ABOUT THP
Where is The Huachuma Project located?
The Huachuma Project is located in a secluded off-grid valley in the Western Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. Surrounded by over 100 acres of protected nature, the land has been carefully developed over the years to become a home for Huachuma and the work we hold.
We chose this valley because we believed the environment should support the work just as much as the ceremonies themselves. Today, every ceremony space, path and building reflects that same philosophy.
How do I get to The Huachuma Project?
Most of our guests arrive via Faro International Airport, which is approximately one hour away by car. We offer a return airport transfer from Faro for €50 per person, provided this is arranged before your retreat.
If you prefer, taxis are also readily available from the airport, with a one-way journey typically costing between €60 to €80.
Guests travelling by car are welcome to drive directly to the retreat, where free on-site parking is available throughout their stay.
Travelling by train is also possible, with the nearest station located in Lagos. From there, the retreat is approximately 20 to 30 minutes by car. We can arrange station pick-ups and drop-offs if organised in advance.
Once your retreat place has been confirmed, we'll provide detailed travel information, directions and your arrival guidance. As The Huachuma Project is also our home, we don't publicly share the exact location of the retreat. This helps us protect the privacy of our land, respect the surrounding environment and ensure a peaceful, uninterrupted experience for everyone staying with us.
Who leads the retreats?
Every retreat at The Huachuma Project is personally led by Austin, who has been working with plant medicines since 2015 and has dedicated the past decade to supporting others through their relationship with Huachuma.
Austin's journey first took him to Peru, where he trained and worked within established medicine retreat centres before returning to the UK to continue facilitating ceremonies. Over the years, he has led retreats throughout the UK and Europe while continuing to deepen his own relationship with the medicine and refine an approach centred on careful preparation, grounded facilitation and long-term integration.
From your very first conversation through to your time at the retreat and the support that follows afterwards, Austin remains closely involved throughout the entire process.
Keeping our retreat groups small allows us to offer a more personal experience, but we don't believe that means one facilitator should hold every retreat alone. Once a retreat reaches a certain number of participants, Austin is joined by one or more experienced facilitators. This allows us to provide more individual support while ensuring the space is held with the care and attention every guest deserves.
Alongside the core team, guests may occasionally meet students participating in Austin's Huachuma Facilitator Training Programme. Practical experience forms an important part of their education, and selected retreats provide an opportunity to observe, learn and assist alongside the facilitation team. Students are always supported by experienced facilitators, and the overall responsibility for the retreat remains with Austin.
Behind every retreat is also the wider team that helps make The Huachuma Project what it is today. From welcoming guests and preparing meals to caring for the land and supporting the day-to-day running of the retreat, everyone involved shares the same commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and thoughtfully held environment.
Why do you limit your retreats to twelve participants?
Keeping our retreats intentionally small is one of the most important decisions we've made. We believe the people who gather around the medicine shape the experience just as much as the medicine itself. Smaller groups allow us to get to know each person before they arrive, offer more individual support throughout the retreat and create an environment where everyone can participate without feeling overlooked.
It's also a reflection of how we approach this work. Our aim has never been to welcome as many people as possible, but to create the conditions for meaningful experiences built on trust, preparation and genuine connection.
What accommodation options are available?
We offer three accommodation options, allowing guests to choose the level of privacy and comfort that feels right for them while sharing the same retreat experience.
Our shared accommodation is located within the main house, offering a comfortable and homely environment close to the communal spaces where guests naturally spend time together between ceremonies.
Our two hillside yurts provide additional privacy while remaining immersed in nature. Each yurt includes private outdoor seating and its own compost toilet, with nearby hot shower facilities shared with other retreat guests.
For those seeking additional comfort and the conveniences of modern living, our guest house includes a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area. It's well-suited to couples, friends travelling together or guests who simply value additional personal space during their stay.
Whichever accommodation you choose, every guest shares the same ceremonies, meals, preparation, lifetime integration support and welcoming atmosphere that define The Huachuma Project.
Why are you based in Portugal?
To understand why The Huachuma Project is in Portugal, it helps to understand a little of Austin's journey. Austin's relationship with Huachuma first took him to Peru, where he spent time training and working within established medicine retreat centres. Those experiences laid the foundations for the work he continues today and deepened his appreciation for the way the surrounding environment supports the medicine and the retreat experience.
After returning to the UK, Austin continued facilitating ceremonies, first within established retreat centres before opening his own dedicated space. Over the following years, he hosted retreats across the UK and Europe, continually refining the way he believed this work could best be held.
Throughout those years, a new vision gradually began to take shape. Austin wanted to create a permanent home for Huachuma in Europe, making this work more accessible to those who couldn't travel to South America while offering an environment where the medicine could be approached with the same sincerity, care and respect that had shaped his own path.
That search eventually led to Portugal. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the Algarve allows guests to spend much of the retreat immersed in nature. The climate, landscape and peaceful surroundings provide an ideal setting for ceremony, reflection and integration, allowing the natural environment to become an extension of the work itself.
When Austin first arrived in the valley that is now home to The Huachuma Project, it looked very different to what you see today. The buildings needed restoring, the land required years of work and there was overall great deal of work ahead. Yet despite all the practical challenges, there was a certainty that this was where the project belonged.
The retreat centre has been built gradually over many years and continues to evolve today. Every ceremony space, walking path and building has been created with the same purpose: to provide a place where Huachuma can be approached with honesty, respect and care.
Some decisions are easy to explain. Others simply feel right long before you understand why. Choosing Portugal, and ultimately this valley, was one of those decisions.
starting your journey
How do I begin?
Every retreat at The Huachuma Project begins with a conversation. Before reaching out, we encourage you to spend some time exploring our website and reading through the information we've provided. Our aim is to answer as many questions as possible, helping you gain a clear understanding of our retreats and the way we work.
If you feel our approach resonates with you, or you have questions that haven't been answered, you're welcome to contact us by WhatsApp or email. From there, we'll arrange a conversation to get to know one another, answer your questions and explore together whether joining a retreat feels like the right next step.
What happens after I get in touch?
Every conversation is approached with care, honesty and genuine curiosity. While many people who reach out go on to join a retreat, others choose to spend a little more time preparing or take a different step before working with Huachuma.
Our role is to understand where you are in your life, what has brought you here and whether a retreat at The Huachuma Project feels like the most supportive next step. We believe the people who gather around the medicine help shape the experience for everyone present, which is why we take these conversations seriously.
Whatever conclusion we arrive at together, we'll always share our thoughts openly, honestly and with your best interests at heart.
Can I attend a retreat on my own?
Absolutely.
In fact, many of our guests arrive on their own. Choosing to attend a Huachuma retreat is often a deeply personal decision, and it's very common for participants to travel independently, knowing nobody else in the group before they arrive.
While we encourage shared conversation and recognise the value of coming together during morning integration circles, evening meals and time spent around the retreat, the experience itself remains deeply personal. Each person's relationship with Huachuma is unique, and we encourage everyone to approach their journey in their own way.
Whether you arrive on your own, with a partner or alongside a friend, you'll be welcomed with the same care and supported throughout your time with us.
Can couples or friends attend together?
Yes.
Many couples and friends choose to join us together, while others arrive independently. Sharing a retreat can be a meaningful experience, but we encourage everyone to approach the ceremonies as their own personal process.
Although you'll attend the retreat together, the ceremony itself is experienced individually. Throughout the ceremonies, all participants follow the same etiquette, regardless of whether they arrived alone or with someone else. This includes maintaining silence and refraining from physical interaction, allowing everyone to remain fully present with their own experience while helping create a calm and supportive environment for the group as a whole.
Outside of ceremony, there is plenty of opportunity to spend time together during meals, integration circles and throughout the retreat. We often find that giving one another space to have individual experiences ultimately enriches the journey you share together.
Couples and friends who would like additional privacy during their stay may wish to consider our private accommodation options.
Preparing for your Retreat
how should i prepare?
Preparation is an important part of the retreat experience and begins well before you arrive at The Huachuma Project.
Once your place has been confirmed, you'll receive a comprehensive preparation guide with practical information, dietary recommendations and guidance on preparing physically, mentally and emotionally for your retreat.
We also encourage guests to create a little more space in the weeks leading up to their arrival. Spending time in nature, reducing unnecessary distractions and reflecting on what has brought you to Huachuma can all help you arrive feeling grounded and present. Many guests also find it valuable to keep a journal, noting their intentions, thoughts and any questions that arise before the retreat.
Is there a preparation diet?
Preparing for a Huachuma retreat is generally much simpler than preparing for many other plant medicine experiences. Even so, there are a few important dietary and lifestyle recommendations that help you arrive feeling physically and mentally prepared for the retreat.
In the days leading up to your arrival, we recommend eating simple, nourishing meals while avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, heavily processed foods, refined sugar, pork, soy-based products and heavy red meat. These recommendations are intended to support your well-being and help you arrive feeling clear, balanced and ready for the experience ahead.
Once your retreat place has been confirmed, you'll receive a comprehensive preparation guide with everything you need to know, including detailed dietary recommendations and practical guidance for the weeks leading up to your retreat. You'll also receive access to our Pre-Retreat Cookbook, featuring a selection of simple, nutritious recipes that make preparing for your retreat both straightforward and, hopefully, more enjoyable.
What should I pack?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cooler evenings, sturdy footwear for walking around the land, a reusable water bottle, a journal and any personal items that help you feel comfortable during your stay.
You may bring a small personal item to place on the ceremony altar. This might be a photograph, a meaningful object, a crystal or anything else that holds personal significance and reflects the intention you bring to the retreat
.
If you'd like to enjoy our on-site swimming pool during your free time between ceremonies, don't forget to pack your swimwear.
Can I take medication?
Some prescription medications are compatible with Huachuma, while others require further discussion before attending a retreat.
As part of our initial conversation, we'll ask about any prescription medications you're currently taking and discuss whether they're compatible with participating in a Huachuma retreat. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and helps us ensure the retreat can be approached safely.
If there are any changes to your medication or medical circumstances in the weeks leading up to your retreat, it's important that you let us know as soon as possible so we can review your preparations together.
For medications that have been confirmed as compatible, such as hormonal contraception, we recommend continuing to take them exactly as prescribed throughout your time with us. Please never stop taking prescribed medication without first speaking to your prescribing healthcare professional.
During your retreat
What does a Huachuma ceremony look like?
Every ceremony at The Huachuma Project follows a carefully considered structure while allowing space for each person's experience to unfold naturally.
The day begins by gathering together in the ceremony yurt, where Austin introduces the day's intentions, answers any final questions and guides the group into the ceremony. Guests are then invited to share an intention, if they wish, before drinking Huachuma.
From there, the ceremony unfolds at its own pace. Time is spent in quiet reflection, listening to music, sitting with the medicine and connecting with the surrounding nature. Throughout the day, Austin and the facilitation team remain present, offering guidance and support whenever it's needed while allowing each guest the space to engage with their own experience.
Although every ceremony is unique, the rhythm remains much the same. There are periods of silence, opportunities for reflection and time to simply be with whatever the medicine brings forward. We encourage guests to approach each ceremony with openness and curiosity, allowing the experience to unfold without trying to direct or control it.
Once the ceremony has come to a natural close, the group gathers again for a freshly prepared evening meal before settling into a quieter pace for the remainder of the day.
Can I leave the ceremony?
The ceremony itself takes place within our main ceremony yurt, which serves as the central gathering space where the experience is held and where Austin and the facilitation team remain present to support guests throughout the day.
During the ceremony, we ask participants to remain within this shared space, allowing themselves to settle into the experience without unnecessary distractions. Bathroom visits are, of course, always possible, and if you feel you would benefit from a little fresh air, you're welcome to spend a short time on the deck immediately outside the ceremony space after speaking with one of the facilitators.
The intention throughout the day is to remain within the shared ceremonial environment, where support is always close by and the group can move through the experience together. While nobody is ever required to remain in the ceremony against their will, choosing to join a retreat also means choosing to participate in the carefully held space that has been created for everyone's wellbeing.
Once the ceremony has been brought to a close, guests are welcome to enjoy the retreat grounds and spend time in nature. If you're heading out for a walk, we simply ask that you let Austin or another member of the facilitation team know beforehand so we're aware of where everyone is.
As with every aspect of the retreat, guests are expected to follow our Guest Code of Conduct, which is shared before arrival and helps create a safe, respectful and supportive environment for everyone.
How long does a cermony last?
Every Huachuma ceremony unfolds at its own pace, allowing the experience to develop naturally.
In general, the ceremonial part of the day lasts between five and eight hours, although the exact duration varies from retreat to retreat. Throughout this time, guests remain within the held ceremony space, supported by Austin and the facilitation team.
Once the ceremony has been brought to a close, the space is formally closed for the day. Guests are then free to relax, enjoy the retreat grounds, spend time in nature or share the evening meal together.
Can I choose not to join a ceremony?
Choosing whether to participate in a ceremony is always your decision. While most guests choose to take part in every ceremony, there may be occasions where sitting out a ceremony or ending your retreat early feels like the right choice for your individual circumstances.
If you decide not to join a ceremony, we simply ask that you spend that time away from the ceremony space so the group can continue without interruption. Guests staying in private accommodation may rest there, while those in shared accommodation are welcome to use the designated communal areas or the retreat grounds.
Over the years, we've supported guests through a variety of circumstances. On one retreat, for example, a participant became unwell during their stay and chose to spend the day resting in the guest house while the rest of the group took part in the ceremony. After taking the time they needed to recover, they rejoined the retreat the following day. Sometimes, giving yourself the space you need is the most supportive decision you can make.
Should you decide not to participate in part or all of the retreat after it has begun, your accommodation and retreat place remain reserved for the duration of your stay, and refunds are not available.
How should I approach the ceremony?
no two huachuma ceremonies unfold in exactly the same way. While it's natural to wonder what the experience will bring, we encourage guests to approach each ceremony with openness, curiosity and a willingness to meet whatever arises.
Arriving with a genuine intention can provide a helpful foundation, but it's equally important to let go of expectations. Some people experience moments of profound clarity, while others spend time quietly reflecting on their lives. Neither experience is more valuable than the other. Huachuma has a way of meeting us where we are, often offering exactly what we need in that moment.
The ceremony is also an invitation to remain engaged with your own process. The medicine can offer insight and perspective, but meaningful change comes through your willingness to be present, take responsibility for your experience and continue integrating what you've learned long after the retreat has ended.
Finally, remember that you're sharing the ceremony with others. Respecting the ceremony space, following the agreed etiquette and communicating with the facilitation team whenever you need support all help create an environment where everyone can engage deeply with their own journey.
What if I am Struggling During the Ceremony?
Every Huachuma journey is unique, and moments of challenge can be a natural part of the experience. Often, it's by staying present with these moments that some of the most meaningful insights begin to emerge.
Austin and the facilitation team remain present throughout every ceremony and are available whenever support is needed. Sometimes that support comes through a conversation, sometimes through gentle guidance, and sometimes simply through having someone sit alongside you while you move through what is arising.
We encourage every guest to communicate if they would benefit from additional support. While we'll always remain attentive to the group, we can't always know exactly what you're experiencing. Letting us know how you're feeling allows us to support you in the most appropriate way, helping you remain engaged with your own process. Asking for support isn't stepping away from your journey; it's often an important part of it.
When will meals be served?
Breakfast is provided each morning before the day's activities begin. On ceremony days, we keep food light to support both comfort and the experience with Huachuma. During the ceremony, the facilitation team provides light snacks, such as fresh fruit and nuts, at appropriate times throughout the day, along with drinking water.
If at any point you feel you would benefit from something to eat outside of these times, simply speak with Austin or one of the facilitators. We'll always be happy to help and make sure your individual needs are supported.
We ask guests not to help themselves to food from the communal kitchen or shared refrigerator without first checking with a member of the team
.
Once the ceremony has come to a close, everyone gathers for a freshly prepared home-cooked evening meal. Sharing a meal together offers a gentle transition out of ceremony and a chance to reconnect before the day comes to an end.
After your Retreat
What is lifetime integration support?
The retreat may come to an end, but the work often continues long afterwards. Every guest who joins a retreat at The Huachuma Project receives lifetime integration support. Whether you have a question a few weeks after returning home or would like to reconnect years later, you're always welcome to get in touch.
We don't place a time limit on support. If something from your retreat continues to unfold months or even years later, we're only ever a conversation away.
What should I expect after the retreat?
Every person's experience is different. Some guests return home feeling refreshed and full of clarity, while others find themselves reflecting more deeply in the days and weeks that follow. It's common for your understanding of the retreat to continue developing as you settle back into everyday life and begin putting what you've learned into practice.
One of the most valuable things you can do is give yourself time. There's rarely a need to rush towards answers or try to make sense of everything immediately. Spending time in nature, keeping a journal and making small, meaningful changes in your daily life are often where the real integration begins.
How long does integration take?
Integration unfolds in its own time. For some, the retreat brings an immediate sense of clarity. For others, the experience continues to reveal itself gradually over the weeks, months and even years that follow. Many guests find themselves returning to moments from the retreat with a deeper understanding as life presents new perspectives.
Approaching integration with patience, curiosity and a willingness to keep engaging with what you've experienced allows the work to continue naturally, long after you've returned home.
Is it normal for things to continue unfolding?
Absolutely.
Many guests find themselves returning to moments from the retreat long after they've gone home. Sometimes a conversation, a walk in nature or an ordinary moment in daily life brings a completely new understanding of something they experienced in ceremony.
We've come to see this as a natural part of working with Huachuma. The ceremony is only one part of the experience. The integration that follows is where many of those insights begin to find their place in everyday life.
Practical Information
Is Wi-Fi Available?
Yes.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the valley. Many guests naturally find themselves using their phones less during the retreat as they settle into the slower pace of life and spend more time engaging with the experience, the group and the surrounding nature.
To help maintain the integrity of the ceremony, phones remain outside the ceremony space throughout each ceremony. We encourage guests to use this time as an opportunity to step away from the distractions of everyday life and become fully present with the experience.
What is the weather like?
The Huachuma Project is located in the Algarve, a region known for its mild climate and more than 300 days of sunshine each year. From spring through autumn, days are typically warm and sunny, while evenings can become cooler, particularly outside the summer months. During the winter, daytime temperatures generally remain comfortable, although mornings and evenings can feel noticeably cooler.
As the weather can vary throughout the year, we encourage guests to check the local forecast before travelling and pack accordingly. Bringing a few light layers is usually the best approach, allowing you to stay comfortable throughout your time with us.
What should i wear during ceremony?
Comfort is key. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to settle into the ceremony with ease. Layers are ideal, as the temperature can change throughout the day and into the evening.
While there is no formal dress code, we ask everyone to dress with consideration for the shared ceremony space. Clothing such as swimwear or particularly revealing attire isn't appropriate during ceremonies, helping create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable, respected and fully present.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
We believe sharing good food is an important part of every retreat. All meals are prepared fresh on site, and we're happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan and most dietary requirements wherever possible.
If you have allergies, intolerances or any specific dietary needs, let us know during your booking conversations. We'll work with you to make sure you're well looked after throughout your time with us.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
If you'd like a little extra time to settle into the surroundings before your retreat begins, or to give yourself a little more time for integration before travelling home, you're welcome to arrive a day early or stay an additional night, subject to availability.
Additional nights are available for €85 per person, per night in our shared guest accommodation, or €100 per night for a private room. Both options include all meals, which you'll share with Austin and Christina in the main house, offering a relaxed opportunity to settle into the space or gently transition back into everyday life.
If you'd like to extend your stay, please let us know when booking your retreat, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
Still have a question?
We've tried to make this website as informative as possible, and we encourage everyone to explore the information available before reaching out. If something remains unclear, we're happy to help.
Every retreat begins with a conversation, and we'd be glad to answer your questions and help you decide whether The Huachuma Project is the right fit for you.