Ayahuasca Retreat
Ayahuasca doesn’t need a voice. Many books are written on the subject, and it is easy to research. It is rather unlikely that you have never heard of it or have not looked into it. Most likely, you have watched some of countless documentaries, read books and listened to many podcasts and talks. You know why you feel drawn to this work. Instead, we will explain the reason why working with both medicines is beneficial.
Ayahuasca is a gateway to other plant spirits. It cleans you up and makes you more receptive. Ayahuasca is the "washing machine" for your body and spirit. It takes you apart and puts you back together in a different order. There are many ways to face your fears but not all of them result in healing. Ayahuasca is perhaps the best way to do it in a healing context. It helps you find the courage to face your fears and move past them, which is valuable training for life.
This difficult but rewarding process can result in deep physical, emotional and spiritual healing. She can open you up to an undeniable spiritual world, which can help you to unplug from the technological and digital reality that is claiming your time more and more. If your time is the one thing you truly own, then protecting and using it wisely becomes a priority. Ayahuasca is like the German Autobahn where people drive well above the normal speed limit. And, as in Germany, “accidents’’ do happen, so it is in your best interest to get on the Ayahuasca “superhighway” with the best “driver” you can find. Our drivers are local curanderos (healers) and carriers of ancient shamanic traditions, whom we fully trust to work with Ayahuasca. We highly recommend that you end your medicinal journey with Huachuma if you had Ayahuasca elsewhere in Peru. Huachuma is a grounding medicine and a bridge to your normal, daily life. It's a necessary link between Ayahuasca and the modern world. Often happens, when people go home and are unable to integrate their Ayahuasca experience, which can result in confusion. Huachuma, when properly done, can help you to get grounded and ensure a smoother return to your daily life. Huachuma can also help you to understand and integrate your Ayahuasca experience. Ayahuasca and Huachuma are the Yin and Yang of South America. It’s an alchemical and divine union that has persisted throughout millennia. Grandparents don’t compete with one another, they simply live, love, and share their wisdom with their children and grandchildren. This is how it has been done since ancient times, and this cycle is still alive today. Please
read the article by Sergey Baranov titled: Ayahuasca: Reigniting the Fire Within
We believe that the most healing can be achieved in a small group. We limit our Ayahuasca retreats to three people minimum and seven maximum. If you have a group you'd like to bring for a ceremony, we can organize a date on a custom basis. If you take both medicines at Huachuma Wasi, you will be perfectly balanced, regardless of the order in which you receive each medicine. Usually, we begin and end with Huachuma. We don't serve Ayahuasca to guests who aren't already staying with us. You cannot come to Huachuma Wasi to only work with Ayahuasca.
Please contact for details.
You are welcome to stay longer and continue your work with Huachuma afterward; in fact, this is a recommended way to end your Ayahuasca journey.
Submit your information form and we will review your application within 24 hours and will get back to you with more details about booking your retreat.
Please specify in your application that you are interested to work with Ayahuasca.
Ayahuasca Ceremony Logistics
The Voice of Ayahuasca through a Shipibo Master Shaman
Don Juan
Native to Cusco, sincere, respected, dedicated carrier of the ancient lineage, Don Juan serves as a guide for Ayahuasca retreats at Huachuma Wasi. His serious training in Ayahuasca curanderismo (healing) combined with the Andean shamanic tradition will make you feel safe and comfortable to explore the medicine and realize the benefits which you seek.
Drug Interactions and Medication Warning
Working with Ayahuasca CAN carry health risks. It is crucial for your safety to disclose any known medical condition and currently used medications. You are required to inform us fully of all your mental health problems, past and present. Your disclosure MUST be absolutely honest and complete.
Ayahuasca is known to be an effective reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which allows for the DMT to be orally active, and can be extremely dangerous if taken in conjunction with antidepressants.
Considering the vast varieties of medications available today, the list below compiled is incomplete. You are required to inform us of every kind of medication you are currently taking or have been taken in the past.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression, such as, but not limited to:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, Prozac Weekly)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Vortioxetine (Trintellix, formerly known as Brintellix)
Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as, but not limited to:
Amitriptyline (Elavil and Endep are discontinued brands in the US)
Amoxapine
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Doxepin (Sinequan and Adapin are discontinued brands in the US)
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor; Aventyl is a discontinued brand in the US)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Anti-psychotics such as, but not limited to:
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Perphenazine (Trilafon)
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Thiothixene (Navane)
Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada)
Asenapine (Saphris)
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
Cariprazine (Vraylar)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Iloperidone (Fanapt)
Lurasidone (Latuda)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Paliperidone (Invega Sustenna)
Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Trinza)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
These types of medications must be discontinued eight weeks before your Ayahuasca retreat starts to allow sufficient time for your body to clear it out of the system.
You can learn more about the MAOIs here.
Any type of sedative hypnotics, tranquilizers, opioids, diet pills, appetite suppressants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications, stimulants (uppers) such as, but not limited to: Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Concerta (typically prescribed for disorders such as ADHD and narcolepsy), cocaine, crack cocaine, MDMA (Ecstasy), amphetamines, inhalants, anabolic steroids, must be discontinued four weeks prior to your Ayahuasca retreat.
We advise you to consult your physician before making any changes to your medical schedule, suspending or discontinuing the use of your medications.
Don Orlando Gonzales Saldaña
Native to Pucalpa, Don Orlando is a lineaged shaman from a known Ayahuasca family. His lifelong training is apparent during ceremony, as he holds the space and guides the medicine so participants may have a deep healing experience with ensured safety.
Herbal Medicines, Supplements, Vitamins
We recommend suspending your intake of all herbal medicines, supplements, and vitamins for at least one week prior to your Ayahuasca retreat to avoid any adverse reactions.
Ayahuasca Diet
People taking Ayahuasca must change their diets to avoid fermented foods and beverages containing tyramine. A concentration of tyramine in the blood can lead to a hypertensive crisis, which can be fatal.
All foods and substances containing tyramine must be avoided at least 3 days prior to the Ayahuasca ceremony. Some examples of foods containing tyramine can be read here.
You are also advised to avoid eating salt, sugar, spices, chili, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, butter, chocolate, coffee, yerba mate, eggs, and oil for at least 3 days prior to the ceremony. Pork should be avoided for 2 weeks prior to the ceremony, beef - one week.
You will be served simple meals such as unsalted rice with boiled chicken, boiled eggs, fish, vegetables, and fruits during the days prior to and during your ceremonies. The day of the ceremony you will completely fast from food (water is fine.) You will be served a meal after each Ayahuasca ceremony.
For your safety, you are required to follow the recommended diet and eat only what we prepare for you during the retreat.
Ayahuasca and Psychiatric, Medical Conditions
Due to great safety concerns, people who are diagnosed with psychiatric conditions such as, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, those who are prone to suicidal tendencies, those who suffer from high blood pressure or chronic heart conditions, and those who underwent heart or brain surgeries, will not be allowed to take Ayahuasca.
Sexual Abstinence
Sexual abstinence (including self-pleasure) is required at least three days prior to your Ayahuasca retreat.
