Why Santuario Alquimia

Every dream begins somewhere. For us, it began here — by the still waters of Tambo Ilusión’s lagoon, a sanctuary of peace that gave birth to Santuario Alquimia.

Armando and I have been blessed to live in paradise — at Tambo Ilusión, a private conservation area nestled in the Peruvian Amazon. It’s a sacred space that Armando became the steward of over 40 years ago, and that I joined him in caring for 14 years ago.

Together, we turned our shared dream into reality by creating a wellness retreat center on this beautiful land. For the past 12 years, we’ve welcomed guests from around the world to experience what we call “the Tambo Ilusión experience” — a journey of reconnection, nourishment, and renewal. Everyone who has come through our gates has left touched, inspired, and transformed in some way.

Twelve years ago, we extended our family by adopting Ayla, our beloved mare. Today, our herd has grown to three horses — Ayla, Sky, and Knight — because horses, like humans, thrive in the company of others. They are deeply social beings, and living in a herd is essential to their well-being. And Armando needed more manure for his vermicompost! 🐴💚

Our beloved herd — the living inspiration that gave birth to Santuario Alquimia.

As much as we love this land, the world around us is changing. The city is expanding, and the once remote countryside around us is now transforming as the city expands. After much reflection, we realized that our horses need more space, more freedom, and a sanctuary that reflects their true nature.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s time to create a new sanctuary — one that allows our herd to live closer to how horses were meant to: in open space, moving, grazing, connecting with nature.

We’re not leaving Tambo Ilusión — it will continue to be the heart of our wellness retreats and the sanctuary that started it all. Santuario Alquimia is a new chapter — a second home for Armando and me, and a better home for our herd - a new space for growth, connection, and creation. 🌱

This new endeavor, Santuario Alquimia will be a place where nature, equine connection, and wellness meet — a sanctuary born from our love for horses (well..., mostly mine!) and our desire for them to thrive in harmony with the Earth. 🌿✨

But it will also be a refuge for those who visit us — a space where the calm, presence, and wisdom of the horses help to heal, reconnect, and return to center. 🌿🐴

From the still waters of Tambo Ilusión’s lagoon to the gentle steps of our horses grazing freely, Santuario Alquimia is born from love, movement, and a wish to share the magic of being around horses — as we dream of offering spaces for healing and connection through equine-assisted experiences. 💚

Follow our journey as we build this dream from the ground up — step by step, with muddy boots, open hearts, and lots of horse kisses along the way.