Retreat · 23–28 March 2027 · Valley of Intag, Ecuador

Nectar of the Heart

Six days in the cloud forest of the Andes to slow down, open the heart and come home to yourself, through temazcal, ceremony, movement and the quiet wisdom of the land.

6 days · 5 nights3 temazcal ceremoniesMax 13 people4th year running
Early bird $1,888 ends in—

The journey

A retreat for the heart, held by ceremony and nature

Nectar of the Heart is a small, intimate retreat in the Valley of Intag, about an hour and a half from Cotacachi. For six days we step out of ordinary life and into a rhythm of practice, ceremony and rest.

Each day brings movement and breath, time in sacred fire and water, and circles where we speak and listen from the heart. You leave with more space inside, a deeper connection to yourself, and practices to carry home.

Nectar of the Heart retreat poster

Ceremonies & practices

What we live together

◉

Temazcal

Three traditional sweat lodge ceremonies to pray, purify and release what feels heavy.

✿

Daily practice

Yoga, meditation and breathwork every day to ground the body and quiet the mind.

♡

Cacao & chakra dance

A heart-opening cacao ceremony and free movement to reconnect with joy.

✦

Plant medicine

A San Pedro ceremony guided by Taita Aldo Curiquinge, within the Camino Rojo tradition.

☘

Cleansing

Tobacco reading and cleansing, plant cleansing and a flower bath harmonisation.

●

Offering & circle

A despacho offering to Pachamama and sharing circles throughout the week.

Moments from past retreats

A glimpse of the journey

Retreat group after a temazcal mud ceremony Sparks rising from the sacred fire at night Flower altar prepared for ceremony Ceremony guides in front of the clay guardian statues Heart-shaped bed of embers from the ceremonial fire Retreat circle celebrating with maracas under a tree
Cloud forest valley around Willka in the Andes of Ecuador

The place

Willka, in the Valley of Intag

We stay at Willka, a retreat land cared for by María Belén, a local woman of the valley. Around us: cloud forest, rivers and mountains. During the week we visit the Gualimán Temple pyramids, Campo Colibrí, and waterfalls with thermal baths.

1h 30from Cotacachi
5 nightsaccommodation
3 mealsa day, vegan/vegetarian

Life at Willka

Willka pool with mountain views over the Intag valley The Intag River running past Willka Gardens and pool at Willka Eco Farm Wooden terrace with hammock at Willka

Where you'll sleep

Bungalow with river view at Willka
Bungalow with river view
Bungalow with garden view at Willka
Bungalow with garden view
Wooden room with queen bed at Willka
Private room

Photos courtesy of Willka Eco Farm

Everything included

One price, nothing to organise

  • 5 nights' accommodation at Willka
  • Three vegan or vegetarian meals a day, plus snacks
  • Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork
  • Three temazcal ceremonies
  • San Pedro ceremony
  • Tobacco reading and cleansing
  • Cacao ceremony and chakra dance
  • Plant cleansing and flower bath
  • Despacho offering to Pachamama
  • Sharing circles and workshops
  • Visits to Gualimán pyramids, Campo Colibrí and thermal waterfalls
  • An integration call after the retreat

Your guides

Held by people who walk this path

Jaymilli Borges, retreat founder, at a crater lake in the Andes

Founder

Jaymilli Borges

Hatha yoga teacher (200h), astrologer, therapist, doula, womb wisdom keeper, women's circle facilitator and ceremonialist.

Nico Galvan, co-facilitator

Co-facilitator

Nico Galvan

Yoga teacher (500h), Wu Dang Tai Chi practitioner, vision quester, temazcalero and health coach, walking the Camino Rojo.

Taita Aldo Curiquinge, ceremony guide

Ceremony guide

Taita Aldo Curiquinge

Medicine man and sun dancer of the Camino Rojo lineage, guiding the temazcal and San Pedro ceremonies.

“This experience helped me reconnect with myself on a deeper level, let go of what was holding me back, and find a greater sense of peace, strength, and clarity.”
David Guzman · Retreat participant

“I arrived knowing how to explain my feelings, but not always how to let myself feel them. I had built a life around competence and control. Slowly, I learned to notice when I was bracing and to meet myself with patience rather than pressure. I now feel more at home in my own life, more present with the people around me, and less afraid of the parts of myself I used to avoid.”

Giovanni · Retreat participant

“I thought transformation meant fixing what was wrong with me. I came in carrying old hurt and the belief that I had to hold everything together on my own. What changed was learning to stay present when I wanted to shut down, and to let care reach places I’d kept protected. Nectar of the Heart didn’t give me a new self. It helped me return to the person I was beneath the defenses.”

Edgardo · Retreat participant

In their own words ↓

Reserve your place

Choose how you'd like to pay

Places are limited to keep the group intimate. All prices in USD.

Best value

Early bird

$1,888

Pay in full by 26 December and save over $200.

Reserve early bird

Full payment

$2,111

One payment, your place is confirmed.

Reserve

6-month plan

$370.33 × 6

$2,222 total, spread over six payments.

Start plan

8-month plan

$277.75 × 8

$2,222 total, the gentlest way to pay.

Start plan

Secure payment through MoonClerk. Not sure yet? Book a free 15-minute intention call with Jaymilli and Nico, in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Questions before you book

How do I get there?

Fly into Quito (UIO). From there, our team's trusted drivers will bring you to Willka in the Valley of Intag. Flights and transfers are at your own cost; we'll help you arrange everything.

What's not included?

Flights, airport and ground transfers, travel insurance and personal expenses. Everything else during the six days is covered.

What is your cancellation policy?

Deposits are non-refundable. Beyond the deposit, a refund can be arranged if you cancel at least 2 weeks before the first day of the retreat. After that, payments can't be refunded.

Is the plant medicine ceremony compulsory?

No. The San Pedro ceremony is completely optional, and you're welcome to join every other part of the retreat. Everyone completes a compulsory health questionnaire after signing up, so we can hold you safely.

Who is this retreat for?

All genders, and both beginners and those experienced with ceremony. No prior practice is needed.

What language is it held in?

Both English and Spanish. The retreat is held by fluent speakers of both languages.

How big is the group?

A maximum of 13 people, to keep the circle intimate and everyone well held.

Not sure if it's for you?

Let's talk first

Book a free 15-minute intention call. We'll talk about what's calling you and whether this retreat is the right next step.