San Pedro (Huachuma) Ceremonies in Guatemala
Experience the gentle, heart-opening medicine of the Andes. Sacred outdoor ceremonies in nature and by the fire, guided by experienced facilitators, connecting you to Pachamama and Universal Love.
What is
San Pedro (Huachuma)?
San Pedro, known as Wachuma or Huachuma in its native Quechua language, is a sacred cactus medicine from the Andes mountains of Peru and Ecuador. Used for over 3,000 years in traditional healing ceremonies, this gentle yet profound plant medicine is known as 'The Medicine of the Heart' for its ability to open your heart chakra and connect you deeply to love, nature, and the divine energy of Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Unlike the intense inward journey of Ayahuasca, San Pedro ceremonies often take place outdoors in daylight, allowing you to connect with nature, walk the land, and experience the world with an open heart and expanded awareness. The medicine is gentle, loving, and forgiving—perfect for those new to plant medicine or seeking a softer, heart-centered healing experience.
The San Pedro Experience
San Pedro ceremonies typically begin in the morning and last 8-12 hours. After drinking the medicine (which tastes earthy and slightly bitter), you'll spend time in a beautiful natural setting—whether that's a nearby waterfall, the mountains surrounding Antigua, or our retreat gardens.
As the medicine takes effect (usually within 1-2 hours), you'll notice a gentle opening of perception. Colors become more vibrant. Nature feels alive and connected to you. Your heart feels open and loving. Many people experience waves of gratitude, forgiveness, and unconditional love—for themselves, others, and all of existence.
You're free to walk, sit, lie down, journal, or simply be with the medicine. Our facilitators hold space throughout the day, offering support, guidance, and occasional prompts for reflection. Some people process emotions, others receive insights, and many simply bask in the profound peace and connection the medicine provides.
What San Pedro Can Help With
Heart Opening
Dissolve walls around your heart and reconnect with your capacity to love
Self-Love
Experience yourself with compassion and unconditional acceptance
Connection To Nature
Remember your place in the web of life and heal from disconnection
Life Perspective
Gain clarity on what truly matters without the intensity of Ayahuasca
Emotional Healing
Process grief, release resentment, cultivate forgiveness
Spiritual Connection
Feel connected to something greater, whether you call it God, Universe, or Pachamama
San Pedro vs. Ayahuasca: What's the Difference?
Ayahuasca:
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Intense, inward journey
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Nighttime ceremonies in darkness
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Often involves purging (vomiting)
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Confrontational—shows you what you need to see
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4-6 hour experience
San Pedro:
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Gentle, heart-centered journey
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Daytime ceremonies outdoors in nature
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Rarely involves purging
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Loving—shows you beauty and connection
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8-12 hour experience
Many people choose to experience both medicines, often starting with San Pedro for its gentler nature, then working with Ayahuasca when they're ready for deeper work. Or they may do Ayahuasca first, then use San Pedro to integrate and anchor insights in the heart.
San Pedro
Ceremony Settings
We hold San Pedro ceremonies in carefully chosen natural locations around Antigua:
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Waterfall Ceremonies: At a beautiful waterfall near Antigua, surrounded by mountains
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Mountain Ceremonies: In the hills overlooking the valley, connecting with earth and sky
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Retreat's Sacred Fire Ceremonies: Nighttime ceremonies in our facility, going comfortably deep into the night
Safety and Preparation
San Pedro is generally safe and well-tolerated. Unlike Ayahuasca, it has fewer medication contraindications (though we still require disclosure of all medications and health conditions). We ask that you:
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Fast or eat a small fruit the morning of ceremony
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Avoid alcohol, red meat and processed foods 3 days before
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Come well-rested
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Set clear intentions for your experience
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Disclose any heart conditions or high blood pressure
Available San Pedro Experiences
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Single San Pedro Ceremony: One full-day ceremony
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4-Day San Pedro Journey: Two ceremonies with integration time
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6-Day San Pedro Immersion: Three ceremonies for deep heart opening
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Combined Retreats: Pair with Ayahuasca for complete healing, like: 5-Day Aya + San Pedro: Our most popular program, combining both medicines (2 Aya + 1 San Pedro)
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Add to Any Retreat: Include San Pedro ceremonies in your custom program​