Build a relationship with nature and learn to connect with places of power where you go. From Tate-Haramara (Grandmother Ocean), to the mountains, lakes, and caves…each place has energy to offer you.
Activity Level
●●●○○
Group Size
50 max
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Prerequisites
None
Spiritual Journey
Travel through the Nierika (spiritual doorway) to the four directions to receive clarity and guidance for your life. Learn to follow Kauyumari (The Magical Deer Spirit) and other spiritual guides to help you uncover a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.
Rituals & Practices
Integrate a more expansive awareness of yourself and the world around you through ancient Indigenous practices of transformation. These simple practices can have profound effects, offering a foundation of personal transformation.
Pilgrimage
Ceremony
Focus your intentions and receive blessings for your life as you dance your prayers into the altar of Mother Earth. Let the sacred chants and echoes of the drum guide you to the wisdom you are searching for.
Monte Velho
An off-the-grid holistic retreat center on the wild southwestern coast of Portugal
Monte Velho is a unique sanctuary set in a remote and pristine part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, where the land meets the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, expansive beaches, and aromatic native forests, the retreat center offers an ideal environment for deep rest, reflection, and renewal.
Rooted in nature and simplicity, Monte Velho invites guests to reconnect with themselves and the land through immersive experiences and the healing power of wild, open spaces. Winding trails lead through untouched terrain, offering direct access to scenic coastal viewpoints and forest paths. Whether drawn to stillness or exploration, this is a place where transformation unfolds in rhythm with the elements.
Meet Your Guides
Brant Secunda
Brant Secunda is an internationally acclaimed shaman, healer, and teacher in the indigenous Huichol tradition of Mexico. During an intensive 12-year apprenticeship, Brant became the adopted grandson and close companion of Don José Matsuwa, the renowned shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110. Brant was chosen by Don José to take his place in helping to carry on Huichol Shamanism.
Recognized as a global thought leader and spiritual teacher, Brant has been a lecturer at the Mayo Clinic, the American Holistic Medical Association Conferences, and a faculty member of the Five Branches Institute of Chinese Medicine. He also co-founded the Humanistic Medicine Conference with the World Health Organization, the Peace University in Berlin, and is a founding member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Striving to bridge the worlds of fitness and spirituality, Brant co-authored the award-winning book Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.
Nico Secunda
Nico Secunda has been steeped in the indigenous traditions and spiritual practices of the Wixáritari since birth. He completed an intensive shamanic apprenticeship with his father (Brant Secunda) at twenty-one years of age and underwent the rare transmission of power ceremony to become a Mara-Akame (shaman) in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.
He is the Executive Director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation – Center for Shamanic Studies and the Co-Founder of the Huichol Foundation. Nico is also the Executive Director + Chief Instructor at Aikido of Santa Cruz.
As a child of both the modern world and the ancient Huichol culture, Nico has walked a unique path, bridging the new and old worlds. Because of this, he offers a very relatable approach for people striving to integrate spiritual practices into their daily lives and unify various aspects of the self.
Pricing
Tuition + Accommodation options
Tuition
| Ticket type | Retreat |
|---|---|
| Adult | $900 |
| Child | $450 |
| Infant | FREE ($0) |
Tuition Options
Includes program instruction and materials
Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions
- Tribal songs, chants, drumming & rattling.
- Journeying exercises working with the 4 directions.
- Meditation practices to connect with the elemental powers.
- Lecture & discussion including Huichol cosmology and myths.
- Question and answer opportunities.
Dance of the Deer Ceremonies
- Ancient ceremony to honor the light of creation, celebrate the winter season and pray for healing for ourselves and the planet.
Pilgrimage
- Learn how to approach places of power in prayer.
- Receive a transmission of power from the land.
Accommodations
| ROOM TYPE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| SINGLE ROOM | $2,105 |
| DOUBLE ROOM | $1,130 |
| TRIPLE ROOM | $950 |
| QUAD ROOM | $950 |
| DORM | $770 |
| FOREST HOUSE | $2,255 |
| COMMUTER | $590 |
Accommodation Options
Prices are per/person, all meals included
Selected lodging option:
- Single Room • Single room with a private, en-suite bathroom.
- Double Room • Shared room with a double bed and private, en-suite bathroom.
- Triple Room • Shared room for up to three guests with a private, en-suite bathroom.
- Quad Room • Shared, budget-friendly room for up to four guests.
- Dorm • Shared room with six single beds. Access to nearby bathroom and showers.
- Forest House • Secluded house featuring an ocean view, two double bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room with kitchenette, and a comfortable porch.
- Commuter • Select this option if you prefer to stay offsite.
Fresh, organic vegetarian buffet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from dinner on Sunday to breakfast on Saturday.
Access to the retreat grounds + amenities
Discounted Attendance
Students
Register with a .edu email address and save 10% on all tuition options.
Seniors
If you’re 65 or older, you can save 10% on all tuition options. Simply select the checkbox when registering.
Families
We love having families at our programs and strive to bring all ages into the sacred circle. Children 4-17 receive a 50% discount on all tuition options and infants (under the age of 4) are FREE.
Families of four or more receive 10% off each adult attendee.
Itinerary
Program schedule + session details
Sunday
3:00 pm – 6:30 pm | Check-In
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Opening Session + Blessing
Monday
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Early Morning Session
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00pm – 6:30 pm | Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner
Tuesday
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Early Morning Session
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00pm – 6:30 pm | Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner
Wednesday
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Early Morning Session
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00pm – 6:30 pm | Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner
Thursday
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Early Morning Session
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00pm – 6:30 pm | Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner
Friday
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Early Morning Session
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00pm – 6:30 pm | Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner
Saturday
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
11:00 am | Pack up & Goodbyes – we prefer to say We’ll see you later!
Travel
Information for your journey
Where is the retreat located?
This retreat will be held at Monte Velho, a unique retreat centre set in a remote area along the coast of southern Portugal. Monte Velho is about 1.5 hours from Faro and just 15 minutes from the coastal town of Aljezur. It’s the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and dive deep into spiritual practice.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Faro International Airport (FAO), located approximately 1.5 hours from Monte Velho by car. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is another option, about 3.5 hours away by car.
By Bus + Taxi
There are regular Rede Expressos bus services running daily from Lisbon and Faro to Aljezur, the nearest town to Monte Velho. You can find bus timetables here. Monte Velho can help organize shuttle transfers. A taxi from Faro Airport to Monte Velho costs approximately 120€, and a taxi van (for larger groups) is around 160€. Prices may vary slightly depending on time of day and availability.
FAQ + Guide
Tips to ensure a great retreat experience
When does the program start and end?
The Retreat will begin on Sunday (February 22, 2026) with check-in from 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and an opening session at 8:30 pm.
The program will conclude on Saturday (February 28, 2026) following breakfast.
Do I need to attend the entire program?
We greatly encourage everyone to join the event for the full time in order to gain the complete experience of the teachings and practices, while also helping maintain the energy of the collective group.
What are the accommodations?
There are a variety of lodging options, including private and shared rooms.
All meals are included (Sunday dinner – Saturday breakfast).
What is the weather typically like?
In late February, the weather in southern Portugal is generally mild, with sunny days and cooler evenings. The landscape is lush from winter rains, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a beautiful time to connect with nature.
Do I need to bring anything?
Here is a list of items to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sun protection
- Bathing suit
- Snacks, if desired
- Rain jacket + umbrella
- Personal toiletries
- Pocket knife for prayer arrows
- Layers of clothing (the temperature may vary)
- Flashlight
- Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar
Are there any prerequisites to attend?
No. This retreat is open to anyone, whether you are looking to take the first step on the shamanic path or if you’ve been studying with Brant for decades.
Will the program be live-streamed?
No. This retreat will only be available for those attending in person. If you’re interested in joining a virtual program online, please take a look at our schedule of upcoming programs.
Will plant medicine be offered?
No, this program does not include any type of plant medicine. Although this is indeed an integral part of shamanic traditions, this program will focus on the use of drumming, rattling, chanting, and dance to achieve similar altered states of consciousness.
Will I become a shaman by attending this program?
No, our programs do not provide any type of certification and are not designed to teach people to become shamans, as this requires years of complete dedication through a traditional shamanic apprenticeship. Instead, this retreat provides an opportunity to practice shamanism, learn the ancient exercises for spiritual developemnt, and celebrate life in sacred ceremony and ritual.
The practices of shamanism are ones that can be integrated into your everyday routine in order to empower yourself, your community, and all that lives on Mother Earth.
Can children attend?
Yes, we welcome families and children at all our programs and love having all ages included in our circle. We offer a 50% discount for children ages 4-17 and infants under the age of 4 join free of charge.
Children (anyone under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is a way of honoring nature. Practiced in various forms around the world by different indigenous tribes, the methods of shamanism are diverse; however, they are unified in their inherent basis in the natural world.
Wixárika Tribe
The Huichol (Wixáritari) are a small indigenous tribe of approximately 35,000, living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. They are considered one of the last cultures in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions to this day.
Shamanic Healing
Inherent to the spiritual traditions of shamanism is the art of healing. Although our programs do not aim to teach people to heal or become shamans, they most definitely provide the tools for personal healing and transformation.