Choosing to participate in an ayahuasca retreat in Peru is a life-changing decision. For centuries, indigenous healers in the Amazon have worked with ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine, to promote healing, spiritual growth, and self-discovery. Today, people from all over the world travel to the Peruvian Amazon, especially to Iquitos, to experience authentic retreats guided by experienced shamans.

If you are considering joining an ayahuasca retreat, it’s natural to feel both excited and curious about what to expect. In this guide, we’ll cover the most important aspects: the ceremonies, preparation, benefits, safety, and why choosing the right retreat center—like Awkipuma in the Peruvian Amazon—can make all the difference.

What is an Ayahuasca Retreat?

An ayahuasca retreat in Peru is an immersive healing experience where participants drink ayahuasca in a ceremonial setting, guided by a shaman or curandero. Unlike a one-night ceremony, retreats usually last from 2 to 7 days (or longer) and include multiple sessions. This allows for deeper integration, healing, and transformation.

At Awkipuma Spiritual Center, retreats are held in small groups, ensuring each participant receives personal attention and guidance. This intimate approach creates a safe and authentic environment, far from the commercialized “tourist retreats.”

The Ceremony: What Happens During an Ayahuasca Session

A typical ayahuasca ceremony takes place at night in a ceremonial maloca (a sacred hut). The experience is guided by a shaman who works with icaros (healing chants), mapacho (Amazonian tobacco), and other ancestral tools.

Participants may experience:

• Visions and insights: symbolic images, memories, or messages that help with self-understanding.

• Emotional release: many people process trauma, grief, or anxiety in a healing way.

• Purging: vomiting, sweating, or crying—considered part of the cleansing process.

• Connection with nature and spirit: a deep sense of oneness and clarity.

Each session can be different, and the effects vary from person to person.

Preparing for Your Retreat

Proper preparation is essential for a safe and transformative experience. Most retreat centers, including Awkipuma, recommend following a dieta before arrival. This includes:

• Avoiding alcohol, drugs, caffeine, red meat, and processed foods.

• Reducing salt and sugar.

• Abstaining from sexual activity for a period before the retreat.

• Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to set intentions.

These preparations help purify the body and mind, allowing ayahuasca to work more deeply.

Safety and Authenticity

One of the most important questions people ask is: “Is ayahuasca safe?”

The answer depends on choosing the right retreat. Not all centers follow proper safety protocols. At Awkipuma, safety is a top priority. The team works with small groups and provides medical screenings, ensuring participants are physically and emotionally prepared.

Key safety elements include:

• Experienced shamans with deep knowledge of the medicine.

• Medical check-ups to identify contraindications with certain medications (especially antidepressants).

• Integration support before, during, and after the retreat.

This combination of ancestral wisdom and modern responsibility makes the experience both safe and powerful.

Benefits of an Ayahuasca Retreat

Thousands of participants report profound healing after their retreats in Peru. Common benefits include:

• Emotional healing: releasing trauma, grief, or depression.

• Mental clarity: overcoming limiting beliefs and finding purpose.

• Spiritual connection: feeling a stronger bond with life, nature, and the universe.

• Personal growth: insights into relationships, work, and self-love.

While not a “quick fix,” many describe the retreat as a turning point in their lives.

Why Peru and Why Awkipuma?

Peru, especially Iquitos, is the heartland of ayahuasca. Here, the tradition has been preserved for centuries. Participating in a retreat in the Amazon rainforest means connecting directly with the natural and spiritual roots of the medicine.

At Awkipuma, retreats stand out because of:

• Small groups for intimate guidance.

• Authenticity: run by a family rooted in Amazonian traditions.

• Safe environment: physical, emotional, and spiritual protection.

• Holistic experience: including healthy meals, jungle walks, and spiritual practices.

This makes Awkipuma not just a retreat, but a true journey into self-discovery.

Common Questions

Is ayahuasca legal in Peru?
Yes. Ayahuasca is considered a cultural heritage of Peru and is legal when used in traditional ceremonies.

Do I need vaccines to travel to Iquitos?
While vaccines are not mandatory, it’s recommended to consult a travel doctor before visiting the Amazon.

How long should I stay?
Retreats range from 2 to 7 days or more. Longer retreats allow for deeper integration.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, natural insect repellent, a flashlight, journal, and an open mind.

How do I book a retreat?
You can easily reserve your spot through Awkipuma’s website, where different retreat options are listed.

Final Thoughts

An ayahuasca retreat in Peru is much more than a trip—it’s a journey into the deepest layers of yourself. With the right preparation, guidance, and setting, the experience can be profoundly healing and life-changing.

If you are ready to take this step, consider Awkipuma in the Amazon rainforest of Iquitos. Here, you’ll find not only ceremonies but also care, authenticity, and a true spiritual family that walks with you through every stage of your journey.