SHAMANIC SAN PEDRO RETREAT, EUROPE

1st - 4th AUGUST 2025 (Now Booking)

A ONE OF A KIND RETREAT SHOWCASING THE HEALING ARTS OF THE ANDES

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE CACTUS

Nested within the secluded and tranquil hills of Central Portugal, Shamanic Space offers a unique and authentic opportunity to experience the powerful healing benefits of Wachuma. Join Peruvian archaeologist and Maestro of San Pedro, Dr Rubén Orellana PhD, transpersonal-psychotherapist Michele Costa Lukis and shamanic practitioner Leandro D’Andrea as they guide you through a unique workshop working with Wachuma with the intention of healing spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Known indigenously as Wachuma, commonly as San Pedro and scientifically as Echinopsis Pachanoi, this ancient plant medicine has been used for more than 3,500 years by many different civilizations within the Andes for it profound healing and visionary properties. The medicine is sometimes referred to as ‘the doorway’, punku, as it allows passage to a realm of heightened consciousness, enhanced creativity and inspiration, wisdom and healing; thereby reawakening one’s passion for life and restoring equilibrium in the mind, body and spirit.

“In the most beautiful setting, total peace and quiet...the perfect space to be able to quieten your mind and open your heart.”

Wachuma offers the opportunity to work within your shadow and move deeply into your subconscious and ego to unearth the underlying issues preventing you from leading a life of love, harmony and balance. When we truly connect with the healing energy of San Pedro, we are given the space and loving support to release, to nurture, to receive inspiration, to rediscover our true nature and to find our path and purpose.

OUR WACHUMA CEREMONIES

THE RETREAT

San Pedro leads us to embrace the divine dark, where nothing is hidden.

Set within the secluded and tranquil hills of Central Portugal, surrounded by eucalyptus, pine and cork oak trees, our home is a beautiful holistic retreat centre. Far from the crowds, the centre is a lovingly restored hundred year old manor house with wonderful views of the valley. We hope you will enjoy the stunning views and enjoy a stroll through the local forests as you form your relationship with Wachuma. During our time together, we encourage you to take a break from any devises that will distract from immersing yourself in the natural beauty of your new surroundings and your experience with Wachuma.

In this unique workshop we will work with Wachuma in the traditional manner to explore the ancient ceremonies that have survived the test of time, showcasing the healing arts of the Andes whilst helping you to grow spiritually and detoxify. Our ceremonies will be held by day and night in our beautiful purpose built space with Michele, Rubén and Leandro holding space for the group. Integration and processing circles will be held following each ceremony to help interpret the teachings of wachuma.

Whilst the work may be profound, there is always time for fun, laughter and great food!

REQUEST ITINERARY

YOUR GUIDES

Dr Rubén Orellana, curandero and former head archaeologist of Machu Picchu will hold space for the group alongside transpersonal-psychotherapist Michele Costa Lukis and shamanic practitioner Leandro D’Andrea.

Having majored in chemistry and social sciences, Rubén is an expert on the historical and contemporary aspects of San Pedro shamanism and healing in Peru. He spent twenty-two years as head curator of Machu Picchu where he is credited with the discovery of forty-four new sites. In addition to his academic credentials as a historian and scientist, Dr Orellana is a practicing shaman himself, studying with the healers or Paqo (Shaman) of the Andes from the age of seven. Rubén’s knowledge of healing plant medicine and ceremonies has been passed down through generations of Andean tradition. When Michele once asked Ruben how many times he had conducted San Pedro ceremonies, he paused and said “over eight hundred”.

"When I cook San Pedro I often see images in the brew of the people who will come to drink it. I see in the liquid the parts of their bodies where healing is needed, like the heart or kidneys. Or maybe the messages are more symbolic and concern a feeling or state of mind. In this way, I receive premonitions of who will drink and the particular concerns they have. This is normal and one of the ways that the plant might speak with us. As people develop their own connections with San Pedro and learn it's secret language they will also see these things and it helps them to prepare as healers."

Michele Costa Lukis brings her expertise of twenty years as a practicing psychotherapist and Shamanic practitioner whose work has led her around the world, studying many varied traditions over the past twenty years. She is also a Reiki Master and regularly holds workshops in the UK and works alongside Dr. Rubén Orellana as a guide in Peru.

Through their combined expertise and knowledge Ruben, Michele and Leandro help their clients on the path to health, well being, personal empowerment and spiritual growth. They work in harmony to remove blocks and life obstacles at source, restoring the balance of mind, body and spirit, providing the tools to release what no longer serves you and to integrate the learning from medicine into your daily life.

Your guides

Join This Retreat

“The San Pedro Retreat was such an incredible experience. Working with the plant medicines under the guidance and wisdom of Michele and Ruben has been life changing. To work in such a beautiful setting with such beautiful people opened my heart to what can be possible in life…I will definitely be joining Shamanic Space on as many of their retreats as possible!”

Cassie

“So beautiful and restful. Between Michele and Rubén I felt really safe, relaxed and watched over. I also appreciate that there was a close, careful and extremely sensitive and experienced eye on my use of San Pedro. I had no idea what to expect but find these days I am more and more grateful for ‘gentle’. It was lovely to see you and be under your care again. I am sure I will be back.”

Sasha

“Meeting Shamanic Space placed me on a healing journey which has changed my perspective on life in very radical way and empowered me to practice a way of being which feels as if my life belongs to me. I have much to learn and experience and it feels good to be on this path knowing that I am safe and in good company. I am grateful to her and Rubén, Anna and Leandro and their extended Curandero family and feel so much affection for them.”

Suzanne

INCLUDES

Three nights accommodation within our beautiful, secluded retreat centre in the hills of Central Portugal.
Three Traditional Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremonies lovingly brewed by highly experienced and renowned curandero, Dr Rubén Orellana PHD. Rubén is considered a ‘maestro’ and has been conducting ceremonies since 1976 with an unblemished record. He will be joining us from his home in the Andes, Peru to hold this retreat.
A dedicated and highly experienced team committed to guiding you through each step of your journey with San Pedro. We are always available to discuss any elements of the work in private should you wish.
A discussion on San Pedro with Rubén, connecting you with the history of this beautiful medicine and answering any questions you may have as we prepare to receive the medicine and its teachings.

Circles prior to each ceremony to help you discover and refine your intention. Our team are also available for 1-1 discussions.
Processing and integration circles are held after each ceremony to help process what Wachuma may have brought forth. Michele Costa-Lukis brings her expertise of twenty-five years as a transpersonal psychotherapist, medicine woman and Shamanic practitioner.
Delicious, homemade vegetarian meals in keeping with the dieta for working with Wachuma made with fresh, local ingredients - some from the retreat’s own garden!
Transfers to and from the airport.

* NOT INCLUDED: Flights to and from Portugal, personal travel insurance, alcoholic beverages (not recommended), personal items or airport tax.

* Please note the fee does NOT include flights to and from Portugal, personal travel insurance, airport tax or personal spending.