What is an ayahuasca ceremony at Awkipuma like?

A guided nighttime ceremony in the maloca with experienced shamans, sacred icaros, and trained facilitators ensuring safety and support.

Is the ayahuasca ceremony safe?

Yes, when conducted by experienced shamans with proper screening and guidance. Awkipuma works with small groups and a clear safety protocol.

How should I prepare for my first ceremony?

Follow the dieta guidelines, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, rest well, and set a clear intention. Share medical history during screening.

What is the purge and why does it happen?

The purge may include vomiting, sweating, crying, or yawning. It is considered a physical and energetic cleansing that supports healing.

How long do the effects of ayahuasca last?

On average 4 to 6 hours, with peak effects typically between 1 and 3 hours after drinking.

Are there medical or psychological contraindications?

Yes. Certain heart conditions, severe psychiatric diagnoses, and SSRIs or MAOIs can be contraindicated. A medical screening is required before attending.

What happens if I feel overwhelmed during the ceremony?

Facilitators are present throughout to assist with grounding, breathwork, and support. You can request help at any time.

What should I bring to the ceremony?

Comfortable clothing, a light sweater, water bottle, journal, and any approved personal items. Mats, blankets, and buckets are provided.

How does integration work after the ceremony?

The morning after we hold a sharing circle with guidance on integration practices to help apply insights in daily life.

Where is Awkipuma located?

Near Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon. Exact directions and logistics are provided after booking.

What is the group size at Awkipuma?

Small groups to ensure personalized attention and a safe, intimate environment.

How do I book a retreat at Awkipuma?

Submit the booking form on our website, complete the health questionnaire, and confirm your dates. Our team will follow up with travel and preparation details.

What to Expect During Your First Ayahuasca Ceremony at Awkipuma

Your first ayahuasca ceremony is not just an event—it’s the beginning of a journey back to your essence. At Awkipuma, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos, we guide you through this sacred experience with care, safety, and deep respect for the ancestral tradition.

The Sacred Space

Before the ceremony begins, participants gather in the maloca, the ceremonial hut built from natural materials. The air is filled with the sounds of the jungle—crickets, frogs, and the whisper of the wind through the trees. This is not a random setting; the Amazon herself becomes part of the ceremony, holding you with her energy.

Each person has their own mat, blanket, and bucket (for physical purging, which is natural during the process). The shamans, or maestros, prepare the medicine with intention and prayers, calling upon the spirits of the plants to guide each participant.

Drinking the Medicine

When it’s your turn, the ayahuasca brew is served in a small cup. Its taste is strong and earthy, a reflection of its power. After drinking, you return to your place and sit or lie down in silence. The lights are dimmed. The ceremony unfolds in darkness, guided by icaros, sacred healing songs that open energetic pathways and connect you with the spirit of the medicine.

The Experience

About 30–60 minutes after drinking, the effects begin to appear. Every journey is unique. Some people experience visions, emotional release, deep introspection, or even physical sensations as the body and spirit align. Others feel calm and meditative.

At Awkipuma, trained facilitators and shamans are always present to ensure your safety and support. You are never alone; you are part of a sacred circle where healing energy flows collectively.

The Purge: Physical and Energetic Cleansing

The purge (vomiting, sweating, crying, or yawning) is not a side effect—it’s part of the healing. It’s how the body releases what no longer serves you. This process is guided by the medicine itself and supported by the icaros of the shamans, who read the energy of each participant and sing specific songs to help you release.

Integration and Closing

When the effects begin to fade, the lights slowly return. The ceremony closes with gratitude—to the plants, the Earth, and your own spirit. The next morning, we share a circle of integration, where participants can talk about their experiences, emotions, or insights. Our facilitators help you understand the messages of the ceremony and how to bring that clarity into your everyday life.

Final Reflection

Your first ayahuasca ceremony at Awkipuma is not about escaping reality—it’s about remembering who you truly are. In the silence of the jungle, guided by ancestral wisdom, you reconnect with your inner light and the sacred web of life.