Welcome to
Pakarinka Ushay!
Andean Healing and Education Center close to Otavalo, Ecuador
We are a Healing and Education Center located in the indigenous Kichwa community of Agato, Ecuador. For over twenty years, Tayta Willak, a 7th-generation indigenous Yachak (Andean shaman), has welcomed people from all over the world to participate in plant medicine ceremonies and workshops focused on the Andean Kichwa Cosmovision. His teachings guide individuals on a path to healing and a deep, transformative connection with Pacha Mama.
Discover Deep Healing & Ancient Wisdom
at Pakarinka Ushay​​
​​In addition to our retreats, we offer enriching workshops on Kichwa culture and traditional Andean healing practices, including sound healing, the power of medicinal plants, and sacred nature hikes.
We offer transformative healing retreats rooted in the sacred Andean traditions, where plant medicine and you connection with nature guide your journey. Choose from three immersive retreat options, each designed to bring deep healing through plant teachers, such as Ayahuasca and Huachuma, and ancestral Kichwa teachings. ​​
Our Missions and Principles
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We believe in the prophecy of the Condor (symbolizing the south, the heart, and the feminine) and the Eagle (symbolizing the north, the mind, and the masculine) flying together. This represents our mission to unite the wisdom of the Andes with modern practices, blending ancient and contemporary teachings into a harmonious approach. Our vision is to work as one global family, supporting each other on the path of healing. The retreats are hosted by Tayta Yachak Willak, a 7th-generation elder, with co-host Maja, a nature-assisted therapist (M.Sc.) and trained psychedelic facilitator from Europe.
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We are here not only to support your healing but to empower you to become your own healer. Through teaching Pre-Inka and modern Andean methods, we share valuable tools for living a healthy, balanced life—tools that you can carry with you beyond the retreat. Empowerment and self-efficacy are at the heart of our approach.​
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We are committed to taking care of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Our meals are mainly made with organic, locally sourced ingredients, and with every retreat, we donate up to $500 to nature and cultural conservation projects.
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We believe in “Less is More” when it comes to plant medicine. From our shamanic and therapeutic experiences, we’ve observed that many retreat centers overwhelm participants with an abundance of ceremonies. We prioritize a more balanced approach, focusing on the smooth integration of healing practices, both with and without plant teachers.
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Healing should not be a privilege. We offer free healing ceremonies to our community, and if finances are a barrier to attending a retreat, we encourage you to reach out to us - we want to make healing accessible to everyone.​​
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