The Facilitators of Our Ayahuasca Retreat Bali: A Legacy of Trust and Tradition
The sun has dipped below the palm canopy, and the air in the Ubud forest grows thick with the scent of rain and frangipani. A low, resonant sound—the first notes of an icaro—begins to thread through the chorus of cicadas. In the ceremonial maloka, the air is still, charged with intention. This is not a beginning, but a continuation of a practice thousands of years old, held by individuals whose lives are dedicated to the sacred responsibility of plant medicine.
At Ayahuasca Retreat Bali Sacred, the core of our work is not the medicine itself, but the container in which it is served. The integrity, experience, and grounded presence of our facilitators are the pillars of that container. An authentic ayahuasca ceremony in Bali requires more than just a beautiful setting; it demands a profound respect for the traditions from which this practice originates and an unwavering commitment to the safety and integration of every participant. This is a space for deep internal work, guided by those who have walked the path themselves and earned the right to lead others. See also: explore Contact.
The Heart of the Ceremony: Our Facilitation Team
The decision to engage with a shamanic retreat in Bali is a significant one, predicated on trust. We believe that transparency regarding the lineage and experience of our team is essential. Our facilitators are not self-proclaimed gurus; they are dedicated practitioners with years of rigorous, direct apprenticeship under respected elders in the Amazon and deep roots in complementary healing modalities. They bring a rare synthesis of indigenous wisdom and a contemporary understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of Western participants. See also: the time ayahuasca bali option.
Alejandro Vargas – Lead Facilitator
Alejandro’s path with plant medicine began not as a choice, but as a calling. After a decade in a high-pressure corporate environment in Madrid left him feeling disconnected, he traveled to Peru in 2008. His initial intention was a short visit; it became a 12-year immersion. He spent from 2008 to 2020 living and apprenticing within a Shipibo-Conibo community near Pucallpa, on the banks of the Ucayali River. His primary teacher, Maestro Ricardo Amaringo, a respected elder whose lineage extends back generations, guided him through numerous master plant dietas and the intricate art of the icaro. See also: see Ayahuasca Retreat Bali Sacred’s Home.
Since 2012, Alejandro has been holding his own ceremonies. To date, he has facilitated over 700 ceremonies, both in Peru and internationally. His approach is characterized by a deep, resonant voice that carries the icaros with profound strength and a quiet, observant presence that creates a palpable sense of safety. He specializes in a trauma-informed methodology, recognizing that the medicine can surface deep-seated patterns that require a gentle, knowing, and non-interventional guide. His focus is on empowering participants to find their own inner healer, a principle central to the Shipibo tradition. See also: this other plant medicine.
Ibu Sari – Facilitator & Integration Specialist
Sari brings a unique and vital dimension to our Ubud ayahuasca retreats, blending the wisdom of South America with her native Balinese healing arts. Born on the island, she was initiated into the traditions of Bali Usada (traditional Balinese medicine) at the age of 16 by her grandmother, a respected Balian. Her formal work with plant medicine began in 2014, when she traveled to the Putumayo region of Colombia. There, she undertook a demanding 5-year apprenticeship with a Taita of the Inga people, focusing on the feminine aspects of the medicine and the integration of spirit into daily life.
Sari has guided more than 400 ceremonies. Her contribution extends far beyond the maloka. She leads our preparation and integration sessions, weaving in principles of mindfulness and Balinese purification rituals, such as the Melukat water blessing, to help ground the expansive experiences of the ceremony. Her presence provides a crucial balance, offering a nurturing and intuitive counterpoint to the powerful masculine energy of the medicine. She is also a trained somatic therapist, certified by the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute in 2019.
A Foundation of Safety and Integrity
The potency of this work requires an equally potent commitment to safety. Our protocols are not suggestions; they are comprehensive, multi-layered systems designed to protect the physical, psychological, and energetic well-being of every individual. This is the cornerstone of our Bali plant medicine practice.
- Rigorous Medical Screening: Every applicant must complete a detailed medical and psychological questionnaire, which is confidentially reviewed by our consulting physician, Dr. Anya Sharma, M.D., an integrative medicine specialist with over a decade of experience. This process, initiated at least 30 days before the retreat, ensures contraindications with medications or pre-existing conditions are identified.
- Intimate Group Size: We strictly limit our retreats to a maximum of 12 participants. This ensures a high facilitator-to-participant ratio of 1:6, allowing for individual attention and support during the ayahuasca ceremony in Bali. You are not a face in a crowd.
- Sustainably Sourced Medicine: The ayahuasca is prepared on-site by our facilitators. The ingredients—Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) leaves—are sourced directly from a single family collective in Iquitos, Peru, with whom we have had a relationship since 2015. They practice sustainable harvesting methods that honor the forest.
- Dedicated Integration Support: The ceremony is only one part of the process. Our program includes three dedicated group integration circles and one private session with a facilitator post-retreat. We also provide a resource package for continued integration, including reading materials and contact information for affiliated therapists.
The Structure of Your 8-Day/7-Night Retreat
Your time with us is a carefully orchestrated rhythm of ceremony, rest, nourishment, and integration. The schedule is designed to support your process, providing structure without rigidity, allowing space for personal reflection amidst the deep work of the retreat.
What Is Included:
- 7 nights of accommodation in a private teak wood villa on our 2-hectare estate, 15 kilometers north of central Ubud.
- Three deeply therapeutic ayahuasca ceremonies led by our experienced facilitators.
- All meals, following a traditional plant-medicine-friendly dieta, prepared by our private chef with locally sourced organic produce.
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions to prepare the body and mind.
- Group integration circles and one-on-one support.
- A traditional Balinese Melukat water purification ceremony.
- Round-trip transfers from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
Sample Itinerary
| Day | Morning (08:00 – 12:00) | Afternoon (13:00 – 18:00) | Evening (19:00 onwards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Arrival | Airport Transfer & Check-in | Welcome Circle & Orientation | Dieta Dinner & Rest |
| Day 2: Preparation | Morning Yoga & Meditation | Intention Setting Workshop | First Ayahuasca Ceremony |
| Day 3: Integration | Gentle Breakfast | Group Integration Circle / Free Time | Nourishing Dinner & Reflection |
| Day 4: Deepening | Morning Yoga | Balinese Cultural Excursion | Second Ayahuasca Ceremony |
| Day 5: Reflection | Gentle Breakfast | Group Integration Circle / Journaling | Community Dinner & Rest |
| Day 6: Ceremony | Morning Yoga & Meditation | Private Check-ins with Facilitators | Third Ayahuasca Ceremony |
| Day 7: Closing | Final Integration Circle | Melukat Water Ceremony | Farewell Dinner |
| Day 8: Departure | Breakfast & Goodbyes | Transfer to Airport (DPS) | – |
Investment in Your Transformation: Retreat Pricing
We offer two tiers of accommodation for our all-inclusive 8-day retreats. The price reflects the quality of facilitation, the intimate group size, the premium location, and the comprehensive safety and integration protocols we have in place. This is a significant investment in your personal development and well-being.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Jungle Villa | A spacious, freestanding teak wood villa with a private terrace, en-suite bathroom, and views of the Petanu River valley. | $4,950 |
| Shared Garden Villa (2 Guests) | A large villa with two separate sleeping areas, a shared bathroom, and a garden-view terrace. Ideal for friends or solo travelers open to sharing. | $3,850 |
Prices are all-inclusive as per the list above. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD is required to secure your place. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to the retreat start date. Flights to and from Bali (DPS) are not included.
Answering Your Questions on the Ubud Ayahuasca Experience
Clarity and informed consent are paramount. Below are answers to common questions from prospective participants.
1. What is the precise source and composition of your ayahuasca?
Our ayahuasca is a traditional two-plant brew. It contains only shredded Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) leaves, with pure water. There are no other admixtures. We source our plants directly from the Shipibo family collective we’ve worked with in the Iquitos region of Peru since 2015, ensuring ethical harvesting and fair compensation.
2. Can you detail the medical screening process?
Upon inquiry, you receive a confidential application form with detailed questions about your physical and mental health history, as well as current medications. Our consulting M.D. reviews every application. If any potential contraindications are noted, we schedule a private call to discuss them. Safety is our primary filter; we are unable to accept individuals taking SSRIs or with a history of certain psychological conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder.
3. How do you support participants after the retreat concludes?
Our support does not end when you leave Bali. The retreat price includes one scheduled one-on-one video call with your primary facilitator within two weeks of your return home. We also host monthly group integration calls for all alumni and provide a directory of vetted integration therapists in the US, Europe, and Australia for those seeking ongoing professional support.
4. Is ayahuasca legal in Indonesia?
The legal landscape regarding plant medicine in Indonesia is complex. We operate as a private, closed spiritual wellness retreat. Our focus is on traditional healing within a contained, non-public setting, a model that aligns with Bali’s long-standing respect for diverse spiritual practices (Agama Tirta). We do not advertise publicly in Indonesia and operate with discretion and deep respect for local culture.
5. What distinguishes your facilitators’ training?
Our facilitators’ training is defined by long-term, direct-lineage apprenticeship, not short-term courses or workshops. Alejandro’s 12 years with the Shipibo and Sari’s 5 years with the Inga people represent thousands of hours in ceremony and direct teaching from indigenous elders. This is a level of immersion that cannot be replicated outside of its cultural source. This deep grounding is what makes our shamanic retreat in Bali authentic and safe.
Comparison of Shamanic Retreats in Bali
When selecting a retreat, the details matter. Here is how Ayahuasca Retreat Bali Sacred compares to other offerings.
| Feature | Ayahuasca Retreat Bali Sacred | Competitor A (Fictional) | Competitor B (Fictional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilitator Lineage | 12+ years Amazonian Shipibo & 5+ years Colombian Inga apprenticeship. | Facilitators trained in neo-shamanic workshops in Europe. | One lead facilitator with undefined “years of experience”. |
| Group Size | Max 12 participants (1:6 ratio). | 20-25 participants. | Up to 30 participants. |
| Medical Safety | Mandatory screening reviewed by a consulting M.D. | Self-assessment health form. | No formal screening mentioned. |
| Post-Retreat Support | Included private call & monthly group calls. | Email support only. | No support offered. |
| Price (from USD) | $3,850 | $2,500 | $2,200 |
Securing Your Place: The Booking Process
Our intake process is deliberate and personal, ensuring a good fit for both you and the group. It unfolds in four distinct steps:
- Submit Your Application: Complete our detailed and confidential online application form. This is the first step and involves no financial commitment.
- Discovery Call: Within 72 hours, we will contact you to schedule a 30-minute video call with a member of our team. This is an opportunity for us to understand your intentions and for you to ask any remaining questions.
- Medical Review & Approval: Following the call, your application is submitted for medical review. Once approved, you will receive a formal invitation to join the retreat.
- Confirm Your Reservation: To confirm your place, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD is required via bank transfer or credit card. The final balance is due 60 days before the retreat start date.