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Sacred Pathways IFS & Ayahuasca Retreat in Brazil

Join us on an IFS & Ayahuasca Retreat, a 8-day healing journey in Brazil in April 2026 (dates to be announced). We will explore the indigenous wisdom of Amazonian traditions with the support of IFS therapy.

Book your spot (April 2026)
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Healing with Amazonian Plant Teachers

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During this 8-day retreat in Brazil, we will embark on a guided journey of self-discovery and inner parts with IFS & Ayahuasca in the heart of an Atlantic Rainforest, near Rio de Janeiro. Here, the Indigenous wisdom of Amazonian traditions meets the holistic, psychological approach of IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy).

 

At the heart of this retreat are three sacred ceremonies rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Huni Kuin people – an Indigenous group from the Brazilian Amazon known for their deep connection to the forest and its plant teachers. Each ceremony will incorporate three Amazonian master plants: Ayahuasca, Rapé (sacred snuff), and Sananga (medicinal eye drops), used in alignment with the Huni Kuin’s ceremonial protocols and prayer songs.

 

The Huni Kuin, meaning “true people,” uphold an unbroken tradition of forest-guided healing. Through sacred chants, live music, and spiritual presence, they lead ceremonies that offer a profound journey and a rare opportunity to experience their medicine in its authentic Indigenous context.

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We will aim towards a truly transformational experience that doesn’t just fade with time. Guided by the wisdom of Ayahuasca, we’ll learn to receive its gifts through an original Indigenous perspective, held within a safe and supportive container informed by Western psychotherapy. Rooted in IFS, this retreat offers trauma-informed, embodied spaceholding throughout the whole journey.

 

Our team for this retreat includes eight facilitators – a gathering of IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapists, practitioners and Indigenous representatives of the Huni Kuin – ensuring a safe and deeply integrative approach. We are honoured to host exceptional ceremony leaders born in Brazil. Together, we will create a safe space for transformative experiences, deeply respecting their Brazilian roots.

During this retreat, we will hold space for three ceremonies with Ayahuasca which has been a master healer in various traditions for thousands of years.

A 6-month Journey

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3 Online Preparation Circles

Starting 3 months before the retreat

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“Sacred Pathways” Retreat in Brazil

8 days

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2 Online Integration Circles

Within 2 months after the retreat

Each participant will take part in 3 Online Preparation Circles for preparation in the three months leading up to the retreat, followed 2 Online Integration Circles in the two months afterward. Altogether, the retreat journey spans 6 months, offering a supportive arc of preparation, immersion, and integration.

 

During the preparation phase, we will begin building a safe and supportive container, connect as a group, and use Internal Family Systems (IFS) practices to clarify our intentions for the retreat.

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All of the preparation and integration circles will be facilitated by a Certified IFS therapist and two creators of this retreat: Gabriella Csanádi, an anthropologist with a passion for Brazilian healing paths and an IFS Practitioner from Hungary, and Michał Pasterski, an IFS Practitioner from Poland and a founder of Life Architect.

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IFS-based Preparation

A unique perspective of this retreat lies in how we approach intention – not as a fixed outcome or a personal agenda to strive for, but as a process of connecting to our parts and allowing the intention to emerge from their deep longings.
 

The guidance offered by Plant Teachers can be profound, yet often communicated in a language that is symbolic, non-linear, and unfamiliar—making it challenging to fully interpret and integrate.

 

With thoughtful preparation and a clear, grounded intention rooted in genuine personal longing, this guidance usually unfolds into a lasting process of inner transformation.

 

Clarifying intention becomes a powerful anchor during ceremony, helping us stay connected to what truly matters. It also serves as a guiding thread throughout the entire journey—supporting us in both the preparation and integration phases.

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When a clear intention is set, Ayahuasca can guide us in reclaiming the qualities we have lost touch with, reconnecting with exiled parts of ourselves, and gently softening the grip of protective manager parts—all in a deeply personal and unique way.

 

Entering an entheogenic journey without a clear intention can lead to a wide range of experiences—beautiful, unexpected, and at times, challenging. While this can still hold value, the absence of direction may make integration more difficult.

 

With personalized support to ensure all parts are heard and aligned, and with a well-defined intention, the experience has the potential to become truly life-changing.

 

As part of the preparation phase before the retreat, you’ll receive guidance on how to approach this work by integrating Amazonian Sacred Plant practices with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, creating a safe and grounded foundation for your journey.

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Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is mainly for:

 

  • People who would like to explore working with Ayahuasca in a legal setting that includes the wisdom of local, indigenous traditions and the safety of a western, psychotherapeutic approach,
  • Individuals seeking deep therapeutic work through the use of Plant Teachers in a supportive container with a number of professional guides,
  • IFS-informed and IFS-trained mental health professionals, therapists, practitioners and seekers,
  • Anyone ready to dive into transformative experiences and explore profound personal growth.

 

You don’t need experience with Master Plants to attend this retreat. If this is your first time, you will be given extensive support for this to be a safe and beneficial journey.

“There have been no words to express the depth of gratitude I felt during the retreat and in my reflections since.”

Carolanne, Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

Experiences Supporting Our Process

Our retreat includes various practices to help us connect with ourselves, each other, and with the profound work initiated through plant medicine. Each practice is designed to support our self-discovery, healing, and deepen our integration of insights. Here are some of the experiences we’ll share:

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Pre- and Post-Retreat Support

Pre-retreat support: Before the retreat we will meet for three 2-hour Online Preparation Circles, where we will discuss the preparation steps and form our small tribe. Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Online Integration Circles — held one month and two months after the retreat—to help you deepen and integrate your experience.

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Nature Immersion

During the retreat, we’ll explore the natural beauty of Ilha Grande through silent beach walks and gentle water activities. You will also have the option to go snorkeling or kayaking if you wish. These experiences will help us connect with the ocean and nature, offering time for reflection.

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Holding Space Practice

Using IFS, we’ll deepen the connection with our parts and share our experiences using the Holding Space Practice (done in pairs). Embracing the wisdom of indigenous traditions, we recognize that healing often happens in the community. Together, we’ll grow into a tribe, helping each other through our journeys. The Holding Space Practice is a way to deepen our process during the preparation phase, as well as during and after the retreat.

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Movement and Bodywork

We’ll practice movement with an emphasis on body awareness, such as Qigong, to connect with ourselves and release stored emotions. We’ll also participate in guided silent walks on the beach and gentle movement to live music. Optional therapeutic massage and bodywork will be available for relaxation.

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Ritual Work

We’ll engage in ceremonial and ritualistic practices rooted in indigenous wisdom traditions. These practices will help us anchor our intentions, connect with the land, honor Mother Nature, and partake in activities that symbolize transformation and renewal.

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Retreat program:

Day 1

Arrival day & Opening Circle

Day 2

Preparation day

Day 3

Ceremony #1

Day 4

Integration day

Day 5

Ceremony #2

Day 6

Ceremony #3

Day 7

Integration day

Day 8

Departure Day

Retreat details

  • Accommodation at Paraiso Azul Retiro (7 nights / 8 days = 6 full retreat days + arrival day + departure day)
  • Full board – 3 meals a day, although depending on the schedule some meals may need to be missed on the ceremony days due to the need for a pre-retreat fasting.
  • Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat
  • Transfer from the Airport (GIG or SDU) to Paraiso Azul Retiro on the day of check-in
  • Transfer from the Paraiso Azul Retiro to the airport (GIG or SDU) on the day of check-out
  • 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies
  • Airfares
  • Individual/personal insurance

To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a non-refundable deposit of 800 USD.

 

There are three payment options:

  • Credit or debit card,
  • Transferring money to our Wise account,
  • A traditional bank transfer.

 

Please note that if you choose to pay the deposit, you must pay the remaining amount within 60 days.

 

The final payment deadline is the 31st of January 2026.

 

It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment being the non-refundable deposit, in the amount of 800 USD. It’s payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within the next three months, however, the last installment is due 30 days before the retreat. If there are any delays with the payments, we reserve the right to cancel your participation without a refund (although we will send a reminder first).

According to our General Terms and Conditions, in the case of resignation, we will collect a fee in the following amount:

 

    • The amount of the non-refundable deposit (800 USD) upon cancellation submitted 70 days or more prior to the event start date,
    • 50% of the retreat price upon cancellation submitted between 45 and 69 days prior to the event start date,
    • 90% of the retreat price upon cancellation submitted not later than 44 days prior to the event start date.

 

The amount will be returned the same way the payment was made.

If you have to resign, but you will indicate another person to fill in the vacated spot, this person will be able to participate without incurring any additional costs.

We don’t take responsibility for the necessity to move the dates of the retreat due to the sickness of the trainers or other unexpected events that we are accountable for. If you won’t be able to attend on chosen dates, then we will refund you 100% of the amount you paid.

In the unlikely events of a natural disaster, war or other unexpected events that we are not accountable for, we may not be able to refund your money. To avoid losing money, please buy personal insurance including such events.

We are not accountable for cancelling or moving the flight dates. Please buy flight insurance in order not to lose the money for your flight.

We offer rooms with double and triple occupancy. Upon booking, please let us know which room option you prefer (subject to availability).

 

We will match your roommates, considering first of all gender and age, but also personality traits and place of residence. If you have any needs regarding this, please let us know. Couples (including married couples) are usually accommodated separately because we learned from previous retreats that sleeping in separate rooms positively influences the process that takes place during the retreat. If you prefer to stay together, just let us know.

After signing up for this retreat, you will be provided with our Retreat Guide and the Preparation Guide (both in PDF format). The Retreat Guide will include information about the retreat location, how to get there, what to bring with you, etc. The Preparation Guide will include all that is needed for you to prepare for the plant medicine ceremonies – both psychologically and physically (especially the pre-retreat diet).

The retreat will be run entirely in English. Speaking in any other language is not required at any stage of the retreat.

For the retreat to proceed, we must have a minimum of half the participants signed up and paid (at least 10 participants). Update: this minimum has already been met.

The maximum group size will be 20 people to ensure a caring support of our team.

For most travellers, a visa is not required to visit Brazil, particularly for short stays. However, if you are a citizen of certain countries, particularly those in Asia or Africa, you may need a visa before your trip. To ensure you have the correct information, please check with the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official Brazilian government website for the latest visa requirements.

Meet the People behind this retreat

Gabriella Csanádi

Gabriella is from Hungary and her journey is rooted in a deep passion for holistic healing and transformation.

 

With a background in Cultural and Social Anthropology, she delved deep into the realms of consciousness, and traditional healing systems, immersing herself in the study of spiritual healers in Brazil for her Master’s and PhD theses.

 

Her academic pursuits extended beyond research, as Gabriella shared her insights as a lecturer at the University of Vienna and Aarhus. Yet, her quest for holistic well-being and inner transformation led her to transition from academia to entrepreneurship. In 2016, she co-founded INUA, a wellness company specializing in holistic solutions for well-being.

 

Continuing to expand her vision, Gabriella established SoulHome, where she guides individuals back to their true Selves through a blend of IFS therapy, energy healing tools, shamanic rituals, and embodiment practices. In addition to her professional and family life, Gabriella finds joy in yoga, dance, travel adventures, and silence in the company of cats and books.

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Michael Pasterski

Michael is the founder and CEO of Life Architect and a Certified IFS Practitioner from Poland.

 

His work is dedicated to fostering transformative experiences, whether through his practice, the projects he leads, or the communities he supports.

 

He is the author of “Insight. Road to Mental Maturity” – a book about the journeys into our inner worlds. Over the past 15 years, he published more than 400 articles on his Polish blog Michalpasterski.pl, which attracts the attention of more than one million readers a year. You can find an English version of this blog on Pasterski.com. For 10 years, he has led retreats in Bali and Thailand with a program based on his book.

 

Born with a creative spirit, his passion lies in integrating diverse ideas. He is now embarking on a new journey to establish a democratic school in Poland, where freedom of choice, therapeutic tools, and caring individuals will nurture children’s hearts and minds.

 

After work, he loves being a father to his two small daughters, enjoys travelling (mainly to Southeast Asia), dancing and practising Qi-Gong.

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Life changing experience. I went with one expectation; to experience an unearthing within and I received this and more.

Jammie, Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

Retreat venue

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Ilha Grande, Brazil

Ilha Grande is a tropical paradise situated off the stunning coastline near Rio de Janeiro. Enveloped by lush rainforests and crystal-clear waters, this secluded island offers a serene retreat for deep inner work and connection with nature. The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful setting, making it ideal for an unforgettable journey with Amazonian Plant Teachers.

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Paraíso Azul Retreat Center

Paraíso Azul is a luxurious retreat center located in a serene and picturesque part of Rio de Janeiro. The center features modern amenities within a tranquil setting, surrounded by breathtaking views of the ocean and tropical forest. Facilities include a spacious, open-air training area, a swimming pool, and comfortable accommodation options, ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating stay for all participants.

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Full board

Paraíso Azul prides itself on providing outstanding culinary experiences. Guests can enjoy three delicious meals daily, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and raw diets, ensuring that all guests’ nutritional needs are met with delectable and healthy options.

Take a look at the retreat center surroundings:

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If you want to know how to travel to Brazil, download our “How to get there” guide.

Read reviews about the last edition

There have been no words to express the depth of gratitude I felt during the retreat and in my reflections since.

 

The transformative nature of the ceremonies, combined with the preparation beforehand, the integration days between ceremonies and the on-going personal integration work since returning has solidified in my system the need to continue to do this work, and work with medicine but particularly with and through an IFS approach. Thank you to the entire team who created a safe container to process and transform, the group who held space and the centre for providing beauty and comfort. If this is offered again, I will be the first to sign up!

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Carolanne
Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

The Sacred Pathways Retreat experience was incredible. It felt powerful and spacious, with time for connecting with our mini tribe and also time in silence to deepen and go inside.

 

It felt like an incredibly safe container for doing this beautiful work. It was clear there was so much love and care from the group leaders – before, during and now after the retreat as well. The combination of IFS and plant medicine teachers is life-changing for my system. So much gratitude for everything that was necessary to make this experience happen.

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Claire
Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

My general experience during the retreat was very life confirming and re-igniting & connecting and I really feel I discovered new sides of myself and how I operate as a human being.

 

In general it was a safe environment, loving group of people, and smooth and delightful program, which had been thought through deeply. I also felt there where many positive surprises during the program, that I didn’t expect in advance. Furthermore I really feel I have some kind of clarity now, that I didn’t have before, and I’m so much more eased and gentle to myself now, than before. And I have a much better relationship with my parts.

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Mikkel
Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

With words? Not possible. My entire world has changed. No words. Pure gratefulness.

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Fran
Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

This was my first experience, and overall, it was truly great.

 

I would absolutely do it again and wholeheartedly recommend it to others (if “ready”). I’m even more grateful now, because after returning, I looked into how other retreats are run, and it made me appreciate even more just how special this one was.

JP

John
Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

Life changing experience. I went with one expectation; to experience an unearthing within and I received this and more. 

 

Beautiful connections with people, the beginnings of a relationship with grandmother Aya and other medicines. And an abundance of learnings to integrate. I am so grateful for this opportunity and all the beautiful connections I’ve made from this experience.

JP

Jammie
Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

It felt like an incredibly safe container for doing this beautiful work. It was clear there was so much love and care from the group leaders – before, during and now after the retreat as well.

Claire, Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil, March 2025

The Spirit of Brazil – a 3-day Experience

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As we wind down from our retreat, why not stay a few days more to explore Brazil’s vibrant culture and nature with us?

 

Join us for a 3-day visit to Paraty, a bohemian city nestled between the Atlantic rainforest and the sea. Paraty’s colonial architecture, white buildings decorated with brightly coloured window frames, and nearby waterfalls and forests have attracted many artists, writers, and chefs who have settled here. This is the perfect place to relax and explore the diversity of Brazil and connect with its true spirit.

 

This time is for unwinding and reflecting while discovering the region’s rich culture and beauty. You can join group activities or enjoy some quiet time. Our flexible program includes forest walks, cultural experiences, and local cuisine to enhance your well-being.

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We’ll stay at a cosy hotel in Paraty, providing comfort and tranquillity. We will enjoy both community and personal time in this beautiful setting.

 

Our travel experience begins the day after our retreat and is exclusively available for retreat participants. We’ll enjoy seamless organization with accommodation, meals, and transportation provided for all 3 days – the 28th, 29th, and 30th of March.

 

Check out the program highlights and the package price below (Sacred Pathways Retreat Brazil + 3-day Spirit of Brazil Experience). We look forward to sharing this peaceful extension of our journey with you.

What will you experience?

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Day 1: Indigenous Encounter and Paraty’s Hidden Gems

We begin our journey with an authentic Pataxó experience, hearing tales of ancestral stories, resistance, and wisdom by the bonfire. We learn about their traditions, and cleanse in a nearby waterfall. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to relax, explore at your own pace, or simply enjoy the surroundings. As the day unfolds, we explore Paraty’s historic center to learn about its vibrant past and culture.

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Day 2: Afro-Brazilian Legacy: Resilience and Rhythm

We’ll delve into Afro-Brazilian culture by visiting a Quilombola community, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped and formed their own free communities. We’ll learn about their history and take part in a Jongo workshop, a traditional dance that serves both as a form of spiritual cleansing and a symbol of resistance. You’ll have time to relax and reflect, whether by taking a quiet walk or simply enjoying the rhythm and energy of the community at your own pace.

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Day 3: Forest Trails and Culinary Delights

We explore the biodiversity of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, taking in its rich ecosystem. The forest paths offer moments for reflection and a deeper connection to nature. Afterward, we enjoy a local meal, celebrating the unique flavors of the region. This day combines nature, good food, and tranquility, providing a beautiful end to our journey.

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What’s included:

What’s included in the 3-day Spirit of Brazil package?

 

  • 3-day excursion program (dates to be announced),
  • 3 nights at the same venue in Paraty (dates to be announced) with double room accommodation,
  • Full board (3 meals a day),
  • All-day transportation,
  • Care and support of the organizers and local Brazilian tour guides.

 

The price presented below is the price of the Sacred Pathways Brazil Retreat (3970 USD) and the 3-day Spirit of Brazil Experience (1200 USD).

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Contact us

Daria Szychta

Travel manager

 

d.szychta@lifearchitect.com

 

or call us +48 500 700 857

 

8:00 am – 4:00 pm (BST, UTC+1)

3:00 am – 11:00 am (EDT, UTC-4)