A trip to Bolivia to the Kallawaya people.

Bolivia. La Paz. Charazani.
20.08.25. - 30.08.25.

This event can only be attended by those familiar with the sacred medicine of Wachuma and only after a preliminary interview!

We will meet you on August 20 in La Paz, Bolivia, to depart to the Kallawalla region before sunrise on the 21st. Our journey will pass through incredible places where we will bless coca leaves to meet and pay homage to the forces of the Andes.

Since Incan times, Andean healers have been bearers of plant and nature wisdom. They are keepers of traditional Andean cosmology and the sacred medicine of Wachuma, abundant in their region. They live in mystical communication and harmony with nature, outside of Western culture, like a living treasure from ancient times. Andean pilgrims still travel the world sharing their healing knowledge. UNESCO has recognized them as a cultural heritage without material representation.

Don Aurelio is a native of the Charazani department in northern La Paz, Bolivia. He practices healing using various medicinal plants in the tradition of the Kallawaya people. Aurelio Ortiz is a herbalist, healer, and renowned traditional doctor of the Ayllu Kallawaya Llunlaya community, an outstanding representative of his culture and community. For 7 days, we will be under the care and guidance of our respected and cheerful Maestro Don Aurelio Ortiz and his wife Justina, who will oversee our accommodation and meals. We will be welcomed guests.

At the very beginning of our stay at Aurelio's house, we will go to collect the sacred plant Vachuma, also known as the San Pedro cactus. This process is sacred in the Kallawaya culture. And we will touch each of the stages, from collection to preparation. Be prepared for the fact that this process is accompanied by the intake of Vachuma and the work itself requires physical strength and endurance. All the cactus that we collect will be necessary for us throughout our stay in Charazani; before all events and rituals, it is necessary to take this sacred medicine.

In the heart of the Bolivian Andes, near the town of Charazani, stands the snow-covered and majestic mountain known as Apu Utumany. This mountain is one of the central sanctuaries of the ancient Kallawaya people. The hike will begin before dawn and last for three hours. Along the narrow paths, used for over 5000 years, we will ascend to the altar, a sacred place overlooking the mountain Apu Utumany. Here, with Aurelio, we will perform a ritual of offering to the Earth, the mountain spirits, and the nature deities. In this place, we will be able to feel the great forces of nature and the connection with our ancestors.

The program at the home of Aurelio and Justina is very intense. We will not only learn about their traditions but also actively participate in each of the rituals. We will build a Temazcal in the Kallawaya tradition. We will gather medicinal herbs, the properties of which are known only to the inhabitants of this region. Aurelio will conduct a "white mass" ritual. Each participant will undergo an individual "cleansing" ritual, which will help to rid oneself of negative past experiences. It may be possible to participate in a coca leaf divination ceremony, as practiced by Maestro Aurelio's ancestors. Not everyone is ready to learn about their future, so participation in this ritual is not mandatory but will be possible throughout your stay in Charazani.

After seven days we will return to La Paz on the 28th for rest, and on the 29th, we will head to Tiwanaku, a captivating witness to an ancient culture. The Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) Ruins are one of the most significant archaeological sites in Bolivia, representing an ancient civilization that existed long before the Incas. Located on the high-altitude Altiplano plateau, not far from the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, the ruins are considered evidence of one of the greatest ancient societies of South America.

On the 30th, we have a trip planned to the "Witches' Walk" fair. In the heart of Bolivia, on the steep streets of the old city of La Paz, lies one of the most mysterious and mystical places in the world - the Witch Market (El Mercado de las Brujas). This is a place where mysticism intertwines with ancient traditions, where magic becomes not just a part of everyday life, but an integral foundation. For centuries, the Witch Market has attracted both locals and tourists eager to understand the culture of the Andes and its close connection to the world of spirits, plants, and shamanism.

Dear friends, I want to tell you that the Ayawaska Retreat project is not about tourist trips. Ayawaska Retreat is a project about a spiritual journey, another life, another culture, other people. And about the path. Your path, the one you want to take. Why do you need this? Only you will know. And even that's not always the case. The journey involves staying at altitudes of 3000 to 4000 meters above sea level. The road to Charazani goes through a narrow and dangerous serpentine, which also implies overcoming certain fears. Gathering cacti, hiking, and other activities require special physical endurance. You will only be able to wash and launder your clothes during your stay in Charazani in the cold mountain river. Many difficulties can be encountered during this journey. If you are not ready for these challenges, think about it in advance. For those who are ready for this immersion, we can say that you will be able to touch history and traditions that are rapidly transforming and disappearing with the evolving world. In Charazani, it is possible to find harmony, talk to the mountains, and listen to our mother nature.

Living in high altitude areas may cause pressure disturbances in some individuals, so it is necessary to consult a doctor in advance about possible problems. Wild pumas inhabit the Andes, although they do not approach settlements, so it is not advisable to walk along trails at night, especially alone. When trekking on trails, all precautions should be taken to avoid falls, as the slopes can be very steep with deep ravines. Under no circumstances should plants be consumed without prior knowledge of how it can be consumed, in what form, and dosage. The temperature in the mountains can vary greatly, so it is necessary to have both sunscreen protection from the sun and thermal clothing and other warm items. Finally, Charazani has a large variety of herbs and plants that can bloom and cause allergies, so do not forget to bring antiallergic medication.

Thermal underwear, jacket, (warm clothes, hoodie, sweaters, warm socks, swimwear).
Wide-brimmed sun hat, warm hat.
Water bottle.
Sunscreen.
Lightweight sneakers, trekking shoes.
Notebook, pen, musical instruments.
First aid kit: band-aid, alcohol, talcum powder, antibacterial ointment, diarrhea medicine, antibiotics, pain reliever, antiallergic medication, among others that may be needed for health issues.