The Healing and Education Center Pakarinka Ushay was founded in 2003 by Tayta Willak and his brothers in the Kichwa community of Agato, Ecuador.
It was born from a deep connection with the wisdom traditions of the Andes and a commitment to creating spaces for transformation, healing, and reconnection with nature. Over the years, the project has been nurtured with dedication, creating the foundation for the work that continues today.
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Today, Pakarinka Ushay is not limited to a single physical place. Its essence lies in the space that is consciously created for healing, learning, and connection. This allows the work to unfold in different locations, in resonance with the people and the land. For this reason, retreats and gatherings are currently offered in various places.
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The center is guided by Tayta Willak and Maja, who share a common path and a deep commitment to holding a safe and authentic space for personal and spiritual growth.
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Yachak Tayta Willka Willak
Tayta Willak is a 7th-generation indigenous Yachak (shaman) from the Kichwa community of Agato, Ecuador. With over two decades of dedicated training, he was entrusted by the elders to lead sacred ceremonies with powerful plant medicines like Ayahuasca and Huachuma, as well as energetic cleansings, sweat lodges, and other transformative rituals.
He carries the ancient wisdom of countless generations of Yachaks, safeguarding it for future generations. Tayta Willak is here to remind us of the profound importance of reconnecting with our spiritual origins, for it is through living in harmony with nature that we find the foundation for a healthy, balanced life. Over the course of his journey, he has guided more than 5,000 souls on their path to healing, sharing the timeless teachings of his ancestors.
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Maja Krauss
Maja is a passionate nature-assisted therapist (M.Sc.) from Germany, living and working alongside Tayta Willak in Ecuador. With a deep commitment to healing, Maja has been working in the field of nature-assisted therapy and coaching since 2018, primarily through the transformative connection with horses. In 2022, her personal healing journey led her to discover the profound power of psychedelic plant medicines, prompting her to become a trained psychedelic facilitator two years ago.
As a Co-Host for our retreats, Maja brings her scientific perspective, compassionate nature, and a unique ability to bridge cultural gaps. Maja is excited to support each individual on their journey, helping them connect deeply with themselves, others, and the natural world around them.
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