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San Pedro Huachuma Retreat | 8-Day Heart Medicine Immersion | Ananda Lodge Costa Rica

Huachuma San Pedro

An 8-Day Journey to Your Heart's Wisdom

Multiple Dates Throughout 2026

Experience the profound power of the grandfather medicine. Three daytime ceremonies with San Pedro, held in deep safety, to reconnect with your body's intelligence, find clarity in your purpose, and remember the wisdom that lives within your heart.

View Available Dates

Maximum 8 Participants | Private Ocean-View Suites | Costa Rica

Multiple Dates

2026 Immersions

With Nikki & Chase

Investment

$4,995

Early Bird: $4,495

Save $500 • 45 days advance

Experience

8 Days / 7 Nights

3 Daytime Ceremonies

Book Your Sacred Journey Call

First 4 guests receive premium upper-floor suites with vaulted ceilings

When Your Mind Races But Your Heart Feels Distant

In a world that demands constant attention, focus, and productivity—many of us have lost connection to the wisdom that lives in our bodies.

You May Be Experiencing...

  • Scattered attention and focus challenges (ADHD symptoms that conventional treatments haven't fully addressed)
  • Disconnection from your body due to trauma, stress, or years of living in your head
  • Depression or anxiety that medication hasn't fully relieved
  • Lack of clarity about your purpose or life direction
  • Difficulty with emotional regulation and empathy in relationships
  • On medications that prevent you from exploring other plant medicines

What San Pedro Offers...

  • Improved focus and emotional regulation for ADHD and attention challenges
  • Deep body reconnection through somatic wisdom and felt sense
  • Relief from depression and anxiety (68-86% report improvement)
  • Clarity on purpose and life direction through mystical insight
  • Enhanced empathy and connection in your relationships
  • Accessible for those on medications that other plant medicines aren't
"San Pedro is a medicine of the heart where we can experience connection with our true selves. Known as the grandfather medicine, it opens the heart while reconnecting you to your body's innate intelligence."

What Is San Pedro (Huachuma)?

A sacred cactus medicine revered for over 3,000 years in the high Andes of Peru—now supported by modern research.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science

Huachuma (San Pedro), scientifically known as Echinopsis pachanoi, is a sacred cactus that has been used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes by South American shamans for over 3,000 years. Growing in the high altitudes of the Andes mountains, this powerful medicine has been revered by Peruvian cultures including the Chavin (1000 BC), Moche (100-750 AD), and continues to be used in traditional ceremonies today.

The name Huachuma comes from the Quechua language and translates to "removing the head"—symbolizing the dissolution of the ego and the mind's constant chatter, allowing you to drop into the wisdom of your heart and body.

What Research Shows

Modern research is now confirming what indigenous healers have known for millennia. Studies show that mescaline (San Pedro's primary alkaloid) is associated with significant mental health improvements:

  • 68-86% of people report subjective improvement in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders (Agin-Liebes et al., 2021)
  • Reduces ADHD symptoms and improves focus, emotional regulation, and empathy
  • Nervous system regulation through serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptors (anxiety reduction) and dopamine receptor activity (focus and motivation)
  • Anxiolytic properties - research shows anxiety-reducing effects in both animal and human studies
  • Adrenergic receptor activity supports nervous system arousal regulation
  • 35-50% rate the experience as one of the most spiritually significant of their lives

Research Citation: Agin-Liebes, G., et al. (2021). "Naturalistic Use of Mescaline Is Associated with Self-Reported Psychiatric Improvements and Enduring Positive Life Changes." ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 4(2), 543-552.

The Heart Medicine

Unlike other plant medicines, San Pedro is taken during the day—inviting you to slow down, be present, and take in the beauty around and within you. Ceremonies last 8-12 hours, giving you extended time to work with the medicine's profound, empathogenic (heart-opening) qualities.

San Pedro is known for being empathogenic—promoting unity with self, others, nature, and the greater spiritual universe. It's a medicine that reconnects you to your felt sense and somatic wisdom, allowing you to access the deep rhythm of your body's innate intelligence.

"It shows you what is truly important in life, how we are all connected to one another, the planet, all living things, and that everything comes from an infinite flowing river of love."

Nervous System Regulation & Anxiety Relief

Many people come to San Pedro experiencing chronic anxiety, dysregulation, and a constantly activated stress response. Research shows mescaline has unique properties that support nervous system regulation:

  • Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects documented in both animal and human studies
  • Serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptor activation - the primary mechanism for mood regulation and anxiety reduction
  • Dopamine D1/D2/D3 receptor activity - supports motivation, focus, and emotional regulation
  • Adrenergic α1A/2A receptor engagement - helps regulate nervous system arousal states
  • 80% of participants with anxiety reported subjective improvements following their mescaline experience
  • Increases prosocial behavior - supports connection, empathy, and nervous system co-regulation

Combined with our trauma-informed somatic practices, the medicine's natural properties support your nervous system in finding a new baseline—moving from chronic activation to greater regulation, safety, and ease.

Research Citation: Vamvakopoulou, I. A., et al. (2023). "Mescaline: The forgotten psychedelic." Neuropharmacology, 222, 109294.

What Makes This Experience Unlike Anywhere Else

Not all San Pedro retreats are created equal. Here's what sets Ananda apart.

Trauma-Informed Somatic Container

Unlike retreats that focus solely on ceremony, we recognize that profound transformation happens through the body, not just the mind. Our facilitators are trained in somatic trauma-informed practices, creating safety for your nervous system to regulate, release, and integrate—supporting you to move from dysregulation to embodied presence.

Continuity of CARE: Your Journey, Not Just a Retreat

Most retreats end when you leave, but at Ananda, your relationship with us continues. From three pre-retreat preparation sessions through 12 weeks of post-retreat integration support, the same CARE team member walks alongside you—building trust, continuity, and lasting transformation rather than one-off experiences.

Intimate Sacred Container (Maximum 8 Guests)

While many retreats pack 15-30 people into ceremonies, we intentionally limit our immersions to just 8 guests. This intimate size allows for deep personal attention during ceremony, authentic connection within the group, and space for your individual process to unfold without being lost in the crowd.

Medicine Carriers Who Live the Path

Our Huachumeros aren't weekend facilitators—they've dedicated years to exclusive San Pedro practice, completed rigorous traditional diets, and live in service to the medicine. Nikki has 7 years of experience working with San Pedro; Chase has over 10 years of practice and is trained in the traditional San Pedro lineage by master teacher Bernhard Karshagen.

Is San Pedro For You?

San Pedro calls to those seeking heart-centered healing, body reconnection, and clarity on their path.

You Struggle with Focus & Attention

You have ADHD or attention challenges that haven't fully responded to conventional treatments. Your mind races, you struggle to stay present, and you're seeking a medicine that can help you regulate your nervous system and reconnect to embodied presence.

You Feel Disconnected from Your Body

Years of trauma, stress, or living in your head have left you numb or disconnected from your body's wisdom. You want to return to your felt sense, to trust your somatic intelligence, and to feel at home in your own skin again.

You're Seeking Purpose & Clarity

You feel lost or uncertain about your life direction. You're successful by external measures, but something feels missing. You're yearning for deeper meaning, spiritual connection, and clarity about why you're here.

You're on Medications

You're currently on SSRIs, SNRIs, or other medications that may prevent you from working with ayahuasca or psilocybin. San Pedro has different interactions and may be accessible when other plant medicines aren't.

You Value Daytime Ceremonies

The idea of working with medicine during daylight hours—in nature, with your eyes open, moving and integrating in real-time—resonates with you. You want extended time (8-12 hours) to work deeply with the medicine.

You Want Heart-Opening Work

You're drawn to a medicine known for its empathogenic (heart-opening) qualities. You want to experience unity, connection, awe, and wonder—to remember the love that connects all things. You're ready for profound transformation.

Important Note on Medications:

While San Pedro has different pharmaceutical interactions than ayahuasca, safety is our priority. During the intake process, we'll review your medications thoroughly. We work closely with you to determine if San Pedro is safe and appropriate for your situation. Always consult with your prescribing physician.

Your 8-Day Immersion

Three ceremonies spaced for integration. Time for your nervous system to settle. Deep support before, during, and after.

Days 1-2

Arrival & First Ceremony

  • Welcome & settling in
  • Group orientation
  • First daytime ceremony (8-12 hours)
  • Evening integration

Days 3-4

Integration & Second Ceremony

  • Group integration circle
  • 1:1 sessions available
  • Gentle yoga
  • Second daytime ceremony
  • Evening reflection

Days 5-6

Deepening & Third Ceremony

  • Group somatic session
  • Art therapy
  • Beach sunset
  • Third daytime ceremony
  • Integration practices

Days 7-8

Integration & Closing

  • Morning beach walk
  • Final integration circle
  • Celebration dinner
  • Closing ceremony
  • Departure with tools

Post-Retreat Support:

3 individual integration sessions • Group integration call • 12 weeks of integration guidebooks • Access to medicine community forums

What's Included in Your Investment

Sacred Ceremonies

  • 3 San Pedro daytime ceremonies (8-12 hours each)
  • Master medicine carrier guidance
  • Individual journey support
  • Group ceremony container

Trauma-Informed CARE

  • Thorough intake process
  • 3 somatic preparation sessions
  • Virtual group orientation
  • 2 onsite navigation sessions
  • 3 post-retreat integration sessions
  • 12 weeks integration guidebooks

Luxury Accommodations

  • Private ocean-view suite
  • All gourmet meals by private chef
  • Beach excursions
  • Gentle yoga sessions

Empowerment Tools

  • Group integration circles
  • Somatic workshops
  • 2-hour art therapy
  • Ananda's Guide to San Pedro
  • Somatic Integration Guide

Comprehensive Support: Before, During & After

Your journey begins long before you arrive and continues for months after you leave.

Before

  • Thorough intake process including medication review and safety screening
  • Three somatic preparation sessions to build resources and set intention
  • Virtual group orientation to meet your medicine family before arrival

During

  • Two onsite navigation sessions with trauma-informed facilitators
  • Daily somatic practices to support nervous system regulation
  • Group integration circles and art therapy for processing

After

  • Three 1:1 integration sessions with somatic specialists
  • 12 weeks of integration guidebooks delivered bi-weekly
  • Medicine community forums and group integration call

Continuity of CARE

At Ananda Lodge, we don't believe in one-off experiences. We believe in building relationships and threads of continuity that support your ongoing transformation journey. Your CARE team member will be with you from preparation through integration.

2026 Immersion Dates

Choose your immersion based on the medicine carrier and dates that call to you.

With Nikki Szeghalmi

Trauma-trained Huachumera with 7 years of experience

🌟 December 28 - January 4

(New Year's Immersion)

January 9-11

(Weekend)

January 15-22

(Women's Only)

July 2-9

July 10-13

(Weekend)

🌟 December 28 - January 4, 2027

(New Year's)

Book with Nikki

Private options available January & July

With Chase Moore

Huachumero & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with over 10 years experience

April 16-23

(Spring Immersion)

April 24-27

(Weekend)

Book with Chase

Private options available in April

Peru Immersions

At The Source Peru • Sacred Valley

10-Day San Pedro

10-Day Ayahuasca & San Pedro

(Non-beginners)

2026 Dates TBD

Join Waitlist

Your Investment in Heart-Centered Transformation

This comprehensive 8-day immersion with San Pedro, the grandfather medicine, represents a profound investment in reconnecting with your body's wisdom and innate intelligence.

$4,995

🐦 Early Hummingbird Special

Register 45 days in advance

Save $500 - Only $4,495

Premium Suite Bonus

First 4 guests to register receive:

  • ✦ Upgraded upper-floor ocean-view suite
  • ✦ Vaulted ceilings and expansive views
  • ✦ Enhanced sense of space and light

Payment Plans Available

Secure with 25% deposit • Flexible monthly payments

Book Your Sacred Journey Call

We'll answer all your questions and help you choose the right immersion dates

Your Medicine Carriers

Nikki Szeghalmi

Trauma-trained Huachumera with 7 years of experience

Nikki grew up in Toronto and has deep roots in Peru's Sacred Valley. Coming from a background of addiction and depression, she was called to Peru in 2018 to work deeply with her teachers Bernard Kashagen and Chase Moore. Trained in somatic trauma-informed plant medicine facilitation through Atira Tan, she carries wisdom with presence, humor, and loving support.

"I have worked with Nikki for two years and highly recommend her. She has been amazing with helping me work through anxiety, stress, and a myriad of other things. Since working with Nikki, I feel more like myself, am happier than I've ever been, and am much more motivated. Working with San Pedro has improved my life in so many ways (much more than traditional therapies) and having Nikki as a facilitator has been absolutely incredible. She is kind, wise, and supportive, and has a great sense of humour. I am super grateful for Nikki and if you get the chance to drink with her, do it!" ~Ellie

Chase Moore

Huachumero & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with over 10 years experience

Chase, a Tennessee native, is an experienced Huachumero trained in the traditional San Pedro lineage by his longtime teacher, Bernhard Karshagen. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Chase has dedicated over 10 years to working exclusively with San Pedro, completing extensive diets and holding diets for others wanting to deepen their connection with the medicine.

"Changing lives with love and dedication. I've had a few experiences with retreats but this might be my favorite! The accommodation is luxurious and new and very comfortable- just beautiful! The Huachumero Chase is one of the kindest, most humble and most competent teachers I've worked with. It was easy to feel safe and to trust the people and the medicine. The Ananda Lodge Team is awesome! So supportive and kind and I really enjoyed getting to know all of them. This place is magic and I love that it's smaller than other centers as it feels more intimate and allows the individual to have space for themselves. I'm forever grateful and look forward to come back!" ~ Vanessa, Cayman Islands

Kimberly Ocana

Somatic CARE Support | Co-Founder

As the founder of Ananda Lodge, Kimberly continues to walk the path of humble service. She's a somatic, trauma-informed plant medicine coach, certified sound healing therapist, and herbalist in training. With deep reverence for indigenous wisdom, she provides one-to-one coaching and support throughout your journey.

"Kimberly is incredibly insightful and thoughtful. She is astute, knowledgeable, compassionate, articulate and holds space in just the ways needed."

What Previous Guests Are Saying

Something real happened to me at Ananda...and I'll never forget it. Working with Chase and the medicine reached a place in me that needed healing for a long time. He never pushed...just held the space with this calm, grounded energy, and somehow knew what needed to be done. It was deep, spiritual, and emotional—like something old was finally let go. Even though I didn't have big visions, I felt the shift. I'm still processing everything, but something is different. I'm different.

— Christina, July 2025 Guest

I realized I had been living in mild fear, anxiety, confusion and distraction. San Pedro showed me what is truly important in life: spending time with those we love, doing the things we love, being in nature, helping others. It shows you how we are all connected to one another, the planet, all living things and that everything comes from an infinite flowing river of love. I feel more alive, joyful, grateful and full of love than I have in my entire life.

— Kim, March 2025 Huachuma Guest

Kimberly and Jason have created a unique and wonderful oasis. Our fearless Huachumara, Nikki, is an amazing guide and spirit to work with both in and out of ceremony. The work that Nikki did with our group was healing and truly special. I am honored to have gone through ceremonies with her and would certainly do so again and highly recommend her to others.

— Richard, March 2025 Guest

What a refreshing plant medicine guide and teacher. I don't think you could find anyone as authentic and caring as Nikki. She's a warrior, coach and caregiver wrapped into one. The big takeaway for me was Nikki's personal mantra of taking personal responsibility. You could tell she walks the walk! Thank you for the learnings sister. That was stellar!

— December 2024 Huachuma Guest

Understanding San Pedro

San Pedro is taken during the day (ceremonies last 8-12 hours), is known for being more heart-opening and empathogenic, and has different pharmaceutical interactions—making it accessible for some people who cannot work with ayahuasca or psilocybin. It's a medicine of connection, unity, and somatic reconnection, inviting you to slow down and experience beauty around and within you. Research shows it's particularly effective for ADHD, focus challenges, body disconnection, and finding life purpose.

San Pedro has different interactions than ayahuasca and may be accessible for some people on SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medications. However, safety is our absolute priority. During the thorough intake process, we review your specific medications in detail. We work closely with you to determine if San Pedro is safe and appropriate for your situation. Always consult with your prescribing physician before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Yes! Research shows that mescaline (San Pedro's primary alkaloid) can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve focus, emotional regulation, and empathy. Studies found that psychedelics like mescaline decreased the severity of ADHD symptoms. San Pedro increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation) and activates serotonin and dopamine receptors. Many guests come to San Pedro specifically because they have ADHD or attention challenges that haven't fully responded to conventional treatments.

San Pedro ceremonies are held during the day and last 8-12 hours. Unlike nighttime ceremonies where you lie down, San Pedro invites movement, connection with nature, and integration in real-time. You may experience vivid visual patterns, altered perception of time and self, deep emotional releases, profound connection to nature and others, insights about your life purpose, and a sense of unity and love. The medicine is known for being empathogenic (heart-opening) and for reconnecting you to your body's somatic wisdom. Our experienced medicine carriers and trauma-informed team support you throughout.

San Pedro is particularly powerful for somatic reconnection. Research shows 68-86% of people report improvement in PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The medicine helps you access your "felt sense"—the subtle body awareness that trauma often disconnects us from. Through its empathogenic qualities, San Pedro creates safety for your nervous system to settle, allowing stored trauma to release. Combined with our trauma-informed somatic facilitation, you learn to trust your body as your primary guidance system again.

Ready to explore if San Pedro is right for you?

Book Your Discovery Call

We'll answer all your questions about medications, ADHD, and whether this is the right medicine for your journey

Your Heart Is Calling You Home

Experience the profound power of the grandfather medicine. Reconnect with your body's wisdom. Research shows significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and nervous system regulation. We're holding space for just 8 guests per immersion.

Book Your Sacred Journey Call View All Dates

✦ Multiple 2026 Dates Available

✦ Only 8 Spaces Per Immersion

✦ $4,995 ($4,495 Early Bird - Save $500)

✦ Payment Plans Available

✦ First 4 Guests Receive Premium Suites

✦ Accessible for Many on Medications

Ananda Lodge | Costa Rica

San Pedro Huachuma with trauma-informed care • The heart medicine for focus, clarity, and somatic reconnection

anandalodgecr.com