Explore Vilcabamba, Ecuador for Wellness & Personal Growth

Discover the natural beauty, healing energy, and vibrant community of Vilcabamba, Ecuador, where wellness, conscious living, and personal transformation come together.

Discover the healing energy of Vilcabamba

Wellness experiences, nature adventures, community gatherings, personal growth, and conscious living.We encourage you to explore a variety of experiences during your awakening vacation.

These experiences are available to you at any time throughout your visit.

You can participate when you feel called to do so. Let joy be your compass when choosing your experience, contemplate what supports your personal development while igniting inner radiance.

Aerial yoga studio with multiple hanging hammocks in different colors, yoga mats, blocks, and bolsters on a wooden floor with a scenic mountain view outside.

Air Yoga Practice

Hikers walking along a mountain ridge with grassy slopes and agave plants, overlooking a valley and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Hiking

Three women practicing yoga outdoors in a park with autumn foliage, sitting cross-legged on yoga mats with eyes closed.

Guided Meditation

A smiling man dressed in traditional indigenous clothing, including a colorful, decorated hat and beaded necklace, with a blurred green natural background.

Ayahuasca ceremony

A woman practicing yoga in tree pose on rocks in a forest creek surrounded by lush green trees.

Qigong Practice

A man meditating cross-legged on a tree stump in a forest, with eyes closed and hands resting on knees in a peaceful pose.

Pranayama breathing

Poster with green background showing the title 'Walks' and the subtitle 'Get to know wild plants and its uses'. It includes images of people on a nature walk, a notebook with illustrations of plants, and close-ups of people examining plants.

Explore Plants-play & connect

Seven people sitting in a circle inside a tent, participating in a group meditation or prayer around a small fire with a candle in the center.

Temezcal - No induced experience

Exploring on Horse back

Person receiving a head massage with a person's hands on their scalp.

Access Bars Therapy

Bald man in orange shirt leading a group of children in a yoga pose on colorful mats indoors.

Yoga

A man with long hair and glasses sitting cross-legged on grass, enjoying a sunset in a hilly landscape.

consciousness-altering experience

People practicing archery outdoors in a garden, aiming at target boards with colorful bullseyes mounted on a fence.

Archery

Individual or groups

ARCHERY & CLIMBING

Archery for beginners: Wednesday-Friday 2pm - 6pm

Weekends: 11am - 6pm

We offer 4 variants of experiences, with games, challenges & prizes:

• Speed challenge: (15min / $5)

• Half experience + drink (25min / $7)

• ⁠Casa del Arco experience + drink (50min / $10)

• ⁠Hunger Games + fries & drink (70min / $13)

Archery lessons: $15 for 1h30

Climbing: $5 for 10 minutes. All year round also (any time during opening hours).

Person riding a white horse along a mountain trail surrounded by green scenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Horseback experience

Private or group excursions

Guided Horse Tours in Vilcabamba & Podocarpus National Park

We offer guided horse tours of varying lengths to suit your time and energy:

2‑hour rides

4‑hour rides

1–3 day overnight adventures in Podocarpus National Park

The 4‑hour tour departs from the center of Vilcabamba and takes you to the beautiful waterfall Cascada El Pollo. Along the way, the trail offers stunning views of the Andes mountains, the town seen from above, and the lush landscapes of Podocarpus National Park.

The path is moderately challenging and can be steep in places, so it’s best suited for riders who already feel comfortable on horseback rather than complete beginners.

Our guides are friendly, experienced, and happy to help you feel safe and confident. They’ll also stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos of you on horseback, so you can bring home memories of you riding through the mountains and forest.

Three hikers walking along a mountain trail surrounded by lush green hills and mountains in the distance.

Hiking Together in Vilcabamba

Hiking Together in Vilcabamba

Important notes for our hiking experiences: These are informal hiking adventures with a group of friends who enjoy being outdoors —

we are not a professional tour guide service, and everyone is responsible for their own safety and well‑being.

Altitude awareness: The area is at high elevation, so please be mindful of how your body responds. Take it slow, listen to your body, and let the group know if you are feeling unwell.

Fitness level: These hikes are best suited for people who can keep up with an experienced hiker group and are comfortable with uneven terrain and some steep sections.

Rain gear: Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho when needed.

Hydration: Water is essential. Bring enough to last the full hike, and consider an extra bottle if it’s a longer route.

Snacks: Bring high‑energy snacks (nuts, fruit, energy bars) to keep your energy up along the way.

Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly recommended, especially on exposed trails and in open areas.

By joining our hikes, you understand that you are participating at your own risk and that each person is responsible for their own preparedness and pace. We’re a group of friends who love sharing these experiences — and we hope you’ll enjoy them alongside us!

A man in a colorful shirt and shorts sitting on an inner tube sliding down a small waterfall in a river, with the text "CHUDOS" above and "BIKE'S" below him.

Welcome to Chino’s Bicycle Shop

Chino’s Bicycle Shop is your go‑to hub for everything bike in and around Vilcabamba. Whether you need repairs, tune‑ups, or a reliable rental, Chino and his team keep your wheels ready for adventure.

Beyond the workshop, Chino offers guided bike tours that take you deep into the beauty of the region. From relaxed rides through town and countryside to more adventurous excursions into the national park, every route is chosen for its stunning views and connection with nature.

Many guests say the bike rides in the national park are unforgettable—open skies, fresh air, and breathtaking mountain scenery. So many loved the experience that they say they’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you’re ready to explore Vilcabamba on two wheels, Chino’s Bicycle Shop is your perfect starting point.

Silhouette of a person running on a rocky terrain at sunset with a clear sky and some clouds.

Casual running group

meets every @ Monday 9am

If you love running and want to join runs with the community, Come join us!

Were a casual, social running crew we meet every Monday, some weeks we run in town, and sometimes trails, every run is a little different. All levels are welcome no pace is left behind.

I enjoy running but never ran in a group, it was nice to experience the community in this way.
— Rebecca A

Organic Market Saturday 7am-1pm

enjoy community, music and healthy food

Ecstatic Dance:

Every Tuesday & 1st Sunday of every month

Group of people sitting on the floor in a circle inside a room with wooden walls, a central floral arrangement, and colorful curtains.

Canción del Corazón Center for Holistic Living Arts

We offer holistic wellness, yoga, meditation, integral life practices, creative and expressive ceremonial traditions, and movement to gain emotional intelligence.

Offering on-site living and weekly creative exploration

Dance, Meditation & Kirtan

Sharing practices - dive deep into your creative self-expression

“Kirtan” & Bhakti Yoga flow with Suzannah

Join us for community kirtan on Friday to celebrate life & friendship.

We gather to create a joyful rhythm together, rejoicing in the blessings of our life.

Bhakti Yoga flow

First ½ hour is chanting; come and drop into the field of devotion and listen to the heart. 10:30- 12 / $10 drop-in

CONNECT, SHARE AND THRIVE AS A COLLECTIVE ON THIS JOURNEY OF GROWTH

& SELF-DISCOVERY.

I never felt so excepted and loved within a beautiful space Thank you, Suzannah for offering such a beautiful space to gather and share.
— Alex, P
Black and white photo of a woman in a yoga pose, sitting with legs crossed, arms bent, hands pressed together in front of her face in a prayer position, with a dark background.

Yoga

Through presence, explore different movements through Yoga or awaken your Kundalini- the concentrated living energy that opens up our potential.

Harmonize your entire being through mudras, mantras and rhythms, combined with breathing exercises

Open up energy pathways, boost energy, synchronize the impulses of the nervous system, while releasing energetic blockages, balance hormones and uplift attitude, to assist pure radiance to shine through.

Moving with intention, helps to gain presence and sense the body’s deep appreciation.

Starts 6.30 a.m weekdays

Poster for a Latin fiesta featuring musical selection by DJ Aji, with a woman of Latin descent wearing traditional jewelry and a red hibiscus in her hair.

Salsa night is on Saturday

We tried salsa for the first time, it was a wonderful open spa, we felt very welcomed and had a great time.
— Steve & Penny
A person with dusted fingers shaping gray clay on a spinning pottery wheel. The scene is set on a table with some tools and a loaf of bread in the background. The text on the image says, 'Join anytime from 3 pm.'

Ceramics /pottery

Experiences on Sundays

Enjoy a beverage and desert while you allow your creative expression to emerge

I had always wanted to create something with clay, but never had the chance, this was so fun
— Alex,

LYMPHATIC & AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Smiling woman with curly blonde hair near a body of water with a tree-lined shoreline in the background.

Caitlin is certified in Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy, which uses a gentle electromagnetic current to promote detoxification of the lymphatic system, support the immune system, and induce deep relaxation. The Lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body, and Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on how to maintain optimal Lymphatic health.

Caitlin is also certified in Chi Nei Tsang, (Taoist abdominal massage), with emphasis on fertility massage and womb care.

She has been practicing for 7 years alongside her work as an Ayurveda Practitioner, nutritionist, and herbalist

“Hormonal chaos had me drained—until Caitlin’s lymph detox and womb massage realigned everything. Her Ayurvedic nutrition plans and custom herbs were game-changers for fertility and vitality. I feel reborn!”
— Sofia P., USA

“PEDRO”

Coaching breath work & movement

Certified in Ceremonial Awakening

Pedro has a gift of uplifting humanity, with profound empowerment through Thai massage, breath work, and offering ancestral ceremonies that honor your sacred essence."

  • Thai Massage: His loving presence envelops the body in a captivating, cherished dance of healing touch.

  • Breath work: Unlocks the body's innate language, where breath reveals emotions and equips you to sense, direct, and dissolve energy and tension.

  • Ceremonies: Guides you into surrender, embracing the unforeseen to receive divine wisdom beyond the need for control.

ALTERNATIVE CHIROPRACTIC / MUSCLE TESTING

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Dr. Teshna possesses a deep understanding of the human mind, Her technique allows the release of emotional trauma from the body’s meridian system and cellular memory in order to maintain vibrant health.

Teshna can swiftly receive feedback from your body to reveal the root causes of physical pain caused by your emotions she has the ability to rapidly shift a patient into well-being. A true leader in transformation in a world yearning for change.

“I tried everything for my chronic tension, but Teshna’s chiropractic muscle testing nailed the root cause: a constant worry replaying in my mind had built up joint pain. Her precise testing uncovered tension toward a family member as the source. She gave me a simple release technique I can use anytime thoughts trigger discomfort—and now my body feels fully aligned!”
— – Sofia R., Cuenca

“Ale” Intuitive body worker

Guiding physical body awareness

Deep Listening, intuitive massage / Multilevel experience

What I practice is called Deep Listening, or Multilevel Bodywork, and is a shift beyond conventional massage into an intuitive, multi-layered conversation with the body.

At the heart of what I do lies profound trust in the body’s innate wisdom—each session begins by listening energetically and attuning to its frequency vibration, allowing the body to guide the unique experience rather than impose predefined techniques.

This approach communicates without words to your physical body, your emotional body, and your energetic body.

Sessions may stay rooted in musculoskeletal work—reviving mobility, easing tension, mending injuries—or transition fluidly to subtler realms: shifting stagnant energy, supporting plant medicine integration, and illuminating neurological pain.

Sessions run 60-90 minutes, giving ample time to honor the breath, embrace movement, and listen to your body's storytelling.

QIGONG & SACRED FEMININE PRACTICES

A woman with curly blonde hair and tattoos on her arms sitting on a rock in a stream, smiling softly, with green foliage in the background, and the text "Join us for Awakening the Tigress" overlaid.
Illustration of a serene figure in a meditative pose against a backdrop of clouds and mountains, accompanied by text about "Awakening the Tigress" and the "Lost Art of Tandava."
Quigong”I’m so grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in this 5,000‑year‑old healing art with a true master. The teachings feel both ancient and alive, and they’ve opened a new chapter of healing and self‑awareness for me.”
— -Maria L., Puru

Arabella is a skilled and masterful teacher offering Qigong

Mondays 4pm-6pm

Fridays 9:30 am -11 am

Qigong combines psychological and physical practices, involving focused intention and the regulation of the mind, breath, and body through movement and posture.

Increase mobility, reduce pain & stiffness, gain better balance, while learning how to manage stress & anxiety

People seated on a rug, engaging in meditation or yoga, with plants and artwork in the background.

WOMENS CIRCLE w/Arabella

Shakti Temple Sisterhood

Is a beacon for women created by Arabella to come together in reflection, love and support. We guide each other in various practices that help us to delve deeper into understanding ourselves and each other, while also basking in the nurturing tenderness and beauty of nature that surrounds us.

Together we embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery. We assist each other in acceptance as we walk a path of trusting our inner guidance to create and achieve our desires while creating friendships and new beliefs.

CONNECT, SHARE AND THRIVE AS A COLLECTIVE ON A JOURNEY OF GROWTH & SELF-DISCOVERY.

I never felt so excepted and loved within a beautiful space of feminine energy that sparked my divine feminine and connection to the divine source of love within me. Thank you, Arabella for your guidance and holding a safe container for everyone’s expression.
— Sarah A., Florida
A woman with short blonde hair and closed eyes, standing outdoors at sunset, with her hand over her chest, wearing a black sports bra and a light-colored open cardigan.

HEART CENTER COMMUNICATION

The heart has 40,000 sensory neurons; it can think, remember, and have emotions without the brain.

Enter through a doorway into your heart, to find self-trust & inner knowing.

With presence and interest, you can bridge a connection with your heart & body to ask it anything you want.

Gain the ability to navigate through your inner world and make decisions from knowing instead of doubt. $25 hour

WhatsApp +593 99 001 5919

I cant believe how easy this was, the answers I received were so simple, thank you for showing me how to communicate with my heart and body.
— Lisa L
Aerial yoga studio with hammocks hanging from the ceiling, yoga mats on the wooden floor, rolled-up mats, and wooden blocks, overlooking green mountains and trees.

Izhcayluma offers different types yoga classes,

hiking, rentals, and spa experiences

throughout the week

I really enjoyed the outdoor stage overlooking a beautiful view. the instructor was very attentive which made the class go smoothly
— Sarah J
Decorative shrine with Hindu religious images and artwork, including a central statue of a goddess in red attire and adorned with jewelry, surrounded by framed pictures and colorful flowers.

Hare Krishna Temple

Join us every Saturday at 6 pm for a heart-opening community gathering at the Hare Krishna temple in Yambuara Alto

Come celebrate life & friendship with us.

Accepted with open arms / Free delicious food

All are welcome to our gathering, come share in a joyful gathering where we honor life and each other.

We accept you as you are without judgment.

CONNECT, SHARE, AND THRIVE AS A COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY

Live Cell Blood

Analysis $100

Comparison of healthy red blood cells and rouleaute red blood cells under a microscope
Comparison between clumped and separated red blood cells showing differences in oxygen delivery and blood flow.

Is the use of high-resolution dark field microscopy to observe live blood cells.

Observing the functioning and the shape of the blood cells with a powerful microscope the examiner can observe signs of dehydration, of poor combination of food or of a poor digestion; of liver or bowel toxicity; of a weak immune system; of stress and poor circulation; of an increased level of cholesterol; of the apparition of crystal formations; of a high accumulation of heavy metals; of vitamin deficiencies; of the presence of fungi, bacteria or parasites, and so on. Live blood analysis can also indicate a protein linkage that means problems related to digestion, pH issues or hydration.

Self-Discovery through Guided Meditation,

Activate energy centers using pressure points.

Meet and harmonize your inner world.

Group of people practicing yoga outdoors in a sunny park surrounded by trees

Take a guided journey through your inner world to discover your gifts.

  • Enhance your quality of life

  • bridge the connection with heart and body

  • meet your divine masculine & feminine

  • Increase communication with self

  • Quiet the obsessive thinking mind

  • calm the nervous system

    STEP INTO THE PRESENCE OF YOUR CONSCIOUS UNSEEN WORLD-

  • Physical Body- Oxygen, heart, blood, organs, cellular universe

  • Energy Body- Unity with all energy, conscious flow, energy awareness, energy genius

  • Higher Consciousness- Elevated insight, patience, certainty, unlimited potential embodied

For the first time I felt awake in my body, and fully present in the moment. This experience felt like medicine for my soul.
— Brian - Manager
Flyer for Wild Plants Walks event with a green leaf background, showing photos of people on a plant walk, a notebook with plant drawings, and a person holding a wild plant. It promotes getting to know wild plants, with walks every two weeks, private tours, and home visits, suggesting a $12 contribution. Contact details include a name, phone number, and WhatsApp or Telegram messaging.
I really enjoyed this group activity and learning about the different medicine properties of different plants.
— Alex- medical nurse

Vibrational Sound Healing

GABE “VIBRA”

Sound Healing Journeys

"Gabe offers profound vibrational healing via sound—

exemplified by plant interaction: capturing their tones, matching with music, and tracking water's sonic evolution." “Vibrational healing through Sound.” During a sound-induced meditation, participants typically lie down or sit comfortably.

Drift into another realm where sound becomes your awakening guide; surrender comfortably as various acoustic instruments, such as crystal bowls, gongs, flutes, and other instruments that produce harmonious, resonant vibrations that pulse through you, harmonizing your inner world.

Your body responds instinctively: stress evaporates, emotions flow free, and dormant spiritual energies ignite. This isn't mere meditation; it's a life-altering mind-body experience that imprints deep well-being and clarity, forever shifting how you connect to yourself and your surroundings.

Sacred Ceremonies & Healing Gatherings

Plant medicine and frog secretion have been used by indigenous cultures around the world as a way to shed the ego and judgment and to connect with the healing power of nature and the spirit of plant medicine.

Ceremony circles combined with shamanic healing, sweat without medicine is called Temezcal, frog secretion is called Kambo & Bufo Plant Medicine is Ayahuasca & San Pedro.

CEREMONIES ARE AN ALTERNATE PATHWAY YOU MAY CHOOSE TO EXPERIENCE

other ways to transcend your limitations,

Solo & Group experiences are both an option

Energetic healing

Through Healing and Self-Discovery and a chosen path of Personal Growth.

TEMEZCAL Sweat and River plunge -

New Moon & Full moom Ceremonies

SHAMANIC HEALING

Methods, including ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary techniques, guaranteed to change your life in a way you have never imagined. Infused breathwork, Reiki & Shamanistic Reiki trainings for couples and individuals, and offers group wellness retreats.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

Many individuals experience a transcendental experience with extreme feelings of ecstasy and peace during and after Ayahuasca. Some claim it to be a rebirthing near-death experience, where feelings of gratitude for all life are embodied. Consciously walk in the spirit world. Some individuals hallucinate, often revisiting past traumas that shape and influence their lives and relationships. Find enlightenment on the other side.

Close-up of a campfire with flames rising and burning wood.

BUFO & KAMBO MEDICINE

Bufo and Kambo are powerful medicines that come from amphibians—Bufo from the secretions of the Sonoran Desert toad and Kambo from the giant monkey frog of the Amazon. These are not poisons, as some corners of the internet describe, but potent natural secretions composed of many peptides, short chains of amino acids that trigger unique and specific reactions in the body. When offered in a ceremonial space, they are served with deep love, respect, and awareness, supporting profound physical, emotional, and energetic release in a way that is both challenging and deeply healing.

Bufo and Kambo can act as catalysts: helping you release lower‑level blocks, feel your body and emotions more clearly, and open a doorway into a more embodied, aware sense of who you really are.

Image of a traditional temazcal with glowing interior, surrounded by lit candles. Text reads: 'Temazkal de Luna Llena' and 'Ceremonia de purificación.'"

“Temazkal”

Temezkal is a sacred sweat ritual that invites you to set intentions, chant, and surrender into deep cleansing and inner stillness. You are welcomed into a hut where two rivers meet, a space that symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth, often held by a female shaman. The ceremony can last for hours, supported by cleansing herbs that clear the respiratory system, release toxins from the body, and calm the mind, promoting deep relaxation and relief from tension in the muscular system. Before the session, we recommend drinking plenty of water, getting a full night’s rest, avoiding alcohol or other substances, and eating lightly—fresh fruits, vegetables, and simple meals—while steering clear of heavy foods before the sun sets.

Abstract illustration of a tree-like human figure sitting cross-legged on a large tree stump, with branches extending from their head towards a radiant sun-like sphere behind them.

San Pedro Sacred Plant ceremony

Expect to connect with the spirit of San Pedro; expect to merge your soul internally, nurturing the Nature within & externally with nature to replant your spirit.

You can expect instruments playing to assist your journey, with fruit and flower offerings to Mother Earth.

AN INTIMATE AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Testimony- A very safe and comfortable space to heal and grow with love.