For more than 30 years, Alberto worked with the Andean and Amazon medicine people. Healing his own soul wounds, Alberto walked the path of the wounded healer and learned to transform old pain, grief, anger and shame to sources of strength and compassion.
Alberto
Villoldo
Dr.
Alberto left his brain-research laboratory at San Francisco State University for a ticket to the Amazon – determined to learn from researchers whose vision had not been confined to the lens of a microscope, from people whose body of knowledge encompassed more than the measurable, material world that he had been taught was the ONLY reality. Scattered throughout the Andes and Amazon were a number of sages or “Earth Keepers” who remembered the ancient ways. Alberto traveled through countless villages and met with scores of medicine men and women. The lack of a written body of knowledge meant that every village had brought its own flavor and style to the healing practices that survive to this day. He has translated the ancient wisdom combined with cutting edge neuroscience into modern, practical tools we can use to heal the body and upgrade the brain, and to become the new human - Homo luminous.
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A Journey to Turkey of Epic Proportions
Mystery, Myth and Muses of Origin
Mystery, Myth and Muses of Origin
A Journey to Turkey of Epic Proportions
October 16-23
When an ancient landscape has the power to impact our inner world, it is worth considering it as a place of pilgrimage. Once known as Anatolia, Turkey is the cradle of Western Civilization.
When an ancient landscape has the power to impact our inner world, it is worth considering it as a place of pilgrimage. Once known as Anatolia, Turkey is the cradle of Western Civilization.
Here at the birthplace of Hera and Pythagoras is the origin of our Sacred Mysteries and the Seven Wonders of the World. Marcela and Alberto have chosen this destinations for its profound power of transformation. We invite you to join our small and intimate group in this journey of the spirit.
Storytelling, ceremonies, nature walks, and meditation are ingredients in our daily practices. In Ephesus, we contemplate the inevitable decent to the underworld for renewal. At the Oracle of Apollo, we ask the deep questions of the soul. In Cappadocia, we weave the wisdom of the past into the tapestry of a more enlightened future.​​
We follow the footsteps of the ancient seekers who searched for the secret meaning of life, inquired into the journey beyond death, and sought revelations from gods in oracles, sacred power sites, and temples of Gnosis.
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If you feel called to be part of this group of mystical travelers, please review the day-by-day program for our Mystery, Myth and Muses of Origin pilgrimage.
DAY BY DAY
Dates: October 16-23, 2025
Day 1 / October 16 — CAPPADOCIA – FAIRY CHIMNEYS AND FRESCOES IN ANCIENT CHURCHES The group will meet at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (IST) for a late morning flight to Cappadocia. After we check into our hotel we have lunch in the town of Goreme. Later we explore the “fairy chimneys” and the rock-carved sanctuaries of Goreme, visit the Dark Church and rock-carved monasteries including the Yilani Snake Church, and the Mirror Church. This area was called (in the Scythian language,) Khepatukha, meaning "the country of the people of the chief god Hepat. The Cappadocian Tablets and the Hittite works of art date to 2000 B.C. We explore the complex underground cities used as hideouts by early Christians during the Roman era. ​
Day 2 / October 17 — CAPPADOCIA – In the morning, we visit the Kaymakli Underground City, and Derinkuyu, a subterranean urban complex that extends eighteen stories below the ground and was occupied by many as many as 20,000 people including livestock food supplies. After lunch, we visit the Gümüsler Monastery and see its stunning frescos. Evening desert hike.​
Day 3 / October 18 — CAPPADOCIA — This morning we visit CavuÅŸin, a Byzantine-era village rich in dwellings carved into soft rock. We enter the Church of St. John the Baptist built in the 5th century for the local Christian community. We learn about the ‘desert fathers’ and their stoic visionary practices. The church has stunning frescoes and carvings, which offer a glimpse into the religious traditions of the Byzantine era. formations. Afterwards, we share a lunch among the Fairy Chimneys of Pasabag, the ‘Valley of the Monks’, and visit monuments in the Red Valley. ​
Day 6 / October 21 — EUROMOS – TEMPLES OF ZEUS, APPOLO & ATHENA — Leisurely morning at the beach with yoga and meditation. Mid-morning we depart for Euromos (meaning 'Beautiful and Strong') –an ancient archeological site in the middle of an olive grove - and one of the best preserved temples in Asia Minor. It holds a magnificent temple of Zeus and the remains of an ancient theatre, city walls, and an agora. We hike and explore the temples of
Apollo & Athena, and discover how the power of the goddess was usurped by the old male gods during the Hellenization of these areas of Asia Minor, and the replacement of female Anatolian deities with the gods of the Greek pantheon. Marcela shares how the wisdom of the feminine is returning to bring renewal to the world. Late afternoon arrival to our beachfront hotel.
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Six Senses Kaplankaya
Day 7 / October 22 — KAPLANKAYA — Morning stretching and hiking. Rest and recover from our journey.
Join Marcela and Alberto for a beach hike and a lively discussion of the return of the goddess and the role of psychedelics in the ancient oracles. Evening Yoga and farewell dinner.
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Six Senses Kaplankaya
Day 4 / October 19 — EPHESUS — Optional early morning hot-air ballon flight over the desert, or join Alberto & Marcela for a return exploration of the vast underground cities of the Cappadocians, including the underground chambers and churches at Derinkuyu. After a leisurely late lunch we relax at our hotel and attempt to understand the wisdom of the desert monks and nuns. Evening flight to Izmir by the shores of the Mediterranean.​
Day 8 / October 23 — DEPARTURE — Morning transfer to Bodrum airport for your return flight, or further exploration in Turkey. Or join Dr. Alberto for the Grow a New Body Program at Kaplankaya.
Flights you need to book:
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October 16:
Turkish Air #2004 IST-NAV Departing 11:15-12:40
October 19:
Sun Express ASR-ADB Departing 22:50-00:25
Day 5 / October 20 — EPHESUS & HOUSE OF MARY - After a leisurely breakfast we walk to the archeological site at Ephesus. The city was famous for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its buildings include the Library of Celsus and a theatre capable of holding 24,000 spectators. The House of the Virgin Mary, about 7 km away, may have been the last home of Mary, mother of Jesus before her ascension into heaven. After lunch we visit Temples of Athena and Zeus Olympus, the theater, and the agora at the ancient Ionian town of Priene. (Priene is accessible from the town of Söke)The Temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, is Priene’s most famous landmark. We stop at Didyma to discover the Temple of Apollo – site of the most important Oracle in the ancient world, second only to the Oracle at Delphi.
Conditions:
The Expedition includes the following. Price: $5,975 per person:
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Hotel accommodations in first-class hotels, double occupancy starting on October 16th
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Hotel taxes and service charges
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Transfers and luggage handling
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Guided tours with English-speaking guides
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Entrance fees to all archaeological sites
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Daily full buffet breakfast; arrival dinner.
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Daily seminar and meditations led by Alberto & Marcela
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All ceremonies and meditations
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Single room upgrade available for $1,470
REGISTER NOW
TO ENGAGE WITH A HUMAN:
"I have long believed that the Universe conspires on your behalf as soon as you come into right relationship with it. In the Andes this is called Ayni, your intentional aligning with the power and love of creation".
Join us for a feast of music and shamanic wisdom in the Sacred Valley in Peru, with an optional visit to Machu Picchu.
We will take part in shamanic ceremonies at ancient ceremonial sites and temples in the clouds. We begin everyday with morning yoga and an expedition to ancient temples where we take part in ceremonies with the Andean shamans.
In the early evening, we immerse ourselves in the healing world of mantras and sacred songs, exploring sound, silence and meditation. In this healing environment, we bathe in a joyful, inspirational, and loving rejuvenation of the spirit.
Our lodging is at the Aranwa Hotel located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Sacred Valley produces an idyllic year-round climate with abundant sunshine and fresh air.
DAY BY DAY
Dates: April 11-17, 2026
Day 1 / April 11—
Arrival at Cusco Airport. You will be greeted by our staff and brought to your lodge in the Sacred Valley (approx. 1.5 hours). Check in and get acquainted with your surroundings.
4:00 p.m. Ecstatic Chant with Deva and Miten
6:00 p.m. Welcome with Alberto, Marcela, and the shamans
8:00 p.m. Fire ceremony
Day 5 / April 15 — Breakfast. We visit the Earth Temple at Moray, gigantic “bowls” with massive stone walls. We receive the Seers Rite from the shamans, which awakens your ability to perceive the invisible world of energy. Picnic lunch on the Cathedral and optional hike along the ancient salt collection ponds.
4:00 p.m. Ecstatic Chant with Deva and Miten
6:00 p.m. Meeting with Alberto and Marcela; optional healing sessions with the shamans
Day 2 / April 12 — Breakfast. We hike to Pumamarca, the Temple of the Jaguars (45-min hike up to ruins, accessible by vehicle for those who are unable to hike). Shamans lead us in a blessing ceremony. Picnic lunch at the ruins.
4:00 p.m. Ecstatic Chant with Deva and Miten
6:00 p.m. Meeting with Alberto and Marcela; optional healing sessions with the shamans.
Day 6 / April 16 —Breakfast. Drive to the archeological site of Kiya Rumiyoc, the Temple of the Moon Goddess. Ceremony of the Earthkeepers, a rite of initiation to become a steward of the Earth and receive the wisdom of the Mother Goddess.
4:00 p.m. Ecstatic Chant with Deva and Miten
6:00 p.m. Meeting with Alberto and Marcela; optional healing sessions with the shamans
8:00 p.m. Closing fire ceremony
Day 3 / April 13 — Breakfast. Visit to Chincheros, the “Place where the rainbow is born.” After visiting the archaeological site, we join the women shamans for an “Earth Wisdom” Ceremony at the edge of the lake. Picnic lunch lakeside and visit to the weaver’s village.
4:00 pm. Ecstatic Chant with Deva and Miten.
6:00 pm. Meeting with Alberto & Marcela. Optional healing sessions with the shamans.
Day 7 / April 17 — Breakfast. Return flights home or join the Mountain trip extension with Alberto & Marcela.
Optional Machu Picchu Extension can be booked directly with travel agent Wilbert Salas Welsat Peru Travel or with Aranwa Hotel. We recommend you visit Machu Picchu the day before or the day after our Expedition. This is an add-on journey and not part of our program. You need to go on-line to book a hotel for that evening as well.
Day 4 / April 14— Breakfast. We will visit Pisac, the Temple of the Falcon. Meditations on opening our inner vision to perceive reality pristinely. We enjoy the crafts at the Pisac Market in the town square. Lunch and shopping on your own.
4:00 pm. Ecstatic Chant with Deva and Miten
6:00 pm. Meeting with Alberto & Marcela. Optional healing sessions with the shamans.
Conditions:
Early Bird Pricing (Until November 30, 2025):
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Double Occupancy: $3,900
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Single Occupancy: $4,450​
REGISTER NOW
TO ENGAGE WITH A HUMAN:
Regular Pricing (From December 1, 2025):
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Double Occupancy: $4,400
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Single Occupancy: $4,950
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure a spot
The Expedition includes the following.
​
-
Hotel accommodations in first-class hotels, with double occupancy starting on April 11rd
-
Hotel taxes and service charges
-
Transfers and luggage handling
-
Guided tours with English-speaking guides as outlined in the itinerary
-
Entrance fees to all archaeological sites
-
Daily full buffet breakfast; Picnic lunches at most archeological sites
-
Daily seminar and meditations led by Alberto & Marcela
-
All shamanic ceremonies
If you would like a roommate for the trip, please let us know, and we will make an effort to match you with one. In the event that we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement cost.
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Dr. Alberto Villoldo and his wife Marcela Lobos run Los Lobos Sanctuary in Chile, a world-class shamanic and meditation retreat center offering an extraordinary nature setting to all devoted to spiritual transformation and dreaming a new world into being .
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These are the upcoming programs...
Dr. Alberto Villoldo and his wife Marcela Lobos run Los Lobos Sanctuary in Chile, a world-class shamanic and meditation retreat center offering an extraordinary nature setting to all devoted to spiritual transformation and dreaming a new world into being .
​
These are the upcoming programs...
NOVEMBER 03 - 30, 2025
RESIDENTIAL
ENERGY MEDICINE TRAINING
The 300-hour residential program is internationally recognized as the Gold Standard in shamanic energy medicine. This is the full 28-day residential program. Our mission is to train wise... (Learn More)
JANUARY 05 - 12, 2026
GROW A NEW BODY
Are you feeling the need for a major reset? Do you want to shed unwanted pounds, and come to a new level of energy and wellbeing? In just 7 days you will take the steps to exceptional health so your... (Learn More)
JANUARY 13 - 14, 2026
AYAHUASCA HOMEOPATHY
Ayahuasca is the visionary drink of the Amazon shamans. You will learn to work with homeopathic formulations of the plant medicine - with no chemical traces yet infused with the spirit and... (Learn More)
JANUARY 16 - 23, 2026
GROW A NEW BODY
Are you feeling the need for a major reset? Do you want to shed unwanted pounds, and come to a new level of energy and wellbeing? In just 7 days you will take the steps to exceptional health so your healthspan... (Learn More)
FEBRUARY 09 MARCH 08, 2026
RESIDENTIAL
ENERGY MEDICINE TRAINING
The 300-hour residential program is internationally recognized as the Gold Standard in shamanic energy medicine. This is the full 28-day residential program. Our mission is to train wise... (Learn More)
Unlock the healing power within
With our food making us sick, our jobs keeping us stressed and toxins all around us – how do we achieve extraordinary health? The secret lies in tapping the power of Spirit and the power plants that allow you to manufacture your own psychedelics and grow a new brain.
Grow a New Brain offers shamanic practices alongside cutting-edge science, detox strategies, and power-plants that can switch-on every cell’s ability to regenerate and repair.
