“From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt held. This was far more than a trip; it was one of the most transformational experiences of my life.”
Highly Rated
ABOUT TANDAVA
Tandava Retreats bridges clinical rigor with ceremonial wisdom in Tepoztlán’s sacred mountain landscape. As the world’s first center focused on safe, effective 5-MeO-DMT therapy, Tandava combines medically supervised protocols with comprehensive preparation and integration support. Located 90 minutes from Mexico City in a designated “Pueblo Mágico,” the retreat maintains exceptional facilitator-to-participant ratios to ensure deeply personalized care throughout each healing journey.
KEY DETAILS
- 👤 Founders: Joel and Victoria
- 📍 Location: Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico
- 🗣️ Language Spoken: English and Spanish
- 👥 Group Size: 6-12 participants
- 📅 Program Length:5 days
- 💵 Price Range: Starting at $3,000
- 💙 Specializing In: PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, personal growth, consciousness exploration
- 🌿 Medicine Sourcing: Pharmaceutical-grade synthetic 5-MeO-DMT to protect Bufo alvarius toad species while providing precise, consistent dosing
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
-
🩺 Medical Supervision:
Licensed medical doctor on-site during all sessions. -
🤝 Comprehensive Support:
Virtual preparation and on-site / structured, post-retreat integration support. -
⛰️ Sacred Mountain Setting:
Private gated estate with 360° valley views, Turkish sauna, hot tub, pool, and proximity to ancient Aztec pyramid. -
🌱 Farm-to-Table Cuisine:
Chef-prepared organic meals accommodating all dietary needs. -
🌀 Holistic Healing Modalities:
Daily yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and traditional sweat lodge ceremonies—paired with immersive workshops and cutting-edge support tools like neurofeedback and medically approved red light therapy to deepen integration and support your process. -
🧭 Personalized Approach:
Individualized container matched to your unique process with your own dedicated integration specialist.
ACCOMMODATIONS
🏠 Facility Amenities
Tandava Retreat Center Features:
- 🌿Mountain Setting: 360-degree views of lush Diamante Valley
- 💧Hot Tub: Large hot tub with mountain vistas
- 🧖Turkish Steam Sauna: Traditional steam sauna for detoxification
- 🏊Swimming Pool: Large pool for swimming and floating integration
- 🏞️Natural Surroundings: Ancient ruins, butterflies, hummingbirds, mystical energy
- 🌄Sacred Space: Minutes from Aztec Pyramid “Tepozteco”
- 🪨Integration Areas: Multiple lounging areas throughout gardens
- 🧘Dedicated Spaces: Medicine rooms, yoga platforms, meditation areas
- 📶Wi-Fi: Available throughout property
- 🔒24/7 Security: Security personnel on-site
- 🍽️Full-service dining with farm-to-table cuisine
- 🛏️Premium linens and comfortable accommodations
- 🧹Daily housekeeping
Venue Description:
Tandava’s private, gated villa estate provides an optimal environment for neuroplasticity and profound therapeutic work. The serene mountain setting combines natural beauty with modern comforts—pristine outdoor spaces, comfortable accommodations, and world-class amenities.
Every detail supports your healing journey with complete privacy, breathtaking views, and sacred atmosphere ideal for deep introspection.
MEALS & NUTRITION
- 🥗Omnivore
- 🥦Vegetarian
- 🌱Vegan
- 🌾Gluten-Free
- 🥛Dairy-Free
- 🐟Pescatarian
- 🥜Nut allergies and other restrictions accommodated
Nutritional Approach
Each guest receives customized meal planning based on dietary preferences, allergies, sensitivities, and cultural or religious requirements. Meals are designed to nourish the body during medicine work, support nervous system regulation, and enhance overall well-being.
All meals are prepared fresh daily by a culinary team using ingredients sourced from on-site gardens and local organic family farms, featuring three chef-prepared meals daily plus snacks.
Travel & Arrival Details
- 📍Venue Location: Tandava Retreat Center, Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico
- ✈️Airport Transportation: Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX). Private shuttle service available from Mexico City Airport to Tandava Retreat Center for $150 USD per person each way. The 90-minute journey is coordinated with staff handling all logistics for seamless door-to-door transport.
RETREAT LEADERSHIP
Joel — Founder & CEO
Joël Brierre (aka: the entheogenic yogi) has a strong background in the Yogic traditions and has been teaching these practices for nearly two decades.
His unique approach of applying classical non-dual yogic philosophy for both the preparation and integration of the 5-MeO-DMT experience, and from the entheogenic experience is deeply relevant to navigating these states of consciousness and the landscape of psychedelic use.
Joel is the founder & CEO of Tandava Retreats as well as CEO and Co-founder of F.I.V.E. (5-MeO-DMT Information and Vital Education). Joel integrates the history of 5-MeO-DMT and modern integrative practices into every aspect of the retreat experience.
Victoria — Head Retreat Leader & Director of Education
Victoria Wueschner is the Co-Founder of the 5-MeO-DMT education and training platform F.I.V.E., which provides global education on psychedelic healing, as well as head of education for Tandava Retreats.
Her mission at F.I.V.E is to provide the world with a centralized hub for all resources and education on 5-MeO, in hopes of bringing awareness to the ethics, integrity, and safety needed for this type of work.
Victoria brings expertise in the science behind psychedelic healing, focusing on ensuring the safety and integrity of the medicine used.
ABOUT THE MEDICINE
Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT
Source: Pharmaceutical-grade synthetic 5-MeO-DMT (not toad-derived)
Why Synthetic:
- Conservation: Protects endangered Bufo alvarius toad species
- Precise Dosing: Exact, consistent dosing for safety and reliability
- Purity: Pharmaceutical-grade with no impurities
- Ethics: No harm to animals
- Sustainability: Infinite supply without ecological impact
Clinical Applications:
- Trauma healing and emotional release
- Depression and anxiety treatment
- Addiction recovery and pattern interruption
- Spiritual awakening and consciousness exploration
- PTSD and complex trauma processing
Duration: 15-45 minutes peak experience
Participant Experience:
Guests commonly report profound sense of unity and interconnectedness, temporary dissolution of ego boundaries, deep somatic and emotional release, mystical or transcendent states of consciousness, feelings of peace and acceptance, and ineffable experiences beyond words.
Treatment Setting & Atmosphere
Environment:
Dedicated medicine spaces designed for safety, comfort, and healing. Serene natural mountain surroundings. Calm, professional atmosphere balanced with warmth and reverence.
Ceremonial Spaces:
Indoor medicine rooms with comfortable cushions, blankets, soft adjustable lighting, carefully curated music, temperature control, and complete privacy for deep inward journeys.
Philosophy:
Tandava operates a hybrid clinical-ceremonial model. We honor traditional ceremonial wisdom while integrating trauma-informed clinical psychology, somatic therapy, medical screening, and research-based protocols. The approach respects both paradigms equally—neither purely clinical nor purely traditional, but integrative.
Safety Protocols & Guest Support
Clinical Oversight:
- Licensed medical doctor present during all medicine sessions
- Nursing staff available 24/7
- Licensed facilitators trained in trauma-informed care
During Ceremonies:
- Two trained facilitators continuously present with each participant
- Vital sign monitoring before, during, and after sessions
- Emergency medical equipment on-site
- Aspiration prevention protocols
- 24/7 security personnel
Emergency Protocols:
- Hospital General de Cuernavaca (15 minutes)
- Ambulance service on-call 24/7
- Documented evacuation procedures
- All facilitators trained in crisis response
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
During Retreat: 5-Day Immersive Program
Day 1: Arrival & Grounding
Afternoon:
- 2:00 PM: Arrival and check-in
- Welcome tea and settling in
- Room orientation and property exploration
Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Opening circle and introductions
- Intention-setting ceremony
- 7:30 PM: Dinner
- 9:00 PM: Evening meditation
Day 2: FIRST MEDICINE SESSION
Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Gentle movement, breathwork, meditation
- 8:30 AM: Farm-to-table breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Free time
Late Morning/Afternoon:
- 10:30 AM: Session preparation circle
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: First medicine sessions
Afternoon/Evening:
- 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Rest and initial integration
- 5:00 PM: Gentle yoga or breathwork
- 6:00 PM: Integration session
- 7:30 PM: Dinner
- 9:00 PM: Optional sound bath
Day 3: SECOND MEDICINE SESSION
Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Gentle movement and meditation
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Free time
Late Morning/Afternoon:
- 10:30 AM: Session preparation
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Second medicine sessions
Afternoon/Evening:
- 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Rest and integration
- 5:30 PM: Integration workshop
- 7:00 PM: Dinner
- 8:30 PM: Optional journaling circle
Day 4: INTEGRATION & TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Yoga and breathwork
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast
- 10:00 AM: Integration workshop – “Bringing It Home”
Afternoon:
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM: Guided town adventure to Tepoztlán center
- 4:00 PM: Return to property
- Free time
Evening:
- 5:00 PM: Traditional sweat lodge ceremony
- 7:30 PM: Dinner
- 9:00 PM: Rest and reflection
Day 5: CLOSURE & DEPARTURE
Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Final meditation and movement
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Closing circle
- Sharing reflections and insights
- Commitments for integration
- Gratitude practice
Late Morning:
- 11:30 AM: Individual closing conversations with facilitators
- 12:30 PM: Final lunch
- 1:30 PM: Departures begin
Note: Schedule is flexible based on group needs and facilitator guidance. Each retreat is uniquely tailored.
FINE DETAILS
All Retreats Include:
- ✅ Accommodations: 5 days / 4 nights lodging
- ✅ Meals: All organic farm-to-table meals and snacks
- ✅ Preparation: Two-week virtual preparation with facilitators
- ✅ Integration: Four post-retreat integration sessions over 6 weeks
- ✅ Daily Practices: Yoga, breathwork, sound healing, meditation
- ✅ Ceremonies: Traditional sweat lodge & fire ceremony
- ✅ Amenities: Pool, hot tub, Turkish sauna, gardens
- ✅ Clinical Support: Licensed medical doctor on-site during sessions
- ✅ Facilitation: Two facilitators per participant during sessions
- ✅ Materials: Virtual psychoeducation materials
- ✅ Support: 24/7 facilitator presence during retreat
What’s NOT Included:
- ❌ Travel: International/domestic flights to Mexico City
- ❌ Ground Transportation: Airport shuttle (available: $150 each way)
- ❌ Insurance: Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- ❌ Medicine: 5-MeO-DMT provided by third party (paid in cash on-site)
- ❌ Personal Items: Toiletries, medications, comfort items
- ❌ Gratuities: Optional for staff
- ❌ Additional Services: Extra massage therapy ($70 per session)
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Rated
Across all reviews, participants consistently highlight:
Professional facilitation: Expert, attentive, loving presence from Joel, Victoria, and team
Safe container: Participants feel completely held throughout experience
Life-changing results: Profound healing from PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction
Integration support: Post-retreat integration crucial to lasting change
Exceptional food: World-class chef creating nourishing, delicious meals
Beautiful property: Impeccably maintained grounds with mountain views
Individualized attention: Small groups ensure personalized care
Warm community: Deep connections with fellow participants and staff
Guest Testimonials
“One of the most transformational experiences of my life”
“From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt held. The airport pickup was seamless, a gentle hand guiding me into a different pace of life. I was greeted not just with smiles, but with a genuine warmth that felt like coming home.
The accommodations were spacious and serene—a sanctuary for rest and reflection. Each meal was a gift: nourishing to the body, crafted with care, and somehow feeding the soul as well.
But it was the people who made this experience extraordinary. Each person held such beautiful presence—fully accepting, fully witnessing—the breadth of the messiness and the beauty of being human. I never once felt like I had to be anything other than exactly who I was in each moment.
The land itself felt like a participant in the journey: the mountains standing guard, the water reflecting back truth, the natural world holding and cleansing. The integration practices wove it all together—the sweat lodge a powerful, beautiful way to ground and release anything that no longer served me.
This was far more than a trip; it was one of the most transformational experiences of my life, the only other my son’s birth. Tandava gave me not only the space to go inward, but the safety, love, and sacred container to emerge changed. I will carry this with me forever.”
— Margaret D., Inhale Retreat Participant
“The most beautiful, healing, divine, transformative experience”
“My experience at Tandava was the most beautiful, healing, divine, transformative, affirming, life altering experience I have ever had! I received, and continue to receive, SO many potent gifts from this sacred medicine.
The team at Tandava offers incredibly professional and safe facilitation combined with unwavering presence and genuine love and care straight from their hearts. Their love, presence, attunement, and guidance allowed me to deeply surrender into my experience in a way I have never been able to do in any other professional healing container.
I see how Tandava’s focus on integration is key to harvesting the many gifts this sacred medicine brings, during the ceremonies and in the weeks and months following. The integration coach I am working with now is amazing and is helping me to truly embody all I have received from the medicine.
Also, shoutout to Luis the chef for making some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had anywhere, the incredible massage therapist, the soothing music, the gorgeous temple and beautiful nature of the entire retreat center, and the entire team who works together to make this experience magical beyond words.
There is no one else in the world doing this better than Tandava! I am deeply and eternally grateful for this medicine and for all of you!”
— Tara K., Inhale Retreat Participant
“My experience has been life changing”
“My experience and healing with 5-Meo-DMT has been life changing. But I firmly believe and standby the fact that my experience has been life changing because of the combination of 5-Meo-DMT AND the container established and set by Joel and Victoria at Tandava Retreats.
Their mastery, skill, and expertise in creating a secure and thoughtful container significantly shaped my experience. The facilitators at Tandava are Heaven Sent! I fly to Tepoztlan, Mexico from Massachusetts to partake in the 5-MeO medicine to find strength, healing, clarity and the ability to deal/cope with my addictions, PTSD and depression.”
— Geoffrey, Combat Veteran
“Best-managed retreat I’ve ever been to”
“From the moment I arrived at Tandava I knew this was no normal retreat. The property is impeccably maintained and the staff friendly and helpful. The attention I received was second-to-none.
Between the facilitators and integration specialists, you are tended to by a cadre of experts that really listen and tailor your experience to produce the best results in-ceremony. Then there’s the food, which is some of the best in Tepoztlan, and indeed anywhere!
Having been to nearly a dozen medicine ceremonies over the last 20 years, I can say with confidence that this is the best-managed retreat I’ve ever been to. Kudos to Joel and Victoria for going above and beyond.”
— Chris H.
“It far surpassed any expectations I had”
“It is extremely hard to put this experience into words but this retreat far surpassed any expectations I had. The container that Victoria and Joël and the entire crew at Tandava created was the sweetest safest warmest nest to allow me to go deep into my own process and still maintain connection with everyone.”
— Kirsty, Clinical Psychologist & Therapist
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
General Experience
-
Q: Is this my first time with psychedelics. Is 5-MeO-DMT safe for me?
A: If cleared through our comprehensive pre-screening, you can be assured it is safe. Prior psychedelic experience is not required—the majority of our participants are first-timers to all psychedelics.
-
Q: How do I know if this retreat is right for me?
A: You’ll have a discovery call with our team before booking. We’ll discuss your intentions, background, and concerns. If our team believes Tandava is not suited for your needs, we’ll tell you explicitly.
-
Q: What does a 5-MeO-DMT experience feel like?
A: While everyone’s experience is unique, “non-duality” and “oneness” are common threads. Many participants report profound sense of unity and interconnectedness, temporary dissolution of ego boundaries, deep somatic and emotional release, mystical or transcendent states of consciousness, feelings of peace, love, and acceptance, and ineffable experiences beyond words. The active experience typically lasts 15-45 minutes, with gentle return over 30-60 minutes.
-
Q: Can 5-MeO-DMT cure my PTSD/depression/anxiety?
A: While we cannot claim 5-MeO-DMT is curative, research and extensive anecdotal evidence suggest this medicine can be a powerful tool. Studies show significant symptom reductions, particularly with proper preparation and integration. Many participants report profound relief and lasting positive changes. We encourage releasing expectations and setting intentions instead. While we cannot guarantee symptom elimination, we’re confident in the safe container we provide for deep self-exploration combined with thorough integration.
Facilitation & Team
-
Q: Who will be facilitating my medicine session?
A: All medicine sessions are facilitated by one of Tandava’s co-founders Joel and Victoria, along with other experienced team facilitators. You’ll have two facilitators present during your session who remain throughout the entire experience. You’ll meet your facilitators during preparation calls before arrival and build trust and rapport before your medicine session.
-
Q: What training and experience do facilitators have?
A: All Tandava facilitators have extensive training in 5-MeO-DMT facilitation, training in trauma-informed care, certified first-aid response, experience with various therapeutic modalities, and deep personal practice with the medicine.
Medicine & Experience
-
Q: What is the difference between N,N-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT?
A: While both are dimethyltryptamines (DMT) with similar names and structure, experiences are quite different.
N,N-DMT (often called “DMT”):
- Produces vivid visual landscapes and entities
- Externally oriented visual experience
- Duration: 5-15 minutes
- “Traveling to other dimensions”
5-MeO-DMT:
- Produces “non-dual” state of consciousness
- Minimal visuals; internally focused
- Deep unity, ego dissolution, somatic release
- Duration: 15-45 minutes
- “Merging with source/God/universe”
-
Q: What’s the difference between toad-derived and synthetic 5-MeO-DMT?
A: In terms of experience and therapeutic benefits, there’s virtually no difference. The molecule is identical. See Treatment Protocol & Medicine Information section above for full explanation of why Tandava uses only synthetic 5-MeO-DMT.
Practical Matters
-
Q: Is this legal?
A: Yes. Tandava operates legally in Mexico where 5-MeO-DMT is not a scheduled or controlled substance. All operations are above board and compliant with local regulations. Participants should be aware of 5-MeO-DMT’s legal status in their home country. In many places (including the United States), 5-MeO-DMT is controlled. We do not provide medicine for participants to take home.
-
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes. Payment plans can be arranged—contact our team to discuss options. The deposit is always required to secure booking, with remainder paid before or during retreat according to payment plan.
PRICING
Shared Room
Price: $5,695
Private Room w/ Shared Bath
Price: $6,895
Private room w/ Private Bath
Price: $7,595