This was my first time experiencing ayahuasca - a calling I had felt for many years but patiently waited to answer until the right moment and the right people came along. I’ve always been open to growth, self-discovery, and deeper connection with myself, and this retreat in the heart of the Amazon felt like exactly that: the right place, the right time, and the right guides. Being in the source of the medicine, surrounded by the power of the jungle and supported by deeply experienced shamans, created an environment of true healing and transformation. The journey far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Eight consecutive nights of ceremony was intense - physically, emotionally, spiritually - but it was exactly what I needed to fully surrender, release, and begin a process of profound change within my body and soul. What struck me most was the rawness and authenticity of the experience. The simplicity of being in the middle of the jungle, completely immersed in nature, stripped away everything unnecessary. The space that Fred, Carla, the shamans, and the entire team held was incredibly supportive - gently allowing each of us to go through our individual processes, while offering help when it was needed. This was truly a life-changing experience, and for me, it feels like just the beginning. I know this path with the medicine is one I want to continue - to keep learning, growing, and healing. I’m currently in the integration process, which I know is the real work, and I feel so supported by the community that Taozen has built around this work. I would definitely recommend this retreat to anyone who feels a true calling to work with ayahuasca. Fred and Carla are fully devoted to this path. They bring extensive knowledge, deep compassion, and full presence to their work. From the very beginning of this journey, their love and care were felt in every interaction.

The Taozen Family provided a remarkably safe, loving and expansive container. The shamans were as good as they get! If you’re looking to explore a deeper connection to yourself and the divine…this is your spot.

I do wanna say another massive thank you for creating that space available to us and making it very special. I’m still a bit shocked with how much it has impacted me. Each time I tell someone my experience it seems like a dream but so real as well. It’s given me something I’ll never forget. Thank you so much guys!

Taozen is more than a retreat... with full of respect for the traditional way and handled by a team that love and believes in what they do. Made with love and for the sake of love. The team has a gift for gathering people together and is very thoughtful with the details and the participants needs.

My darlings, inspired by you and the Taozen community, l've opened up to my parents about many things: traumatic events that I had kept from them as well as working with different medicines... and they've responded in a really positive way, thanking me for my honesty and for starting a process of repairing our broken relationship. So here I go: yet another THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, my life is better because of you.