The Heart Medicine of San Pedro (Wachuma)
San Pedro—known in Quechua as Wachuma—is a sacred cactus that has been used for thousands of years throughout the Andes as a pathway to deep healing. Working holistically across emotional, physical, and spiritual levels, this master teacher plant serves as a profound gift from the universe, gently reconnecting us to our true selves and to Mother Earth (Pachamama). Through its guidance, we are able to grow, learn, and awaken into higher states of consciousness.
Wachuma mirrors our own inner divinity while showing us the divine spark that lives within everything and everyone. It offers a beautiful, transformative way to heal, giving us a true understanding of existence and ultimately setting us free. By opening our hearts, the medicine brings clarity, a deeper understanding of our life’s purpose, and an unconditional love for ourselves and all of creation. It is, at its core, a medicine of the heart, working beautifully to elevate human consciousness.
San Pedro Flower Microdose Essence
To help you stay connected to your ceremonial insights long after you leave, we offer our San Pedro Flower Microdose Essence. Lovingly handcrafted by Lesley using the blossoms of the sacred cacti growing right in her garden, these essences help open your heart and allow you to blossom into oneness with the spirit of the plant, seamlessly continuing your healing work in your daily life.
Over 25 Years of Sacred Preparation
We have been working with San Pedro for over a quarter of a century, and we are deeply intentional about how our medicine is prepared. In alignment with sacred geometry, we work exclusively with 7- and 9-ribbed cacti to honor the energetic blueprint of the plant.
Our cacti are harvested from the northern deserts of Peru, where they grow for at least six years. In this harsh, dry climate, the cactus naturally concentrates its psychoactive alkaloids (mescaline). Once harvested, the medicine is brewed for 20 hours with love, reverence, and prayerful intention.
To ensure the highest potency, we use only the outer 10% of the cactus body—the layer where the medicine is at its most concentrated and powerful.
Lesley has been walking this path with Wachuma since 1991, dedicating her life to listening to its guidance. Today, she shares this wisdom rooted in the long-standing traditions of this sacred path, supporting everyone who comes to our doors in calling forth the profound healing energies of this magnificent master teacher.
Maloka, the Ceremonial Space
One of the absolute keys to having a transformative experience is being in a safe, secure space where you can fully let go and dive deep into your healing. Our ceremonies are held at the Mountain House Retreat, right beside Cusco’s famed Temple of the Moon, perfectly aligned with the area’s powerful energetic ley lines.
Here, we have built a sacred Temple of Light (Maloka)—a sanctuary explicitly designed for ceremony, meditation, and integrating these profound teachings. Its beautiful circular shape blends highland jungle aesthetics with traditional Andean fusion design, a structure purposefully built to channel and harmonize the energies of the land.
The Maloka provides a pristine, nurturing space that keeps you entirely protected from the Andean elements. Whether it is raining, windy, or freezing outside, you will be safe and warm inside.
Comfort and Protection in All Elements
The Maloka provides a pristine, nurturing space that keeps you entirely protected from the Andean elements. Whether it is raining, windy, or freezing outside, you will be safe and warm inside.
The Temple features:
Weatherproof Design: Built to easily withstand high mountain winds, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures.
Modern Comforts: Fully equipped with heaters for chilly days and excellent ventilation to keep the air fresh.
Safety Essentials: We have oxygen on-site to help you adjust comfortably to the altitude.
Sacred Atmosphere: Elegantly decorated to honor various global esoteric traditions.
Whether we are hosting a larger private group or gathering for our smaller, individual ceremonies a few times a week, every circle is created with the utmost reverence, love, and intention.
The Wisdom of the Q’ero
The Q’ero are the true wisdom-keepers of sacred Incan mysticism. Having lived for centuries in high, isolated mountain villages, they never mixed with the Spanish conquistadors, preserving an unbroken, centuries-old lineage. Often referred to as the “Masters of the Living Energy,” these beautiful people are pure beings of light, deeply dedicated to working in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth).
We are profoundly honored to have a Q’ero paqo (shaman) frequently present at our ceremonies to hold a grounded, sacred space and perform traditional limpiezas (energetic cleansings). The Q’ero are also master weavers—both of energy and of wool. They often bring along exquisite, handmade textiles crafted by their families. Purchasing a piece is a beautiful way to directly support these indigenous communities and help preserve their sacred traditions.
Wholesome and Nourishing Food
Food is a vital part of your grounding and integration process. During your San Pedro ceremony, you will be offered comforting cups of herbal tea and, later in the day, a fresh fruit salad.
If you choose to stay overnight, we will prepare a warm, hearty, and organic vegetarian or quinoa soup served with fresh bread. Carefully crafted to align with the San Pedro diet, this meal is designed to elevate and stabilize your energy. The following morning, a light breakfast will be ready for you before you head back to Cusco.
Our Guardian Dogs: Earth Angels
We believe dogs are true earth angels who instinctively know how to hold a loving space for humans. Our resident dogs are deeply attuned to the San Pedro energies; they join our ceremonies to share their unconditional love and support. Guests frequently tell us how our guardians played a surprisingly profound, comforting role in their healing journey, offering a gentle paw or a calming presence right when it was needed most.
A Dedicated Caregiving Team
To get the most out of your experience, you need to know you are completely safe. We have a loyal, trusted team on-site throughout your ceremony to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
In addition to your ceremony facilitator, our on-site family includes:
Two wonderful kitchen staff preparing fresh food and teas.
Our dedicated gardener and maintenance team keeping the grounds beautiful and secure.
A night watchman to look after everyone spending the evening at the Mountain House.
Knowing that every detail is taken care of allows you to fully let go, relax, and surrender to your journey in a deeply supportive environment.
