Education.Healing.Spirituality.Nature.

Discover the Wisdom of Traditional Mexican Medicine: One-Week Workshop in the Mountains of Oaxaca

Gain And Experience Profound Healing Wisdom Passed Down Through Generations.

1-week Workshop in Santa Catarina Lachatao, Oaxaca

Awaken Your Inner Shaman

Dive into the fascinating world of Curanderismo and learn from Lorena Villanueva, one of the most professional indigenous healers from Oaxaca, Mexico. Discover the power of the four elements and simple rituals to uphold your energy field, connect with nature, and protect yourself from illnesses and negative influences.
Powerful knowledge that will not just help you, but also your clients. 
Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Santa Catarina Lachatao, located in the mountain region of the Sierra Norte, that holds deep historical significance as an ancient spiritual and ceremonial center for the Zapotec people.

Welcome to the Sacred Path of Curanderismo.

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of Curanderismo with Lorena Villanueva, a revered shamanic healer from the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico. Explore the profound wisdom of ancient rituals and the healing power of nature as you delve into the secrets of traditional medicine.

Deep in the mountains.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of the Sierra Norte mountain region at an altitude of around 2,300 meters. The community of Santa Maria Lachatao predates European contact and holds deep historical significance as an ancient spiritual and ceremonial center for the Zapotec people. Feel the profound energy of Jaguar Hill, the old Zapotec ceremonial site, rediscovered in 2009 by a local artist and anthropology enthusiast. All our meals will be prepared with local ingredients and served at the community’s restaurant (vegetarian and vegan options available).

Learn from the best.

Lorena Villanueva, with a lineage steeped in healing traditions, offers invaluable insights into traditional medicine. Her journey began with her grandmother, a revered Curandera in Villa de Etla, Oaxaca. Lorena’s path diverged from Law to immerse herself in Indigenous communities across Oaxaca, where she rediscovered her ancestral roots in curanderismo. Over two decades, Lorena has refined her craft as a holistic therapist, offering massages, ritual cleansings, temazcales, and workshops. Seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary practice, Lorena embodies a powerful and knowledgeable healer, making her an exceptional teacher in the realm of traditional medicine.

Cultural Immersion.

Become part of the community life in Santa Catarina Lachatao and apply your newfound knowledge directly within the local community, deepening your connection to the ancient healing traditions of the region.

„No hay enfermedades, solo falta de firmeza.“ (There are no diseases, only lack of firmness.)
- Lorena Villanueva
ITINERARY

1-week Workshop Traditional Medicine

Next Dates 2026: March 22 to 28 

Price: 2,789 USD/2.568 Euro

Group size: 5 to 10 people

Day 1: Arrival + Mirador Ixtlan
  • Leaving Oaxaca City at 9 am (hotel pick-up)
  • Delicious local breakfast along the way 
  • Stunning views from the Crystal Viewpoint “Mirador de Ixtlan” 
  • Arriving in the zapotec village of Santa Catarina Lachatao
  • Temazcal Ceremony and Limpia Energy Cleansing ritual
Day 2: Holistic Zapotec health concept
  • Understand the impact of “cold” and “hot” imbalances on the body and use of herbal remedies for restoration
  • Learn about the theoretical concept of different traditional Medicine therapies 
  • Understand the importance of taking care of your energetic body
Day 3: Reconnect with nature
  • Ritual hike to the sacred Jaguar Hill Zapotec site 
  • Cultivate gratitude towards nature through sacred rituals
  • Honor the forest as you respectfully engage with medicinal plants for healing purposes
  • Witches Kitchen: Learn to make your own “agua de vida”, plant tinctures and aura sprays

Oysters / Veggie / Ginger

Day 4: The Power of Self-Healing
  • Learn how to do the Egg-Limpia cleansing ritual to release foreign energies and rebalance your being on yourself as well as on others
  • Learn traditional (self-) massage practices to alleviate stress and dissolve energetic blockages (“Recogimiento de pulso”, cupping, pressure point massage, ancestral scarf massage)
Day 5: Practical Applications in Daily Life
  • Learn how to build your personal altar as a sacred sanctuary within your home
  • Harness the energy of candles and interpret their flames for guidance
Day 6: Social Service
  • Apply what you’ve learned within the community and get practical experience (limpias & massages)
Day 7: Departure to Oaxaca City
  • Leaving Lachatao at 9:00 am to Oaxaca City in privat transportation (2 hours ride)
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This trip includes:

  • Private Transportation from Oaxaca City to Lachatao
  • Accommodation in a private or shared Cabaña (depending on group size) for 6 nights
  • All meals at the community’s restaurant in Lachatao
  • 4-Day Workshop and all listed activities and ceremonies

Meet Your Hosts

Descended from a lineage of healers, Lorena Villanueva’s journey into the realm of curanderismo began with her grandmother, a revered Curandera in the village of Villa de Etla, near Oaxaca City. Initially drawn to the field of Law with a focus on Human Rights, Lorena’s path diverged as she embarked on a career that led her into Indigenous communities across Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s economically poorest states with a rich Indigenous heritage. It was amidst these communities that Lorena rediscovered her ancestral roots in curanderismo, witnessing its enduring presence and vitality within the fabric of Oaxacan culture. Recognizing her true calling, Lorena dedicated herself to the ancient art of healing, honing her craft over two decades as a holistic therapist. Today, she stands as a powerful and knowledgeable healer, offering massages, ritual cleansings, therapeutic temazcales, and workshops, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary practice to serve both the body and spirit.
Katrin Schrimpf will accompany this course as the organizer and translator (English, German, Spanish). She has been living in Oaxaca since 2018, where she has been working closely with Lorena for years.

Reservation & Contact

Please fill out the Google Form to book your spot. For questions or further information, please write an email to hello@laakan-travel.com or send a WhatsApp.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

In March, Santa Catarina Lachatao, experiences pleasant weather. It’s generally warm during the day with temperatures ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). However, temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in higher altitudes, so it’s advisable to bring some layers for the evenings. March is typically part of the dry season in this region, so you can expect relatively low precipitation and plenty of sunshine. Overall, March is a great time to visit Santa Catarina Lachatao

For anyone who wants to dive deeper into the topics of natural medicine, shamanism and traditional Mexican medicine and gain practical knowledge, both for themselves and for their clients.
The course is suitable for newcomers to the subject as well as for practicing energy workers, healers and shamans. You will be able to apply everything you learn during this week not only to yourself but also to your clients.

Yes, both printed and digital.

Lightweight Clothing: Pack breathable, lightweight clothing such as cotton shirts, shorts, and lightweight pants. 

Comfortable shoes: For our modest ritual hike, you should use comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes.

Rain Gear: Bring a lightweight rain jacket just in case it might rain.
Personal Hygiene Items: Don’t forget toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and soap. Consider bringing biodegradable products to minimize environmental impact.

Reusable water bottle to refill at the communal space.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent.

Yes, there is internet access and mobile phone coverage available, but it’s not as reliable, fast or widespread as in more urban areas. 

All meals in Lachatao are included and will be provided by the communities restaurant. The traditional local cuisine provides a wide variety of native herbs, seeds, vegetables and fruits. Vegan diet is actually very common amongst indigenous communities like in Lachatao. There will always be vegan/vegetarian options as well as meat.