June 19th- 26th, 2025 Ecuador
Intimacy in the Andes: Summer Solstice
Nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, Intimacy in the Andes is more than a retreat. It is an initiation into deeper connection, raw joy, and the wisdom of the land. From June 19 to June 26, this experience is woven around the Summer Solstice, a time of powerful solar energy, renewal, and celebration. In the Andes, this sacred moment is honored through Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, an ancestral ritual that connects Indigenous communities to the cycles of nature and the universe. For nearly a month, offerings, fasting, ritual baths, and ceremonies fill the mountains, giving thanks to the sun for life itself.
During this time, the harvest is celebrated, honoring sacred crops like quinoa, barley, wheat, and corn, the lifeblood of the Andean people. The jaway, a ceremonial chant, is sung in gratitude as offerings are made in the chacras (fields), ancestral temples, and ojos de agua (water springs), places where life is born and special energy flows. Fire, representing the sun’s warmth and vital force, is at the heart of this tradition, while music and dance mirror the movement of the earth in relation to the sun, reminding us that to transition from one stage to another, we must root deeply into Pachamama (Mother Earth) and lift our gaze to the sky.
At the height of the solstice, we will sit in ceremony with Wachuma (San Pedro), a sacred plant medicine that carries the spirit of the sun. Wachuma opens the heart, clears the mind, and brings profound clarity, making it one of the most powerful allies for this time of expansion and illumination. When the sun reaches its peak in the sky, the medicine’s wisdom is amplified, guiding you to release what no longer serves and embrace the fullness of your being. With the support of an indigenous taita (shaman), the sacred mountains, and the elements, you will step into a journey of transformation, alignment, and deep remembrance.
This is a retreat for those who crave something real. We will move beyond surface-level spirituality and into embodied experience through ritual, guided integration, and the profound medicine of joy. From the colorful markets of Otavalo to the sacred lagoons of Cotacachi, every moment is designed to ground you in the richness of Ecuadorian culture while awakening something ancient within.
Intimacy in the Andes is not about escaping your life. It is about meeting it more fully with an open heart and a deeper trust in your own path. If you feel the call, this is your invitation.
Build a Body That Holds More Love and Peace
Through Intimacy in the Andes, you will create a new reference point for joy. Wachuma is not something to be explained. It is something to be felt. It opens the heart in ways that words cannot touch. Through sacred ceremony, deep connection with the land, and the freedom to experience yourself without judgment, you will tap into a joy that is raw, real, and lasting. This is not just a fleeting feeling or a temporary high. It is a shift in your being, a remembrance of what is possible when you surrender to joy fully, when you allow it to move through you without resistance, leaving an imprint that stays long after you leave the mountains.
Find Your Soul Fam
In this sacred space, you will drop the masks and meet others in a way that is raw, real, and deeply nourishing. Through shared ceremonies, meaningful conversations, and quiet moments under the vast Andean sky, you will experience connection in its purest form. A connection that goes beyond words. A reminder that you are not meant to walk this path alone. True intimacy begins when you allow yourself to be fully seen, fully received, and held in the presence of others who are walking alongside you.
Experience Oneness With Earth & Spirit
The Andes hold an ancient wisdom that speaks through the mountains, the rivers, and the ceremonies led by the indigenous Taita. This is not something to simply learn about. It is something to feel. Through ritual, deep immersion in nature, and direct experience with the elements, you will awaken a connection that goes beyond thought. A relationship with the earth that is alive. A knowing that the unseen forces guiding your path have always been there, waiting for you to listen.
Feel The Earth Hold You
The páramo is one of the most sacred ecosystems on Earth. High above the treeline, where clouds kiss the soil and silence carries wisdom, this land holds a kind of stillness that feels alive. The water here is ancient. It moves slowly, filtered by mosses and grasses that have been tending to it for centuries. Every stream, every lagoon is part of a living system that nourishes millions of people downstream, and yet it asks for nothing in return. To stand by the water in the páramo is to witness prayer in motion. It reminds you that the Earth is not just alive, but listening.
Celebrate The Sun
Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun
Inti Raymi, or “Festival of the Sun,” is a sacred Andean celebration honoring Inti, the sun god, and the life-giving force he represents. Rooted in Incan tradition and still widely celebrated today in places like Cusco, Peru, this festival marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere—when the sun is farthest from the earth and the Quechua peoples gather in deep reverence to call his return. Historically, Inti Raymi was a time of communal gratitude, offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), and renewal through prayer, dance, and fire. It is a portal of rebirth: a ceremonial bridge between the darkness of winter and the promise of light, abundance, and new life.
The Medicine of Light in Darkness
In the context of plant medicine, the energy of Inti Raymi offers a profound container. This solstice-aligned portal reminds us that the light is not something to chase, but to call home from within the sacred darkness. Sitting with plant allies around this time invites us into the alchemical space where death becomes fertile ground for illumination. The solar current of Inti Raymi can amplify clarity, insight, and remembrance—especially when paired with earth medicines that open the heart and dissolve the ego’s grip. It is a time to honor both the stillness and the spark, to attune to the ancient rhythms of sun and soil, and to offer ourselves in reciprocity to the great cosmic cycle of descent, integration, and return.
Meet Your Guides
What's Included
Healing Plant Ceremonies
Workshops
Lodging, Meals, Local Transportation
Breathwork
Energy Healing Sessions
TWO Group Calls:
1 pre-retreat,
1 integration.
FAQ
What’s included in the retreat?
Your registration covers lodging, meals, in-country transportation, and all retreat activities, including sacred ceremony with an indigenous Taita (shaman). Cacao and Tobacco offerings, breathwork, cleansings and energy healing. Airfare to and from Ecuador is NOT included.
What airport should I plan to fly in and out of?
You’ll want to fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. From there, we will arrange group transportation to the retreat location.
When should I plan to arrive and depart?
To ensure a smooth transition into the retreat, please plan to arrive in Quito by June 19 at 3 PM. This allows time to rest, acclimate, and settle into the energy of the Andes before we begin. The retreat officially starts at 3 PM on June 19, and we will coordinate transportation from the airport to the first hotel.
The retreat concludes on June 26, and we will arrange transportation back to Quito that day. If you plan to explore Ecuador before or after the retreat, you may want to book additional accommodations. We are happy to provide recommendations on where to stay.
Do I need a visa to attend the retreat?
No, a visa is not required for most travelers. You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
How much spending money should I bring?
Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar (USD), so there’s no need to exchange currency. It’s best to bring cash in small bills ($20s or smaller) since larger bills can be difficult to break, especially in smaller towns and markets.
For personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, and optional activities, $300–$400 should be sufficient for artisanal crafts and souvenirs. While some places accept credit cards, local markets are cash-only.
What kind of weather should I pack for?
Expect crisp cool mornings and evenings with mild to warm daytime temperatures. The Andes can be unpredictable, so we recommend:
• Warm layers (sweater, jacket, or fleece)
• A warm hat and gloves for cooler nights
• Comfortable hiking shoes for walking and nature excursions
• Rain-resistant outerwear in case of light showers
How physically demanding is the retreat?
This retreat includes some light hiking and walking on uneven terrain. While most activities are gentle and designed for all fitness levels, some excursions may involve short uphill walks. If you have any physical concerns, let’s chat to see if this retreat is the right fit for you.
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Ecuador?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Ecuador if you are traveling from the U.S., Canada, or Europe. You can come as you are without needing any additional shots.
If you’d like to explore general health recommendations for travel to Ecuador, you can check out the CDC’s travel guidelines.
What kind of food will be provided?
All meals will be fresh, nourishing, and locally sourced, with a mix of traditional Andean cuisine and plant-based options. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you.
Is this retreat suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Many people join retreats solo and find deep connection with like-hearted individuals. This is a safe, welcoming space to experience personal transformation and community.
Can I extend my stay in Ecuador before or after the retreat?
Yes! Ecuador has incredible destinations worth exploring, including Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands. If you’d like recommendations for extending your stay, feel free to ask.
What’s the rooming situation?
Rooms will be shared in a comfortable, nature-immersed setting. If you’re attending with a friend or partner and would like to room together, let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Are there payment plans available?
YES! Flexible payment options are available at checkout.
Is there WIFI and cell service at the retreat location?
Expect limited to no Wifi or cell service at the retreat site. This experience is designed for deep presence, unplugging, and reconnecting with nature. You’ll have access to communication before and after the retreat, but we encourage you to fully immerse in the experience.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all participants. Travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or unexpected travel delays.
If you’re unsure which travel insurance is right for you, feel free to reach out, and we’d be happy to help guide you toward options that fit your needs.
What’s the cancellation and refund policy?
Due to the nature of this retreat and the limited spots available, all payments are non-refundable. However, if an emergency arises and you can no longer attend, you may transfer your spot to another person. Please reach out as soon as possible if this applies to you.
How do I prepare for the Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony?
A detailed preparation guide will be sent to all confirmed participants. In general, you’ll be asked to follow a light, clean diet in the days leading up to the ceremony, reduce stimulants (caffeine, alcohol), and come with an open heart and intention. If you have any medical conditions or take medications, let’s discuss this to ensure a safe experience.
Is this a drug-free retreat?
Yes, this is a completely alcohol- and drug-free retreat. We ask all participants to honor the container by abstaining from recreational substances before and during the retreat to maintain the integrity of the experience.
Can I take photos or videos during the retreat?
We encourage you to be fully present during this experience, so we ask that photography and filming be kept to a minimum. Some sacred moments, especially during ceremony, will be photo-free spaces to honor privacy and deep personal work. We will have designated times where you can take photos if you wish to capture the beauty of the land and the experience.
Will there be integration support after the retreat?
Yes! This retreat is designed to stay with you long after you leave the Andes. We’ll have a group intention call prior to the journey and an integration call after the retreat to help you process and ground your experience into everyday life.
I have more questions. How can I get in touch?
I’d love to connect and answer anything on your heart. Feel free to email us at info@brendendurell.com