Meditation & Yoga Retreat in Colombia

Pema (Tibetan for “Lotus”) is a Buddhist meditation teacher and yogi with more than fifteen years of dedicated practice, primarily within the Dzogchen teachings of the Dudjom Tersar lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He has studied with renowned masters and wild yogis, including the Dalai Lama, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, and his guru, Loppon Jigme Rinpoche.

His path was anything but conventional. After losing both parents at a young age, music became his refuge and eventually led him to a career as a professional musician. Yet the deeper questions never left him: What is life? Who am I?

Years later, during a particularly dark period of his life, something shifted profoundly. He saw that thoughts, emotions, and even the sense of self were not as solid as they appeared, but fleeting projections of mind—arising and dissolving within an open awareness that itself remained untouched.

The experience led Pema to leave his old life behind and set out on a spiritual journey around the world, seeking to deepen this realization and learn how to share it with others. He studied and practiced in temples and periods of wandering retreat, eventually encountering the Dzogchen teachings of Dudjom Lingpa, which spoke directly to what he had experienced.

His journey eventually brought him to the Colombian mountains, where he founded La Casa de Loto—a place for people of all backgrounds to slow down, turn inward, and begin or deepen their own spiritual practice.

The meditation practice at La Casa de Loto is rooted in the Dudjom Tersar Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly its open awareness teachings.

Rather than trying to control the mind or create a special state, we learn to recognize thoughts, emotions, and sensations as passing experiences within awareness. The practice gently points us back toward the naturally clear and open quality of awareness itself.

The meditation is given in a simple and accessible way. Beginners receive enough guidance to feel supported, while experienced meditators are given space to deepen their own practice. No previous experience is required, all are welcome.

Each morning includes ninety minutes of traditional Hatha yoga and pranayama. The class works with posture, movement, and breath to release physical tension and prepare body and mind for meditation.

Here, yoga is understood in its original sense of union: postures and breath as a doorway to stillness and awareness.

The practices come from the classical yogic traditions of India and Tibet. They are gentle and alignment-based, with no focus on performance or advanced postures.

Classes are taught by experienced teachers and are open to all levels, from your first time on a mat to a long-standing practice.

Noble silence runs from 9 p.m. until 2 p.m. the following day. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in silence. During this time we kindly ask everyone to refrain from conversation, and we recommend staying off your phone. Held together, this shared quiet becomes a deep support for everyone’s practice.

If you need help or practical guidance, you can always ask us quietly. After 2 p.m., conversation is welcome, and guests who wish to continue in full silence can have dinner in their room.

Three vegetarian meals are prepared each day with local, seasonal ingredients. Vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated. Please tell us about any restrictions or allergies before booking.

Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in silence. Dinner is a relaxed time for conversation, and guests who prefer silence are welcome to have dinner in their room.