Frequently asked questions

We are a small, family-owned center in the peaceful jungle of Tamshiyacu. Unlike large commercial retreats, we host a maximum of six guests at a time so each person receives personal guidance, attention, and care — and becomes part of our family.

A maximum of six guests. This intimate setting lets us know each guest well and offer close support before, during, and after the ceremonies.

Two programs: a 12-day retreat with 7 ayahuasca ceremonies for a fuller, deeper experience, and a 7-day retreat with 4 ceremonies for guests with less time. Both are complete and carefully guided.

We are in Tamshiyacu, near Iquitos, Peru. We pick you up from Iquitos airport, you rest a night in the city, and the next morning we travel together by boat to Tamshiyacu and on to the center. We handle all the logistics.

You stay in a comfortable, private room with your own restroom, surrounded by the beauty and stillness of the jungle — a private space for your own reflection.

Ayahuasca can be a powerful and safe tool for healing in a proper setting, but it is not without risks. It can cause intense physical purging and psychological distress, and there are serious contraindications with certain medications and conditions — which is why we do a thorough intake.

People taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or antipsychotics (which must be discontinued in advance under medical supervision), and people with severe cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, a history of schizophrenia or psychosis, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, cannot participate.

Yes. For at least one week before arrival we recommend avoiding red meat, pork, spicy and processed foods, alcohol and recreational drugs (two weeks), and reducing caffeine. See our Preparing page for the full guidelines.

While we are not a medical clinic, our team has extensive experience guiding people through deep processes. The curandero and facilitators are present during ceremonies, and we are close enough to Tamshiyacu for any emergency transport.

Ceremonies are held at night in our maloka. You receive a serving of the medicine and lie down in a quiet, dark space. The curandero sings icaros to guide the journey, which is deeply introspective — often involving visions, emotional release, and insight.

Vomiting — 'la purga' — is common. It is not seen as a negative side effect but as a physical and spiritual cleansing, a release of what no longer serves you. It is a central part of the process.

Healing happens between ceremonies too: jungle walks, medicinal flower baths, meditation, a fire ceremony, and learning how ayahuasca is prepared. The day after each ceremony we hold a sharing circle.

Integration is bringing the insights from your journey into everyday life — where lasting change happens. We support it through sharing circles and personal conversations, and our care continues after you leave.

Light, comfortable clothing (preferably light colors), a rain jacket, sturdy sandals or boots, a flashlight, a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, and a journal. Most importantly, an open mind and clear intentions.

Contact us through the website and we schedule a personal call with you first, to answer your questions, discuss your history, and make sure ayahuasca is right for you before anything is confirmed.