Ecuador Equinox Retreat 2026
The Living Codes of the Andes
September 17th – 23rd 2026
A 7-Day Ceremonial Retreat in the Heart of Ecuador
— where the power of your breath, sacred plant medicines, and ancestral wisdom converge to guide you into deep healing, activation, and remembrance.
You don’t just visit sacred places…They call you in.
And when you finally arrive, standing on that land, something deep within you begins to remember.
Every sacred site holds a message—not for the mind, but for the soul. All you have to do is arrive… and listen.
This is what the Living Codes of the Andes is about.
A journey into the heart of the mountains of Ecuador, where the land itself becomes a teacher, a mirror, and a guide.
Through breath-led journeys, ceremony, and intentional gathering, we open a space for remembrance—of who you are, what you carry, and what is ready to be released and reclaimed.
Here, the breath becomes a portal—guiding you into expanded states of awareness, emotional release, and deep reconnection with your body’s innate intelligence.
This is not just a retreat. It is an activation.
A weaving of ancestral wisdom and modern practices… of body and spirit… of release and integration.
Guided by experienced facilitators and Indigenous ceremonialists, you will be held through a series of immersive experiences—from sacred plant medicine ceremonies to breathwork journeys, sound healing, and deeply supported integration practices.
With daily integration spaces woven throughout the journey, you will be supported in grounding your experiences—transforming insight into embodiment, and activation into lasting change.
Each day is an invitation to go deeper.
To listen more closely.
To reconnect with the intelligence that already lives within you.
You are not here to become something new.
You are here to remember.
Every element chosen with intention
What you’ll recieve:
…and much more. See our itinerary below for more details.
A traditional pipe ceremony to open the journey which includes tobacco or special herbs. We offer prayers to great spirit, the four directions, Mother Earth, and Father Sky. This is an opportunity to set collective intentions.
Ascend Breath Code and Soul Codes Activation – two complementary breath journeys that come together to form a unified field of transformation. The creates a living Merkaba field — a balance of ascending and descending energy, body and spirit, release and remembrance.
Through the power of the breath, we are guided into expanded states of awareness. This is a psychedelic journey without external substances, where the body becomes the gateway – releasing stored tension, regulating the nervous system, and opening pathways to deeper layers of memory and presence. This powerful day is facilitated by Jessica and Charlie.
The first journey invites clearing and liberation — a release of what the body has been holding. The second journey opens into activation and remembrance – reconnecting with the intelligence and essence that lives within.
This experience is supported by sound healing, live music, and a gentle shamanic energy clearing. We close with a cacao ceremony and a group channeled reading, allowing insights and messages to come through for integration and clarity.
The medicine of Wachuma, also known as Grandfather — a gentle yet profound heart-opening teacher. Wachuma is a cactus, a sacred plant medicine containing mescaline, traditionally used in Andean to receive clarity and experience a deep connection to nature.
This is an expansive and outward journey, inviting you into presence, emotional openness, and connection-with yourself, the land, and the collective held within a grounded and intentional ceremonial space.
The ceremony is guided by our dear Tayta Chaka- Oscar from the indigenous tribe of Kichwa.
The Mushroom ceremony works with psilocybin-containing fungi, a natural plant medicine known for its ability to open perception, deepen awareness, and support emotional release.
This journey is a deeply introspective experience, guiding you inward to access clarity, insight, and connection within a safe and intentional ceremonial space. It will be guided with care and respect by our dear facilitator Ximena.
This will mainly be held in the warmth of the temazcal, where the elements of heat, steam, and earth gifts a process of cleansing and renewal. The experience serves as an inner and physical release, allowing what is ready to move to do so naturally.
A temazcal is an ancient Mesoamerican sweat lodge ceremony designed for physical detoxification and spiritual purification.
Held inside a dome-shaped, dark, and hot structure—symbolizing a womb—volcanic stones are heated and doused with herbal-infused water, led by a Ximena through songs and prayers to provide a deep, meditative, and communal healing experience
Ceremonial cacao is known as a “heart medicine” that bridges physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, acting as a gentle plant medicine to open the heart center, induce euphoria, and deepen emotional connection. We will be sharing this medicine for integration following the ceremonial Breathwork Journeys.
Physically, it acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow and oxygen, while containing compounds like theobromine, anandamide, and flavonoids that boost mood and support cardiovascular health.
Shamanic energy clearing removes heavy, stagnant, or negative energy from the body, spirit, or physical spaces, restoring balance and light.
Using techniques like smudging, sound, and intention, our facilators clear intrusions and cleanse the field.
A group channeled reading is a spiritual session where our facilitator acts as a bridge to receive messages, wisdom, or energy from non-physical entities—such as spirits, guides, or higher consciousness—for multiple people simultaneously. These sessions often focus on collective themes, personal growth, and healing. Group channeled reading allows insights and messages to come through for deeper integration and clarity.
An astrology chart reading (or natal chart reading) is an interpretation of a snapshot of the sky taken at the exact time and place of your birth. It maps the positions of the sun, moon, and planets across 12 houses to reveal personality traits, life themes, innate strengths, challenges, and potential life paths. Each person will get a personlized Astrology chart.
A water blessing and equinox ritual is where we are invited to connect with the element of water as a force of cleansing, renewal, and flow.
Here, Oscar shares the deeper meaning of the Equinox within the Andean tradition – a moment of balance, reciprocity, and harmony with Pachamama.
Jessica will be sharing astological inights for this special day.
We will venture out together to explore the The Plaza de los Ponchos in Otavalo, Ecuador, is South America’s largest indigenous market, famous for vibrant textiles, handmade ponchos, alpaca sweaters, and crafts.
We will visit the magical Peguche waterfall, known to have magical powers. The waterfall has several meanings for the locals who consider it a sacred place.
And for the Equinox a visit to a secret waterfall where we will hold a special blessing.
Sound therapy is utilized to help “re-tune” the body’s energy centers (chakras), bringing them back into balance. Sound-based treatment has even been found to improve mobility, reduce muscle pain and stiffness, increase blood circulation, and lower blood pressure.
Throughout the entire journey, you will be embraced by the soothing presence of live music, featuring the transformative power of sound healing and the nurturing essence of medicine music.
A meditation walk at our Wachuma labyrinth is a powerful, intentional, and slow-paced practice designed to calm the mind, enhance self-reflection, and connect with the surrounding nature.
It is a single, non-confusing path that serves as a moving meditation—not a maze—leading you inward to the center and back out again.
Meet Your Dedicated Facilitators
This journey is held by facilitators who have given their lives to this work.
Each brings mastery, lineage, and love to every moment of the container.

Charlie
Co-Founder of Ascend Breath Code
• Breathwork Facilitator • Somatic Guide
• Trauma-Informed Coach
Charlie is a breathwork facilitator, somatic guide, and ceremonial space holder devoted to supporting deep transformation through embodied and heart-centered practice.
As a two-time cancer survivor, his path has been shaped through profound personal transformation, guiding him into the world of healing, resilience, and inner reconnection. His work is rooted in bridging the physical and emotional body—supporting others in safely moving through stored trauma and awakening their inner strength.
He weaves together ceremonial breathwork, somatic awareness, and music to create grounded, intentional, and deeply held spaces for release, integration, and renewal.
Throughout the retreat, Charlie will co-lead daily breathwork and integration practices, helping participants navigate their inner journeys with safety, presence, and care.

Jessica
Co-Founder of Ascend Breath Code
• Breathwork Facilitator • Intuitive Channel
• Astrologer
Jessica is a breathwork facilitator, intuitive channel, astrologer, and ceremonial guide devoted to creating spaces for deep remembrance, transformation, and reconnection.
Originally from Venezuela, her path is rooted in a connection to South American ancestral traditions. Her work has been shaped through experience in ceremonial spaces with plant medicines, as well as her own intuitive awakening following a near-death experience at a young age.
She weaves together ceremonial breathwork journeys, energy activations, and channeled guidance to open pathways into expanded states of awareness, emotional release, and deeper connection with the body’s innate intelligence.
Jessica co-leads daily breathwork journeys, rituals, and integration spaces, while also offering group channeled readings. She will provide astrology guidance during the Equinox—supporting participants in accessing clarity, alignment, and a deeper connection to their path.

Brad
Integration Guide • Herbalist
• Microdosing Practitioner
Brad supports the integration process through grounded, practical, and heart-centered guidance. With a background in herbalism and microdosing practices, his work focuses on helping individuals safely and intentionally integrate their experiences into everyday life.
He also serves as a connector within the group, helping to weave the collective experience together. Early in the journey, Brad will guide participants through local immersion experiences, including a visit to the Otavalo market and the Peguche waterfall—offering a gentle and meaningful arrival into the land and culture.
Throughout the retreat, he will offer tools, perspective, and support to help participants process, anchor, and embody the insights that arise—bridging the space between experience and lasting transformation.

Oscar
Indigenous Elder • Ceremonial Guide
(Tayta Chaka)
Oscar is an Indigenous elder from the Kichwa lineage of Imbabura, Ecuador, devoted to preserving and sharing ancestral wisdom through ceremony. He carries deep knowledge of plant medicines and traditional rituals passed down through generations.
Throughout the retreat, Oscar will guide sacred ceremonies including the Wachuma journey, the opening Chanupa ceremony, and a powerful Equinox water blessing at the Cucín waterfall. He will also lead the group into the Imbabura mountains, offering participants a direct connection to the land, its spirit, and ancestral teachings.
His presence brings depth, reverence, and a profound connection to the wisdom of the Andes.

Ximena
Ceremonial Guide • Medicine Woman
Ximena is a ceremonial guide and medicine woman devoted to the path of healing through ancestral wisdom and ritual. Her work weaves together sacred ceremony, song, and guidance to support deep transformation and reconnection.
During the retreat, she will guide participants through the temazcal (sweat lodge) and mushroom ceremony, holding powerful spaces for release, purification, and connection to both the body and the spiritual realm.
Her presence invites a nurturing return to the self through the wisdom of the elements and ceremonial practice.

Michelle
Host • Co-Founder of Life’s Journey Tours
Michelle is the heart behind the space that makes this retreat possible. As co-founder of Life’s Journey Tours, her vision has been to create experiences that support healing, awakening, and transformation—while honoring the Indigenous communities.
While not facilitating, Michelle will be present throughout the retreat as a supportive and caring presence, helping to hold the overall container and ensure a nurturing environment for all participants
A Legacy That Lives Beyond
Dr. Stephen — The Pebble That Started the Ripple
This retreat would not exist without him.
Dr. Stephen came to this land with a vision that was rare in its simplicity and profound in its reach — that healing is not a privilege for the few, but a birthright for all. Alongside his beloved wife Michelle, he dreamed of a journey that would do two things at once: awaken the people who came, and honor and sustain the indigenous communities who had been holding this wisdom long before any of us arrived.
He understood that true transformation is never just personal. Every person who heals sends a ripple outward. Every ceremony that is held in right relationship with the land gives something back. He built this retreat on that understanding — as a bridge between worlds, between cultures, between the life we are living and the life we are capable of.
He was a bridge himself. Between science and spirit. Between the modern world and the ancient one. Between strangers who would become family.
Dr. Stephen left this physical world suddenly, and the loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. But those who carry this work forward do so with the full knowing that his spirit has not gone anywhere. It is in the land here. It is in the ceremony. It is in every breath taken in the mountains he loved.
This retreat is, in many ways, his. We hold it in his honor — continuing what he started, loving what he loved, and trusting that the ripple he set in motion is still moving.
The pebble that started the ripple. The bridge that connected us all. A beautiful expression of life whose body has gone but whose spirit is always around. Your love, your laughter, and your lessons are the foundation on which we stand.
Your Sacred Home in the Mountains
In the heart of the Ecuadorian highlands, our retreat house offers breathtaking views of San Pablo Lake and the surrounding Andes mountains. This home is more than a place to sleep — it is a sanctuary.
Surrounded by the stillness of the Andes, with the waters of the lake resting nearby and the presence of the Imbabura volcano watching over, this space holds the entire journey.
The grounds include a Wachuma meditation labyrinth, an outdoor courtyard hot tub, and shared living spaces that invite connection, rest, and reflection. All meals are served here. All ceremony is woven into this container.
The mountains are not backdrop – they are teachers. And you will feel that from the moment you arrive.
Pricing (1 Person Private):
- Early Bird: $4,250
- Regular Price: $4,500
Pricing (2 People Sharing – Couple):
- Early Bird: $3,750 per person
- Regular Price: $4,000 per person
SOLD OUT
All pricing is per person and includes:
6 nights accommodation · All meals at the casita · All ceremonies & experiences
· Airport transfers at designated times · Transportation to all excursions.
Not included: Domestic/International flights · Travel insurance
· Personal expenses · Two lunch meals on town excursion days.
Early Bird pricing available for a limited time. Spots are limited.
* Payment plans available — reach out to discuss options.
KUNTUR - CONDOR ROOM

Soaring perspective, elevated vision
• Shared room with 2 single beds
• Shared bathroom with shower + hot tub
• Close to the main living room area
Pricing
- Early Bird: $3,900 per person
- Regular Price: $4,150 per person
All pricing is per person and includes:
6 nights accommodation · All meals at the casita · All ceremonies & experiences
· Airport transfers at designated times · Transportation to all excursions.
Not included: Domestic/International flights · Travel insurance
· Personal expenses · Two lunch meals on town excursion days.
Early Bird pricing available for a limited time. Spots are limited.
* Payment plans available — reach out to discuss options.
AMARU - SNAKE ROOM
Shedding what no longer serves
• Big, spacious room on the bottom floor
• Living room with fireplace
• Kitchenette
• Shared bathroom
Snake Room Pricing (1-3 people)
- Early Bird: $3,650 per person
- Regular Price: $3,900 per person
Note: Accommodations for larger groups available with special discount.
All pricing is per person and includes:
6 nights accommodation · All meals at the casita · All ceremonies & experiences
· Airport transfers at designated times · Transportation to all excursions.
Not included: Domestic/International flights · Travel insurance
· Personal expenses · Two lunch meals on town excursion days.
Early Bird pricing available for a limited time. Spots are limited.
* Payment plans available — reach out to discuss options.
Jaguar Room Pricing
Early Bird: $4,000 per person
Regular Price: $4,250 per person
All pricing is per person and includes:
6 nights accommodation · All meals at the casita · All ceremonies & experiences
· Airport transfers at designated times · Transportation to all excursions.
Not included: Domestic/International flights · Travel insurance
· Personal expenses · Two lunch meals on town excursion days.
Early Bird pricing available for a limited time. Spots are limited.
* Payment plans available — reach out to discuss options.

The Otavalo Market - Plaza de los Ponchos
A short drive from our casita lies one of the most vibrant living cultures in the Americas. The Plaza de los Ponchos in Otavalo, Ecuador is South America’s largest indigenous market — alive with handmade textiles, alpaca sweaters, intricate crafts, and the everyday beauty of Andean life.
This is not a tourist attraction. It is a living community. Walking through it is an experience of presence — a reminder that beauty, craft, and tradition are still alive in this world.

Peguche Waterfall - A Sacred Site
Just 10 minutes from the market lies the Peguche Waterfall — a place the local Otavaleño community considers sacred, holding deep spiritual significance across generations.
The waterfall is a place to walk, breathe, and commune in nature. The sound of water, the mist, the ancient trees — it is a natural ceremony in itself. An invitation to be cleansed by the land before returning to the journey ahead.

The Equator - Standing at the Middle of the World
On arrival day, we make a pilgrimage to the Equator — the line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres of the Earth. This is more than geography. Standing at this threshold is a symbolic crossing: between worlds, between hemispheres, between the life you’ve been living and the journey you are beginning.
A moment to pause. A moment to remember where you are in the world – and why you came.
This Journey Is For You If…
You feel a pull toward something deeper – and you’re ready to answer it.
You’ve done personal growth work and you’re ready for a full-body,
ceremonial immersion rather than another workshop.
You’re curious about breathwork and plant medicine, and you want to experience them inside a lovingly crafted,
multi-day container – not a standalone event.
You want to reset. To shed. To remember who you were before the world told you who to be.
You’re ready to travel – not as a tourist, but as a pilgrim.
To let a sacred land and a sacred community move something in you.
You trust that transformation doesn’t come from having all the answers – it comes from showing up fully.
WHAT MAKES THIS RETREAT DIFFERENT
This is not a retreat centered around a single modality
—it is a carefully curated, multi-dimensional journey into transformation.
While many retreats focus solely on plant medicine, this experience is designed to offer multiple gateways into expanded states of awareness—meeting each participant exactly where they are.
Ceremonial breathwork will serve as a profound portal throughout the retreat, allowing participants to access profound emotional release, clarity, and altered states of consciousness through the body itself
—without reliance on substances alone.
This creates a more integrated and empowered experience, where transformation is not only accessed,
but understood and embodied.
Each ceremonial experience is intentionally supported with daily integration practices, ensuring that what arises is not left behind—but grounded into lasting change.
Guided by a diverse team of facilitators, this retreat weaves together ancestral wisdom, somatic awareness, energetic practices, and intentional community—creating a space that is both expansive and deeply held.
This is not just about the peak experience.
It is about what stays with you after.
Questions You Might Be Holding (FAQ)
Do I need prior experience with breathwork or plant medicine?
No prior experience is required. What matters most is that you feel genuinely called to this journey and that you are in a stable, grounded place in your life. All facilitators are experienced in working with participants at every level. We recommend scheduling a call with us before registering so we can connect and answer any personal questions.
What are the physical requirements?
You should be in general good health. The Wachuma ceremony involves being outdoors in the Andean highlands for a full day, which includes some walking on uneven terrain at altitude. The temazcal involves sustained heat. If you have any health conditions, please disclose them in your application so we can assess together.
Are the plant medicine ceremonies legal in Ecuador?
Yes. Wachuma (San Pedro) and psilocybin mushrooms are used legally and ceremonially in Ecuador by indigenous and healing communities. Our ceremonies are held by experienced, trained facilitators within a sacred and intentional container.
What is and isn't included in the price?
Included: 6 night / 7 day accommodations, all meals except for two (lunch in local markets) , all ceremonies and experiences, in-country ground transportation (airport pick up and drop off at designated times), and excursions to the Equator, Otavalo Market and Peguche Waterfall.
Not included: Domestic / International flights to/from Quito, travel insurance (strongly recommended), personal expenses, and any additional activities outside the scheduled program.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. We want this journey to be accessible. Please reach out directly to discuss a payment plan that works for your situation. A deposit is required to secure your place.
What other activities are involved?
We will vist the local Otvalo market, Peguche Waterfall – A Sacred Site and Equator.
How do I prepare for this retreat?
Once your spot is confirmed, we will send you a preparation guide covering dietary suggestions, breathwork preparation, what to pack, and how to begin orienting yourself to the journey ahead. We also offer a pre-retreat integration call for all participants.
How many people will be in the group?
This is an intimate retreat. We keep the group intentionally small to ensure the quality of the container and the depth of connection. A maximum of 8 participants will be accepted.
What is the altitude like? Will I feel it?
San Pablo del Lago sits at approximately 8,727 to 8,858 feet above sea level meters above sea level. Most people feel some adjustment in the first 1–2 days — which is exactly why Day 1 and Day 2 are intentionally gentle. We’ve built acclimatization into the itinerary. Staying hydrated and moving slowly upon arrival makes a significant difference.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
Cancellation & Refund Policy
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your place.
This deposit is applied toward your total balance.
More than 60 days before the retreat: 100% of the remaining balance will be refunded.
Between 31 and 60 days before the retreat: 50% of the remaining balance will be refunded.
30 days or fewer before the retreat: No refund will be issued. If a confirmed replacement is found for your spot, a refund of the remaining balance (excluding the deposit) will be considered at our discretion.
You are welcome to transfer your spot to another person at any time prior to the retreat start date.
All transfers are subject to a brief evaluation process with our team to ensure the retreat is the right fit for the incoming participant.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.
Can I attend if I'm traveling solo?
Absolutely. Many participants come alone. The container itself becomes your community. Solo travelers can choose a shared room (Amaru or Kuntur) or book the Qinti private room at the single-occupancy rate.
How do I book my spot?
Fill out the form with all necessary information. After our connection call we will send a link to pay a deposit and secure the room of your choice.
What should I pack?
Layers for Andean climate, comfortable ceremony clothes, journal, any personal items for altar.
Ready to Answer the Call?
Spots are limited and held intentionally.
Fill out the form below and we will be in touch within 48 hours to schedule a connection call.
*Payment link to book your room will be sent after our call.
September 17 – 23, 2026 San Pablo del Lago, Ecuador













