Introduction to Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a sacred Amazonian brew that has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes and shamans for healing, spiritual discovery, and connection to the unseen realms. It is prepared from the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and other plants such as Chacruna (Psychotria viridis). This powerful combination induces visionary states that allow participants to uncover deep truths, dissolve emotional blockages, and experience profound guidance from the spirit world.

In Amazonian traditions, Ayahuasca is far more than a medicine—it is a Teacher Spirit. It works on multiple levels: the physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual, offering a transformative process of self-discovery and alignment. Ayahuasca ceremonies are revered as sacred events, requiring preparation, respect, and discipline to fully receive the healing and teachings it has to offer.

This ayahuasca retreat includes a 5-day introduction with two Ayahuasca ceremonies, concluding on the 6th day. Participants will immerse themselves in the shamanic traditions of the mestizo ayahuasqueros, who are renowned for their use of icaros—sacred chants in Spanish and Quechua that guide and protect the ceremony. The retreat is led by Don Benigno, an 84-year-old master shaman who has spent decades preserving and sharing this sacred knowledge.

During the retreat, you will participate in the preparation of the Ayahuasca brew and be introduced to various tools used in the ceremonies, such as icaros, mapacho, and perfumes. You will also engage in cleansing rituals involving the use of purgative medicines and baths with aromatic plants to purify your body and mind.

For those who choose to do a plant dieta, this will be the preparation for it.

We will depart around midday to our center. A minibus awaits to ferry us 44km from the city, leading on the primary road to Nauta. For the final kilometer, a dirt road emerges, accessible solely during the dry season and clear weather. Should these conditions align, our journey culminates at the center’s entrance. Alternatively, a brief 1km stroll beckons us if nature’s whims dictate otherwise.

Upon arrival at the center, you will be accommodated in your hut and given a brief walkthrough of the property. This will be followed by the process of washing and smashing the Ayahuasca vine in preparation for the next day’s cooking.

We will begin early in the morning with the preparation of the ayahuasca brew, which will take all day to cook. Afterward, there will be a period of rest leading up to the first ayahuasca ceremony at night.

You will be introduced to shamanic tools such as mapacho, perfumes, and icaros.

The day will include the preparation of plant purgatives to cleanse the body, and later, there will be a Q&A session with the teacher.

Additionally, plant baths will be prepared for the spiritual cleansing. In the evening, an ayahuasca ceremony will take place to mark the beginning of the dieta.

 

The morning after the ceremony, you can either return to Iquitos or stay an additional night at the center for integration.

PLACE
Iquitos,Peru

Amazon Soma

It is recommended that all participants arrive at least one day prior to the dates of the retreat if possible. It is good to have some rest after the trip, overcoming the jet lag and getting ready for the jungle. We can help you to find the right accommodation in town.

DATES

July 25th -30th 2025

COSTS

5 days Ayahuasca introduction program:
Inc. 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies, Ayahuasca preparation, Purgatives, Plant bath
500$

Also inc. in price : Transportation from Iquitos to the center and back, Nutritious Ayahuasca friendly vegan meals, Private mosquito proof hut.

Training Requierments

  • Older than 21 years

  • Previous ayahuasca experience necessary
  • Personal or a video chat with the orginzer
  • Physically and mentally capable of undergoing such a retreat
  • Free of antidepressants (SSRI) for over a month prior to the retreat

To ensure personalized attention and a more enriching experience, the retreat will be conducted in a small group setting.

For details regarding payment, please feel free to contact us.