Soul Alchemy Retreat
Yoga, Plant Medicine & Ecstatic Dance Retreat in the Heart of Colombia
DATES
January 21 – January 31, 2025
LOCATION
Chivor Lake, Boyacá, Colombia
5% Early bird discount until October 25th
Discover the Magic of Colombia
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Boyacá, a hidden gem nestled in the Colombian Andes. Just three hours from the vibrant capital of Bogotá, the retreat is set on the serene shores of Chivor Lake, where the lush green hills meet crystal-clear waters, creating a perfect sanctuary for healing and self-discovery.
Boyacá is more than just a destination—it’s a journey into Colombia’s rich cultural tapestry. From the warm hospitality of its people to the breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, every moment here is a step closer to nature, peace, and profound personal transformation.
A Retreat Like No Other
This 10-day retreat is a unique fusion of Yoga, Plant Medicine, and Metta Ecstatic Dance, carefully designed to guide you on a journey of deep introspection and self-work. Whether you’re seeking to reconnect with yourself, embrace new perspectives, or simply unwind in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, this retreat offers a sanctuary for all.
What Awaits You
- Guided Yoga Sessions: Immerse yourself in daily yoga practices amidst the stunning natural beauty of Boyacá. These sessions are tailored for all levels and designed to deepen your connection with your body, mind, and the serene environment around you. Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga classes will be guided by Tanya Savitri Popovich and Jorge Quero.
- Plant Medicine Ceremony (optional): Sacred Plant Medicine ceremonies have been an essential part of the Indigenous people of the Amazon for thousands of years. Your immersion into this ancient indigenous healing ceremony is completely optional, yet a unique deep transformational experience with the Ayahuasca medicine. Guided by an experienced indigenous Shaman with over 25 years of experience, these ceremonies offer a profound opportunity for personal growth, spiritual insight, and deep healing. Having led hundreds of ceremonies, our Shaman brings a deep understanding of the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of Ayahuasca, creating a safe and transformative space for participants. This experience is crafted exclusively for our group, ensuring a personalized and intimate setting.
- Metta Ecstatic Dance: Experience a transformative journey through Metta Ecstatic Dance, a holistic practice that combines mindful movement, somatic therapy, and meditation, all rooted in loving-kindness (Metta). This practice invites you to express yourself freely and authentically, helping release tension and connect with the rhythm of your body and the collective energy of the community. On this transformative 10-day journey, curated global rhythms will guide you into a blissful state of self-discovery and communal harmony through ecstatic dance. Each step and beat connects you to the collective heartbeat of humanity, celebrating the ancient spirit of dance in a modern world.
- Rapé (Hapé) Medicine (optional): Engage in the ceremonial use of Rapé, a sacred Amazonian snuff made from a blend of medicinal plants and potent tobacco. Administered through the nostrils, Rapé is used for grounding, cleansing, and connecting with the spiritual realm. This ritual, guided by experienced practitioners, helps purify the mind, body, and spirit, enhancing focus and aligning your energies.
Location and Accommodation
The retreat will take place in Boyacá, a region steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Known as the “Land of Freedom,” it’s where Colombia’s history, culture, and natural wonders converge. The pristine waters of Chivor Lake, the verdant mountains, and the peaceful ambiance make it an ideal setting for a retreat that’s all about reconnecting—with yourself, with others, and with the earth. Our retreat center features single, double, and triple rooms, comfy communal areas and a yoga shala, all with a beautiful view of the lake. There is a co-working space with good internet connection, in-house staff that will take great care of us, including cooks that prepare delicious healthy meals with locally grown ingredients.
A Culinary Journey Through Colombia
Our retreat’s culinary experience is a journey of its own. Savor three delicious meals each day, prepared with love and inspired by Colombia’s rich culinary traditions. Choose from flexitarian or vegan options, each crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Our multicultural menu is designed to nourish your body and soul, while also introducing you to the vibrant flavors of Colombian cuisine.
Retreat Leaders
Jorge Quero
Yoga Teacher | Triathlon and Running Coach | Ayahuasca Ceremony Facilitator
With over a decade of experience as a triathlon and running coach, Jorge Quero has guided more than 500 athletes to achieve their peak physical condition. He extends this expertise into the yoga sphere, where he has been practicing for over ten years and teaching since 2020. Jorge is a RYT500 certified instructor with 700 hours of training in various styles, including traditional Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, and Sound Healing.
Jorge’s journey with plant medicine has become a vital part of his holistic wellness practice. He has facilitated over 30 Ayahuasca ceremonies, accompanying experienced indigenous shamans who lead these sacred rites. Drawing from his personal experience with various Ayahuasca traditions, Jorge serves as a bridge between participants and the healing process, ensuring they are supported throughout their journey. He works closely with the shamans, holding space and providing guidance, while the shamans direct the ceremonies and administer the sacred medicine.
Jorge’s deep respect for the ancient traditions and his understanding of the psychological and spiritual dimensions of Ayahuasca enabled him to create a nurturing and safe environment for participants. His role as a facilitator is to assist the shamans and provide emotional and mental support to those undergoing these powerful transformations.
With his background in Holistic Psychology, Jorge integrates his understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection into the retreat experience. He combines this with his spiritual insights to help participants process and integrate their experiences in meaningful and lasting ways.
Jorge’s teaching philosophy embodies the body of an athlete, the mind of a stoic, the spirit of a warrior, and the heart of a poet. His expansive approach welcomes influences from different disciplines, aiming for holistic personal growth and wellness.
Having led over 20 yoga teacher trainings and plant medicine retreats, Jorge stands for continuous growth and exploration, pushing the boundaries of traditional wellness practices. His retreats offer a transformative experience, blending physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening in a harmonious and integrative way.
Tanya Savitri Popovich
E-RYT 500 |Yoga Acharya | Hypnotherapist |Sound Healer | Leadership Coach
Tanya is a certified Yoga and Meditation teacher with a 20-year teaching experience, a certified Hypnotherapist with specialization in trauma and PTSD and a Sound Healer. She is the founder of Shri Gaia Institute and the creator and director of its training programs. Tanya has been teaching 200hr and 500hr Hatha Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training programs across Asia and Europe for the past 14 years and in over 20 countries, and more recently Yin Resonance©, Metta Ecstatic Dance, Pranayama Teacher Training, Vital Wheels – yoga psychology through the Chakra system, and other continuing education programs.
Tanya has also been invited to direct other school’s training programs in Finland, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Her experience in Yoga, Hypnotherapy, and Leadership through mind and body practices has led her to be a sought-after Leadership Coach in numerous international companies, including Airbus and Thales Group. As a teenager and young adult Tanya studied Fine Art, Dance and practiced Transcendental Meditation, traveled extensively through India and trained in various classical and modern styles of Yoga.
She is a lover of yoga philosophy and can take her students effortlessly down the rabbit hole of amusing yogic thought. Tanya holds an MA in Indigenous Studies, with focus on Myth, Storytelling and Dance. Her experience in all these modalities has culminated in a plethora of rich training programs of the highest caliber, where she gives her students selflessly all her knowledge and experience in hope to preserve the old traditions and the way communities came together in the past.
Travel Recommendations
We recommend arriving in Bogotá on January 20, 2025 to allow for a smooth transition to the retreat. On January 21, we’ll embark on a scenic 4-hour journey from Bogotá to the retreat site, departing at 10:00 a.m. from a central location near the airport. This journey is not just a means of transportation—it’s the beginning of your adventure, with breathtaking views that set the tone for the days ahead.
Your Investment in Transformation
Your participation in this retreat is more than just a trip; it’s an investment in your well-being and personal growth. Choose the accommodation that best suits your needs and embark on a journey that promises to leave you rejuvenated, inspired, and deeply connected to both yourself and the world around you. We offer a range of accommodation options, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Whether you prefer the privacy of your own room or the camaraderie of a shared space, our options cater to every preference:
- Private Room: €2,299 per person – A personal haven of tranquility, perfect for deep rest and reflection.
- Double Room: €1,800 per person – Share your journey with a friend or fellow retreat-goer in a spacious and cozy environment.
- Shared Dormitory (4 persons): €1500 per person – Enjoy the company of like-minded individuals in a communal space designed for connection and comfort.
Included in the above price:
- Accommodation and 3 Daily Meals
- All Yoga and Ecstatic Dance Sessions
- Sacred Indigenous Plant Medicine Ceremony
- Transportation from and to Bogota airport
Reserve Your Spot Today
We look forward to welcoming you to Boyacá, where nature’s beauty and Colombia’s warm spirit will guide you through an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and healing. Join us, and let’s create something extraordinary together.
Spaces for this transformative retreat are limited to up to 15 participants. To secure your spot a deposit of €500 is needed, and balance payment until January 5th.