Know Thyself - a 5 Day Ayahuasca and Wellness Retreat in Brazil

Know Thyself — A 5-Day Ayahuasca Retreat in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil

Know Thyself is a five-day retreat at Eden Sanctuary in Vale do Capão, Bahia, Brazil. The program includes two Ayahuasca ceremonies, Kambô sessions, an opening cacao ceremony, yoga, breathwork, meditation, therapeutic sauna experiences, integration circles, time in nature, nourishing meals, and four nights of accommodation.

The retreat is designed for people who want to step away from their usual routine, explore their inner world, and receive support before, during, and after the ceremonies. Alongside the traditional practices, you will have time to rest, connect with others, visit rivers and waterfalls, and reflect on your experience in a calm and natural environment.

Eden Sanctuary is surrounded by the mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and forests of Chapada Diamantina. The retreat combines structured activities with free time, allowing you to participate at a comfortable pace and spend time in nature.

Accommodation is provided in a peaceful setting with private and shared room options. All meals are included and prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Dietary requirements can be accommodated when communicated in advance.

The retreat is guided by an experienced and caring team, with a focus on preparation, safety, respectful ceremony, and integration.

What the Program Includes

2 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The two Ayahuasca ceremonies take place in a carefully prepared ceremonial space and are guided by experienced facilitators. Each participant has their own comfortable place, with a mattress, blankets, and space for personal reflection. Traditional medicine songs, gentle live music, and attentive support accompany the ceremonies.

Optional Kambô Session
Kambô is a traditional Amazonian practice involving the secretion of the *Phyllomedusa bicolor* frog. Some participants choose it as part of a personal cleansing ritual. Participation is entirely optional and requires a separate health assessment. It may not be suitable for everyone.

Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation
Gentle yoga, breathwork, and meditation sessions are offered throughout the retreat. These practices support relaxation, body awareness, grounding, and preparation for the ceremonies, as well as integration afterwards.

Opening Cacao Ceremony
The retreat begins with a cacao ceremony accompanied by music, singing, and movement. This opening gathering gives participants an opportunity to meet one another, settle into the space, and set a personal intention for the retreat.

Therapeutic Spa and Cleansing Rituals
The retreat may include Turkish sauna sessions, herbal baths, river bathing, and clay therapy. These activities are intended to support relaxation, physical renewal, and connection with the body.

Nature Immersion
The program includes guided visits to nearby rivers and waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina. These outings provide time to swim, walk, rest, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Integration Sessions
Sharing circles, group reflection, peer connection, and individual guidance help participants process their experiences and consider how to apply their insights in everyday life.

4 Nights at Eden Sanctuary
Accommodation is provided for four nights at Eden Sanctuary, with private and shared room options available.

Nourishing Cuisine
All meals are included and prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Dietary requirements can be accommodated when communicated in advance.

What Is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian preparation commonly made from the *Banisteriopsis caapi* vine and the leaves of *Psychotria viridis*. It has been used for generations within Indigenous and Amazonian traditions for spiritual, communal, and healing purposes.

The word Ayahuasca comes from the Quechua language and is often translated as “vine of the soul.”

During a ceremony, participants may experience heightened awareness, deep introspection, emotional release, memories, symbolic imagery, or new ways of understanding their lives. Every experience is different, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

For some people, Ayahuasca can support self-reflection and personal change. The ceremonies at Know Thyself are approached with respect, careful preparation, and close attention to each participant’s safety and individual process.

Experiences Reported by Participants.
Every journey is unique. Participants often describe:
* Greater emotional clarity and self-awareness
* New perspectives on personal challenges
* Recognition and processing of unresolved emotions
* A deeper sense of inner balance
* Renewed purpose and direction
* Greater connection with nature, relationships, and life
* More confidence in making meaningful changes

The experience can be beautiful, intense, challenging, or unexpected. We do not promise a particular result. Our role is to provide clear information, careful preparation, a supportive environment, and appropriate guidance throughout the retreat.

Participant Screening Process
Safety is our highest priority.
Before participation is confirmed, every guest completes a detailed intake form covering medical history, current health conditions, medications, and psychological background. The information is reviewed by our team, and a follow-up conversation may be arranged if further clarification is needed.

People with certain conditions—including serious cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled hypertension, psychosis, or schizophrenia—may not be able to participate. Some medications, including certain antidepressants and other substances that may interact with Ayahuasca, may also be incompatible.

Medication should never be discontinued without guidance from the prescribing medical professional. Final participation is confirmed only after the screening process has been completed.

Preparation Guidelines
Before the retreat, participants receive practical guidance on how to prepare physically, emotionally, and logistically.

This includes recommendations concerning food, alcohol and other substances, medications and supplements, daily habits, intention-setting, and what to bring. These guidelines are intended to help participants arrive informed and prepared.

Our team remains available before the retreat to answer questions and clarify any part of the preparation process.

Plant Medicine Sourcing

The Ayahuasca served during our ceremonies is prepared in the Amazonian community of Mapiá according to traditional methods and prayers by an experienced master brewer connected to the Santo Daime tradition.

We maintain a respectful, long-standing relationship with this lineage, based on trust, reciprocity, and care. The medicine is received, transported, stored, and served with respect throughout the entire process.

Safety and Emergency Protocols

Our team includes members trained in first aid, and clear procedures are in place should medical assistance be required.

Transportation remains available during the retreat, and the team is familiar with the appropriate routes and medical services in the region. Participants receive essential safety information and retreat guidelines during the opening orientation.

Throughout each ceremony, experienced facilitators remain present and attentive to the physical and emotional well-being of every participant.

Integration Support
Integration is an important part of the Know Thyself experience.

During the retreat, participants take part in sharing circles, grounding practices, and guided reflections to help them process what they have experienced.

After returning home, participants are invited to an online integration session and may request additional individual support when needed. We also maintain a private online community where former participants can stay connected and support one another.

The retreat ends after five days, but participants may continue reflecting on and applying their insights in everyday life.

Getting to Eden
Eden Sanctuary is located in Vale do Capão, in the Chapada Diamantina region of Bahia. We can help organise transportation from Salvador to Eden Sanctuary.

Transfers are not included in the retreat price, but our team can coordinate the journey in advance. Once you choose your preferred option, we can arrange the different parts of the transfer on your behalf.

Private Transfer
A private car can take you directly from Salvador Airport to Eden Sanctuary. This is the most comfortable and convenient option, particularly after an international flight, and offers greater privacy and flexibility.

Bus and Taxi
For a more economical journey, we can organise:

* A comfortable executive bus from Salvador to Palmeiras
* A taxi from Palmeiras directly to Eden Sanctuary

We will guide you through each step and coordinate the different parts of your journey so you can arrive with ease and confidence.