Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center
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Via Jadan, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador
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#1 of 119 Specialty lodging in Cuenca
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.9
Travelers' Choice
Sleeps 46. Relax in the real countryside of Ecuador on a mountain where a real Ecuadorian community thrives, enjoy fresh air and quiet, a hike, or sit by the campfire! Just outside of Cuenca, Ecuador, Gaia Sagrada is easily accessed by car, bus or taxi (driver must know where we are). Bring your own food and cook for yourself if you are staying between retreats, or enjoy one of the many retreats we offer. AYAHUASCA RETREATS and SAN PEDRO RETREATS with real Ecuadorian shamans are offered monthly, providing a safe, secure, nurturing environment in which to experience this amazing adventure. Wifi Internet, Clean, modern housing, electricity, 24hr hot water, Sauna, Hot Tub, Hiking, Kitchen to cook for yourself or $15/day for food during retreats even if not participating in retreats, help yourself to the buffet! Yoga room, movie room, games, light a campfire at patio if you like, walk 3/4 mile to little store nearby, gardens, organic farm, fireflies, stars and moonlight! See our Ayahuasca Retreats and San Pedro Retreats with Ecuadorian shamans schedule if you are interested in Ayahuasca Retreats dates.
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Property amenities
Free internet
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Shared bathroom
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HOTEL STYLE
Green
Great View
Languages Spoken
Spanish
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Via Jadan, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador
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I can't express my gratitude for Christine, the beautiful space she has created and the staff members that were all available during out stay at Gaia. It was truly a transformative trip and I'm so so so happy we chose to go there. We met so many amazing individuals that were on their healing journey and we became this beautiful family that helped each other heal. We will definitely go back in a couple years after we work through what we learned while we were there. Gaia made me feel so safe and never once was I worried about anything going wrong. One of the biggest delights was the delicious food as well! If you really are questioning where to go- go here! You won't regret it.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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This retreat is a one of a kind. The entire team, staff, grounds, facilities, and experience is like nothing I have ever experienced. I would recommend this retreat to anyone who is interested in growing, expanding, getting down and in the dirt and working on themselves. It is not easy. It is messy. But ignorance is not bliss and this retreat helped me to step into my power and be the powerful being that I am. It will turn your paradigms and beliefs on their head and challenge everything you think you know. You'll be better for it. Thank you Gaia Sagrada family!
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Date of stay: September 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
No words! It's no exaggeration to say this was probably the best 2-week 'vacation' of my life. I say; 'vacation' - because it is work -- but deep - soul cleansing - awe-inspiring - life-changing work. The whole team at Gaia is just INCREDIBLE -- Christine - Wendy - Joanna - Louise - Yanik - Brandon - Ellie - Rene - and more. Amazing beautiful scenery - fantastic food - and such a loving and supportive community. My advice would be to go for the 12 days - you will not regret it. We are already planning a return journey next year. Beautiful people and lifelong love and friendships made. Everyone in our Group has said the same thing.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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I am someone that has attended three retreats here starting in 2015. Gaia Sagrada has shaped my life for the better by far. I cherish all my experiences here, the medicines are really something and the important thing to me is that there is a real ceremonial and safe setting for experiencing these medicines. After my first retreat in 2015 I did travel and have experienced ayahuasca in Costa Rica and Peru but not always in the safest and purest environments in those countries. I am so grateful that I found a place that I know I can trust and feel safe, and know that I am supported. I found that it’s like a small community where you support each other and even make lifelong friends.
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Date of stay: October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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I’m 21 years old. This was my first time ever doing Ayahuasca or San Pedro. I can’t lie I thought I was in way over my head traveling out of the US all the way to Ecuador seeking inner truth…. I’m so glad I followed my heart and didn’t listen to the doubts… It was an incredible, life changing experience! I know you probably read this from many people and it sounds very cliche. The truth is ultimately you have to show up for your self and no one will do the work for you. I have A LOT of anxiety and I was able to really express my feelings freely without feeling like I was impeding on anyone else. I felt safe to just feel my feelings. The support and kindness of the volunteers as well as your fellow retreat participants and the openness, respect and safety you are surrounded by could not be more conducive to healing. Without even taking a drop of plant medicine you can feel a magic here. It just felt so right that I ended up there and everyone that you meet is exactly who needed to be there. It’s hard not to see that you all are there to reveal something in each-other. The divine is apparent. The food is great, the volunteer work is simple and rewarding and the people are just incredible human beings. It is by no means easy but the support at this place makes the difference. The people truly care and aren’t just acting a part. Take a deep breath and take the plunge you won’t regret it! This is the time to step into your power! I’m so grateful for this experience and will hopefully return to volunteer… maybe I’ll see you then ?! ❤️🌱💫…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: I’d definitely recommend paying extra for a more direct flight. We did not do that this trip and...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Absolutely incredible and life changing experience! This was my first time working with plant medicines. I didn't know what to expect and I wasn't sure I'd even participate in ceremonies unless I felt really safe and confident. But the moment I arrived, I was greeted by staff and volunteers with warm smiles, big hugs and open hearts. I knew I had arrived to the right place. Such a beautiful, safe place, nestled in the mountains. The shamans there are the real deal. Such incredible, spiritual plant medicine experiences. And I felt very well taken care of by the staff and volunteers throughout my experience. They have thought of every detail and anticipated every need. My room was clean and comfortable. The vegetarian food was outstanding. I love the casual atmosphere. By day 2, I felt like we were one big happy family, so connected to the people there, the land, and also myself. Lots of beautiful walks and quiet spots to journal as well as communal areas and workshops/classes to connect with others. The perfect blend for a healing, transformative experience. I'm already trying to figure out when I can return. Thank you, Gaia Sagrada! What a gift to the world to create and share this magical place and experience!…
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I attended the 7-day Ayahuasca/San Pedro retreat at Gaia Sagrada. I am a 68-year-old male and this was the first time I had experienced these medicines. It was a wonderful and healing experience. I am still processing the event and will be for some time. But I do know that I have changed for the better as I have a much better attitude about life than I did before I attended "Gaia." The food was wonderful. I am not a vegetarian so I was a bit concerned, however, the meals were delicious and very satisfying. One reason why I have decided to put more effort into eating only vegetarian since I left the retreat. Meeting all the fantastic people at "Gaia" was more than half the great experience. Living in the conservative rural midwest bible-belt, I often crave stimulating thought and conversation from those that are in align to my belief system and I found them at "Gaia." I had many conversations with those from all over the world! We have a WhatsAp group and converse regularly. The staff at "Gaia" consisted mostly of volunteers and they were fantastic! If you had a question they would always be helpful. I especially liked Wendy, the manager, she seemed to always have time for talk and made sure everything was running smoothly. The ceremonies were grueling; sometimes harsh sometimes joy-filled. We all were one and celebrated together. There was crying and there was laughter...healing in all of it. I've been on many spiritual retreats, participated in Native American ceremonies and even attended a Sundance at Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota in my many years searching for my true soul. Now I can add Gaia Sagrada Retreat Center to my list of healing experiences. I highly recommend "Gaia" but it is like everything else. What you put in it is what you get.…
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to do a twelve day retreat at Gaia Sagrada Retreat Center. Having the chance to work with plant medicine was incredible, but more importantly, the staff, volunteers, and other guests were so kind and friendly. If you are looking for an authentic experience with plant medicine in a safe and authentic environment, then I highly recommend Gaia Sagrada. Also, the owner, Christine, is the star of the show. I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to meet her and learn from her. It was a truly wonderful experience
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Date of stay: July 2022
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Room Tip: Highly recommend going for the twelve day retreat rather than the six or seven day retreats.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Let's say I had no real intention to select this retreat for plant medicine, I just wanted to visit Ecuador, do yoga, and read some novels in a beautiful setting! But it came to me through many little coincidences and I knew I had to go AND very glad I did. This is certainly not for the fainted heart as digging in and cleansing our mind, body and spirit, of known and unknown traumas is not easy. But once you step in and become a warrior the rewards are priceless. I won't get into details as this is an individual journey so I will talk about the setting which is beautiful, the staff which is so loving, supportive, and knowledgeable that you can't help love all of them, the food was beautiful and lovingly made, and the people you meet are wonderful because we all are there to be our authentic selves and advance to living out of our highest self and not the stuck child. Christine Breese is pure love (extremely funny) and genuine. Taking on this very difficult task to create such spaces to heal human beings so we can heal our collective consciousness and hope to move towards peace and harmony for all living beings sharing this beautiful planet with us. While I must say it was not easy, I am now home much lighter in my body and downloading tons of useful information for the short book I have been planning to write. I also appreciate the price not being so ridiculously expensive like many retreats that claim to have the same aim. Thank you, Christine, and thanks to every single beautiful being at Gaia who worked so hard to make our journey as comfortable and rewarding as possible. Love you all!…
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Date of stay: April 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I don't even know where to begin to sing the praises I have for Gaia Sagrada. I guess foremost I have to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible staff and volunteers who facilitate these incredible journeys. Of course we all come to these retreats for the Medicine, but the medicine is not just in the plants, it's in the incredible Love and Spirit that the Gaia family offers through their humble service. Throughout every ceremony, staff and volunteers were present, sober and supporting of the participants as we surrendered to the plant medicine. They were so attentive, gentle, and genuinely kind in the way they offered their support. Outside of the ceremonies, they were completely giving of their time and attention, checking in with you personally, sitting down in the grass to have a spontaneous heart-to-heart chats, being completely available in the moment any time you had a question or needed help. Always holding space with complete unconditional love. So thank you so much, familia. The shamans as well, so beautifully down to earth and sincere in their giving of their traditions and sacred medicines. What I loved about each shaman was the sincerity, reverence and human-ness they brought into each ceremony, all the while sprinkling in bits of comic relief with their funny commentaries occasionally. I loved this because I believe silliness IS sacred when it is sincere. In the heaviness of the ceremonies, the occasional funny remark made our open hearts laugh like children and the solidarity of understanding the humor made the bond feel that much stronger. Being able to talk to the shamans outside of ceremonies was also a blessing. And of course, the center itself on such beautiful grounds is truly part of the sacred beauty at Gaia Sagrada. The land is beautiful, the buildings are lovely, and the energy of the place can be felt. Also, the food was amazing! I can't imagine going anywhere else for such an experience. The way they have laid out the order of the ceremonies is genius. It takes you through such a journey. And the integration between ceremonies truly brings you so close to the other retreaters who are with you. Indeed, we did leave feeling that we truly have a new family. I am so grateful. Aho!…
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Date of stay: April 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
LOCATION
EcuadorAzuay ProvinceCuenca
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center
Which popular attractions are close to Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center?
Nearby attractions include La Casa de la Makana (2.9 miles) and Belissa, tu moda urbana (4.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include airport transportation, meeting rooms, and laundry service.
What are some restaurants close to Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center?
Conveniently located restaurants include Museo De La Gastronomia Cuencana Restaurante, Villa Ana María, and BUFFALO WINGS & RIBS.
Does Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center have airport transportation?
Yes, Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Gaia Sagrada Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.