Camino al Sol

Camino al Sol holds traditional yagé (ayahuasca) retreats at Yaogará, a nature reserve in the Andes of Antioquia, Colombia, near Retiro. Retreats run once or twice a month, usually over a weekend, with up to three yagé ceremonies supported by coca, tobacco and traditional songs.

Approach

The founders are Diego Marmolejo, a traditional healer from Puerto Asís who reports more than 25 years of apprenticeship with elders of the Lower Putumayo, and Samuel Vélez Arismendy, a facilitator and student of ancestral medicine. Ceremonies are also led by Carlos Marmolejo, a shaman from Putumayo, and Andrea Díaz, a medicine woman who offers therapies for women and herbal treatments. Between ceremonies there are sharing circles, guided reflection, rest and walks, with optional meditation, breathwork, yoga, sound healing, cacao ceremonies, ancestral massage and plant baths. Meals are plant-based and gluten-free, in line with the traditional diet. The yagé is grown on the land or comes from elders in the community.

Practical details

Groups are given as 5 to 15 people, though the centre’s own description mentions up to 18 guests. Prices run from 750 to 1,000, with no currency stated. Before arrival, guests receive diet recommendations, help with setting intentions and logistical details, and integration calls follow the retreat.

Care and safety

Every applicant completes a detailed medical and psychological intake form on health history, current medication and emotional wellbeing. The team reviews each one, sometimes with a phone or video call, and decides on acceptance using traditional safety guidelines and modern medical considerations. A licensed doctor, Dr Marta Turpin, provides medical review and health oversight, and team members are available for one-to-one support during the stay.