Curandera Retreats

Reflect, reconnect, and return to nature

Brazil Paraty donation

Rivers and waterfalls are part of the backdrop at Curandera Retreats, where a garden setting on the Atlantic Rain Forest mountainside brings Brazil’s Costa Verde close to the retreat experience. The program centers on ayahuasca and plant medicine, alongside practices and philosophy intended to help participants reflect on suffering, identity, and their relationship with nature. The founders describe drawing on personal experiences of trauma, abuse, and addiction in their approach to wellbeing. Days are not set out here as a fixed timetable, so it is worth asking the hosts what a particular retreat includes before booking. The setting is comfortable rather than austere: rooms have air conditioning, and amenities include Wi-Fi, a sauna, towels, and housekeeping. Meals are simple, with rice, plantains, salad, and quinoa, sometimes accompanied by chicken or fish; dietary preferences can be accommodated. The retreat runs by donation, making it especially important to confirm the contribution and practical details directly.

Highlights

A curated garden framed by rivers and waterfalls
Sauna alongside air-conditioned rooms
Simple meals featuring rice, plantains, salad, and quinoa
Dietary options include vegetarian, Ayurvedic, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free

Good for

plant-medicine retreat participantsnature loversvisitors interested in personal reflectionguests with dietary requirements

Setting

On a mountainside in the Atlantic Rain Forest, the retreat sits amid a curated garden with rivers and waterfalls nearby. The surrounding Costa Verde landscape is known for its islands and biodiversity, lending the place a vivid, nature-led atmosphere.

The practice

The retreat focuses on ayahuasca and plant medicine, with accompanying practices and philosophy framed around self-understanding and connection with nature. Ayahuasca is a ceremonial plant brew, and experiences can be emotionally and physically intense. Ask the hosts what preparation, support, and guidance are part of the specific retreat, especially if this is your first time.

A typical day

Daily structure varies by retreat, so confirm the rhythm with the hosts before booking. Ask how sessions, meals, rest periods, and any plant-medicine ceremonies are arranged during your dates.

Accommodation

Rooms have air conditioning, and towels and housekeeping are among the listed comforts. Free Wi-Fi and a sauna are also available. Ask the hosts about room arrangements and what is included with a retreat.

What to bring

Pack light, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for time in a rainforest setting, along with a rain jacket or compact umbrella. Average temperatures are around 22.9°C, but January, April, and December are wetter months; bring any personal items you need for reflective practice.

Address Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

How to get there

Travel to Paraty or fly to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and coordinate pickup with the hosts. Confirm your route and pickup arrangements before setting off.

Nearest airport: Professor Urbano Ernesto Stumpf Airport (SJK) (117 km)

Professor Urbano Ernesto Stumpf Airport (SJK), near São José dos Campos, is approximately 117 km from the center. Contact the hosts to ask about onward pickup or transfer arrangements from this airport.

Nearest city: São José Dos Campos

Languages

English

How to book

Contact the hosts directly to ask about dates, availability, and how to reserve.

Pricing

The retreat runs by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Contact the hosts to confirm the suggested contribution and what it covers.

Climate

Climate Zone: Subtropical

Best Months: Jul, Jun, Aug

Avoid: Jan, Apr, Dec

Paraty averages about 22.9°C annually, with warmer weather in December through February and cooler conditions from June through August. Rainfall is highest in January, April, and December, while June through August are typically drier, so conditions can vary noticeably by season.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How do I arrange pickup to the retreat?

The hosts can coordinate pickup if you travel to Paraty directly. Contact them in advance to confirm the meeting point and timing.

Is the retreat suitable for someone new to ayahuasca?

The program is described as welcoming people seeking greater understanding of life and suffering. Ask the hosts about preparation and support for first-time participants.

What kind of food is served, and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Meals are simple, commonly including rice, plantains, salad, and quinoa, with chicken or fish occasionally. Dietary preferences can be accommodated, including vegetarian, Ayurvedic, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

How do I reserve a place, and how much should I contribute?

The retreat runs by donation. Contact the hosts directly to ask about dates, reservations, and the suggested contribution.

What should I pack for the rainforest setting?

Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and rain protection for wet conditions. Ask the hosts whether they recommend any additional preparation for the plant-medicine program.