“This felt experience with Suzanne is so much more than words can explain and the gifts just keep coming.”
Highly Rated
ABOUT HUMMINGBIRD RETREAT PERU
Retreat Center Overview
Hummingbird Retreat is an intimate healing sanctuary nestled among ancient Andean terraces in Peru’s Sacred Valley, where founder Suzanne Lewarne honors the 3,000+ year tradition of working with San Pedro (Huachuma) medicine. With 35+ years of experience in healing, counseling, and teaching, Suzanne brings a holistic, integrative, transpersonal approach, creating a safe, nurturing environment for profound personal transformation, trauma release, and heart-centered living. The property embodies these values through traditional adobe construction, extensive organic gardens growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, and the sacred Huachuma plants themselves, all frequented by iridescent hummingbirds.
- 👤 Founder & Lead Facilitator: Suzanne Lewarne
- 📍 Location: Pisaq, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru
- 🗣️ Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
- 👥 Group Size: Maximum 6 participants for group ceremonies
- 📅 Program Length: Single-day ceremonies to multi-week dieta programs
- 💵 Price Range: From $110 USD per ceremony
- 💙 Specializing In: Heart-centered transformation, trauma release, emotional healing, spiritual connection, conscious awareness, integration support
- 🌿 Medicine Sourcing: Organically grown on-site in ceremonial gardens; fresh preparation for each ceremony
- 💊 Medicine Type: San Pedro (Huachuma) – mescaline-containing cactus
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
- 🌿 Authentic Andean Tradition – San Pedro ceremonies honoring 3,000+ years of indigenous healing wisdom, conducted in the traditional Peruvian ceremonial context
- 💚 Intimate Heart-Centered Healing – Small groups ensure deeply personalized attention and support throughout your journey
- 🏡 On-Site Medicine Cultivation – San Pedro grown organically in the retreat’s ceremonial gardens; medicine prepared fresh with intention for each ceremony
- 👩⚕️ Experienced, Skilled Facilitation – Suzanne Lewarne brings 35+ years of healing experience with a holistic, transpersonal approach, consistently praised for creating profound safety and transformative breakthroughs
- 🌄 Sacred Valley Setting – Located in Pisaq, gateway to Machu Picchu, surrounded by ancient Inca terraces and powerful mountain energy in the spiritual heartland of the Inca empire
- 🌱 Comprehensive Integration Support – Post-ceremony integration sessions the morning after ceremonies, plus ongoing mentoring program available to support lasting transformation
- ♻️ Sustainable & Authentic – Environmentally harmonious adobe buildings, extensive organic gardens, water conservation systems, and deep respect for local culture and Pachamama (Mother Earth)
ACCOMMODATIONS
🏠 MAIN HOUSE – Two Guest Rooms
Facility Type: Two comfortable guest bedrooms in the main house
Room Details:
- Two rooms (can accommodate couples or individual guests)
- Shared full-size bathroom
- Comfortable beds with pure cotton sheets
- Traditional adobe construction
- Views of surrounding gardens and mountains
- Access to communal living spaces
Pricing: Included in retreat packages. Contact retreat directly for specifics on room types, availability, and additional costs for extended stays.
🏡 GATEHOUSE COTTAGE – Self-Contained Cabin
Facility Type: Private self-contained cottage ideal for couples, individuals seeking extra privacy, or those participating in dieta programs
Room Details:
- 1 unit (suitable for 1-2 guests)
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Sunny outdoor terrace
- Self-contained privacy
- Ideal for dieta programs
Pricing: Included in retreat packages. Contact retreat directly for specifics.
🏠 Facility Amenities
Hummingbird Retreat Features:
- 🌿 Extensive Organic Gardens – Vegetables, fruits, herbs, medicinal plants, and sacred Huachuma cultivation
- 💧 Natural Water Features – Rain water harvesting and grey water systems; mindful water conservation
- 🪨 Traditional Adobe Architecture – Environmentally harmonious construction using local materials
- 🏞️ Ancient Andean Terraces – Property nestled among historical Inca agricultural terraces
- 🌄 Mountain & Valley Views – Spectacular vistas of Sacred Valley and surrounding peaks
- 🦜 Abundant Wildlife – Multiple species of iridescent hummingbirds, diverse bird life
- 🔥 Ceremonial Fire Space – Gathering area for closing circles and community connection
- 🧘 Multiple Ceremony & Reflection Spaces – Areas designed for both group gathering and private contemplation
- 🏊 Swimming Pool: Not available
- 🧖 Spa Services: Healing services available
Venue Description:
Hummingbird Retreat has been thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable, tranquil environment that supports and nurtures personal growth. The property sits on the peaceful rural outskirts of Pisaq, providing a serene escape while remaining accessible to the charming colonial town center.
Built in traditional adobe style using locally sourced sustainable materials including mud bricks, stone, and timber, the buildings sit in complete harmony with the natural environment. The surrounding gardens burst with life—organically maintained beds of seasonal vegetables, fruit trees, aromatic herbs, healing plants, and the sacred San Pedro cacti themselves.
Ancient Inca terracing frames the property, creating a profound connection to the land’s rich spiritual history. The stunning views encompass the Sacred Valley’s dramatic landscape and towering mountain peaks, including the sacred Apus (mountain deities) that have watched over this region for millennia.
MEALS & NUTRITION
Menu Types Available:
- 🥗 Vegetarian
- 🥦 Organic
- 🌱 Vegan (available)
- 🌾 Gluten-Free (available)
Nutritional Approach:
At Hummingbird Retreat, healthy, wholesome, fresh, and organic produce form an integral part of the healing experience. The retreat operates with a flexible food approach recognizing that deep personal work can affect eating habits in various ways.
Sourcing & Quality:
On-Site Organic Garden:
The property maintains an extensive organic garden that flourishes with seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers. Fresh harvesting ensures the most vibrant, nutrient-dense produce.
Local Partnerships:
Friendly neighboring farms supply fresh milk, honey, and yogurt from well-tended local cows and bees, contributing to the wholesome quality of homemade treats.
Amazon Jungle Produce:
Fresh tropical fruits transported from the Peruvian Amazon without cold storage, arriving within days of harvest. Varieties include mangos, pineapples, cherimoya, papaya, fresh ginger, turmeric, and other exotic jungle offerings—perfect for vibrant smoothies combined with Andean superfoods.
Herbal Teas:
Fresh and dried herbal teas from the garden, as well as homemade jams and pickles.
Dietary Accommodations:
The retreat happily accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs. For any other specific requirements or allergies, please communicate these during the booking process.
Ceremony Day Dietary Guidelines:
It is recommended to skip breakfast on ceremony mornings—San Pedro can be challenging on the stomach, and drinking medicine on an empty stomach eases the experience. Unlike some plant medicines, San Pedro has no strict dietary restrictions, though eating lightly the evening before is advisable. The key is remaining receptive to the medicine.
Travel & Arrival Details
📍Venue Location: Hummingbird Retreat Peru Rural outskirts of Pisaq Sacred Valley, Cusco Region, Peru
✈️ Airport Transportation: Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), Cusco. The retreat is approximately 32 kilometers (1 hour drive) from Cusco to Pisaq. From Pisaq town, the retreat is located on the rural outskirts. Specific directions and pickup arrangements provided upon booking confirmation.
CLINICAL & CEREMONIAL TEAM
Lead Facilitator Profile
-
SUZANNE LEWARNE — Founder & Lead Facilitator
Background & Connection to Peru: Suzanne’s relationship with Peru began in 1985 when she lived four years in Lima, learning Spanish and developing a deep connection to the country’s rich spiritual culture. Over the past 38+ years, she has witnessed Peru’s transformation and the growing recognition of its powerful healing traditions. Her facilitation style is holistic, integrative, and transpersonal, direct and efficient as she works with each individual’s soul to support their unique path of transformation.
Experience:
- Years of Experience: 35+ years in healing, counseling, and teaching
- Approach: Holistic, integrative, transpersonal; heart-centered transformation and soul work
- Languages: English (native), Spanish (fluent)
Professional Qualifications:
- Diploma in Holistic Counseling and Life Care
- Diploma in Soul Care and Shamanic Healing
- First and Second Degree Reiki
- Professional Certificate in Crystal and Gemstone Healing
- Certificate in Funeral and General Celebrancy
- Certificate in Assessment and Workplace Training
- Certificate in Color Therapy and Energetic Healing
Professional Background: Suzanne has co-created, implemented, and provided professional training and supervision in several leading colleges in Australia. Her gift of wisdom and intuitive insight has assisted many individuals to reconnect with themselves, their life purpose, and their dreams. She brings decades of professional experience to her medicine work, creating a container of safety, expertise, and deep spiritual understanding.
Facilitation Style: Suzanne is playful and honest a combination that allows her to deliver observations during ceremony while holding profound safety. Her intuitive wisdom shows in knowing when to give space for someone to work through difficult passages, and recognizing patterns that need gentle illumination.
Languages: English
Additional Healing Services
Beyond San Pedro ceremonies, Hummingbird Retreat offers a range of complementary healing modalities to support guests’ healing journeys:
- Holistic counseling and integration support
- Reiki healing sessions
- Crystal and gemstone healing
- Color therapy and energetic healing
- Shamanic healing work
- Individual mentoring program for ongoing support
- Custom healing retreat design incorporating multiple modalities
Contact retreat directly for information on additional services, scheduling, and pricing.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL & MEDICINE INFORMATION
About San Pedro (Huachuma) Medicine
Type of Plant Medicine: San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi), containing the psychoactive compound mescaline. Also known as Huachuma in Quechua, the native language of Andean people.
Traditional Context & History: San Pedro is native to the Andes Mountains with a documented history spanning more than 3,000 years in Andean traditional medicine. It is regarded as a sacred healing plant—profoundly transformative and visionary in nature. The medicine’s traditional use continues into contemporary Peru, where such ancestral practices are both respected and legally recognized.
From a shamanic perspective, San Pedro is considered powerful heart medicine. It is renowned for its heart-opening qualities, anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects, and capacity to bridge the disconnect between head and heart spaces. Anecdotal evidence from practitioners and participants supports its contribution to healing a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances.
The Medicine’s Action: San Pedro is often described as holding up a mirror directly to one’s energetic and emotional state, revealing in precise detail the status of one’s inner landscape. It supports the unraveling of cultural programming, the release of tension held in the body from past emotional traumas, and the dissolution of redundant thinking patterns and behaviors.
As heart medicine, participants are encouraged not to remain in the analytical mind trying to “figure it out,” but rather to feel into the experience—to surrender, release, and make space for new, enlivened, and more meaningful relationships with oneself, others, and the living planet.
As a sacred plant medicine, San Pedro is said to dissolve the personal ego and facilitate connection with one’s authentic Self and the Divine Spirit. As visionary medicine, it imparts wisdom not through the intellectual mind but by enhancing intuitive capacity—insights arising from the stillness and dynamic silence of one’s own heart-centered consciousness.
Legal Status: Traditional use of San Pedro is legal in Peru within appropriate ceremonial contexts.
Duration: Approximately 8-12 hours with gradual return to normal consciousness
Participant Experience: Guests commonly report:
- Deep emotional release and healing of past traumas
- Profound sense of connection with nature, others, and the divine
- Visual enhancement (colors become vibrant, patterns emerge)
- Insights into behavioral patterns and life direction
- Physical sensations as energy moves and releases in the body
- Periods of introspection alternating with desire for movement or social connection
- Heart-opening and feelings of love and compassion
- Occasional nausea or purging (less common than with ayahuasca)
Treatment Setting & Atmosphere
Environment: Ceremonies are held on the beautiful Hummingbird property among terraced gardens of vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, and the sacred Huachuma plants themselves. The garden has been intentionally created with areas for both group gathering and solitary reflection, all with stunning views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains.
Ceremonial Spaces: The intimate natural setting provides connection to Pachamama (Mother Earth), the hummingbirds, and the powerful energy of the ancient Inca terraces—supporting the profound inner work of ceremony. Multiple spaces available for different types of experience (group areas, private reflection spots, shaded and sunny areas).
Philosophy: Suzanne’s intention in holding ceremony is to create a space of healing, personal reflection, and conscious awareness where each person feels safe, comfortable, and fully supported to immerse themselves in this heart-centered medicine and experience their own consciousness in new and profound ways. Ceremonies honor the 3,000+ year tradition of San Pedro use in Andean healing, with deep respect for the plant spirit, the Andean cosmological vision, and the sacred relationship between medicine, land, and participant.
Treatment Experience: What Guests Can Expect
Ceremony Structure & Duration: Ceremonies last approximately 12 hours, typically 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Opening Practices: For new participants, the day begins around 8:30 AM with arrival, herbal tea, and time to meet fellow participants and settle in. A short orientation session covers medicine use, facility orientation, ceremony etiquette, and guidelines to help you receive maximum benefit from the experience.
Ceremony formally begins around 9:00 AM with setting intentions and receiving the medicine.
Facilitation Style & Participant Experience: The ceremony is highly personal—essentially a contemplative, introspective, meditative experience. Participants are encouraged to follow their own inner guidance: moving through the gardens, sitting in reflection, lying in contemplation, or engaging with others as feels appropriate.
Suzanne provides skillful, intuitive support throughout—checking in with participants, offering observations when helpful, providing tissues or comfort, and knowing when to give space for individual processing. Her facilitation is both present and non-intrusive, creating a container that feels both held and free.
Throughout the Day:
- Purified water and hot herbal teas available continuously
- Participants may bring light snacks for personal use
- Multiple spaces available for different types of experience
- Bathroom facilities accessible
- Facilitation support and guidance available as needed
Evening Closure: In the early evening, a home-cooked vegetarian meal and dessert are served, supporting gentle re-entry and nourishment after the deep work of the day. Following the meal, there is opportunity to gather around the fire for a gentle closing circle, sharing insights and experiences, or simply sitting in companionable silence together.
Participants staying overnight remain on the property; those returning to Pisaq town depart in the evening after ceremony completion.
Integration Session: The morning following ceremony, participants gather for a closing integration session to support understanding and integration of their personal process. This is a crucial part of the ceremony experience, helping to ground insights and create a bridge between the medicine experience and daily life.
Safety Protocols & Guest Support
Clinical Oversight: Suzanne maintains close attention to each participant’s process throughout the ceremony. Many emphasize the profound sense of safety they feel under her care, describing it as the safest container they’ve experienced for deep spiritual work.
Physical Safety Measures:
- Screening process before ceremony
- Clear communication of medical history and medications
- Accessible bathroom facilities
- Protected outdoor spaces
Who This Work Is For
San Pedro ceremonies are most beneficial for individuals who:
- Are on a genuine path of discovery and healing
- Have come to awareness that they need change and are willing to do what’s required
- Seek inner exploration, renewal, and rejuvenation
- Want to explore their authentic self and full potential
- Are ready to release blocks holding them back
- Are prepared to be responsible for themselves during the process
- Desire adventure combined with deep personal work
Important Note: San Pedro ceremonies are not for everyone. This medicine journey requires willingness to face one’s inner landscape, including challenging aspects. Set, setting, and feeling comfortable with the facilitator are crucial foundations for positive experience.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Before the Retreat
Upon Booking Confirmation: Once your retreat or ceremony is confirmed, you’ll receive:
- Detailed information packet with location, packing list, and preparation guidelines
- Health screening questionnaire to complete and return
- Reading materials about San Pedro medicine and ceremony etiquette
- Pre-ceremony dietary recommendations
- Communication with Suzanne for any questions
Preparation Recommendations:
- Set clear intentions for your ceremony or retreat
- Spend time in reflection about what you wish to heal or understand
- Maintain healthy lifestyle in weeks before (good sleep, nutrition, minimal alcohol)
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine a few days before if possible
- Read provided materials about San Pedro and ceremony process
- Arrange travel and arrival logistics
- Complete all screening and health disclosure forms
- Consider what questions or areas you want to explore with the medicine
Arrival:
- For retreat programs, arrival is typically arranged for the day before your first ceremony, allowing time to settle, acclimate to the altitude, tour the property, and meet Suzanne. Specific arrival times confirmed with booking.
- For single ceremony attendance, arrival time is 8:30 AM on ceremony day.
Single-Day Ceremony Schedule
8:30 AM – Arrival & Welcome
- Meet fellow participants
- Herbal tea and settling in
- Tour of property and facilities
- Orientation session (for first-time participants)
9:00 AM – Ceremony Opening
- Intention setting
- Receiving the medicine
- Beginning of journey
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Ceremony Experience
- Personal journey with the medicine
- Movement through gardens and reflection spaces as guided
- Individual and group processing
- Facilitation support available throughout
- Water and herbal teas continuously available
- Light snacks (brought by participants) as desired
6:00-7:00 PM – Evening Meal
- Home-cooked vegetarian dinner and dessert
- Gentle re-entry and nourishment
7:00-8:00 PM – Closing Circle
- Gathering around fire (optional)
- Sharing or silent reflection
- Ceremony completion
8:00 PM – Departure or Evening Rest
- Participants staying overnight settle into accommodations
- Those returning to Pisaq depart with support
Next Morning (~9:00 AM) – Integration Session
- Group gathering to process and integrate experience
- Discussion of insights and personal process
- Guidance for ongoing integration
- Questions and closing
4-DAY PRIVATE CEREMONY RETREAT
This intimate program provides fully guided experience with personalized attention, ideal for couples seeking deep connection or individuals wanting focused, supported medicine work.
Day 1 – Arrival & Preparation
Morning/Afternoon:
- Arrival and settling into accommodation
- Property tour and orientation
- One-on-one consultation with Suzanne
- Intention setting for ceremony
- Free time to relax and acclimate
Evening:
- Light vegetarian dinner
- Early rest before ceremony day
Day 2 – Private San Pedro Ceremony
Full Day:
- 8:30 AM ceremony preparation
- 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM private ceremony (schedule as per single-day ceremony above)
- Personalized facilitation and support throughout
- Evening meal and closing
- Overnight rest
Day 3 – Integration & Reflection
Morning:
- Integration session with Suzanne
- Processing ceremony experience
Afternoon:
- Free time for rest, journaling, garden walks
- Optional additional healing session [REQUIRES CONFIRMATION: availability and cost]
- Personal reflection time
Evening:
- Dinner and quiet evening
Day 4 – Closing & Departure
Morning:
- Final integration session
- Closing discussion and recommendations for ongoing work
- Checkout preparation
Midday:
- Departure or optional extension
10-DAY / 3-CEREMONY RETREAT
- This comprehensive program provides deep immersion in medicine work with time for integration and relaxation between ceremonies.
Day 1 – Arrival
- Afternoon/evening arrival, settling into accommodation, property orientation, welcome dinner, rest
Day 2 – Preparation & Settling
- Morning consultation with Suzanne, intention setting for first ceremony, exploration of property and surroundings, optional visit to Pisaq town market, gentle preparation day
Day 3 – First San Pedro Ceremony
- Full ceremony day (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM), complete ceremony structure as detailed above, evening rest
Day 4 – Integration Day 1
- Morning integration session, free day for rest, journaling, reflection, organic meals provided, quiet personal time
Day 5 – Rest & Exploration
- Optional excursion to Pisaq ruins or market, garden time, reading, relaxation, integration of first ceremony continues, evening preparation for second ceremony
Day 6 – Second San Pedro Ceremony
- Full ceremony day (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM), deepening work with medicine, evening rest
Day 7 – Integration Day 2
- Morning integration session, free day for processing and rest, access to gardens and property, personal reflection time
Day 8 – Midpoint Reflection
- Optional session with Suzanne, free day for rest or local exploration, preparation for final ceremony, integration practices
Day 9 – Third San Pedro Ceremony
- Final ceremony day (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM), completion of three-ceremony journey, evening rest
Day 10 – Final Integration & Departure
- Morning final integration session, closing circle and recommendations, departure preparation, checkout
SAN PEDRO & ANDEAN ROSE DIETA PROGRAMS
These specialized programs range from 7 days to 4 weeks, designed to meet individual needs. Dieta involves a period of focused isolation and simplicity, working deeply with San Pedro and the Andean healing Rose in a traditional approach.
General Dieta Structure includes:
- Initial consultation and intention setting
- Period of simplified diet and isolation in Gatehouse Cottage
- Multiple San Pedro ceremonies throughout dieta period
- Work with Andean Rose medicine
- Daily check-ins with Suzanne
- Integration sessions
- Gradual re-entry to regular activity
- Post-dieta closing and recommendations
Programs can be customized to individual needs in consultation with Suzanne.
After the Retreat: Post-Integration
Immediate Post-Ceremony (First Weeks):
The work with San Pedro continues well beyond the ceremony day. The integration period is where ceremony insights become lived reality. Many participants report gifts continuing to unfold for weeks and months after their experience.
Recommended Integration Practices:
- Journal regularly about your experience and ongoing insights
- Maintain any commitments or changes identified during ceremony
- Notice patterns in daily life that the medicine illuminated
- Practice gentleness with yourself as integration unfolds
- Stay connected to the heart-opening experienced in ceremony
- Implement gradual lifestyle changes rather than dramatic shifts
- Return to nature regularly for grounding
- Share your process with trusted friends or therapist
Ongoing Support Available:
Hummingbird Retreat offers a mentoring program for guests who want extended support during their integration period. This can include:
- Regular check-in calls or video sessions with Suzanne
- Email support for questions and challenges
- Guidance on integration practices
- Support for implementing changes
- Preparation for potential return visit
Return Visits: Many guests return for additional ceremonies as part of ongoing healing journey. The medicine work deepens with repeated respectful engagement, and Hummingbird welcomes participants back for continued transformation.
FINE DETAILS
THIS IS DUMMY DETAILS SECTION
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Rated
Hummingbird Retreat receives exceptional reviews emphasizing Suzanne’s skillful facilitation, profound sense of safety, life-changing transformations, beautiful property, and delicious food.
Guest Testimonials
“This felt experience with Suzanne is so much more than words can explain and the gifts just keep coming.”
“Suzanne is such a beautiful soul who made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived with her very nurturing personality. Suzanne is very gifted and has the utmost respect for the sacred spirit of San Pedro and the land on which it grows. Making the medicine from scratch together meant it had our intentions and essence within it and being a heart opening medicine, heart open it did. I have lived with chronic arthritis and pain for years but the cost of coping was living in my head and out of my body to not feel the pain. During four ceremonies I was able to release stored trauma, feel into my body, shift a lot of stored energy and allow my heart to open in a safe and supportive way. I connected with the more than, with my God and with that, I feel softer and at peace. I have not felt any pain since and I even gave up a coffee addiction without any effort at all. This felt experience with Suzanne is so much more than words can explain and the gifts just keep coming. If you want true healing, just do it. You won’t regret it. PS the food is divine too. 💜” — Alaina, Australia
“I cannot express the gratitude I have for Sue.”
“I found Sue through a recommendation of a trauma therapist, while spending time in Peru. At the time I messaged Sue, my relationships with my family and partner were slowly crumbling around me. I was deeply hurting inside but was unable to recognize how to get better and where to start. Sue was like a beam of bright light in my life as she opened her doors to my girlfriend and I and let us into her home. We spent the whole day with her and San Pedro in a beautiful garden as my girlfriend and I wept tears of joy and sadness. Sue helped counsel and guide us as we worked through obstacles that had been holding our relationship back for years. I cannot express the gratitude I have for Sue. She is an incredible healer and my heart would not be nearly as full, without her.” — Matt, Australia
“Receiving Huachuma from Sue is a divine match of medicine and practitioner.”
“Receiving Huachuma from Sue is a divine match of medicine and practitioner. Her ability to work subtly and skillfully reflects decades of care and commitment to higher realms of healing. Sue is playful and honest, which makes her a rare gem in delivering poignant observations during the ceremony, inviting individuals to experience their own hearts with more expansion. Her intuitive wisdom shines through in how she serves medicine, whether handing over a tissue at just the right moment or giving space for someone to work through a painful moment in their journey. I cannot speak highly enough of Sue’s integrity in her approach to holding ceremony and the care in which she serves. If you are fortunate enough to drink with Sue, I trust you will join me in immeasurable gratitude for her service.” — Jenae, USA
“I cannot recommend her, and the work she does, more highly.”
“In a Valley full of snake charmers and a country filled with ‘shamans,’ Sue Lewarne and her work with medicine stands head and shoulders above the rest. Her commitment to deep work, conscious integration and providing a safe, beautiful space in which to explore your inner landscape, is second to none. Plus the food she serves is always delicious and her property is filled with magic. The flowers, plants and bird life, create a paradisiacal setting in which to take flight. I cannot recommend her, and the work she does, more highly. She has guided me through some difficult times and some joyful times, always with a smile, many laughs and a light touch in an iron glove. I feel blessed to have her in my life.” — Laura
“I have never gone through such deep spiritual process.”
“After many years of inner work I found the depth of work with Sue nothing short of incredible. I have never gone through such deep spiritual process. It is a journey in every sense of the word. I highly recommend Sue and the work she is facilitating.” — Stephen, Australia
“The most significant and effective shift I’ve had in my life, in the shortest amount of time……ever!”
— Tina, Australia
“I have never felt so safe and well guided in deep processes.”
“Thank you so much for all the time I could spend in your wonderful space. How special it is to work with this medicine with such authentic people like you are. I have never felt so safe and well guided in deep processes. The way you can show patterns and help change them is just incredible. Only through your persistent guidance I could face deep-rooted resistance which withheld me from going through deep transformation. Before I came to work with you I always had a blind spot in my hip. Nobody could open it, and I saw quite a lot of people over the last years. I will never forget how it opened and enabled me to release a lot of suffering. There were so many learnings on many different levels for me in the whole process. Thank you for all the trust and love you gave me on my path.” — Valentin, Switzerland
Summary of Reviews:
Guests consistently praise Suzanne for creating the safest and most skillfully held ceremonies they’ve experienced. Common themes include:
- Profound sense of safety and being held
- Deep, lasting transformation and healing
- Release of long-held trauma and physical pain
- Relationship healing and heart-opening
- Suzanne’s intuitive wisdom and perfectly-timed support
- Integrity and authenticity in how she works with medicine
- Beautiful, magical property setting
- Delicious, nourishing food
- Life-changing shifts in perspective and behavior
The testimonials reflect genuine, specific experiences rather than generic praise, lending strong credibility to the quality and depth of work at Hummingbird Retreat.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Experience
Q: Is this my first time working with plant medicine—is San Pedro appropriate for beginners?
A: Yes, San Pedro can be very appropriate for first-time participants. Unlike some other plant medicines, San Pedro is known for being gentler and heart-centered rather than intensely challenging. That said, ceremony is a profound experience that should be approached with respect, clear intention, and proper preparation. Suzanne provides thorough orientation for first-time participants and creates a safe, supportive environment. The key is being ready for genuine inner work and self-exploration. If you’re uncertain, a consultation with Suzanne can help determine if this is the right time and approach for you.
Q: What is a San Pedro ceremony actually like? What will I experience?
A: Each person’s experience is unique. San Pedro is known as heart medicine—it typically opens the heart space, dissolves ego boundaries, and enhances intuitive perception and connection with nature and spirit. Many people experience:
- Deep emotional release and healing of past traumas
- Profound sense of connection with nature, others, and the divine
- Visual enhancement
- Insights into behavioral patterns and life direction
- Physical sensations as energy moves and releases in the body
- Periods of introspection alternating with desire for movement or social connection
- Heart-opening and feelings of love and compassion
- Occasional nausea or purging
The experience is contemplative and meditative rather than intensely disorienting. You’ll remain generally functional and can move around the property, though you’ll be in an altered state of consciousness. The journey lasts approximately 8-12 hours with gradual return to normal consciousness.
Importantly, the medicine shows you what you need to see—it acts as a mirror to your inner landscape. The facilitator’s role is to hold space and support you through whatever arises.
Q: How should I prepare for ceremony?
A: Preparation happens on multiple levels:
Physical:
- Maintain healthy lifestyle in weeks before
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol, recreational drugs in advance
- Skip breakfast on ceremony morning
- Eat lightly the evening before
- Stay well-hydrated
Mental/Emotional:
- Reflect on your intentions, what do you seek healing or insight about?
- Read provided materials about San Pedro and ceremony
- Journal about your life, patterns, questions
- Approach with openness, humility, and respect for the medicine
Practical:
- Complete all screening forms honestly and thoroughly
- Arrange travel and accommodation
- Prepare proper clothing and items
- Clear your schedule to have integration time after ceremony
Spiritual:
- Set clear intentions
- Approach with reverence for the sacred nature of the work
- Be willing to release expectations and surrender to the experience
Suzanne provides comprehensive preparation materials upon booking. The orientation session before ceremony covers practical guidelines and supports your readiness.
Q: What should I bring to ceremony?
A: Essential items:
- Layered clothing
- Warm layers for evening
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunblock
- Comfortable clothes for sitting/lying/moving
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Water bottle
- Light snacks for during the day
- Journal and pen
- Any personal sacred items, crystals, talismans
Leave behind:
- Expectations and agendas
- Watches and phones
- Substances
- Resistance to what may emerge
Q: Can I participate if I’m currently taking medications?
A: This requires individual assessment. You MUST disclose all medications during screening—this is for your safety. Some medications have contraindications with San Pedro.
Being on medication doesn’t automatically exclude you, but Suzanne needs complete information to determine safety. Some medications may require tapering under medical supervision before ceremony. Others may be compatible with the medicine work.
Honesty is essential—withholding medication information puts you at serious risk. If you’re unsure, discuss openly with Suzanne and your prescribing physician.
Q: I have past trauma or current mental health challenges—is ceremony safe for me?
A: San Pedro can be profoundly healing for trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional pain—many testimonials describe exactly this type of healing. However, certain conditions require careful assessment:
Generally appropriate with proper support:
- Past trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Life transition challenges
Require very careful evaluation or may be contraindicated:
- Active psychosis or schizophrenia
- Severe bipolar disorder
- Active suicidal ideation
- Recent psychiatric hospitalization
- Dissociative disorders
Safety & Screening
Q: What are the medical contraindications for San Pedro?
A: Complete list requires confirmation with Suzanne, but contraindications generally include:
Medications:
- MAOI antidepressants
- Some SSRI antidepressants
- Certain heart medications
- Some psychiatric medications
Medical Conditions:
- Serious heart conditions
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active substance abuse
Mental Health:
- Active psychosis or schizophrenia
- Severe unstable bipolar disorder
- Recent psychiatric crisis
This is not exhaustive. Complete health disclosure during screening is mandatory for your safety.
Q: What happens if I have a medical emergency during ceremony?
A: Suzanne maintains close attention to all participants throughout ceremony. While serious medical emergencies are rare with proper screening, protocols are in place for any urgent situation.
Q: How many people will be in my ceremony?
A: Group ceremonies are limited to maximum 6 participants, ensuring intimate, personalized attention. Many participants appreciate this small group size—it allows Suzanne to provide individualized support while maintaining the benefits of group energy and shared experience.
Facilitation & Team
Q: What is Suzanne’s background and training?
A: Suzanne brings 35+ years of experience in healing, counseling, and teaching, with extensive professional training in holistic counseling, shamanic healing, Reiki, crystal healing, and other modalities. Her qualifications include multiple diplomas and certificates in healing arts.
Beyond formal training, Suzanne has lived and worked in Peru for many years, speaks fluent Spanish, and has deep connection to the land and culture. Her work with San Pedro is grounded in respect for the 3,000+ year Andean tradition of working with this medicine.
Q: Will there be other staff or facilitators present?
A: No. Suzanne is the facilitator for all ceremonies. The intimate group size allows her to provide skilled, attentive support to each participant throughout the journey.
Q: What if I need support during my ceremony and you’re helping someone else?
A: With maximum 6 participants, Suzanne maintains awareness of each person’s process throughout the day. She circulates through the ceremony space, checking in with participants, and is available when support is needed. The property’s design allows for both group gathering and private spaces, so participants can signal when they need facilitation support.
Testimonials consistently mention Suzanne’s uncanny ability to appear at exactly the right moment—whether to offer a tissue, a gentle observation, or simply present, grounded support. Her intuitive tracking of participants creates a container where people feel both held and free to explore their own process.
Logistics & Setting
Q: Where exactly is the retreat located?
A: Hummingbird Retreat is located on the rural outskirts of Pisaq, a colonial town in the Sacred Valley, approximately 32 kilometers (1 hour drive) from Cusco. Pisaq sits at the beginning of the Sacred Valley—the spiritual heartland of the Inca empire and gateway to Machu Picchu.
The property is nestled among ancient Inca agricultural terraces with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley. It’s close enough to Pisaq town center for access to services but far enough for peaceful seclusion.
Specific directions and pickup arrangements are provided upon booking confirmation.
Q: How do I get to the retreat from Cusco airport?
A: From Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco:
Options:
- Private transfer arranged through retreat
- Taxi from Cusco
- Colectivo (shared van) from Cusco to Pisaq
From Pisaq town center, the retreat can provide directions or pickup [confirm arrangements].
Many participants spend a day or two in Cusco before retreat to acclimate to altitude (Cusco is at 3,400m), explore the city, and adjust to time zone if coming internationally.
Q: What is the altitude? Will I experience altitude sickness?
A: Pisaq sits at approximately 2,970 meters (9,744 feet) elevation—lower than Cusco (3,400m) but still significant.
Some people experience mild altitude symptoms:
- Shortness of breath with exertion
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping initially
Recommendations:
- Arrive 1-2 days early to acclimate
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol first days
- Rest and take it easy initially
- Consider altitude medication if you’re sensitive
- Drink coca tea
Most people adjust within 1-2 days. Ceremony itself doesn’t involve strenuous activity, so altitude is generally manageable once acclimatized.
Q: What’s the weather like? What should I pack clothing-wise?
A: Sacred Valley weather varies by season:
Dry Season (May-September):
- Sunny, clear days
- Warm during day (20-25°C / 68-77°F)
- Cold nights (can drop near freezing)
- Very little rain
Wet Season (November-March):
- More clouds and afternoon rain
- Still warm days
- Cool nights
- More lush, green landscape
For Ceremony:
- Morning can be cool
- Midday sun is intense
- Afternoon may be warm
- Evening gets quite cold
Packing strategy: Layers! Bring clothing you can add/remove throughout the day. You’ll want sun protection during day and warm layers for evening. See full packing list in Travel & Arrival section.
Q: Is there internet/phone service? Can I stay connected?
A: General philosophy: Retreat time is opportunity to disconnect from daily demands and turn inward. Many participants find value in minimizing phone/internet use during their stay, being fully present with the medicine work and natural surroundings.
That said, access for necessary communications is available.
Q: Can I visit Machu Picchu before or after my retreat?
A: Absolutely! Many participants combine retreat with exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu. Pisaq’s location makes this convenient:
- Machu Picchu is accessible via train from Ollantaytambo (further down Sacred Valley)
- Plan this for BEFORE or AFTER retreat, not during
- Allow full integration time after ceremony before tourist activities
- Suzanne can offer guidance on timing and logistics
The Sacred Valley itself offers many treasures: Pisaq ruins and market, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras salt mines, and of course Machu Picchu. Consider building in extra days to experience this remarkable region.
PRICING & BOOKING
Retreat Pricing by Program
Program: Single San Pedro Ceremony
Price: $110 USD
Duration: 1 day (12 hours) + integration
Details: Maximum 6 participants; includes ceremony, meal, integration session
Program: Private Ceremony Retreat
Price: [REQUIRES CONFIRMATION]
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Details: Private ceremony; accommodation; meals; consultations; integration
Program: Three-Ceremony Retreat
Price: [REQUIRES CONFIRMATION]
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Details: 3 ceremonies; accommodation; all meals; integration sessions
Program: San Pedro & Andean Rose Dieta
Price: [REQUIRES CONFIRMATION]
Duration: 28 days
Details: Dieta program; multiple ceremonies; cottage accommodation
Program: Three-Ceremony Retreat
Price: [REQUIRES CONFIRMATION]
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Details: 3 ceremonies; accommodation; all meals; integration sessions
What’s Included
Single-Day Ceremony ($110 USD)- ✅ San Pedro medicine prepared fresh for ceremony
- ✅ Full ceremony facilitation by Suzanne (12 hours)
- ✅ Use of property and all ceremony spaces
- ✅ Purified water and herbal teas throughout day
- ✅ Home-cooked vegetarian dinner and dessert
- ✅ Integration session the following morning
- ✅ Orientation for first-time participants
- ✅ All San Pedro ceremonies per program schedule
- ✅ Accommodation for duration of program
- ✅ All meals (organic, vegetarian, with dietary accommodations)
- ✅ Herbal teas and purified water
- ✅ All integration sessions
- ✅ One-on-one consultations with Suzanne
- ✅ Use of property and facilities
- ✅ Access to organic gardens and retreat spaces
- ✅ Post-retreat email support (confirm duration)
What’s NOT Included
For All Programs- ❌ International or domestic flights to Cusco
- ❌ Airport transfers or transportation to/from retreat
- ❌ Accommodation before/after program dates (if extending stay in area)
- ❌ Additional meals for ceremony-only participants (single-day ceremonies)
- ❌ Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ❌ Additional healing services beyond included sessions (Reiki, crystal healing, etc.)
- ❌ Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
- ❌ Personal items and incidental expenses
- ❌ Travel to Machu Picchu or other Sacred Valley sites (optional)
- ❌ Accommodation in Pisaq town for single-ceremony participants (if desired)