Frequently Asked Questions
I have never been to the mountains. Will the altitude be a problem?
It depends on your age and your physical condition. Generally speaking, our guests feel comfortable here and adjust to the altitude within the first few days. In case of an emergency, which has only happened twice in 13 years, to a woman who was 67 years old, and to a man in his 50th, both had to be taken to a local clinic to breathe oxygen on the day of arrival. We recommend drinking coca tea which helps with altitude. After a few days in the mountains, most people begin to feel at ease and enjoy the clean mountain air.
We also have had one guest in his 60ths who suffered from chronic asthma all his life, using steroids a few times daily, and he did incredibly well here. I share his interesting healing story in some of my books.
I have never done psychedelics or any plant medicine.
That is totally fine. You don't have to have previous experience with any psychoactive substances or plants in order to benefit from the healing work we do with Huachuma. In this case, the medicine that will be given to you will be lighter and the amount smaller. You will be gently guided through fears towards confidence and trust. After the first ceremony, your fears will begin to dissipate like a fog and eventually disappear as we move deeper into the medicine journey. You will be guided each step of the way.
How the ceremonies are conducted?
We take the medicine in the morning at our place at 10:00 am and go out for a day to connect to Nature. We spend the day in silence and contemplation, sitting apart from one another. It's a time for you to sit with yourself in silence and to look inside in order to understand and heal yourself with clarity and connection. Silence is the door to understanding. Then, we have a gentle walk and come home at around 5:00 pm. We close the ceremony around 6:00 pm. After that, our guests simply relax at the main house, cooking, eating, sharing, and enjoying the coziness of our place by the fire. You feel the medicine until you go to bed, but after the closing, it is much lighter and soothing.
How long should I come for?
Generally speaking, the more time you spend with the medicine, the deeper you can see inside and better understand yourself. Huachuma's work is piling off the layers of fear, confusion, and lies that you have been telling yourself all alone. Huachuma is the truth serum. It makes you see yourself as you are and the world as it is, without a mask. Some guests stay for many months, others only for weeks. Make a commitment and follow it through. You will be rewarded with clarity, joy, and a strong sense of connection.
What is the best time of the year to visit?
Anytime. We are open all year round. The rainy season starts in December and goes through late March. During this time we use rain ponchos and umbrellas, and stay the same amount of time outside. It's our summer. Rainy and somewhat chilly. The weather from April to October is the best. Blue sky and sunny. We use the river for cleansing and connection, something you cannot do during the rainy season. There is a lot more joy during the sunny months. Huachuma and Sun are good friends!
How should I prepare myself before coming?
The preparation for Huachuma is mental. Just think about your intention and the questions that you are trying to find an answer to. Huachuma does not requier a diet. You eat whatever you want. If you come with a partner or a spouse, intimacy between you is totally fine.
For Ayahausca is a different story. Please visit Ayahuasca page for details.
I recommend reading all of my books before coming, or at least whatever you can. This will give you a good idea about me as a person, my beliefs, and my worldview. If you resonate with my words, most likely you will resonate with me and my medicine, because my words, my medicine, and I are ONE.
Also, through reading, we establish a certain connection that can be expanded in person.
I'm drawn to Huachuma but I'm also curious about Ayahuasca.
You come here for Huachuma and if during the course of our work, there will be a need or a strong calling to meet Ayahuasca, and the energy will feel right, we can arrange that. First I have to see you in the medicine and make sure that you are mentally fit for Ayahausca. Ayahuasca is not for everyone. We can talk about it in person as we move through the Huachuma Wonderland.
What should I expect in terms of healing?
Expect nothing, accept everything. Expectations can become a barrier to your experience. Instead, come as empty as you can, become a blank list of paper, and allow the medicine to make the drawing for you. This image will be more beautiful than the one you try to create with your mind.
Can Huachuma help with alcohol and drug addictions?
Yes, Huachuma can help but it is up to you to maintain a new lifestyle after the shift. Huachuma can show you the way but it is up to you to walk it. Although it is different for different people, our experience shows that at least a month is needed to stay with us to work on drugs and alcohol addictions.
How do I get to Huachuma Wasi?
You have to fly to Lima, and then take a short, one-hour-long domestic flight to Cusco. We will organize your airport pickup for $30. Our driver will bring you safely home. We live in the Sacred Valley, one hour drive from Cusco.
Upon your return, we organize your ride to Cusco airport in the same way and at the same cost.
How far is Machu Picchu from Huachuma Wasi?
Machu Picchu is a day trip from Huachuma Wasi. Usually, our guests, who like to visit the 7th Wonder of the World, an ancient archeological site that was declared a Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, leave in the morning and return home the same night. It takes an hour by car to reach Ollantaytambo train station from Huachuma Wasi, and then another hour and a half to reach Aquas Callientes, the town, where you take a half an hour bus up to the site.
We are happy to help you organize all your touristic activities at no cost, courtesy of Huachuma Wasi.
“I know you're tired but come, this is the way.”
― Jalalu'l-din Rumi