Retreat Info
About the Retreat:Since 2017 our mission is to safeguard the integrity of Amazonian Shipibo tradition while complementing it with modern safety protocols.
From our one-of-a-kind center in Peru to our European gatherings in Spain, every program follows the same highest standard: strict screening, guided preparation, authentic lineage-based ceremony, and professional psychological support & integration.
We build bridges between indigenous wisdom and modern science, supporting scientific research and invest in community reciprocity projects along the way.
Description of Services:Screening and preparation
Every participant goes through a thorough intake process before joining the program. This includes a detailed application covering health history, current medications, and psychological background. Our team reviews each application carefully and schedules a call when additional clarity is needed. We typically respond within 48 hours. Once accepted, participants receive access to an 18-module preparation video course, are connected to the participant group chat, and receive personalized preparation guidance based on their individual profile.
Ceremonies
The retreat includes four ayahuasca ceremonies led by Shipibo Onanya masters. Ceremonies follow traditional lineage-based practices and include ikaros — the ceremonial songs at the heart of the Shipibo tradition. A flower bath is offered before each ceremony as part of the preparation process.
Individual sessions
Participants have the opportunity for individual conversations with the Onanya as well as with our on-site therapist, who holds a Masters in Applied Psychological Therapy and is trained in CBT, ACT, and CFT.
Integration
Group integration circles are held after each ceremony. After the retreat, an online group integration call is offered and the participant group chat remains open for ongoing connection with the team and fellow participants.
Practitioners:Maestro Pepe Franchini Vasquez has 37 years of experience as an Ayahuascero and Vegetalisto. He carries a deep lineage of Shipibo ceremonial practice from the Pucallpa region.
Maestro Noe Lopez has 27 years of experience as an Ayahuascero and Vegetalisto and is a member of ASOMASHK - the Onanyabo Ancestral Shipibo Konibo Healers association.
Maestro Sani has 28 years of experience as an Ayahuascero and Vegetalisto and is also a member of ASOMASHK.
Maestra Rosa Vasquez is a traditional Vegetalista with 17 years of experience, trained under Maestro Orlando Magin in the native Shahuaya community.Team/Medical Staff:Katy Briggs holds a Masters Degree in Applied Psychological Therapy and is trained in CBT, ACT, and CFT. She provides individual sessions and psychological support throughout the retreat.
Josie Seydel is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society with approximately 20 years of clinical experience. She is a certified DBT therapist with additional training in ACT, mindfulness, and applied hypnosis.
Lindsay Cray holds a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Saint John Fisher University and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist.
Tatiana Nolan holds a Masters degree in Psychology and is trained in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Transference-Focused Therapy.
Sasha is a leading facilitator with a Professional Degree in Psychology, currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling and Diagnostic Support for Psychological Trauma. She is a Certified Mindfulness Coach with extensive experience supporting plant dieta participants in Peru.
Frida is a facilitator trained in Integration and AyaSafety by ICEERS and is trauma-informed to work with ayahuasca.
Krystalyn is a trauma-informed facilitator and mindfulness coach, trained to work with ayahuasca and a RYT 500 certified lead trainer for yoga teacher trainings.
Ubi is a Certified Sound Massage Practitioner from the Peter Hess Institute in Germany, trauma-informed to work with ayahuasca, and has completed two months of personal dieta with teacher plants in Peru.
Mik is a facilitator and translator for the Onanya, fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. He leads the singing circles and has completed his own personal dietas with Shipibo maestros in Peru.Details
Founder(s) / CEO: APL JOURNEYSGroup Size: 16Price Range: 2650-3500Our Process
Overview of Experience:The 7-day program takes place at a seaside venue a short walk from a wild Atlantic beach in southern Spain. Shipibo Onanya masters travel from Peru specifically for each retreat - there are no western neo-shamans. The program follows a clear rhythm: group orientation, four ayahuasca ceremonies, group reflection circles after every ceremony, individual conversations with the Onanya and an on-site therapist, and a group sound journey before each ceremony led by a certified Peter Hess practitioner. Farm-to-table meals prepared by an on-site chef follow ayahuasca dietary guidelines throughout the stay.
Intake Process:Every participant completes a detailed intake form covering health history, current medications, psychological background, and previous experience with plant work. Our team reviews each application carefully, assessing physical contraindications, medication interactions, and overall readiness. A phone or video consultation is scheduled when additional clarity is needed. A personal readiness review is conducted before final acceptance. We typically respond within 48 hours. Accepted participants sign consent forms and receive personalized preparation guidance before arrival.
Supplemental Modalities: Group sound journeys with singing bowls before each ceremony, individual sound bath sessions, optional massage sessions, horse riding by the ocean, and beach access for meditation and reflection.Psychedelic Substances Offered: AyahuascaHow does this Center source medicine?:Ayahuasca is ethically harvested and cultivated by our partners in the Amazonian jungle, in accordance with traditional Shipibo practices.
Practice reciprocity with local communities?: YesPhotos
Reviews
1 Review on “APL Journeys Spain”
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Retreat Info
Details
Our Process
Photos
Reviews
1 Review on “APL Journeys Spain”
Leave a Review
I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into this retreat, but it turned out to be a really powerful and grounding experience. The APL team created a safe and supportive environment from the beginning, and you can feel that they genuinely care about each participant.
The space itself is beautiful and peaceful, which helped a lot to relax and go deeper into the process. Everything was well organized from the preparation to the ceremonies and the integration afterwards.
What stood out most to me was the level of attention and presence from the facilitators. I always felt looked after without it being overwhelming.
It’s not an easy journey, but if you are ready for it this place offers a very solid container to do the work.
Grateful for the experience with APL. Irake