Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life than ‘this’?

Are you going through a transition in your life, seeking change or a fresh start?

Do you desire a life enhancing experience?

Do you yearn for a deeper sense of meaning and purpose?

Have you struggled with depression, anxiety, or substance dependency?

Is it time to press re-set and renew your life?

If you can relate to these questions, then we invite you to consider our Know Thyself retreat programme.

We have been running plant medicine retreats for 15 years. Our Know Thyself retreat programme is the result of that experience and has been developed and refined over time to provide you with the best possibility of experiencing transformation and deep healing.

Our 10 day programme allows for deep exploration of yourself via four Ayahuasca ceremonies, complemented by daily yoga, breathwork, meditation, immersion in nature and optional group activities.

We prepare for each ceremony, and integrate the insights from them, with group, peer-to-peer sharing, as well as one-to-one sessions with the facilitators.

Our Know Thyself retreat is an adventure, both outward in the stunning natural setting of the National Park and, most importantly, inward. We offer you a safe haven, and whatever support you need, to give you the courage to embark on that adventure and experience it to the full.

Testimonials

Ieva
Lithuania

I was looking for solo retreat to do ayahausca, a place to hide away for some time where I could connect with nature, meditate, and just enjoy some peaceful time with myself. My friend recommended Know Thyself as a very trustworthy place. I felt truly amazing there! It’s very cozy, protected and relaxed. The place itself is healing! And the river near by is just amazing!!! Also waterfalls, hummingbirds flying around, the sounds of nature. It’s just real paradise! And I also I love the people! Everything is very high frequency.
I left the retreat feeling very clear about what I want, and also trusting myself much more! I returned home to Europe with completely different energy. I will be returning next year for some more work with them.

Andrej
Lithuania

Ayahuasca took my pain and fear away.

In the months after the retreat, my self-confidence rose considerably. I became calmer, more understanding, and more compassionate. Problems and difficult situations no longer consume me. Rather, an awareness that I am more than I think I am guides me. Ayahuasca took my pain and fear away. She taught me that they were no longer useful, and She showed me how to live without them. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Henry
United Kingdom

Know Thyself was one of the most transformative experiences of my adult life.

“The retreat was a real turning point in my life. When I went back to work. I felt like nothing could cause me fear or anxiety or stress. I felt bulletproof. All of the stress that I'd felt before was completely lifted. I had insights that just hit me, like moments of epiphany. Even though it’s many years later, these insights still act as guides in my decision-making today. It was one of the most transformative experiences of my adult life”

Mark
United Kingdom

It was a wonderful retreat! A beautiful location with a pure, unspoilt atmosphere and easy to connect with Source. The ceremonies were amazing and I knew we were in safe hands. It was as if a magic and had us all under Mother Ayahuasca’s spell. I can’t really explain it, but the singing, and the energy that it brings is really magical and in no time I was connecting with God and in another dimension. It was so powerful, so miraculous that as I said, I just cannot explain it except to say that it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. That, and with some incredibly powerful medicine are a wonderful combination which took me into different dimensions giving some unforgettable experiences with the medicine.

Elijah
Belarus

I reconnected with my happiness.

“I chose the Know Thyself Retreat because I was searching for a break from civilisation. For many years, I had forgotten who I was. I was making choices that weren’t mine. The retreat helped me go back to living in the moment and made me realise that being happy is a natural state of mind. I reconnected with my happiness”

Tiemen
Holland

My experience with Know Thyself had a deep, long lasting impact on my life. It’s not easy to quantify with words what I experienced, but I can say that for the first time in my life I deeply felt my own soul, that my illusionary self image dissolved, and a sense of unity came over me. I felt a divine presence, like an oversoul, and had visions of the earth and the planets all around, their molecules, atoms, lights and vibrations, and felt a divine intelligence at work, opening me to insights about the origins of life and of consciousness itself. I felt I connected with my essence, I received deep healing and a new life and will be forever grateful for this experience.

Mattijs
Holland

It was important for me to find the right place. Eden and the programme was perfect for my process. I needed help to beat my nicotine addiction, as I’d been a smoker for nearly 30 years and I thought it was impossible to quit. Ayahuasca helped me to get to the root of my problems, and the programme and the support I received was really helpful in preparing me for my new start. I now have more energy, I feel healthier, and I look better. This programme can really help people, but you have to want it also. I really wanted it and ayahuasca gave me what I asked for which I felt is an important part of it.

Camila
Brazil

Eden is a wonderful place. No noise, just nature. Incredible energy! The accommodations are very comfortable and the food is delicious. All of this is very conducive to ensuring that a true dive into ourselves is done with a lot of peace, and a lot of love. There were very special moments, the people who were present were very wonderful. A tribe was truly formed here in these 10 days and each person supported and helped each other, contributing to making the other's journey the best possible. Andrea, who conducts the ceremonies, is wonderful and the music she plays is divine! I feel so grateful that I took part of this retreat! The ceremonies helped me see many things, especially the light and love I have within me. I felt a lot of healing in my heart! Paul is also always outstanding and available I am very grateful for this opportunity. All the Eden’s team was amazing! I will never forget those moments. For sure I will be back!

Anderson
Brazil

More than a retreat, Know Thyself was a huge turning point in my life. Eden, such a magical place. My body was filled with peace, serenity, and above all with love, and I gained a much clearer vision of what I’m here to do here in this world. My perception of what love is was taken to another level, where I was able to connect with nature and its immeasurable power. Today, after this experience, which is impossible to recount in words, I feel more capable, wiser, more confident, more aware of who I really am. I love more, I'm more grateful, and more attentive to the path I'm on. A hug to Paul, and congratulations on the work you’re done with such delicacy, technique and wisdom! A hug to Eden. I hope that everyone can experience this step forward in life.

Paul Evans
United Kingdom

Eden is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and yourself. Paul, the host and facilitator, is wonderful, respectful, and has put together an exceptional team and created a safe and beautiful space for healing, which truly enhances the overall experience. I also received one of the best massages ever from Martina at Eden and would highly recommend this magical retreat to anyone seeking a transformative experience and looking to reconnect with themselves.

What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaves. Traditionally prepared as a ceremonial tea, it has been used for centuries to provide profound insights into spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

The Ancient "Vine of the Soul"

In Quechua, an indigenous Amazonian language, "ayahuasca" translates to “vine of the soul.” This sacred brew has played a central role in South American healing and spiritual traditions for hundreds—if not thousands—of years, guiding those who seek deep inner exploration and growth.

A Path to Healing and Profound Insight

Ayahuasca offers access to states of heightened introspection, helping people confront and heal unresolved traumas, gain clarity on life challenges, and uncover a deeper understanding of themselves. Many who drink ayahuasca describe a transformative experience, often accompanied by feelings of peace, clarity, and renewal.

Benefits Reported by Participants

Relief from depression, anxiety, and insomnia
Breakthroughs in understanding past traumas
Recovery from substance dependency
Strengthened self-awareness and life purpose
Improved relationships and emotional resilience
A fresh perspective on life and its challenges

While the journey with ayahuasca can be challenging, many find that the benefits far outweigh any initial apprehension. Supported by experienced facilitators in a safe, sacred space, it can serve as a profound tool for healing and transformation.

What is Kambo?

Kambô, also referred to in Brazil as ‘vacina do sapo’ (the frog vaccine) is a waxy secretion of a tree frog from the Amazon rainforest. The scientific name for this frog is ‘Phyllomedusa bicolor’ or ‘Giant Monkey frog’.

Kambo's Healing Power

It is used as a powerful medicine for purifying the organism and strengthening the immune system, as well as to get rid of ‘panema’, a Katukina word for ‘bad luck’.

Scientific research on the secretion of this frog started in the 1980’s. So far, researchers have found nine bio-active peptides that have a potent effect on the gastrointestinal muscles, gastric and pancreatic secretions, blood circulation, and on the stimulation of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, contributing to heightened sensory perception and increased stamina, enhance endurance, increase physical strength and, in general, enhance the capacity to face stressful situations.

A Natural Powerhouse for Immunity and Well-being

Other interesting medicinal properties of this secretion are its anti-inflammatory effects, its capacity to destroy microbes and viruses and heal infections. Due to the presence of these nine peptides, kambô is one of the strongest natural antibiotics and anesthetics found in the world and one of the strongest, natural ways to empower our immune system.

Kambô treatments have short and long term effects. Short term, the effects are a state of alertness, good mood, enhanced resistance to tiredness, hunger and thirst, the capacity to easily concentrate and focus, and a still mind which can last for several days or weeks.

“Kambô circulates in the heart. Our shaman said that when we take Kambô it makes the heart move accurately, so that things flow, bringing good things to the person. It is as if there was a cloud on the person, preventing the good things to come, then, when one takes the Kambô; a ‘green light’ comes which opens up the heart”

Long term, kambô empowers the immune system, overcomes fatigue and improves one’s state of health.

What’s included in the Retreat?

Know Thyself is an all-inclusive ayahuasca retreat offering daily optional group activities, none of which are compulsory. You are free to have all of the free time you need to enjoy your own company, your introspection, and the surrounding natural environment.

Transfer to and from Salvador
9 nights accommodation at Eden
All meals, cleansing detox diet
4 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Kambo ceremonies
Daily yoga, breathing, and meditation sessions
Day trips to natural beauty spots
1 ayurvedic massage
Clay therapy
Saunas
Herbal baths
3 group/individual post-retreat integration sessions

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The 10 Day Know Thyself Retreat Programme

Day 1

08:30 Check-in and welcome breakfast
10:00 Retreat Opening Circle in the Oca
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Free time / light walk to nearby river for bathing
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Campfire Circle

Day 2

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
11:00 Mud Bath
12:00 Sauna
13:00 Herbal Bath
14:00 Lunch and Free Time
18:00 Ayahuasca Ceremony

Day 3

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
10:00 Outing to Angelica Falls and Purification Falls
15:00 Lunch & Free Time
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Campfire Circle

Day 4

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
10:30 Breathwork session in Oca
13:00 Lunch and Free Time
18:00 Ayahuasca Ceremony

Day 5

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Outing to Butterfly Falls
14:00 Traditional Lunch at Lady Maria’s Restaurant
15:30 Sunset at Lagoa dos Patos
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Campfire Circle

Day 6

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
11:00 Mud Bath
12:00 Sauna
13:00 Herbal Bath
14:00 Lunch and Free Time
18:00 Ayahuasca Ceremony

Day 7

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
10:30 Breathwork session in Oca
12:30 Lunch
15:00 TAKETINA Dynamic Meditation in Oca
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Campfire Circle

Day 8

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast and Free Time
13:00 Lunch and Free Time
17:00 Ayahuasca Ceremony

Day 9

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Visit to Local Market
12:00 Lunch in the Village
14:00 Walk to Black River Falls
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Campfire Circle

Day 10

07:00 Yoga / Pranayama / Morning Meditation in the Oca
08:30 Breakfast
10:00 Closing Circle in the Oca

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Meet Our Team

Andréa Cathalá

Andréa will lead and guide your through your ayahuasca journeys.

Medicine woman, ceremonial leader, and native to the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Andrea was raised by her two grandmothers, both of whom were curandeiras (traditional healers).

Her relationship with Ayahuasca began at the age of 18, after which she soon became a devoted initiate of the school and tradition of Santo Daime. Later, she began her studies and her working relationship with the Amazonian Huni Kuin indigenous tribe.

A professional musician and singer with a pristine, angelic voice, Andrea has composed more than 200 healing songs and chants over the years.

Today, Andréa is conducting research and developing partnerships with the Kariri Xocó indigenous people, who are her direct ancestors.

Paul Mallon

l will be your co-host and guide, and will lead the yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions.

Paul is the Founder and Creator of Eden and has 14 years of experience producing and co-facilitating retreats in Brazil.

His first encounter with ayahuasca was in 2008 with a native ayahuasquero, with whom he embarked on an intensive 3 year apprenticeship.

In 2011 Paul became an initiate of the tradition of Santo Daime in the community of Mapiá, Amazonas, and has been working and studying with Andrea since 2012.

Émilie Guérette

Emilie will be the group’s interpreter and provides support to Andrea during the ceremonies.

Emilie is a Canadian Documentary Filmmaker and Anthropologist and has been living between Brazil and Quebec for the past 20 years. In 2014 she embarked on the “Red Path”, studying the spiritual traditions of the indigenous peoples of North America. Her first encounter with ayahuasca was in 2016 and has significantly deepened her relationship with the medicine since she met Andrea Cathalá in 2022.