Vanessa Delgado Villegas - Medicine Giver
Training, Lineage & Education
Vanessa's professional background as a veterinarian reveals her inherent care for all living beings - a compassion that extends naturally into her shamanic work. She has been walking the ayahuasca path for over 15 years, trained in the Kamsá Biyá tradition from Sibundoy, Colombia. This deep immersion in the medicine has shaped not only her ceremonial skills but her entire understanding of healing and transformation.
Philosophy
Vanessa's approach is rooted in empowerment and personal responsibility. She's clear that no shaman and no medicine can do the work for you - true healing requires you to take that step forward yourself. Her role is to support and hold space, while encouraging each participant to embrace self-accountability for their own journey.
She teaches patience with ourselves and others for life's inevitable missteps, and trust in life's timing. Vanessa believes that suffering is often necessary for our evolution as human beings - not something to bypass, but to move through with awareness and grace. She sees each person as containing an infinite universe within, waiting to be explored and understood.
Specialties
Vanessa is one of the few female ayahuasca shamans in Colombia, bringing a rare and vital feminine perspective to the medicine space. Her presence is naturally nurturing and calming, with a maternal energy that helps participants feel safe to surrender. Yet there's nothing passive about her strength - she embodies a grounded, attentive feminine power while remaining deeply compassionate. Her energy creates a unique container where vulnerability and empowerment coexist.
230+ Reviews
5 Stars
Vanessa, our Shaman, was a radiant spirit. Her kindness and gentle guidance throughout the ceremonies made me feel deeply connected to the process. She held the space so beautifully, and her energy was truly grounding. The music throughout the retreat was incredible, setting the tone and creating an atmosphere that was both peaceful and transformative…I’m leaving with a full heart, a huge smile, and a profound sense of peace. Every single person at the retreat will be missed, but I know this journey was just the beginning. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking for true healing and connection. It was absolutely incredible.
Brittany Lammon
Very beautiful experience! The location, staff, ceremony, music, food, everything was amazing. Vanessa and Kevin have a special talent for working with energy and helping people heal. I would love to come back sometime.
George Yarborough
The ayahuasca ceremonies were led by highly experienced and compassionate curanderos (Vanessa and Sergio). Their presence was grounding and reassuring, guiding us through profound — and at times, intense — journeys with great care. Each ceremony was conducted with the utmost safety and integrity.The facilitators were exceptionally supportive, intuitive, and knowledgeable. They provided guidance whenever needed and held space for everyone with kindness and patience. Their dedication to this work was evident, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness.If you are considering an ayahuasca retreat, I highly recommend AYA Retreat. The combination of a natural setting, experienced curanderos, facilitators, a medical doctor (Kevin), and a strong sense of community makes it one of the most authentic and transformative retreats available.
Justyna Hobot
Start your healing journey the right way—with clarity and support from the very first moment. At Harmonica, our upcoming ayahuasca ceremonies provide authentic transformation in an intimate, 5-star-rated setting.
