We are a family of dedicated facilitators, guides, coaches, and musicians, devoted to offering impeccable service with safety held in the highest regard.
Xochipilli is a family committed to keeping the flame of human consciousness alive. Stepping into this sacred land offers a unique and potent frequency that becomes part of the medicine itself. We hold intimate ceremonies where every soul is seen, every heart is held, and every detail is tended to with love and care. Our medicine facilitator carries native, traditional respect for the medicine, guiding you through a gentle, safe, and deeply grounded encounter with the sacrament. In this space—tender, protected, and primed for a profound internal dive—you are welcomed like family to experience authentic Amazonian plant medicine. Allow yourself to be held as you awaken to a more conscious, loving way of living.
In addition, Alicia Castillo, our skilled organizer, translator, and retreat preparer, brings deep expertise in integration and emotional support, enriching every journey. With a nurturing and grounded presence, she helps participants process their experiences so they feel supported, empowered, and clear throughout the retreat.
Leaders
Alicia from Mamay — Your first contact as you prepare for retreat
Alicia Castillo has committed over 15 years to the path of spirituality, growth, and healing, surrendering fully five years ago to the calling of plant medicine, master plant dietas, and a holistic wellness approach. Her journey began in 2009, driven by a desire to understand the true essence of healing across global cultures and traditions. Through her travels, Alicia immersed herself in diverse teachings, deeply expanding her mind and spirit.
Her dedication to personal transformation is grounded in an extensive background in life and business coaching, transformational work, and integration support. She has spent years helping individuals find clarity, step into their purpose, and cultivate fulfilling lives. By connecting with mentors in spiritual corners of the world and participating in deep transformational seminars, she has honed the unique skills and practices that define her approach today.
Inside the ceremony space, Alicia acts as a vital bridge. Her approach protects the integrity of the circle, allowing everyone to fully engage in the collective healing process. As one participant shared, “Alicia’s translations make me feel and live the experiences of others. Every time she transmits the emotions and energy, I can experience them on a deeper level.”
Alicia’s authenticity shines as she channels and conveys Arturo’s energy, weaving ancient wisdom with a modern, accessible understanding. Her ability to preserve the essence of spirituality, emotion, and ancestral knowledge while making it feel safe and relatable is what makes her leadership truly exceptional.
Arturo Lopez — Our Medicine Man
Arturo Lopez has dedicated the past 16 years of his life to plant medicine and master plant dietas, spending 12 of those years deeply rooted at Xochipilli Retreat Center. Known for his integrity and profound commitment to this work, Arturo brings a grounding warmth and peace to every ceremony he leads.
His journey began in Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where he met his mentor, Diego Palma, and later apprenticed under Jean Piel. Under Piel’s guidance, Arturo supported countless ceremonies, immersing himself in the interconnected world of medicine and music. Inspired by this path, he developed his own approach—one firmly rooted in respect for ancestral tradition and the healing power of Ayahuasca.
In his work, Arturo recognizes that we live in a time of deep collective transformation. As social facades fall away and many grapple with internal discontent, he understands that Ayahuasca calls to those who are ready to explore beneath the surface and confront ingrained patterns in their habits, relationships, and lives. Arturo’s nurturing presence fosters a deep sense of trust, allowing participants to safely open up to the profound love and healing the medicine offers.
A true family man at heart, Arturo cherishes the connections he builds with his tribe—the staff and participants who cross paths with him. Because of his intimate connection with the medicine, he is able to uniquely tailor each ceremony to the individuals in the room, treating every journey as a sacred invitation to go beyond the known.
Gifted musically, Arturo weaves sound and voice to support integration, creating an atmosphere where true peace can settle within. His calming presence becomes a lasting gift, inspiring participants to carry that tranquility back into their everyday lives. With Arturo as a guide, the journey with Ayahuasca becomes one of deep connection, offering participants the opportunity to experience the profound peace and healing energy of Mother Ayahuasca.
Meet the Staff of Xochipilli
The healing experience at Mamay Retreats is held by the incredible staff at Xochipilli. Every detail of your stay is tended to with love—from the beautiful grounds and welcoming housekeeping to our skilled massage therapists who support your physical and energetic integration. At the heart of our home is our dear Mama Maru, whose creative, nourishing meals add their own kind of magic to every retreat.
But perhaps the most cherished part of the Mamay experience is our ceremony team. Our musicians, singers, and night prayer staff hold the space with unwavering devotion. Through their voices, lyrics, and deep presence, they bring a rich tapestry of love and feeling to the ceremony space—an energy you will carry in your heart long after you leave. At its very core, their work is an offering of pure friendship.
