Guest Love Notes

When I arrived at Pacha Munay, I was burnt out, uninspired, and feeling so incredibly lost. When I left, I felt new, crystal clear, and ready to let life feel easier for me.

I had been struggling for over a year, feeling this unsurmountable pressure to ‘figure out’ my life as I awkwardly navigated this new chapter I’d entered into. I needed a place to rest my tired body and mind, far away from my busy life in the United States. Roberto recommended the Allowing Ease Retreat, a soothing opportunity for me to unplug and reconnect with a sense of stillness, so I could once again hear the whispers of my own wise, inner guidance.

Every day I’d rise with the sun, opening my cabin door to let in the crisp morning air and then climbing back into my warm, soft bed to enjoy the most magnificent views of the Andes. Shortly thereafter, Roberto would come to check in on me with a mug of hot lemon water. Then it was gentle yoga flow out in the gardens, followed by fresh-pressed green juice and the most nourishing, hearty breakfast and soul-quenching conversation. The activities throughout each day felt light and spacious, and I had plenty of time for naps, nature walks, and enjoying the sweetness of having absolutely nothing to do and nowhere to be.

The space Roberto holds is so lovely, so safe. His presence is powerful yet light-hearted, and profoundly peaceful. He listens deeply. Much of his guidance is quite subtle, and whether he’s leading you in a meditation, counseling session, or self-inquiry practice, there’s this sense of autonomy — like he’s there with you, guiding you, and also allowing you to find your own way. It’s incredibly empowering.

No matter how flailing my mental or emotional state would be as I opened up about what I was going through, Roberto provided a grounding, stable, and accepting space for me to be exactly as I was. It was the way that he held a vision of my inherent wholeness that allowed me to remember it for myself. To say I’m incredibly grateful for the dedicated time he spent with me is an understatement.

Between all of this, and the invigorating sauna sessions and outdoor cold shower therapy, evening fireside chats with blankets and fresh fruit under the stars, and outings to nearby sacred sites, by the end of my stay, my empty cup was overflowing with well-being. I truly felt at ease, with a deep knowing in my heart that all was well. That it was safe for me to be in this chapter of my life, and to just not know. To find a resting place in that. Getting a glimpse into what was possible for me moving forward but surrendering the timing of it all and just enjoying the process as it would come to unfold.

Months later, as I sit to reflect on the time I spent with Roberto at Pacha Munay, I’m so excited to share that I recently accepted a freelancing position doing work that lights me up and stretches me in the most amazing ways. Only now do I fully understand how necessary it was to be completely emptied out — to experience the dark night of the soul I endured for so long, the pain and confusion of existing in that seemingly never-ending, liminal void space — so that I could clear out enough room to welcome in this incredibly aligned new opportunity to become more of who I truly am (which no doubt magnetized this new career invitation).

If you’re able to see any part of yourself in my story, if you’ve been feeling lost or exhausted or unclear, my heart lovingly invites yours to consider spending time with Roberto at Pacha Munay. My intuition assures me that it could quite possibly be the best gift you could give to yourself at this exact time in your life. It truly was for me.

Infinite blessings to all who read this, wherever you are on the path. You are held.

With love and deep gratitude,
Rachel