Alternative to APL Shamanic Journeys: Finding your place
APL Shamanic Journeys has built one of the most professional and well-rounded ayahuasca retreats in the world, operating across both Spain and Peru
Side-by-Side Comparison between APL Shamanic Journeys and Harmonica Retreat
APL Shamanic Journeys or Harmonica Retreat: Shipibo tradition in Spain and Peru or accessible & top rated Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia following the Kamsá Biyá tradition?
Below we break down the key differences — from tradition and setting to research credentials and price range.
APL Shamanic Journeys | Harmonica Retreat | |
Location | Spain & Peru | Colombia, near Medellín |
Operating since | 2017 | 2021 |
Tradition | Shipibo (Peruvian) | Kamsá Biyá (Colombian yagé) |
Lead healer | Maestro Pepe (35+ years) | Sergio Henao, Yagecero (16+ years) |
Group size | Small groups | Max 12 guests |
Psychological support | On-site Western therapists | Carolina Forero |
Medical staff | Red Cross certified, strict screening | Kevin Zapata, MD (on-site) |
Research | Published scientific studies | Imperial College London |
Price (entry) | Higher range, starting at 3000 USD for 9 day program | From $545 |
Setting | Spain (oceanfront) / Peru (Amazon) | Mountain setting near Medellín |
- Shipibo lineage - APL works with indigenous Onanyas from the Shipibo tribe of Peru, including Maestro Pepe
- Professional psychological support - Western therapists are present on-site at every retreat, working alongside the shamans in a genuinely integrated model
- Location flexibility - retreats in both Spain and Peru, giving guests the option of a European experience or full Amazon immersion
- Educational depth - an extensive educational content that helps guests understand the philosophy and the people before they arrive
- Safety and certification- Red Cross certified, with strict screening, guided preparation, and a trauma-informed team
- Reciprocity - APL runs a foundation supporting indigenous communities in Peru, with documented social impact projects
A note before you read on...
Worth saying clearly: this comparison is written by Harmonica Retreat, so read it with that in mind. We’ve tried to present APL fairly — they’ve built something genuinely impressive. Our aim isn’t to convince you Harmonica is the better choice. It’s to give you an honest enough picture that you can figure that out for yourself.
APL Shamanic Journeys' Reviews — What their Reputation Says
APL has been operating since 2017 and has built an significant review profile across multiple platforms in a relatively short time. Guests consistently highlight the quality of the shamans, the professionalism of the team, the integration support, and the sense of being genuinely held throughout the process.
- APL Journeys on Retreat Guru (link)
- APL Journeys on Google Reviews (link)
- Reddit — search “APL Journeys” on r/ayahuasca (link)
Pay attention to the 3 and 4-star reviews as always — they tend to reveal the most honest picture of what the experience is actually like on a difficult night.
Why People Look for Alternatives to APL Journeys
Despite APL’s strong reputation, there are genuine reasons someone might explore alternatives
- Price - APL's retreats reflect the cost of operating in Spain and Peru with a large professional team. That investment is real and for many out of reach.
- Tradition - APL works within the Shipibo lineage of Peru. Some guests feel specifically called to a different indigenous tradition, particularly the Colombian yagé lineage of the Putumayo region
- Location - Spain is convenient for Europeans but less so for guests from South America or those specifically drawn to Colombia.
Why Harmonica Retreat Is a Popular Alternative to APL Shamanic Journeys
Here is what tends to matter most to people who choose Harmonica:
- Intimate group sizes - max 12 participants
- Medical screening and supervision
- Traditional ceremonies led by Yagecero Sergio Henao with 16+ years of experience (Colombian Yagé tradition)
- Track record over 1000+ participants hosted, 250 verified 5 star reviews
- Price Point starting at 545 USD for a weekend retreat with 1350 USD for a one week retreat, a combination of affordability and quality you won't find elsewhere.
- Integration Support monthly online community calls for ongoing support
I really admire what APL has built. Powerful Shipibo healers, facilitators with psychology backgrounds, an extensive YouTube presence that lets you understand their philosophy before you arrive, and a genuine commitment to reciprocity with the Amazon. From everything I see online, I would feel completely comfortable going there as a first-time participant.
As with the other centers in this space, the level of organization, the size of the team, and the reputation they’ve earned make their pricing entirely understandable — and also out of reach for many people.
What I believe you’ll find at Harmonica is the essence of what APL offers — medical supervision, small groups, competent facilitation, and a strong indigenous tradition — with a younger team, a less polished feel, and a fraction of the cost.
- You have the budget for a premium, highly professional operation
- You want the Shipibo tradition with integrated Western therapeutic support
- Spain is your preferred destination or you want full Amazon immersion in Peru
- You feel called to the Colombian yagé tradition
- You want intimate groups, on-site medical oversight, and accessible pricing
- Medellín works better as a destination than Spain or Peru
Free 30 minute consultation with our lead female facilitator
Reach out today to get a free consultation with Jenna Ram
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CALL:
1.Who you are and what draws you to Ayahuasca
2. Whether Ayahuasca feels right for you now
3. What you’re looking for in a retreat
4. Any questions about Ayahuasca or our retreats
