San Pedro (Wachuma) Ceremony
The sacred Andean cactus that opens the heart and reconnects you with nature and with yourself.
Meet the medicine
What is this ceremony?
San Pedro, or Wachuma, is a sacred Andean cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi) used for thousands of years by the Inca and pre-Inca cultures as a medicine of the heart. It opens the emotions, connects with nature and favours the integration of experiences lived with other medicines.
At our centre it is worked in daytime ceremonies, in community and in contact with the earth, as a gentle and prolonged medicine that accompanies the process of self-knowledge with warmth and clarity.
Wachuma is one of the oldest medicines of the Andes, revered as a master plant of the heart. Its traditional use is associated with integration, emotional opening and reconnection with Mother Earth.
Duration
Full-day ceremony (approx. 10–12 hours) with a closing at nightfall.
Elements
Body, mind and spirit
Benefits of the ceremony
An honest look at what tradition, participants and science recognise.
Recognised by participants
- Emotional openness and greater empathy
- Reduced stress and tension
- Greater sense of connection with the environment
- Mental clarity and focus
Traditional medicine
- Opening of the heart
- Reconnection with nature and the elements
- Integration of experiences with other medicines
- Healing of emotional wounds
Psychological and therapeutic
- Release of emotional burdens
- Greater self-compassion
- Reflection on relationships and bonds
- A sense of community and belonging
Modern evidence
Scientific studies
Modern science is rediscovering what tradition has known for millennia.
Mescaline, the active principle of San Pedro, is one of the classic psychedelic substances most studied since the mid-20th century. Modern research has taken up its study in relation to wellbeing, creativity and emotional regulation.
The available evidence on mescaline is more limited than for other substances, but classic studies and contemporary observations support its potential to favour emotional openness and introspection.
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 San Pedro ceremony takes place during the day and is lived in community, in contact with nature. It is a gentle and prolonged medicine that accompanies without forcing, ideal for integration.
The experience is usually emotional and connective: the heart opens, nature comes alive and thoughts flow with clarity. It is a kind medicine, perfect for those seeking deep work without the intensity of ayahuasca.
Medicine of the heart
It works the emotions and compassion in a gentle, sustained way.
Connection with the earth
A ceremony in nature that reconnects with the environment.
Integration
Ideal for settling the work done with other medicines.
Before and after
Recommendations
Preparation and integration are as important as the ceremony itself.
Before the ceremony
- Complete the mandatory health questionnaire
- Light, vegan diet 3–7 days before
- Avoid alcohol and substances 48 h before
- Comfortable clothing and sun protection for the day
Recommended diet
- Fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Avoid sugar and stimulants
- Good hydration
- Declare medication in the questionnaire
Afterwards and integration
- Rest and gentle eating
- Time in nature
- Integration and reflection
- Share with the group and the guide
Voices of the community
Real testimonials
"San Pedro opened my heart like no other medicine. I left with enormous peace and gratitude."
Carlos
Spain
"A beautiful daytime ceremony in nature. I felt the earth and the heart as one."
Anna
Poland
"Perfect for integration. Gentle, deep and accompanied with great care by the team."
Marco
Italy
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