There are moments in life when the soul calls you beyond comfort, beyond routine, beyond what the mind can control. That call often leads to the jungle.
In the deep Amazon rainforest near Iquitos, where the air vibrates with life and the river carries ancient songs, the sacred medicine of ayahuasca continues to be served as it has been for generations. At Awkipuma, this is not tourism. It is ceremony. It is lineage. It is transformation.
As someone who has sat in ceremony under the guidance of an experienced Amazonian shaman, I can tell you: this is not simply about drinking a brew. It is about entering a sacred dialogue with yourself, guided by the wisdom of the forest.
What Is an Authentic Ayahuasca Ceremony?
An authentic ayahuasca ceremony in Peru is a sacred ritual led by a trained and experienced shaman who has dedicated years—often decades—to learning the medicine. The ayahuasca brew, made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and companion plants, is prepared traditionally and served with intention.
At Awkipuma, each ceremony is held in a protected ceremonial space (maloca), surrounded by the living presence of the Amazon. The shaman guides the night through icaros (sacred healing songs), energetic protection, and personal attention to each participant.
This is not a recreational experience. It is a spiritual and emotional cleansing, often bringing clarity, insight, and profound healing.
Why Choose an Experienced Shaman in the Amazon?
The difference between a superficial retreat and a truly transformative one lies in the guidance.
At Awkipuma, ceremonies are led by an experienced Amazonian shaman with deep roots in ancestral tradition. This matters for several reasons:
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Safety: A trained shaman understands how to manage the energetic and psychological dimensions of the ceremony.
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Personalized Guidance: In small groups, each participant receives attention and support.
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Authenticity: The ritual is conducted according to Amazonian tradition, not adapted for mass tourism.
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Spiritual Protection: The ceremonial space is prepared and protected energetically.
Many people searching for “Ayahuasca retreats in Peru” or “Ayahuasca ceremonies in Iquitos” are concerned about safety and legitimacy. At Awkipuma, small groups and personal care are not marketing ideas—they are a spiritual responsibility.
The Awkipuma Experience: More Than a Ceremony
Awkipuma is located in the Amazon region near Iquitos, far from the noise of cities and close to the wisdom of nature. Here, your retreat includes much more than the ceremony itself.
What Is Included in the Retreat Programs?
Awkipuma offers personalized ayahuasca retreat programs of different durations:
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Extended stays for deeper integration
Each program includes:
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Guided ayahuasca ceremonies
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Comfortable jungle accommodation
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Healthy, natural meals aligned with the traditional dieta
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Spiritual guidance and integration support
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Time for reflection and connection with the Amazon rainforest
The length of stay depends on your intention. Some participants come seeking clarity for a specific life decision. Others arrive carrying deeper emotional wounds or spiritual questions that require more time.
2-Day Ayahuasca Retreat
Ideal for those with limited time but strong intention. This program includes preparation guidance and at least one sacred ceremony. It offers a powerful introduction to the medicine.
3- to 4-Day Ayahuasca Retreat
This is the most recommended option for international visitors. With multiple ceremonies and integration time, participants can go deeper into healing and self-discovery.
Extended Retreats
For those ready to fully immerse themselves in the Amazon and commit to a deeper process of transformation, extended stays allow for profound integration and spiritual growth.
Who Is This Retreat For?
Awkipuma welcomes international participants from the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond—individuals between 25 and 60 years old who are seeking:
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Emotional healing
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Relief from stress or anxiety
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Clarity in life purpose
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Spiritual awakening
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Release of past trauma
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Reconnection with nature and self
Many arrive feeling disconnected or searching for meaning. The jungle has a way of answering in silence, in visions, in truth.
Is Ayahuasca Safe?
Safety is one of the most common questions people ask before booking an ayahuasca retreat in Peru.
At Awkipuma:
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Groups are intentionally small.
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Medical screening and preparation guidance are provided.
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The ceremonies are led by an experienced shaman.
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Participants are supported before, during, and after each ceremony.
Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine. It is not for everyone. Proper preparation, guidance, and integration are essential. This is why choosing a reputable center in the Amazon is critical.
The Power of the Amazon Setting
There is something about the Amazon that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
The sounds of insects at night.
The river reflecting the moon.
The scent of earth after rain.
The medicine works in partnership with the forest. Being physically present in the Amazon near Iquitos allows you to connect with the origin of the plant itself.
When people search for “Ayahuasca Peru” instead of ceremonies in other countries, they are often seeking this authenticity, the direct connection to the source.
Why Awkipuma?
According to the spiritual vision of Awkipuma, the mission is clear: to offer safe, authentic ayahuasca retreats in Peru while maintaining intimacy, integrity, and ancestral respect .
What makes Awkipuma different from larger, commercial centers?
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Small, carefully guided groups
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Personalized attention
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Family-rooted Amazonian tradition
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A protected natural environment near Iquitos
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A deep respect for the sacred nature of the medicine
This is not a retreat designed for volume. It is designed for depth.
Preparing for Your Journey
Before arriving in Peru, participants receive guidance on:
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Dietary preparation (dieta)
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Health considerations
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Travel logistics to Iquitos
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Emotional and spiritual intention setting
Preparation is part of the ceremony. The journey begins long before the first cup is served.
Integration: Bringing the Wisdom Home
The ceremony does not end at sunrise.
One of the most important aspects of any ayahuasca retreat is integration—understanding and applying the insights gained. At Awkipuma, space is given for reflection, conversation, and grounding before returning home.
Transformation is not about visions alone. It is about how you live differently afterward.
Begin Your Journey
If you feel called to experience an authentic ayahuasca retreat in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, guided by an experienced shaman in a safe and intimate setting, Awkipuma welcomes you.
In the jungle, you will not find luxury in the modern sense.
You will find truth.
You will find silence.
You may find yourself.
The Amazon is waiting.
