Bufo Alvarius Ceremony
The medicine of the Sonoran desert: revelation is a single breath away — a brief, immensely intense encounter with the totality.
Meet the medicine
What is this ceremony?
Bufo Alvarius is the secretion of the Sonoran desert toad (Incilius alvarius), rich in 5-MeO-DMT, one of the most potent psychedelic substances known. It is used in individual, brief and intense ceremonies that offer a direct encounter with expanded consciousness.
Given its potency, at our centre it is only offered after a prior preparation process, within a retreat and with a very rigorous safety protocol. It is the natural culmination of a path of transformation.
Bufo Alvarius comes from the Sonoran desert in Mexico, where it has been worked as a medicine of awakening. Its effect, brief and intense, is described as an encounter with the totality or the “experience of non-duality”.
Duration
Brief individual ceremony (minutes of intense effect) with extended preparation and accompaniment.
Elements
Body, mind and spirit
Benefits of the ceremony
An honest look at what tradition, participants and science recognise.
Recognised by participants
- A profound sense of unity and non-duality
- Reduced existential anxiety in studies
- Greater sense of wellbeing and connection
- A transformative perspective on life and death
Traditional medicine
- An encounter with the totality
- Temporary release of the ego
- Reconnection with the source
- An experience of awakening
Psychological and therapeutic
- Reduced fear of death
- A reorganisation of life priorities
- Release of deep burdens
- A sense of peace and surrender
Modern evidence
Scientific studies
Modern science is rediscovering what tradition has known for millennia.
5-MeO-DMT, the active principle of Bufo Alvarius, has been the subject of recent research. Studies have documented significant improvements in wellbeing, life satisfaction and the reduction of anxiety and depression after experiences with 5-MeO-DMT in safe contexts.
The evidence is promising but preliminary and more research is needed. The use of this medicine always requires preparation, a safe context and professional accompaniment.
This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute a medical indication. For any health condition, please consult a healthcare professional.
Sacred moments
Images of the ceremony
100,000 m² · Costa Rica
A sanctuary open 365 days a year
Ceremony hall in Costa Rica: participants dressed in white seated in a circle with candles and a central altar
The process
What can I expect?
The ceremony is individual, brief and intense. After breathwork preparation, the effect manifests within seconds and lasts between 15 and 45 minutes in its most intense phase, with close accompaniment throughout the process.
The experience is often described as an encounter with the totality: the temporary dissolution of the ego and a profound sense of unity. It requires prior preparation and a safe context; that is why at our centre it is offered within a complete retreat.
Individual ceremony
1:1 accompaniment for a safe and well-held experience.
Essential preparation
It is only offered after a prior process within the retreat.
Careful integration
Extensive space to settle such an intense experience.
Before and after
Recommendations
Preparation and integration are as important as the ceremony itself.
Before the ceremony
- Complete the mandatory health questionnaire
- It is part of a complete retreat, not offered in isolation
- Breathwork and meditation preparation
- Light, vegan diet in the days beforehand
Recommended diet
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoid stimulants and sugar
- Proper hydration
- No substances 48 h before
Afterwards and integration
- Extended rest and silence
- Accompaniment with the guide
- Time to integrate the intensity
- Avoid driving or major decisions for 24 h
Voices of the community
Real testimonials
"An experience impossible to describe in words. I felt the totality and returned with a peace I had not known."
Daniel
Spain
"Bufo freed me from the fear of death. The team’s support was impeccable at all times."
Elena
Romania
"Brief and immensely intense. I needed days to integrate it, but it changed the way I see life."
James
United Kingdom
Reviews and opinions from our participants
+10,000 Members from 30 Countries
Thousands of people from all over the world have experienced their Ayahuasca ceremonies with us. Their trust is our greatest guarantee.
102 reseñas en Google
Centro Holistico Afinando el Alma
Cox, Alicante, España
Última comprobación: 16 de agosto de 2026 · Fuente: Google
Las opiniones mostradas en Google son publicadas por participantes y usuarios de forma independiente. Consulta la ficha de Google para ver el conjunto completo de reseñas. Te invitamos a compartir una opinión honesta, sin incentivos a cambio.
Testimonials published on our website
“A truly transformative experience. The team accompanied me with exceptional depth and care. The ceremony was a journey inside myself that I will never forget. Highly recommended for those seeking real healing.”
María González
2 weeks ago
“I arrived with a lot of fear and left renewed. The space is absolutely sacred, the team very professional and the care before, during and after the ceremony is impeccable. The medicine helped me release burdens I had been carrying for years.”
Carlos Martínez
1 month ago
“The Afinando el Alma centre is a magical place. I went to the healing retreat and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Professional, respectful and with impeccable preparation. Ayahuasca is powerful and they know how to work with it.”
Ana Ruiz
3 weeks ago
“I have participated in two ceremonies with them and each time the experience is deeper. I fully trust their guidance. They are a reference in Spain for working with ancestral medicines. Very grateful to the whole team.”
David Torres
2 months ago
“Thanks to the association I have been able to heal wounds I did not even know I had. The intensive retreat exceeded all my expectations. A safe, contained space full of love. I recommend them with all my heart.”
Laura Sánchez
1 week ago
“Everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail. Juan Diego has a special gift for guiding ceremonies. I left completely transformed. If you are looking for a trusted place to work with master plants, this is the place.”
Roberto Navarro
3 months ago
These testimonials are experiences shared by participants on our website and do not correspond to public Google reviews. To check verifiable Google reviews, use the block above.
Your journey to Costa Rica begins here
Valle La Estrella · Limón · Costa Rica
All our ceremonies and retreats will take place from 15 February 2027 in Valle La Estrella, in a jungle setting on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. We guide you through travel planning, arrival, accommodation and retreat preparation.
Our center in Spain remains open as a meeting point for talks, preparation and community gatherings — no ceremonies.
Sacred jungle
Ceremonies surrounded by pristine nature
Organized trip
We coordinate flight, transfer and lodging
Traveling community
Small groups, full accompaniment
Centro en Valle La Estrella