surrounded by the Andean highlands. The sanctuary sits on a hilltop surrounded by medicinal plants, fruit trees, flowers, and crops. Sheep, llamas, cats, and dogs often roam freely on the property. From the center, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape — a truly magical setting for healing and reflection.
Is there smoke during the ceremonies?
Participants with asthma or smoke sensitivities should be aware that smoke is an integral part of our ceremonies and workshops. Outdoor fires are lit for warmth, cooking, and ceremonial purposes, and most Andean ceremonies include cleansings with fragrant palo santo smoke. Please let us know in advance if you have any respiratory concerns so we can discuss how to best support you.
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Kinti Yaya | Ayahuasca Retreat & Andean Healing Sanctuary 