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Australia's premier traditional Andean healing retreat for individuals committed to personal growth and seeking profound results.
Step into the heart of the Australian countryside where Ancient Ceremonies unlocks a haven for deep shamanic healing. Here, your journey towards wholeness begins amid the whispers of Andean tradition and breathtaking Australian landscapes.
Autumn Awakenings: Save $300 when you book our upcoming retreat on or before April 19th. CODE: AWAKE300. Terms apply. Learn more!
Australia & Peru's ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ traditional Andean and Amazonian shamanic sanctuary.
Peru's ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Traditional Andean & Amazonian Shamanic Sanctuary
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The Experience At
Banco Puma Sanctuary
A structured process carried within Andean and Amazonian traditions, where preparation, ceremony, and integration are approached with care and discipline.
Stepping Into the Work
There is a difference between attending a retreat and stepping into a process.
At Banco Puma Sanctuary, the work is not built around experiences.
It is carried within a structure that has been lived and maintained over time.
People arrive not to consume something new, but to enter a space where the work is already in motion.
From the moment you arrive, the focus becomes simple.
Slow down.
Pay attention.
This is where the process begins.
Arrival
Most people arrive carrying more than they realise.
Noise from their life.
Decisions they have been putting off.
A sense that something is not quite right, but hard to name.
The journey itself already begins to create distance from that.
By the time you reach the sanctuary, something has started to slow down.
There is no rush when you arrive.
No performance.
You are received, you settle in, and you begin to land.
The environment does its part.
The jungle is not quiet, but it is steady.
There is a rhythm to it that does not depend on you.
Over the first hours, and into the first day, that rhythm starts to take over.
Things begin to come down to a more natural pace.
Conversations are simple.
Meals are shared.
Nothing is forced.
And without needing to do much, you begin to feel where you are.
Preparation Before Ceremony
Before any ceremony takes place, there is preparation.
Not as a formality, but as part of the work itself.
Most people arrive used to a certain pace.
Food, stimulation, habits, constant input.
If that continues unchanged, the medicine has to work through more noise than necessary.
So things begin to simplify.
The diet is adjusted.
Heavier foods are reduced.
Stimulants are set aside.
Not as restriction, but to create clarity.
There is also space to settle.
To observe what is coming up before anything begins.
Questions.
Doubts.
Expectations.
All of that is part of the process.
Nothing needs to be pushed away.
At the same time, there is guidance.
You are not left to figure it out on your own.
The structure is simple, but it is deliberate.
By the time the first ceremony arrives, something has already shifted.
Not because of intensity.
But because the ground has been prepared.
Ayahuasca Ceremony
Ceremonies are held at night.
There is a clear beginning.
You enter the space, take your place, and the work starts quietly.
There is no build-up.
No attempt to create an atmosphere.
The structure is already there.
The medicine is served, and from that point, the process unfolds.
Each person moves through it in their own way.
For some, it begins in the body.
For others, in the mind.
Sometimes it is physical.
Sometimes it is emotional.
Sometimes it is simply a quiet observation of what is there.
The work is carried across multiple nights.
There are four Ayahuasca ceremonies in total.
Between the first and second part of this process, a separate ceremony is held with a master plant known as Bobinsana.
This is not approached in the same way as Ayahuasca.
It is a quieter work.
Traditionally used to open and heal the heart.
It allows what has already been revealed to begin softening, rather than pushing further.
This structure is part of the Lamista way of working.
Nothing is placed randomly.
Each step has its place.
The role of the curandero is central.
Through the night, the work is guided through icaros.
Not as music, but as part of the structure of the ceremony.
The songs direct the movement of the medicine.
They support, they intervene when needed, and they help keep the space steady.
There are moments that can feel clear.
There are moments that can feel uncomfortable.
Both are part of the process.
Nothing is there to entertain.
Nothing is there to overwhelm.
The work is to see what is there, without turning away.
And to allow the process to move through it.
After the Ceremony
After the Ceremony
When the ceremony closes, the work does not end.
The night settles, and the space becomes quiet again.
For some, there is a sense of relief.
For others, there is still movement inside.
Both are normal.
The following morning begins with a traditional flower bath.
This is where the ceremony is brought to completion.
The water is prepared with flowers, tobacco, and plant essences.
It is poured cold.
Not to shock, but to bring you back into the body.
After a night of movement, it grounds you again.
During this process, an arcana is given.
A longer plant medicine song, similar in nature to the icaros of the night before.
It is used to close the work.
To settle what has been opened.
To bring a sense of protection and completion to the process.
Only after this does the ceremony truly come to an end.
From there, the day opens more quietly.
There is time to rest.
Time to be in silence if needed.
Time to let things settle without having to explain them straight away.
Conversations happen naturally.
Not forced.
Not structured.
If something needs to be spoken, it will be.
If not, it is left to unfold in its own time.
There is also guidance available.
You are not left alone with what came up.
At the same time, nothing is pushed.
Integration is not something that can be rushed.
It begins quietly, in how you sit, how you walk, how you start to see things differently.
This is where the process starts to become real.
Not in the ceremony itself, but in what remains after it.
Huachuma Ceremony
Huachuma Ceremony
Where the Ayahuasca work is held at night, Huachuma is carried during the day.
The pace is different.
There is no inward pull in the same way.
Instead, the work opens outward.
You are up, moving, sitting with the landscape, with the mesa, with what is in front of you.
The medicine does not push.
It clarifies.
After the intensity of Ayahuasca, this change is important.
It allows what has already been revealed to settle into something you can actually work with.
There are four Huachuma ceremonies in total.
No additional plant is placed in between.
The work remains steady and continuous.
Each day builds on the one before, without forcing the process forward.
The ceremonies are guided through the Chavín mesa.
Not as an interpretation, but as it was passed down.
A structure that has been carried for thousands of years.
In this work, Huachuma is approached as a teacher.
Not something to experience, but something to learn from.
Clarity becomes more direct.
Decisions become more obvious.
What felt complex begins to simplify.
At times, this work is held on the grounds of Banco Puma.
At other times, it is carried in Chavín itself.
On the same land where this tradition has been practiced for thousands of years.
When the ceremonies are held there, you are not revisiting a tradition.
You are stepping into it.
The environment becomes part of the work.
Nothing needs to be added.
The structure, the land, and the medicine are already aligned.
By this stage, the process is no longer about seeing.
It is about understanding how to move.
And that is where Huachuma does its work.
Integration and Returning
By the time the Huachuma work comes to a close, the process has already begun to shift into something else.
There is more clarity.
But also a different kind of responsibility.
Not to hold onto the experience, but to begin living from what has been seen.
The days between ceremonies are not filled for the sake of activity.
There is space to rest.
To walk.
To spend time in the environment without needing to do anything with it.
At times, the land itself becomes part of the process.
Not as an excursion, but as a continuation of the work.
Simple moments tend to carry more weight than planned ones.
This is intentional.
Nothing is there to distract from what is unfolding.
When the retreat comes to an end, the process does not stop.
It continues in how you return to your life.
For this reason, the work is followed through.
In the weeks after the retreat, we meet again.
As a group.
Once a week.
Not to analyse the experience, but to support how it is being lived.
To listen.
To adjust where needed.
And to make sure that what was opened is not left without direction.
The work is not something that happens in one place.
It continues in how you move forward from it.
Moving Forward
Not everyone who reads this will feel called to take the next step.
And that is as it should be.
This work asks for a certain level of readiness.
Not certainty.
But a willingness to look at things directly and to move through them without avoiding what comes up.
For those who feel that, the next step is simple.
A conversation.
Not a commitment.
A space to ask questions, to understand how the retreats are held, and to see whether this is the right time.
From there, the decision becomes clear.
If it is aligned, you will know.
If not, nothing is forced.
Those who feel ready can view the upcoming retreat dates and begin the conversation.
Your Bird's Eye View of Your 7-Day Stay Experience:
3
Traditional Chavín Mesada Ceremonies
1
Rapéh Ceremony
1
Traditional Andean Despacho Ceremony
3
Onsite Integration
Sharing Circles
1 + 3
Complete Preparation
& Integration Support
Immersive Nature Walks
6
Nights Accommodation
14
Nutritious Meals
1
Ancient Ceremonies Journal
1
Welcome Surprise
Join us on a life-changing journey
Are you ready for a life-changing experience?
Step into the heart of the Australian countryside where Ancient Ceremonies unlocks a haven for deep shamanic healing. Here, your journey towards wholeness begins amid the whispers of Andean tradition and breathtaking Australian landscapes.
Come experience the Ancient Ceremonies Way, a 5-Star, all-inclusive traditional Andean shamanic healing retreat recognised as Australia’s best. Located in breathtaking Otways in Victoria, enjoy powerful ceremonies with an intimate group of kindred spirits, cozy accommodation, fresh nourishing meals, and outstanding personalized support. Awaken, heal, and experience the profound and lasting change you've been looking for.
hundreds of five-star reviews
97%
of visitors experience a transformative miracle
Thousands+
satisfied souls since 2017
"After years of struggling with anxiety and depression, I found the healing I desperately needed through the ancient practices of the Andes. This wasn’t just about coping—it was about a complete transformation. Today, I live with a sense of peace and freedom I never thought possible. Ancient Ceremonies has empowered thousands of others to reclaim their lives just like I did."
- Rodolfo De Angeli, Ancient Ceremonies Founder
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Voices of Transformation:
Discover How Over a Thousand Souls Found Renewal and Purpose
"I came to find a way to die, and instead I found a place that gave me a reason to live!"
- Sal B. Melbourne, Australia
"I just love what's happening here. If you're called to move forward in your own life, you want to think of Ancient Ceremonies."- Chris V. Austin, TX, USA
"I didn't know what I would get myself into when I signed up. I had no clue about shamanism or any ancient practices. All I wanted is to stop my years long suffering. And on the morning of day six I realised that this week just simply changed my life forever. The care and attention from the whole team have been mind-blowing. I din't know what care and attention to detail meant until now. I will be forever grateful for this unforgettable week in the countryside of Australia. Thank you all!"- Laura G. London, UK
"My relationship with my mother is improving daily, setbacks at work don't shake me like before. Everything is better since the Ancient Ceremonies retreat. The flight over to come experience Ancient Ceremonies for myself was the best thing I have done. Thank you so much for everything!"- Matt T. Utah, USA
"5 days gave me more than 7 years of psychotherapy. Depression... is a "thing" of the past! Period!"
- Mark R. Brisbane, Australia
"It changed my entire life. I'm forever grateful for having attended the retreat and experiencing such a profound level of transformation. The ceremony was both healing and enlightening, and the knowledgeable and attentive staff made the experience even more enjoyable. I've left the retreat with a greater sense of clarity, purpose, and understanding of myself and the world around me. Thank you again, for providing a life-changing experience."- Sarah R. Orlando, FL, USA
"This retreat with Ancient Ceremonies has helped me with problems I was having with guilt. I was able to forgive myself and feel a release from the guilt I had which has bought more happiness to my life."
- Ralf Q. Orange, CA, USA
"The Ancient Ceremonies Healing Retreat experience has redefined my very being. The transformation from where I was to where I am now is nothing short of extraordinary. It was an incredibly spiritual awakening, and every moment of it was magical. I still can't believe how much I have grown and evolved in such a short time. Thanks to the amazing staff at Ancient Ceremonies, I have gained a new level of awareness, and the positive changes keep coming. Thank you for guiding me on this journey to a healthier, more balanced life."
- Mike S. Los Angeles, CA, USA
"The Ancient Ceremonies retreat opened up profound spiritual insights. I'll forever embrace the wisdom and learning I received. Thank you for this life-changing opportunity."
- Jade L. Huntington Beach, CA, USA
"The Healing Retreat with Ancient Ceremonies is beyond words. The unique ceremonies left me feeling whole, happy, and connected to my true self. Thank you for changing my life."
- Dave M. Sydney, Australia
Read More Alumni Transformations
"Thank you Rodolfo. Life changing, emotional, gentle yet so profound. Every incremental second of the day became so very meaningful... open and all encompassing. My heart is filled with gratitude. Absolute pleasure to have met with you and your benevolent practice. Much love my brother!"
- Anthony L. Mildura, Australia
"The space you hold is so welcoming and integral. The space felt so safe, warm, and nurturing. I'm yet to have experienced such a warm and loving space. Thank you for embodying and upholding the lineage which you share. The strength of the space and the Teacher comes through how much reverence you have in honouring the Spirits, the Land, and the Ancestors.I have been brought so much joy from this weekend. I've been reminded of the importance of Family in ceremony space. This practice for me now is not just about what is going on on the inside but also about what we get to experience outside."
- Anja, Melbourne, Australia
"Thank you so much for pouring your heart and soul into this retreat. You could feel the energy and love you brought, and the safe space you held. Your effort is allowing others and myself the opportunity to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Just over this week, I've been blessed to have purged, healed, released faced my fears and found my courage. This is truly an unforgettable and life changing experience. Lot's of love and appreciation.
- Tahlia M. Melbourne, Australia
"You have created and held such a safe space for me this week - have taken me on a journey home to my heart. I came here with the intention to come back into my heart space and receive guidance for my journey forward... From the bottom of my heart: Thank you!"
- Marie A. Sydney, Australia
"Rodolfo, what words would do justice to the divine grace of the experience you facilitate at Kailash. You are truly family and it's an honor to be served by you. The interior experience of the medicine, the lineage and the space is truly yogic in the highest sense. This is the Soma of the Rig Vada, and the correct place for it is a temple. You inspire us to bring even more honor to the space we hold and we eagerly look forward to the evolution of Kailash with the Grandfather in our hearts. "
- David W. Wartook, Australia
Meet Your Compassionate Guide for Transformation: Rodolfo De Angeli
Rodolfo With Teacher and Mentor Maestro Huachumero Don Howard Lawler at
SpiritQuest Sanctuary, Peru
Rodolfo With Teacher Maestro Ayahuasquero Don Rober Acho Jarama at
the End of a 3 Months Dieta Spent in Solitude with Master Plant Camalonga
Rodolfo Presenting a New Soul Into the Realms of Andean and Amazonian Shamanism Through a Powerful Cleansing and Protecting Ceremony
Rodolfo With Teacher Maestro Ayahuasquero Arturo from the Murui Huitoto Tribe
Rodolfo De Angeli is uniquely qualified to guide people just like you on their transformative journey.
With over a decade long dedication to studying and practicing Andean and Amazonian traditions, Rodolfo has acquired firsthand experience as a companion in healing processes with master plants.
He carries the 3500-year-old pre-Columbian culture of Chavín shamanic practice, continuing to learn from esteemed Maestros in the field.
As the founder of Ancient Ceremonies, Rodolfo is committed to guiding people just like you towards deep healing, clarity, and purpose as they step into new chapters of their lives.
His personal connection to the ancient shamanic practices of the Peruvian Andes and Amazon stems from the need to overcoming his own trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of identity, beginning in 2010 through those same ancient practices he today serves.
This personal journey enhances Rodolfo's understanding and empathy, allowing him to be a compassionate guide for people just like you seeking transformation and healing.
Rodolfo Preparing Alumni’s for a Huachuma Ceremony at SpiritQuest Sanctuary, Peru
Rodolfo Preparing His Alumni for their Upcoming Ceremony
Rodolfo with Teacher Maestro Huachumero Martin Villacorta in Chavín de Huantar, Peru