Next editionApril 2027Six nights
Six nights in the forest of Chapada dos Veadeiros, with yoga, dance, music, voice, fire circles and an ayahuasca ceremony, held by Ashiyana and guests.
Discover the journeyThe Medicine Journey
The Medicine Journey is an immersive retreat for those who feel called to look deeply within, in a safe and welcoming setting surrounded by nature.
Over six nights the group shares days of yoga, dance, music, singing and voice, fire circles and herbal baths. This path prepares body and heart for the ayahuasca ceremony, and the days that follow make room to integrate and celebrate what was lived.
Come home to yourself.
The medicine
Ayahuasca is a sacred brew from the Amazon, prepared by cooking two plants together: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub. The name comes from Quechua and is often translated as “vine of the spirits” or “vine of the soul”.
It has been used for generations by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon in rituals of healing, spiritual connection and care for the community. In Brazil, during the twentieth century, it also became the heart of religious traditions such as Santo Daime, Barquinha and União do Vegetal.
We honour the peoples and lineages who keep this medicine. It is received with respect, in ceremony, and never as a recreational experience.
A woody vine that climbs the forest trees. In the traditions it stands for strength. Its alkaloids allow the leaf to act when the brew is taken.
A shrub with bright green, glossy leaves. In the traditions it stands for light. Its leaves contain DMT, the substance linked to visions and expanded perception.
In Brazil
In Brazil, the ritual and religious use of ayahuasca is recognised as legitimate, based on the freedom of belief guaranteed by the Constitution.
Resolution no. 1 of the National Council on Drug Policy (CONAD), of 25 January 2010, regulates this use and sets ethical principles for those who hold ceremonies: the brew is served in a ritual setting, it is not sold, and it is not offered as a promise of cure.
Laws differ in other countries. If you are travelling from abroad, check the rules in your own country before you come.
The ceremony
The ceremony takes place at night in the practice hall, with music and songs, and is accompanied from beginning to end by the team and facilitators.
The experience varies a lot from person to person. Nausea and vomiting are common and, in the traditions, are understood as cleansing. Before you come you receive a preparation guide with the diet for the days before.
For your safety
Ayahuasca interacts with some medications and health conditions. That is why every person completes an application with health questions, and our team reviews each case before confirming a place.
Important: this list does not replace a medical assessment. Never stop a medication on your own to join a ceremony; speak with your doctor first.
Intention
Everyone arrives with their own story. Some of the intentions that bring people here:
Ayahuasca is not a shortcut and does not replace medical or psychological care. It is an intense experience, lived with respect, intention and care. In the Medicine Journey it is one moment of a larger journey, held by the group, the music and nature.
How it unfolds
Yoga and dance release physical tension and calm the nervous system.
Music, sound, singing and voice around the fire open emotion and expression.
The ayahuasca ceremony, followed by celebration and integration.
Who holds it
The Medicine Journey is held by the Ashiyana team, who host every edition and care for the group from the first day to the last, together with facilitators, musicians and shamans invited from Alto Paraíso and the Chapada dos Veadeiros.
Guests may change from one edition to the next. Once your application is approved, we tell you who is holding your edition.
Karí Váss, founder of Ashiyana Brasil, yoga teacher and somatic therapist with more than 25 years of experience, accompanies the journey and holds the space.
The place
Ashiyana Brasil is in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, near the village of São Jorge and three hours by road from Brasília. A private river runs through the land, and the practice hall opens to the Cerrado on all four sides.
All meals are included and vegetarian, made with fresh, local ingredients. Accommodation is in shared rooms, with private rooms on request.
What's included
How to join
Exact dates and values coming soon
Fill in the application, with questions about you, your intention, your health and any medication you take.
Our team reads every application carefully. Acceptance is not automatic.
We contact you personally with our answer, the dates, the values and the preparation guide.
FAQ
In April 2027, six nights. Exact dates and values will be announced soon, and applicants receive them first.
No. The retreat is designed both for first-timers and for people with experience.
No. You may choose not to join the ceremony and still take part in every other activity.
The Ashiyana team, together with facilitators and shamans invited from the Alto Paraíso region. Guests may change between editions, and we tell you who is holding yours once you are approved.
Because ayahuasca can interact dangerously with some medications and is not advised with certain health conditions. Your answers are confidential and read only by our team.
Yes. In the days before, we ask you to avoid alcohol, other substances and some foods. You receive a full preparation guide once approved.
English and Portuguese, with support in Spanish.
The closest airport is Brasília (BSB), three hours by road. We can help you arrange the transfer.
