The work we do on these retreats is focused on holistic healing using spiritual energy and indigenous plant medicines native to the Amazon Jungle. Our retreats are open to anyone who is seriously committed to the healing of their body, mind, emotions and spirit and are looking for a deeper understanding of themselves and the nature of the world we live in.
Our retreats offer an intimate group experience working with an indigenous shaman with ayahausca and other plants in their natural environment. Both those new to ayahuasca and those more experienced with the plant medicines and ceremonial work are very welcome.
We are currently working with a very big hearted, humble and experienced currandero/shaman, Don Gustavo.
During the 11 days, we offer 5 ceremonies along with an individual plant dieta all supervised by Don Gustavo. The ceremonies generally start around 9pm and continue throughout most of the night. The healing carried out by Don Gustavo is focused on your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual bodies. Each participant will be worked with closely over the 11 days through the group ceremonies and with an individual plant dieta suited to each persons needs and intentions at the time.
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| Don Gustavo with last years Group |
The retreat will also include 9 banos de flores (flower baths), which assist purification, protection and the attraction of whatever you are looking for in your life, and the opportunity to help prepare the ayahuasca medicine.
Also at somepoint towards the end of the retreat we will go and meet with, and receive a talk given by Don Pablo Amaringo, the famous ayahusca artist and visionary painter.
Click here to read an interview that was published last year between Don Pablo Amaringo and Ali
Ali will be onhand throughout the retreat, as a guide and to ensure your comfort, safety and well-being during your stay in the jungle. He works alongside Don Gustavo in the ceremonies, and will also translate for those who don't speak Spanish. He has lived in the Amazon and also has many years of experience in these medicine ways.
One of the most important aspects of working with Ayahuasca is adhering to a time-honoured tradition of following a special diet in order to prepare not just the body, but also the mind and soul to be able to receive the healing energy of plant medicines and spirits. Following this diet also show the plant spirits that you are dedicated to your intention, and so in some ways, it becomes a test of your discipline and commitment.
The central aspects of the diet we follow are common to all the ayahuasqueros across the Peruvian Amazon. In the case of some of the food restrictions, there is also definitive scientific evidence that they are essential for safety. We advise you to begin the diet at least 1 week before the retreat and to continue the diet for at another week after. The food on the retreat is lovingly prepared and you will be previded a healthy and plentiful diet throughout your stay whilst adhering to the essential restrictions. See below for a list of foods that we recommend you abstain from in the days prior to, during and after your retreat.
The intention of our retreats is to provide the appropraite conditions that enable participants to work with Ayahuasca in a comfortable, secure and positive setting – creating a safe, sacred space for all involved to heal and grow. Don Gustavo is an expert in holding these sacred ceremonies, and according to his advice and the traditional practices of the Amazon basin, and we adhere to these ancient procedures to ensure your safety during the ceremonies.
If you would like more information please email Ali at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
What I can say is how continually impressed I have been with Ali's approach to the medicine; light and gentle yet sincere and utterly dedicated. The retreat reflected this; there were times to laugh, times to go off and swim in the lagoon and enjoy the beauty of the jungle; and time outisde time, spaces of silence in which to go deep with the medicine in it's ancient home, facing its teachings with courage and discipline.
Don Gustavo, like Ali, works with the medicine to spread light and healing. He worked with true sincerity and sang ikaros that had our souls soaring. He spent days preparing plant baths to cleanse us, and became a friend and brother to us all.
Being on retreat in the jungle is demanding and rewarding; it is true spiritual work. Throughout the time we spent I felt supported and appreciated, and emerged feeling reborn. I would recommend the retreat to anyone who feels both the call and the commitment to it."
We recommend that you abstain from the following foods prior to, during and after your retreat with us:
• No salt or pepper
• No sugar, sweets or chocolate
• No pork (minimum 2 weeks before and after)
• No red meat • No oils (if you must use oil, use olive oil very sparingly)
• No fat (lard, etc) • No alcohol (minimum 1 week before and after)
• No fizzy drinks (including “diet” sodas, as these contain NutraSweet/Aspartame and other sweeteners), no energy drinks, no non-alcoholic beer
• No seasoning (white pepper, spices, etc)
• No chillies or other hot peppers
• No ginger
• No ice, ice cream, or ice cold drinks
• No dairy
• No fruits that are bruised or overripe inc raisins or other dried fruits Additional restrictions
• No sexual activities of any kind, including masturbation
• Avoidance of synthetic soaps, perfumes, toiletries, etc. (Lifesystems All Purpose Travel soap is recommended)
• No prescription drugs (please contact us with more information if you are currently taking any medication, especially antidepressants or antibiotics)
• If female participants are menstruating, then please inform us
• Ayahuasca is not compatible with pregnancy
By eliminating these things from your diet, you will prepare your body physically for the Ayahuasca journey, and perhaps also reduce the amount of “purging” needed to clean your physical body. In addition to the physical aspects, you also show your commitment and determination to Plant Spitis, therefore creating the foundations of your relationship with them through offering your respect which is essential to this work.
