Q&A

What is ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian plant medicine made from the ayahuasca vine and chacruna plant. It has been used for centuries in healing, spiritual, and cultural practices by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon. For more information read here.

Why do people drink ayahuasca?
People come with many intentions — for healing, personal growth, spiritual connection, or to gain clarity in their lives. Every person’s experience is unique.

Is ayahuasca safe?
When taken in a properly guided ceremonial setting with experienced facilitators, ayahuasca is considered safe for most people. However, it is not suitable for those with certain medical conditions or on specific medications. All participants complete a thorough screening before attending.

How should I prepare for a ceremony?
Preparation usually involves a dietary and lifestyle cleanse (known as la dieta), reducing or avoiding alcohol, drugs, red meat, pork, and processed foods. Just as important is preparing your mind and spirit — setting intentions, resting, and practicing mindfulness. You can access our full ayahuasca preparation page here.

Please note that in our tradition, it is particularly important to remove, salt, sugar, oil in the master plant dieta dieta, but our community do not avoid these in day to day life or around ceremonies.

We still recommend that you take the preparation seriously, especially if it is your first time sitting with the medicine, as it can be supportive, but in our retreats and final period of dieta we usually offer food with small amounts of sugar and salt in it.

If you would like to adhere to zero sugar or salt for the entire duration we can easily support this.

What happens during a Shipibo ayahuasca ceremony?
Ceremonies are led by experienced healers or facilitators in a safe and supportive space. Participants drink the medicine, and the experience unfolds over several hours, often accompanied by traditional music (ikaros) or silence.

The Shipibo tradition is unique as ikaros are shared, and it is complete darkness. There is focus on healing and the inward journey. The Maestros come and sing to each participant and remove blockages and help them to heal. There is immense opportunity for deep healing and transformation in a ceremony.

Although in darkness, our facilitators can help you to the bathroom or with anything you might need during the ceremony.

Read more here about what happens in our ceremonies.

What can I expect to feel?
Ayahuasca experiences vary greatly — some people have visions, deep insights, or emotional release, while others may feel physical purging (vomiting, sweating, crying). All are seen as part of the healing process.

Are there risks or side effects?
Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, emotional intensity, or fatigue. In rare cases, serious interactions can occur with medications or health conditions — which is why medical screening is essential.

What should I bring to the retreat?
Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, flashlight, journal, insect repellent, and an open heart. We will provide a detailed packing list upon reservation.

How many ceremonies will I take part in?
This depends on the retreat program. Our retreats offer 4 ceremonies, with integration and rest days in between. A 30 day dieta includes 9 ceremonies.

What support is offered after the retreat?
Integration is an essential part of the process. We provide guidance, group sharing, and practices to help you carry the lessons from the ceremony into daily life.