Where Champions Discover Their True Power

Ayahuasca is a sacred plant medicine that has been used by indigenous Amazonian tribes for thousands of years. It's a brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine). When consumed in a ceremonial setting, it produces profound visionary experiences that can lead to deep psychological insights, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening.

When administered by experienced shamans in a proper ceremonial setting with medical support, ayahuasca has an excellent safety profile. Our retreats include 24/7 medical supervision, thorough pre-screening, and integration support with US-licensed psychologists. However, ayahuasca is contraindicated for people with certain heart conditions, psychiatric disorders (especially schizophrenia or bipolar disorder), or those taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or certain other medications.

Each experience is unique, but common elements include vivid visions, deep emotional processing, a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, and profound insights about one's life. The experience typically lasts 4-6 hours. Some people experience purging (vomiting or diarrhea), which is considered part of the cleansing process. Many describe it as years of therapy compressed into one night.

Preparation is crucial. We require a minimum 2-week dietary preparation (the 'dieta') that excludes alcohol, recreational drugs, processed foods, red meat, pork, sexual activity, and certain medications. You'll receive detailed guidelines and have consultations with our team. Mental preparation through meditation, journaling, and setting clear intentions is equally important.

San Pedro is another sacred plant medicine from the Andes, derived from the San Pedro cactus containing mescaline. Unlike ayahuasca's intense nighttime journey, San Pedro offers a gentler, heart-opening daytime experience lasting 8-12 hours. It's known for promoting feelings of love, compassion, and connection with nature. Many find it complements ayahuasca beautifully—ayahuasca for deep inner work, San Pedro for heart expansion.

Yes. Ayahuasca is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include: heart conditions, high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar, psychosis history), pregnancy, use of SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs (must be off for 2-6 weeks depending on medication), lithium, tramadol, and certain other medications. All applicants undergo thorough medical screening.

No! US citizens can enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days. You only need a valid US passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. This makes Ecuador one of the most accessible destinations for American travelers seeking plant medicine experiences.

No vaccinations are required for entry to Ecuador from the US. However, the CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines and considering Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if traveling to the Amazon basin (not required for Santo Domingo). We'll provide detailed health recommendations upon booking.

You'll fly into Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). From there, we provide private luxury transportation to our retreat center in Santo Domingo de los Colorados (approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive through the Andes). All airport transfers are included in your package.

Ecuador is generally safe for tourists, especially in the areas we operate. Santo Domingo and the surrounding cloud forest region have low crime rates. Our retreat center is in a secure, private location within Tsáchila ancestral territory. You'll be accompanied by our team throughout your journey, and we maintain 24/7 security at the retreat.

Santo Domingo has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 72-82°F (22-28°C) year-round. The region receives rainfall throughout the year, which maintains the lush cloud forest environment. We recommend bringing light, breathable clothing and a rain jacket. The retreat center is designed for comfort in this climate.

Ecuador offers a unique combination: legal traditional plant medicine ceremonies, authentic indigenous shamanic traditions (the Tsáchila have practiced for over 360 years), world-class biodiversity, easy access from the US (4-5 hour direct flights from Miami/Houston), no visa requirements, the US dollar as currency, and a stable, welcoming environment. Few places offer this combination of authenticity, accessibility, and safety.

The Tsáchila (meaning 'true people') are one of Ecuador's most distinctive indigenous groups, recognized by their traditional red-dyed hair using achiote. Their shamanic tradition has remained unbroken for over 360 years, passed down through generations of 'ponés' (master shamans). Unlike commercialized retreats, ceremonies with the Tsáchila take place in sacred underground chambers where the walls have absorbed the healing energy of countless ceremonies.

Yes. Ecuador recognizes the traditional use of ayahuasca by indigenous communities as a protected cultural practice. Our retreats operate in full partnership with the Tsáchila community on their ancestral lands, where these ceremonies have been conducted for centuries. This legal framework provides peace of mind and ensures authentic, respectful experiences.

Ecuador is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, packed into a small area. Our Legend's Journey package includes: Cotopaxi (one of the world's highest active volcanoes), the Mitad del Mundo (stand on the Equator), historic Quito (UNESCO World Heritage city), the Avenue of Volcanoes, cloud forest adventures, and luxury hacienda accommodations. It's a complete transformation of body, mind, and spirit.

While Peru is famous for ayahuasca tourism, Ecuador offers several advantages: shorter flights from the US, no visa requirements, US dollar currency (no exchange hassles), less commercialized experiences, and the unique Tsáchila tradition (distinct from Peruvian Shipibo traditions). Costa Rica has stricter regulations around plant medicines. Ecuador provides the perfect balance of authenticity, accessibility, and legal clarity.

All packages include: luxury private accommodation, all organic plant-based meals, ayahuasca ceremonies with master Tsáchila shamans, traditional cleansing rituals, pre-retreat consultation with US psychologist, post-retreat integration sessions, private airport transfers, 24/7 medical support, and complete confidentiality. Higher-tier packages add San Pedro ceremonies, extended integration support, and Ecuador adventure experiences.

We understand the importance of discretion. Our retreat center is on private Tsáchila land with no public access. We never share participant information, photos, or testimonials without explicit consent. Groups are limited to 6 participants maximum, and we can arrange fully private retreats. Many professional athletes have trusted us with their transformative journeys.

Integration—making sense of and applying insights from your experience—is crucial. All packages include sessions with a US-licensed psychologist specializing in psychedelic integration. This includes pre-retreat preparation, on-site support, and post-retreat follow-up calls (number varies by package). We help you translate profound experiences into lasting positive changes in your life and performance.

Absolutely. Many athletes find it meaningful to share this experience with trusted teammates, partners, or friends. We can accommodate couples and small groups. Each person must complete their own application and medical screening. Sharing the journey often deepens bonds and provides mutual support during integration.

We understand that professional athletes have unpredictable schedules. Cancellations 30+ days before retreat receive a full refund minus a $500 administrative fee. Cancellations 15-29 days out receive 50% refund. Within 14 days, we offer credit toward a future retreat. We're flexible and will work with you to find solutions.

Most athletes feel ready to return to light training within 2-3 days after the retreat. However, we recommend taking at least a week for integration before intense competition or training. Many athletes report enhanced focus, faster recovery, and improved performance in the weeks following their experience. Listen to your body and honor the integration process.

Yes, all participants are required to sign a comprehensive Waiver and Release of Liability before participating in any ceremonies or activities. This legal document acknowledges the inherent risks associated with plant medicine ceremonies, releases Sacred Roots Retreat and the Tsáchila community from liability, confirms your voluntary participation, and certifies that you have disclosed all relevant medical information. The waiver will be provided during the application process and must be signed and returned before your retreat dates are confirmed. We also require proof of travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.