What They Say

10 stars!!

My recent experience withSpiritRivers was nothing short of amazing! The property, the food, the people, and the facilitators were all awesome. I could eat that food every single day! Frederic had such a fun and spunky attitude, I love seeing his smile and his true compassion for people and the medicines. I will definitely be back for another retreat! Thank you so much for giving my husband and I the opportunity for true healing, we are forever grateful!

Tatiana Pepe
United States
Gratitude

I attended a 3 day SpiritRivers retreat, went home for one day then came right back for 2 more days. The accommodation is top class, and Brenda and her team went the extra mile to make me comfortable. Accommodating someone with a movement disorder diagnosis could have been challenging but Freddie and Brenda made it easy by allowing me to have a caregiver with me and by just accepting me with no fuss.
The food was phenomenal 😋
This was my first experience with plant medicine and I wouldn’t want to do it any other way or with any other people. Freddie and Ro are so full of love and compassion, I felt safe and held, the genuine care they had for everyone in the group reminded me of the world I want to live in. Wonderful music and drumming accompanied my journey, feathers and breath, connection, love
What an amazing experience
🐅💕😁

Nicola Adegoke
United States
Grateful for this experience

Being a complete novice in the plant medicine world I acted on the encouragement from a friend who has much experience in this, and attended a SpiritRiver retreat. My intention was to gain a glimmer of perspective for worthwhile endeavors for the 8th decade of my life on this earth.
Every step of this experience was supported by extremely professional, competent and loving people. The warm, caring and loving community that formed between all involved was heartwarming to the max. What I experienced with this group was what I’ve always dreamed community could feel and be like, but had been left with disappointment in group settings. This experience gives me hope for our world.
The plant medicines opened my heart to love. It changed me in ways I treasure and enjoy everyday now. And, I gained much more than a glimmer for worthwhile endeavors for my future!
The plant medicines plus the love and wisdom that Frederic, Ro, Paragon, Brenda (and (and the whole crew putting on this retreat) brought to each person allowed us all to address the challenges we were dealing with. Experiencing this was impressive. They are so kind, strong in a gentle way. I learned so much being around them and watching them work. They are experts at what they do. It was a pleasure to witness and experience.
I will integrate into life what I’ve learned and be back for more.

Alison Bradley
United States
Safety in healing

There is nothing like the feeling of being completely safe to heal! That is exactly what I have felt in the two times that I trusted Frédéric and Ro to guide me through plant medicine. Healing is not always pretty but some how they manage to hold the most gorgeous, strong and vulnerable space to let it all unfold.
Tenderness is at the forefront of the work that these men do. And they both know that the best healer and teacher there is is the one inside each and every one of us. They hold space for people to heal themselves. They toe the line between being completely available to help and hanging back to allow you to have your own experience with the medicine and yourself. They honor and cherish each soul that chooses to journey.
The music the plays all the way through the days of journeying feels like the most perfect backdrop and adds so much to the experience. Sometimes you hear it and sometimes it just becomes such a deep part of your experience that you forget that it’s there. But it’s always on purpose and carefully curated in the moment by Frédéric.
Words are truly inadequate to explain what a journey feels like with them and with the people that show up in their space but I hope my testimonial has helped shed a bit of light on what you might experience if you choose to journey with Frédéric and Ro.

Anne Judson-Yager
United States
Connect and improve your life

I just finished my fourth retreat with Frédéric. Each one is better than the one before. These medicine ceremonies help me connect with myself and with others; it’s not just about a “trip,” but rather about self-improvement, understanding, and community, learning to see things unseen and not understood. I cannot put into words how important and special these events have been to me and how much I love Frédéric and his work. Oh and the food, accommodations, music, and venues have always been spectacular. Looking to book my next retreat right away.

Wayne Hoffman
United States
Transformational

It was my first time trying ancient plant medicines and I am glad that I did! Frederic was an amazing facilitator. He definitely cares for each participant. Nice thing was he was very accessible if you have any questions or want to talk about your experiences. The venue in San Diego was perfect and welcoming as well. It was plenty of fresh air and places to walk on the ranch. The owner of the retreat Ranch was very welcoming and had an amazing staff and chefs making our vegetarian meals that were outrageously delicious!I brought along three friends and we will be returning.
I learn so much by attending all the different plant ceremonies and partaking in all of them made me see how they all work together. The music in the ceremonies was well chosen and the other participants were very loving as you were going through some emotional experiences and they would provide loving support and lots of affection. This is just what I needed. I have been in poor health for about three years and the last day of this retreat I had a major healing! My depression was shed and so is my shoulder pain. Normally I couldn’t hold myself up and support myself on my right shoulder, but by the end of the last retreat I was able to do some yoga moves with no problem. I supported myself doing downward dog and plank position for the first time in three years! Just a year ago I probably wouldn’t have been open to this but Western medicine has failed me. I started turning to alternative methods of healing and boy, I’m glad I did! Thank you, Frederic for bringing this wonderful spiritual program that is so thoughtfully planned and executed. I am forever grateful and forever changed. 💯🙏❤️ ~ Debra Elton

Debra Elton
United States
Transformational Experience

It is difficult to put into words the magic of this experience. Frederic, Ro, and Paragon were such compassionate facilitators, they challenged me in the most loving way to go deeper into my journey of self acceptance.
The food was excellent, which is super important because of the fasting element of the retreat.
The Rocas facility was great. The staff was so warm and supportive. The campus had everything I needed to relax into the work.
I cannot express how profound the drumming was during the Aya journey. It propelled me to a deeper place than I have ever been.
Thank you so much!!

Scott Knupp
United States
dive into your souls depths

Hello to whomever this reaches! Firstly, I would like to thank you for even landing onto this site and taking the time to research if this retreat is right for you. It takes a lot of courage to even consider going on this soul adventure. I like a lot the people I know struggled with anxiety, this uneasy feeling that something was missing or not quite right in my life. I didn’t know what it was but I felt stuck and almost numb to what was happening in my life. I have no idea how I even found this retreat I researched so many different sites on Google and other platforms and I kept coming back to spirit rivers. Something inside me kept saying this was the one and I am beyond glad that I listened. I pushed past my fear and trusted in the universe and my own intuition and it gave me everything I wanted and more. This is not a fairytale that I am playing out through rose colored glasses this work is hard. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone and Frederic can only meet you halfway. You have to be willing to put in the effort and truly commit to what your soul is calling you to. The way the retreat is set up is beautiful not just with the amenities but on how the whole program of medicine is layered. There is a reason behind everything that is done with all of the ceremonies and food. Last but most certainly not least Frédéric is truly one of the most beautiful honest souls I have ever encountered. There are no words to describe how grateful I am for what he has done for me and continues to do for others. I am honored to have spent one of the biggest turning points in my life with him and his crew. Thank you for giving me my heart back!

Tiffany Krecklow
United States
Truly life changing

This was the best decision iI made in my life. The love and care that was giving to me by Frédéric, Georgina and Ro was nothing but amazing. My night of transformation was crazy, violent, exhausting and beautiful. My experience was so profound with so much insight on my life and the pain I was carrying within for myself and others. There was five of us attending this retreat and I will forever more be grateful to them for the journey we traveled together. Much love to them all. ❤️
Thank you Frédéric my heart is full of love and gratitude for you and my experience with you. ❤️
One more thing the Chef Ro which isn’t his real name because I could not pronounce it, is the most loving individual. The food he prepared for us was magic , delicious and served with love. Thank you my friend. ❤️

Lisa Setien
United States
A Loving, Tender Transformation

I struggle to find the words to describe this experience so that others understand the true impact this has made over my being. If you are looking for your meaning and sense of self the people of SpiritRivers provide the compassion and space for one to open up their hearts to themselves and the world. Frederic has a way of guiding a resistant soul to a place of openness and acceptance. The work was placed on the individual but supported by all. A community was formed which supported through guidance and love. This experience shared shifted my heart in ways I thought unimaginable. If you are looking to find yourself and embrace the world through your pure essence I truly recommend Frederic and his team to guide the way.

Jennifer
United States
Once in a lifetime experience.

Once in a lifetime experience.
Every aspect of this journey felt very safe and connected.
Frederic was and is an amazing guide, and with his magic touch it will make this journey profound and worth every minute.

Sean Zuker
Israel
Real transformation for your hero journey

Looking at childhood trauma and even divorce trauma from a spiritual perspective showed me that each of these events were initiations into my souls heroes journey. From the shadows I’ve built tools of light that can help the world. Like pulling the sword from the stone, revealing Excalibur.

Every metaphorical fall from grace is an opportunity to journey through the reaches of creation back to our divine origins, richer than before. Now that I can see that, my level of guilt, shame, anger and confusion have dropped 80%, freeing up valuable space for new potentials in my life and the ability to appreciate darker moments as new future gifts and mirrors of continued healing.

Frédéric is the real deal. I went into this with a critical watchful eye because I have experienced “lifestyle” shamans peddling powers they don’t understand without integrity. Frédéric held space with excellence and was a valuable mirror to look deeper.

Ben Peterson
United States
Restructuring of my whole being.

Love, sharing, kindness, honesty, kindness, benevolence, guidance, magic and secrecy, the retreat was something wonderful for me, it will bring balance, courage and strength in my life I hope.
Sacred medicine cured me I imagine, I feel wonderful, have finally planned things, the wedding is on the horizon, the baby is in the works, there was a lack of structure and balance in my life, I hope I spit all my venom, I no longer wish to have any more, I would like to share this magic with the future godfather of our child, and perhaps a godmother in perspective, only happiness, thank you life and thank you to all of you present at this retreat , to have shared joy and pain, our sufferings make us what we are, acceptance and forgiveness are essential, the measure also I learned it, the force is in the balance I feel it.
Ah O

CHERVIER Aurélien (william chevignon)
France
A total experience

Partly through this retreat, I realized I had a lot more issues to work on/personal growth to do than I thought before coming. Skillfully, Frederic helped me uncover certain things and make tangible progress in such a humble and gentle way. He TRULY cares about us “hitchhikers” (sorry – inside joke) who he serves. He’s also incredibly knowledgeable about all things related to shamanism/plant medicine from decades of study. I really appreciated him taking the time to have deep conversations about these topics during meals and other “downtime”. Huachuma is an incredible teacher and I highly recommend anyone interested in personal growth and reconnecting with nature give it a try.

The retreat venue in the Mexican jungle was absolutely beautiful – my only complaint being the somewhat constant noise of airplanes landing at the nearby Cancun airport. To be fair, this didn’t really bother me while on the medicine – moreso during the integration sessions. The music was wonderful, I only wish it was featured more prominently and played longer. I would have appreciated the chance to sleep in longer the morning before the all-night session, as I was fighting sleep that night which was difficult (sadly, I’m terrible at napping).

Overall though, this was an amazing experience that I felt privileged to take part in and I highly recommend it to basically anyone!

Tyler K
United States
An absolute paradigm shifting experience

Since this was my first experience with plant medicine of any sort, and since I possessed only a vague spiritual understanding leading up to it, I wasn’t sure what to expect on this retreat – I simply came with an open heart and an open mind; I’m incredibly happy I did. Frederic is immensely intuitive and clearly skilled at what he does. The food was exceptional, thoughtfully prepared by a talented onsite vegetarian chef, and the accommodations were more than adequate, with a sparkling pool and grassy area. I believe this is a new venue, so there can always be a tweak or two to improve the experience (blankets were missing), but that is so minor it didn’t even matter to me. I needed more leg room to sleep as well, but of course that is not the norm for most since I am an outlier (6’8″). I loved the isolated jungle setting. Most of all, I am still absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the Bufo ceremony, and have been thinking about it non-stop for the last day and a half. The Bufo experience, without question, was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Thank you

Matt U.
United States
Journeying with Frederic and the medicine!

Deep diving into the Forrest of Mexico with Frederic over the last 3 days was life changing to say the least. Dabbling very lightly in the world of plant medicine (one medicine) before this weekend- I was open, nervous and blessed to see what was going to be on the other side. Each day was a different experience, and each medicine brought up, in and out something completely different. With each day- I felt incredibly safe and held by Frederic’s guidance. A true gift he was- and on the final day experiencing such a breakthrough that I will now take with me for the rest of my life. I know this was possible with the facilitation for Frederic- trusting in his ability to take me there, and really see me for all that I was. It was such an incredible 3 days, and couldn’t suggest this experience enough!🙏🏼

T. Di Giulio
Australia
A transformational weekend

The retreat was one of the most miraculous experiences of my life – it wouldn’t have been possible without Frederic’s compassion, attentiveness, and mastery of his craft. Working with these medicines requires a great deal of trust in a facilitator, and he went above and beyond to make us feel safe as he took us above and beyond! The food was also a highlight – it’s actually making me consider going vegan. My only point of critical feedback would be on the venue. It was a great location in terms of privacy and access to nature, but the beds weren’t as comfortable as I would have hoped, and there was trash on the ground in a few places outside. Those were minor issues though and I’d still highly recommend the retreat.

Charlie Woodlief
United States
A True Gift

The retreat led by Frederic was nothing short of life changing. I have attended a handful of retreats before and this was by far my favorite. Freddy’s ability to navigate and facilitate the different medicines is a true gift. We felt incredibly safe, incredibly held, and beautifully guided. When working with these medicines the most important aspect is to get correct is your set and setting and you absolutely can not go wrong when working with Frederic. 10/10 would recommend and will absolutely be working with again in the future. If you are reading this review, it’s not by accident. Your future self will thank you.

Joshua Sparks
United States
Life Changing Experience

This was truly the best experience of my life! The medicines allowed me to let go of 30+ years of stress, anxiety, and fear in an incredibly short amount of time. And Frédéric did an amazing job explaining everything and making everyone feel comfortable and safe in all situations. He is an amazing soul committed to healing that I would recommend to anyone!

Kelley F
United States
Highly recommended, exceeding my expectations

Everything about this retreat was perfect: the location, the meals, the medicine, and importantly, the practitioner, Frédéric Cherri. He really is the best at what he does, an expert in plant medicine and honoring the sacred traditions. During the ceremony, he’s attentive to the needs of the participants, even anticipating what a person needs from moment to moment. At integration sessions, he’s closely listening and helping people process their experiences and observations. During meals, he’s conversational and approachable, making you feel comfortable, like you’ve known each other forever.

I can’t say enough good things. I hope to return soon.

Wayne H
United States
Une expérience inoubliable

Je reviens petit à petit sur cette terre car l’expérience a tellement été intense et pleine de révélations, que l’atterrissage doit se faire en douceur😉 !

MILLE Mercis à Fred Cherry pour sa bienveillance, son encadrement, ses partages et son accompagnement en or 👍🏵🙏🌈 !
Le lâcher prise a été beaucoup plus facile pour moi dans ces conditions 😁 !
L’encadrement est juste parfait et les explications sur chaque expérience que nous allions vivre sont très rassurantes et bien expliquées.

Fred a su être là toujours au bon moment ! Les musiques qui nous ont accompagné pendant nos voyages sont juste extraordinaires 🙏 !

Le cadre choisit, la nourriture végétarienne, les participants, tout était parfait 🙏🙏🙏 !

Je recommande vivement ce programme avec Fred, car pour ma part cette expérience restera à jamais gravé dans ma memoire 🌈🏵 !

MERCI encore Fred 🙏

Blessings
Sylvie

Sylvie Pailloux
France
I’ve found who I am

This retreat was wonderful.
We were a group of friends, this experience welded our friendship forever…
Our facilitator, Frédéric, with his charisma, kindness and altruism, fascinated me.
This medicine and this perfect set and sitting washed me of my addictions, my childhood traumas, I came out better and stronger.
The place, the food, the music, everything was on top, the magic really worked…
This connection was missing in my life, I will do this experience again for sure!
Thank you from the heart…

Monnot Julien
France
Once in a lifetime.

As i go through my time on this planet, i realize that there is something more, deeper inside of myself. I continue to search for awareness.

During ceremony with SpiritRivers I not only found openness to my awareness but a deeper belonging to the spirit of the universe. Frederic’s ability to hold space and conduct himself in a professional and caring manner is inspiring.

Frederic has the ability to not only nurture the spirit of the medicine but also verbalize and challenge need to go deeper inside myself to find the actual truth.

Not only would I highly recommend spirit rivers for excellent ceremonial medicine retreats but I would also recommend meeting Frederic and just becoming friends.

David Calvert
United States
Life Changing Life Affirming

it was my first experience with plant medicines and Frederic assured me that SanPedro would be the right plant to start me on my path. He was absolutely correct i got out of it exactly what i needed to clarify my vision and clear my road ahead. The jungle setting is perfect and the accommodations quite comfortable , support staff was great and the Vegan food was always on point. I would highly recommended to anyone that may be hesitant to let Frederic guide you through the process and start you on your journey. I am definitely coming back again and SOON!

Michael G
United States
A Magical and Profoundly Healing Experience

Frederic is a master healer, and exceptionally skilled and intuitive. I was profoundly impressed as I both observed his shamanic healing interventions with other participants and experienced his interventions when I needed support.

Rogelio is a master chef, who created delicious vegan meals. He skillfully provided the appropriate food, according to what was needed before and after ceremonies.

The room was large, and very comfortable and clean. The venue was basic and beautiful, has two cenotes, a temascal, a beautiful chorus of bird song, and a loving and gentle dog.

The music was an amazing variety of soothing and triggering songs. Some songs were very soothing, and other songs triggered memories and emotional release.

I’m deeply grateful for the entire experience, everyone’s support, and the delicious meals. I’m grateful for the profound and intense releases that I experienced, and the subsequent clarity, learning, and growth.

Cathy
United States
“Viento, que viene de la selva”

Where do I even start? Attending this retreat was truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. First of all, I appreciate Frédéric’s deep respect for his teachers within the indigenous cultures who have shared their wisdom with us and am inspired by the way he honors them. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and wise, he is also incredibly compassionate and a delight to converse with. He also always made sure that each person felt safe during the retreat, and created a beautiful space for the group to feel supported. During the retreat, I had the pleasure of witnessing a massive transformation in each participant, including myself. For the 11 days that I was there, I felt like I was home and that I had found a new family. In addition to the radical changes I felt from the healing benefits of the plant medicine, I could also feel my body responding to the delicious meals that were another form of medicine. The incredibly talented chef, Rogelio, channeled Love through his hands into each plant-based meal he prepared for the guests and contributed to the feeling of being supported throughout the deep personal growth we were all experiencing. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the sacredness of the land on which the retreat was held. Frédéric had clearly made a special bond with the space, with the spirits of the land, and with the people living on it, which all were components of the creation of a harmonious, healing experience for all who have the privilege of participating. All I have left to say is thank you. Thank you Grandfather Huachuma. Thank you Pachamama. Thank you Frédéric, Rogelio, and all of the beautiful beings in my new family. I love you all so much. ?

Maggie F.
United States
Superb Reset Body, Mind & Spirit

After a year and a half of caretaker burn out for 4 family members plus COVID-19 impositions, this was my treat to myself. There is no all inclusive resort on the beach anywhere in the planet which could have restored me on every level more than this plant spirit medicine has done.

There are no words to describe the heights, the depths and the breatdth of awe, inspiration as nurturing that I received from this intensive experience.

Frederic holds a masterful space for deep personal growth & healing and creates a very safe & non-imposing space to travel into the multiple planes that plant medicine avails to both the individual and the collective.

Besides Frederic’s attentive guidance & support and the medicines themselves, the exquisite gourmet vegan food made by Rojelio and his staff with delectable love and the sacred, cozy grounds and the family like tribe that forms so naturally by design all contributed to create this rich tapestry that wove into my body, mind & heart magic, healing & profound gratitude.

GRACIAS, MAHALO, MERCI

Chezspri Fischer
United States
Gratitude

Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier nos hôtes Flo et Emilie pour leur hospitalité . Merci également à tout le groupe pour votre énergie durant tout le weekend.Et un grand merci à toi Fred pour ta gentillesse et ta bienveillance , merci d’avoir su nous guider sur le chemin de l’éveil et de la guérison, ce weekend restera gravé dans mon coeur et mon esprit à tout jamais. tu as su mener les cérémonies parfaitement afin que chacun de nous puisse faire l’expérience des médecines sans aucune craintes. pour moi je sais que grand père San Pedro travaille toujours en moi et ma première rencontre avec le Bufo a été formidable.j’espère de tout coeur que je pourrais être présent pour la prochaine retraite que tu organisera dans la région, ou peut être sinon chez moi en Thaïlande comme ont en avait parlé.
Spock.

Jean Pierre Ballot
France
Extraordinary

This was a truly extraordinary experience; one of the most profound of my life. From the Huachuca plant medicine to the Mayan sweat ceremony it all fit to form a journey that felt like a lifetime in itself. The leadership and shamanism of Frederic was not only skilled and full of expertise, but compassionate and loving at the same time. The meals were expertly provided by Rogelio along with his engaging friendship. I would definitely come back again and enthusiastically recommend Spirit Rivers to anyone seeking a quality entheogenic retreat experience.

John
United States
Huachuma Blessings

I have been practicing Shamanism for a few years now, with drum circles, moon ceremonies, Red Tents, shamanic journeying etc… on a regular basis. To further and deepen my learning and exploration of that belief system, I was called to engage with plant medicine: Ayahuasca a few years back and Huachuma in March 2021… which literarily feel on my path at the right time and the right place: just the way it should be.
First, the amenities were fabulous: the jungle compound is meticulously designed with beauty, craftsmanship, private cenotes, high comfort (beautiful huts and great beddings) and convenience (hot showers and strong internet).
Then the staff is fully committed and caring: Rogelio regaled us with his mastery of vegan cooking, consciously prepared with Mantras and Love, brewing healthy juices and offering his dishes according to our scheduled ceremonies and needs. The perfect detox and healing nourishment!
Frederic is a master of ceremonies, humble and personable, sharing his knowledge and wisdom, gathering our guides and Pachamama, guiding us safely into each journey with powerful and revealing insights helping us integrating our personal Initiations and revelations. Furthermore, Frederic taught us a few additional practices I am now using like the Earth Mandala.
As a woman, I was exceptionally imprinted and revealed during the Temazcal session, lead and invigorated by the powerful and playful Auli .
Finally, what to say about the Teacher plant itself? Everyone has their own journey: for me it was what exactly what I needed… not what I wanted 🙂 I particularly appreciated the combo and complementary Day and a Lunar sessions. Different focus, different intentions, different teachings.

Do not be afraid, Huachuma is a gentle and loving teacher, and hopefully when she calls, you’ll be ready for her blessings. Spirit Rivers and Frederic offer perfect surroundings, container and guidance for the experience.

A’HO

Muriel
United States
Would recommend this retreat to anyone

I joined Frederic for three huachuma ceremonies recently and had an excellent experience. The spirit rivers team went above and beyond with food, accommodation and hospitality. Everything was fantastic.

I would recommend this retreat for anyone interested in shamanism or personal growth with a trustworthy facilitator.

Some things I particularly enjoyed was the food! I was worried about being vegan for a week but blown away with chefs ability to cook different delicious, nutritious, gluten free vegan meals every day with healthy snacks in between. Even when fasting there wasn’t one moment when I was hungry. Cheers Rojelio! The temezcal ceremony (on site) was the real deal and intense. And of course the Huachuma ceremonies. Frederic has such depth of knowledge that amplifies the retreat to another level. The medicine came on slow and strong. Frederic was quick to sense when one needs more medicine. Days following medicine is integration. I found this to be the most helpful part of the experience which ultimately taught me the lessons I needed.

A BIG thank you to all involved with the retreat!

Robert Clough
Canada
A Magical Healing Experience

The Portal To Awakening intensive Huachuma retreat was an incredible, life-changing, experience!

Having already worked with psilocybin mushrooms and Ayahuasca in the past, I was curious to see how this would compare. It turned out to be a gentler, more interactive experience which allowed the medicine to work with me as much as I allowed. By the end of the third ceremony, I had been gifted several profound insights which will remain with me for the rest of my life and which will absolutely improve the quality of my relationships.

From the moment I arrived at the retreat location, I immediately knew that I was in good hands. The grounds were spectacular; it was as if we had our own private jungle. Frédéric and all of the staff took fantastic care of us in every way possible. We feasted on the most delicious vegan food all week long thanks to our chef, Rogelio. Erick, the musician who played during the ceremonies, is incredibly talented and always provided the perfect accompaniment at just the right moments.

Most importantly, Frédéric’s knowledge and experience are simply out of this world. He has the heart of a true healer, and he brings all of this to bear as he works personally with each participant. I’m so grateful to him for putting together this incredible event and I hope to return to work with him again someday.

Finally, if you are on the fence between doing a 2-ceremony retreat or a 3-ceremony retreat (as I was), do yourself a huge favor and go for the third ceremony! You will not regret it!

Chris W.
United States
Self care is how you get your power back.

I came to Frederic, wounded and broken. I lost my husband 5 months prior, and had no idea where to go from there. I am a registered nurse, my background is Western Medicine and it does not treat a broken spirit. The retreat venue is beautiful beyond words and I immediately felt safe and like family. Oh the food!! Delicious!! The ceremonies were amazing, I dug so deep into my subconscious and found trauma that I had completely forgotten about. Integration brought it all together. The other retreat goers were so welcoming and kind. We all left as family, all experiencing life-altering events. This medicine exceeded my expectations and put me on the path to healing. I cannot say enough good things about Frederic. He is authentic and wise. I watched him, watched him work so closely with each of us with passion and sincerity.
I am ready to celebrate the life of my husband and the gift of our time together. We all have wandered so far from nature and Mother Earth but she is always ready to welcome us back. I am immensely glad that I followed the call. I can’t wait for my next retreat!

Shannon N.
United States
Ceremonies

I had a great time at spirit rivers. The place itself is amazing and Frederic was a great facilitator. Overall a positive experience that im glad i done.

Shaun Byrne
United Kingdom
Life changing

The food and experience was amazing.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
But it all has its purpose.
Frederic is an amazing person. And he does heal.

Edwin P.
Canada
The journey

It was an amazing experience, first of it in my entire life. I learnt how to love, not to judge & how to let things go. I had a glimpse of how humanity was meant to be. How time is just another tiny part in the equation

Everything about the event was great, food, shelter. To be frank, I didn’t see anything negative at the retreat. The only thing that I found as a blessing was during integration a few of us are still slightly confused about the required steps to take to return to innocence.

Lumi A.
United States
Challenging and exactly what I needed!

I have done plant medicine in the past and this was one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. The venue was beautiful, the rooms were very nice, and everything else about lodging was excellent! The food was amazing and I loved the self serving aspect of it because I could take as much or as little as I wanted. There was great variety too. The accommodations were very good and I always felt taken care of!  Frédéric was an amazing leader in this retreat and facilitated so much of my healing process by creating a safe space to heal, grow, and become a better me. I am so grateful! The ceremonies were very good and it was so easy to focus on connecting with myself and my intentions.

I did the no sugar or alcohol a week prior to the retreat as recommended but I think it should also be recommended to prepare drinking at least 2 liters (or whatever Frédéric recommends) per day to get hydrated and used to drinking that much. I hadn’t done that and got dehydrated really fast and felt slightly flu-ish for a day.  I loved the live music and instruments used! There where times toward the end of the ceremonies that I would wonder when the ceremony was over or how much time do I have to sit with this idea I was having and when there was music, that element seemed to go away and I could focus better so the more music the better!

Overall I had an amazing time and it has been a highlight of the journey I am on! I would highly recommend this retreat for people who are ready for a real change.

Payton F.
United States
This little light of mine

Well, you know the rest…
A life-changing adventure. And I won’t ever be the same. Frédéric is a magical being sent from beyond to hold space while you do the work. When you need a push, he’s your challenger. When you need support, he’s your gentle teacher.
The environment is perfect for this sacred journey. Only 20 min from the airport but you feel entirely whisked away to a jungle oasis. It’s peaceful and beautiful.
Our chef was a delight, both in his craftsmanship and character. Our musician is a gift from the Great Beyond. Music is so critical to your work in this space and Eric nailed it.
The Temazcal (traditional sweat lodge) was an experience that exceeded all my expectations. I left feeling rejuvenated and ready for what lies ahead.

Randi
United States
Heal from trauma or find answers to questions

I just returned home from the Aug 6-11 huachuma intensive and I have to say that it was the best plant medicine retreat I have been on so far. Everything from the retreat grounds, the wonderful vegetarian food, the people and the Temazcal made this experience a complete landscape for healing. The facilitators were such a perfect blend of clinical, traditional knowledge mixed with ancient, shamanic knowledge which made their ceremonies rich and full and joyous! They created such a safe and loving space for everyone to be themselves.

This was my first time working with huachuma and Ive discovered that this is my medicine. Huachuma connected me to my true spirt and I was able to disconnect from the noise in my head and make a deep connection with my body and soul in a way that I haven’t been able to with other medicines. I would say that huachuma is a powerful yet gentle medicine that allows you to be you… whether you want to heal from trauma or find answers to questions or to just be ever present in your body and enjoy and partake in the music and joy of the ceremony. The day ceremonies were my favorite because you were able to wander around in nature and swing in the hammocks or rest by the pool. I will definitely be back for another ceremony! Thank you!! Carla

Carla L, Houston
United States
  World Class Experience with a World Class Facilitator

I just returned in early August from the retreat and words can’t describe how transformational this retreat was! The setting was perfect, simple yet very comfortable.

The chef was wonderful! The food was so fresh and such clean eating. Everything came together so well, I could feel how much intention and care the facilitators and chef had. If you want a life changing experience, you MUST attend one of these retreats. I have extensive experience with sacred plants and these were the best ceremonies I have ever had, hands down! I plan to return in December for another retreat. That’s how much healing I received and I can’t wait to get more!!!

Taj, Boulder
United States
Worth every penny!

What can I say? This retreat, which I attended was life changing experiences! I made breakthroughs in one week that I’d been trying to accomplish in, let’s see, over 36 years! The Retreat was like heaven, and the perfect place for me to do my work. Beautiful serene surroundings, fantastic pool area, and the food!   And I am SO glad that I attended the “A Portal to Awakening Huachuma Intensive Retreat”! Frederic is a truly spiritual master at the art of conducting Huachuma ceremonies.  Frederic, is empathic, and knowledgeable, and conducts every aspect of the ceremony with a sort of quiet ‘power’ that I’m at a loss to explain. The combination of these two spiritual beings make for the perfect setting to work with this unique plant medicine! Needless to say, I’ll be coming back to work more and more with these wonderful people, and these healing plant medicines! AHO!

Michael L.
United States
You will Never be the Same

This experience is absolutely life changing. The staff here is the best in the business, and it’s not even close. The layout, attention to detail, depth, and quality of the retreat is far superior to others I have heard about or looked into. The retreat center is amazing and the maloca is a sacred space and absolutely beautiful structure. Everything is provided when it is most needed and in the way that is most beneficial. Whether it’s meals, sound therapy, Temazcal, medicine, whatever.

The layout is perfect and the execution was perfect. They take you in as part of their family, and it’s a truly unique experience. You will make life long bonds here, make quantum leaps in healing, and leave with a new family and a clear purpose. You will also never be the same. That is all.

Ryan A, Seattle
United States
Life changing Huachuma Retreat

The shaman, the healer and group as a whole were gifted and you won’t get any better. I would just tell anybody to stop at SpiritRivers reviews and just say YES like I did….it changed my life completely and opened the door to the journey of me completely integrating my true self and soul and it’s been a few months and I can truly say that I am even more happy, joyful and whole.

I was fortunate enough to do this huachuma retreat from April 2 -6, 2020 and it was deeply profound and life altering and the best thing I could ever have chosen as a gift for myself and integrating my soul. I cannot speak highly enough of Frederic, a healer who truly understand the Anglo programming and perspective that we come from and culture and really pushed us to integrate in a way that was long lasting….reaching far after the retreat. I am in the deepest gratitude to both teams and to Sharon who helped me see myself as the miracle I always was❤️ And AM!!!!

Madelyn P., Boulder
United States
Most beautiful and life-changing experience

My experience with  Frederick has been incredible amazing. The ceremony is set up in the most beautiful jungle of Cancun in an open lodge with bonfire and pool, Which makes it very special as well the most delicious food and heavenly accommodation. Fredericks drumming is just magic in my ears and remembering gives me straight away goose bumps! He is holding beautiful space during ceremony, very helpful, guiding and liberating during processes.

I felt so grounded and trusting by their presence which allowed me to go deep. I remember waking up and magically seeing the world trough different eyes: The eyes of my heart, which I lost connection for so many years. Me, speechless and deeply grateful after ceremony, Sharon whispering in my ears: ,,Now you remember…” I believe, we’re all on our personal journey and this medicine helps you connect to the real essence of life and to finding yourself, to heal yourself and to transform, to enjoy the real gifts, love, joy and peace from within you. ♥️✨?

Even now, time after the retreat, integrating my experience into reality, I enjoy their powerful presence and help and particularly being part of a wonderful new family of plant medicine spirits!

Ramona Kl.
Spain
World Class Experience & Facilitator

I just returned in early August from the retreat and words can’t describe how transformational this retreat was! The setting was perfect, simple yet very comfortable. The chef was wonderful! The food was so fresh and such clean eating. Everything came together so well, I could feel how much intention and care the facilitator and chef had.
If you want a life changing experience, you MUST attend one of these retreats. I have extensive experience with sacred plants and these were the best ceremonies I have ever had, hands down! I plan to return in December for another retreat.

That’s how much healing I received and I can’t wait to get more!!!

Taj M H, New York
United States
World Class Experience & Facilitator

I just returned in early August from the retreat and words can’t describe how transformational this retreat was! The setting was perfect, simple yet very comfortable. The chef was wonderful! The food was so fresh and such clean eating. Everything came together so well, I could feel how much intention and care the facilitator and chef had.
If you want a life changing experience, you MUST attend one of these retreats. I have extensive experience with sacred plants and these were the best ceremonies I have ever had, hands down! I plan to return in December for another retreat.

That’s how much healing I received and I can’t wait to get more!!!

Taj M H, New York
United States
Powerful yet, gentle medicine

I just returned home from the Aug 6-11 huachuma intensive and I have to say that it was the best plant medicine retreat I have been on so far. Everything from the retreat grounds, the wonderful vegetarian food, the people and the Temazcal made this experience a complete landscape for healing.

Frédéric is such a perfect blend of clinical, traditional knowledge mixed with ancient, shamanic knowledge which made ceremonies rich and full and joyous! He created such a safe and loving space for everyone to be themselves. This was my first time working with huachuma and Ive discovered that this is my medicine. Huachuma connected me to my true spirt and I was able to disconnect from the noise in my head and make a deep connection with my body and soul in a way that I havent been able to with other medicines.

I would say that huachuma is a powerful yet gentle medicine that allows you to be you… whether you want to heal from trauma or find answers to questions or to just be ever present in your body and enjoy and partake in the music and joy of the ceremony. The day ceremonies were my favorite because you were able to wander around in nature and swing in the hammocks or rest by the pool. I will definitely be back for another ceremony! Thank you!! Carla

Carla L, Houston
United States