Sound Healing in Andean Shamanism

The power of sound, vibration, and frequency is at the heart of the understanding needed to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In this retreat, a 7th-generation indigenous yachak will guide up to 14 participants through the pre-Incan sound healing traditions of his people, practices that he and his ancestors have carried into ceremony for centuries. Tayta Willak shares the core principles of indigenous wellness and healing as they are understood and lived in the Andes. In this worldview, good health is not separated from nature; it is created and sustained through balance and harmony in daily life, so that we do not distance ourselves from Pachamama and become unwell. Using ancient and modern instruments made from nature, along with the voice and the body, this Andean shaman works with the spiritual energy of the condor, the mountains, Pachamama, the four elements, the sun, and the moon to support the physical, emotional, and mental health of his community.

He also teaches sound healing practitioners how to prepare themselves before a sound healing session by connecting with the healing spiritual power of the four elements of nature. His approach to intuitive sound healing is spontaneous, and during this retreat Tayta Willak shares the shamanic codes used to access the spiritual force of each natural element.

For example, in Andean shamanism, singing bowls create beautiful and relaxing tones, but they are not considered to carry lasting healing power on their own. Large hand drums are seen as more effective than smaller drums for addressing imbalances in the lower uku pacha area of the body. Whistling and high-pitched flutes help move energy through the hanak pacha region, releasing troubling thoughts, and they may also support breathing when it becomes shallow or strained through emotional distress. Humming and singing speak to the heart in the kay pacha, while stress and tension can be softened through instruments closely connected to the sound of water.

Tayta Willak is pleased to share these tools and practices in English for the first time in his beautiful ceremonial retreat setting. Andean instruments are provided by Pakarinka Ushay, though participants are welcome to bring their own. The retreat fee includes all teachings, storytelling, Andean sound healing ceremonies at natural sacred sites, a pachamanka ceremonial meal, six nutritious runa mikuy meals, lodging at the ceremonial center or in the family homes of indigenous neighbors in the small village of Agato, and round-trip transportation from San Francisco Park in Cotacachi or from the Otavalo bus terminal. The retreat takes place at Pakarinka Ushay, Agato, Otavalo, in the Andes mountains of Ecuador. It is located two hours north by car and four hours north by bus from Mariscal Sucre airport in Quito. Airport pick-up and drop-off in Quito is available for an additional fee with at least one week’s advance notice.