7 Day Small-Group Ayahuasca Retreat, Indigenous Shaman, Ecuador
7 Day Small-Group Ayahuasca Retreat, Indigenous Shaman, Ecuador
Cotundo, Ecuador
Up to 8 in group
Nov 7 - 13, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Read all verified reviews on google - Amayas Ayahuasca Ecuador.
- 9 REASONS WHY CHOOSE OUR AYAHUASCA RETREAT
- 1. Strong, respected shaman and safely conducted ceremonies - Ayahuasca ceremonies at our center are led by shaman Luis – an exceptionally strong, proven and deeply respected healer with many years of practice. His leadership is clean, safe and very effective. During each ceremony, he performs a deep cleansing that supports healing and removes negative energies.Experienced assistants are always present during the ceremonies to ensure your comfort and safety.
- 2.Healing, not tourism - We are not a commercial tourist center. Our retreats are focused on genuine healing, and we do not accept people who want to try ayahuasca merely as an experience.
- 3. Small group = privacy, individual approach and family atmosphere. We accept a maximum of 8 participants per retreat so that everyone gets enough attention and support. A smaller group naturally creates an intimate, safe and deeply personal environment in which people quickly relax and can fully open up to the process. Very often friendships are formed here that continue even after the program ends. Privacy, peace and individual care are one of the greatest advantages of our center.
- 4. Tobacco, cleansing ceremony before Ayahuasca ceremonies. The day before the ayahuasca ceremonies, we give you water tobacco, which is drunk in a certain amount and helps to remove bad and heavy energies, deeply cleanses the mind and body and prepares you for the healing work with ayahuasca. Thanks to this cleansing, which usually involves vomiting after drinking, your processes can be much deeper, clearer and also easier in the beginning.
- 5. Carefully maintained hygiene, cleanliness and care for your health - My own negative experience in other centers taught me how incredibly important safe hygiene is when working with ayahuasca. That is why we have set standards that are not common in the jungle: Clean and regularly cleaned mattresses, Duvets, pillows and blankets washed in the washer and dryer, 100% drinking water from certified gallons, Food prepared in proper hygienic conditions. What is a common standard for you is definitely not a matter of course in the Amazon jungle — that is why it is our huge advantage.
- 6. A program full of authentic activities (not just ceremonies) Most ayahuasca centers only offer ceremonies. However, we create a full-fledged, varied and deep program that combines treatment with knowledge of the Amazon. The program includes, for example: hot spa rafting trip to the Grand Canyon trip through the lagoon – visit to Monkey Island
- visit to the Kichwa community, etc. We are very lucky that the center is located in a location that is literally surrounded by these activities. Everything is close, authentic and safe.
- 7. Perfect organization = no worries. From the moment you arrive in Ecuador until your departure, everything is taken care of. You don’t have to worry about anything at all. We provide: accommodation, transport from Quito and back, translation, the entire program, meals You just enjoy the treatment, nature and peace.
- 8. Fair prices, high quality and maximum satisfaction We set prices to be affordable, fair and at the same time correspond to the high standard of our center. We never skimp on safety or comfort. Our goal is not to maximize profit, but your real change, healing and satisfaction. That is why people come back to us and recommend us further.
- 9. Ayahuasca has its greatest power where it actually grows. Ayahuasca is an Amazonian medicine and drinking it in the place where it grows has a fundamental impact on the power and quality of the entire experience. In Ecuador, Ayahuasca works much more intensively because it is connected to the energy of the jungle, the local soil, the tradition and the shamanic lineage that leads it. Undergoing Ayahuasca directly in the Amazon is the purest and most effective way.
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Ayahuasca shaman Luis is the spiritual heart of all Ayahuasca ceremonies at our center. At 74 years old, he seems incredibly vital. His physical and spiritual energy is reminiscent of a young man. There is something in his eyes – deep, with an unusually blue ring around the pupils – that cannot be described in words. Strength, peace, mystery. Luis comes from a traditional lineage of respected healers. He is the son of the well-known Yachak Don Ramón, and his path was destined even before his birth. His family always knew he would become a shaman.
Luis has dedicated his entire life to healing. When you look into his eyes, it often feels as if he is from another world. His energy is very strong, calm, and deeply grounded.
He has been working with ayahuasca since the age of eight and underwent many years of shamanic training under the guidance of his father. From a very young age, under the influence of ayahuasca, he learned how to work with energy, how to deeply perceive a person, and how to develop healing techniques that he now shares with others.
His learning did not happen in classrooms, but in the heart of the Amazon. He trained in sacred places – under waterfalls, in caves, on mountain peaks, and at hidden lagoons, where he formed a deep connection with nature and medicinal plants. He also visited different communities and worked with various shamans, even in other countries, gaining valuable experience from each of them.
Today, he has more than 60 years of experience and has guided hundreds of people through deep transformational processes. His work is deeply rooted in tradition, experience, and respect for the medicine he works with.
Each participant receives individual attention. During the ayahuasca ceremony, everyone comes to him for a personal cleansing, which lasts approximately 30 minutes. While working under the influence of ayahuasca, Luis uses healing songs (icaros), mapacho, cleansing water, and plant energies to help release blockages, clear energy, and open space for real transformation.
His cleansings are deep, precise, and guided with sensitivity – always responding to what each person needs in that exact moment.
Luis’s approach is direct, powerful, and at the same time deeply human. He combines traditional shamanic knowledge with a profound understanding of the inner processes of each individual.
Ceremonies under his guidance are not only intense, but also stable and safe. Everything is held with respect, calmness, and clear guidance.
The most important part, however, cannot be fully described in words – everyone who comes here understands this experience for themselves.
A shaman with this level of experience and integrity is rare today. We are truly grateful that Luis leads the ceremonies in our center.
Ayahuasca under his guidance supports not only emotional and spiritual healing, but can also help with more serious life and health challenges.
In our center, he has already helped many people – including a woman with chronic leukemia, whose condition significantly improved through his work. These stories show that traditional shamanic healing can bring relief where modern approaches often cannot find answers.
Important info: If you want to treat yourself with minor problems such as pain, infections, inflammation, infertility and others, you have to drink special herbs prepared by the shaman, when during the Ayahuasca ceremony he will have to treat you specially after cleansing. It depends on the type and severity of the problem. Usually 1-2 extra treatments are enough. This treatment is at an additional cost. Just inform me by email, where we will consult everything.
Important info: If you want to treat yourself with minor problems such as pain, infections, inflammation, infertility and others, you have to drink special herbs prepared by the shaman, when during the Ayahuasca ceremony he will have to treat you specially after cleansing. It depends on the type and severity of the problem. Usually 1-2 extra treatments are enough. This treatment is at an additional cost. Just inform me by email, where we will consult everything.
Details of this retreat
This 7 day Ayahuasca retreat is perfect for those who seek a shorter but deeply transformative experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon, including two wonderful activities and 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies led by an Indigenous shaman with over 60 years of experience.
Program includes: 3 ayahuasca ceremonies thorough individual cleansing by a shaman in each ceremony, herbal saunas, tobacco-purification ceremony, trip on the raft or inflatable kayaks, trip to the beautiful Grand Canyon where you will be able to swim and recharge your batteries from the waterfall
Day 1 - transport from Quito, tobacco ceremony
Transport from Quito to our center in the jungle
Accomodation
Introduction and presentation of the Amayas program
Tobacco - purification ceremony
Dinner
Your day will begin with transportation from Quito. Around 9 am, the driver will pick you up at your hotels near the airport or at the airport. If you are staying in the center of Quito, you will have to travel to the airport on the day of the trip, from where you will drive together into the jungle to our center. The journey will take about 3 hours. Along the way, you will stop at a restaurant where you can buy lunch. Upon arrival, you can relax, unpack and check in. Then you will have an introductory meeting. We will get to know each other and talk about what awaits us in the coming days.
Cleansing with traditional Amazonian water tobacco
To best prepare you for the ayahuasca ceremony, part of the introductory process is the administration of traditional Amazonian water tobacco, which is drunk in a certain amount. This sacred drink has been used for centuries to deeply cleanse the body and mind.
Tobacco supports the release of physical and energetic blocks. It can cause purgative vomiting in some people, and it has a more subtle effect on others – but it always works throughout the body and helps create the ideal conditions for a safe and deep ceremony.
Tobacco also helps to remove very heavy energies that people sometimes carry from their daily lives. Thanks to this, participants are much better prepared for the ayahuasca work itself and we can avoid the more demanding processes during the ayahuasca ceremony.
Day 2 - 1.st Ayahuasca ceremony
Breakfast
Raft trip
Lunch
Continue on the river+arrival at the final destination
Return back to our center
Herbal sauna
1st. Ceremony - Louis
This day, you’ll go rafting — a wonderful activity where you can unwind and experience the jungle. You’ll be accompanied by professional guides who know the river well. All the necessary equipment will be provided, and you don’t need any previous experience.
We included this activity in the program because we want you to take home new experiences and see the jungle from a different perspective. It’s truly worth it, and rafting is also a great way to relax and clear your mind before the ceremony.
You’ll have lunch during the rafting trip along the river. Afterward, you’ll continue rafting to the final destination. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the river. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.
After returning to the center, you’ll have a few hours to rest. Then you’ll enjoy a herbal healing sauna, followed by your first ceremony with Luis.
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch + group sharing about your ceremony experience
Dinner
You will have space to relax all day. Just a few steps from us flows the beautiful Misahualli River, where you can refresh yourself, or you can enjoy peace and quiet in hammocks surrounded by nature. If you feel like a short walk, the picturesque village of Cotundo is nearby.
Day 4 - 2nd. Ayahuasca ceremony
Breakfast
Lunch
Healing herbal sauna
2nd. Ceremony - Louis
You will have time to relax throughout the day. In the evening, you will have a second Ayahuasca ceremony.
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch + group sharing about your ceremony experience
Visit the Grand Canyon+Waterfall
Dinner
In the afternoon we will visit the beautiful Grand Canyon, where you will be able to swim. It is located a short distance from the accommodation. Inside the cave there is a waterfall, where you will be able to get a lot of energy. It is a truly magical place.
Day 6 - 3rd. Ayahuasca ceremony
Breakfast
Lunch
3rd. Ceremony - Louis
Day 7
Breakfast and a personal consultation with Louis
Farewell
Departure back to Quito
In the morning, everyone says goodbye to Shaman Luis. Each guest has an individual consultation where they can speak openly with him, ask questions, share their visions and discuss anything they did not understand during the ceremony. Afterward, the shaman leaves.
In the morning, a transport will pick you up and take you back to Quito to the places you have chosen. If you want, for a small extra charge, it is possible to stay longer in the center if you require more time to rest.
Program includes: 3 ayahuasca ceremonies thorough individual cleansing by a shaman in each ceremony, herbal saunas, tobacco-purification ceremony, trip on the raft or inflatable kayaks, trip to the beautiful Grand Canyon where you will be able to swim and recharge your batteries from the waterfall
Day 1 - transport from Quito, tobacco ceremony
Transport from Quito to our center in the jungle
Accomodation
Introduction and presentation of the Amayas program
Tobacco - purification ceremony
Dinner
Your day will begin with transportation from Quito. Around 9 am, the driver will pick you up at your hotels near the airport or at the airport. If you are staying in the center of Quito, you will have to travel to the airport on the day of the trip, from where you will drive together into the jungle to our center. The journey will take about 3 hours. Along the way, you will stop at a restaurant where you can buy lunch. Upon arrival, you can relax, unpack and check in. Then you will have an introductory meeting. We will get to know each other and talk about what awaits us in the coming days.
Cleansing with traditional Amazonian water tobacco
To best prepare you for the ayahuasca ceremony, part of the introductory process is the administration of traditional Amazonian water tobacco, which is drunk in a certain amount. This sacred drink has been used for centuries to deeply cleanse the body and mind.
Tobacco supports the release of physical and energetic blocks. It can cause purgative vomiting in some people, and it has a more subtle effect on others – but it always works throughout the body and helps create the ideal conditions for a safe and deep ceremony.
Tobacco also helps to remove very heavy energies that people sometimes carry from their daily lives. Thanks to this, participants are much better prepared for the ayahuasca work itself and we can avoid the more demanding processes during the ayahuasca ceremony.
Day 2 - 1.st Ayahuasca ceremony
Breakfast
Raft trip
Lunch
Continue on the river+arrival at the final destination
Return back to our center
Herbal sauna
1st. Ceremony - Louis
This day, you’ll go rafting — a wonderful activity where you can unwind and experience the jungle. You’ll be accompanied by professional guides who know the river well. All the necessary equipment will be provided, and you don’t need any previous experience.
We included this activity in the program because we want you to take home new experiences and see the jungle from a different perspective. It’s truly worth it, and rafting is also a great way to relax and clear your mind before the ceremony.
You’ll have lunch during the rafting trip along the river. Afterward, you’ll continue rafting to the final destination. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the river. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.
After returning to the center, you’ll have a few hours to rest. Then you’ll enjoy a herbal healing sauna, followed by your first ceremony with Luis.
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch + group sharing about your ceremony experience
Dinner
You will have space to relax all day. Just a few steps from us flows the beautiful Misahualli River, where you can refresh yourself, or you can enjoy peace and quiet in hammocks surrounded by nature. If you feel like a short walk, the picturesque village of Cotundo is nearby.
Day 4 - 2nd. Ayahuasca ceremony
Breakfast
Lunch
Healing herbal sauna
2nd. Ceremony - Louis
You will have time to relax throughout the day. In the evening, you will have a second Ayahuasca ceremony.
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch + group sharing about your ceremony experience
Visit the Grand Canyon+Waterfall
Dinner
In the afternoon we will visit the beautiful Grand Canyon, where you will be able to swim. It is located a short distance from the accommodation. Inside the cave there is a waterfall, where you will be able to get a lot of energy. It is a truly magical place.
Day 6 - 3rd. Ayahuasca ceremony
Breakfast
Lunch
3rd. Ceremony - Louis
Day 7
Breakfast and a personal consultation with Louis
Farewell
Departure back to Quito
In the morning, everyone says goodbye to Shaman Luis. Each guest has an individual consultation where they can speak openly with him, ask questions, share their visions and discuss anything they did not understand during the ceremony. Afterward, the shaman leaves.
In the morning, a transport will pick you up and take you back to Quito to the places you have chosen. If you want, for a small extra charge, it is possible to stay longer in the center if you require more time to rest.
Schedule
Every day at Amayas Ecuador offers a meaningful combination of healing, integration, adventure and connection with the Amazon rainforest.
Our retreat center is located in an exceptional area, close to many of the most beautiful places and activities in the region. While participants experience traditional ayahuasca ceremonies and cleansing practices, they also have the opportunity to explore the Amazon and enjoy a new experience almost every day.
Depending on the length of the retreat, the program may include river rafting, swimming at our private river beaches, visiting a spectacular canyon and waterfall, exploring an Amazonian cave, discovering a cacao farm by boat, visiting a Kichwa community, meeting monkeys in their natural environment, enjoying thermal baths and relaxing at a private spa.
On ceremony days, the schedule is calmer and includes plenty of time for rest, preparation, a traditional herbal sauna and personal reflection. After each ceremony, participants can share their experiences and receive guidance and support.
Our guests often tell us that these activities help them relax, clear their minds and enjoy the healing process in a more natural and balanced way. This combination of deep healing work and unforgettable Amazonian experiences is one of the things that makes our retreats so special.
All excursions and activities listed in your chosen retreat program are included in the price. Participation is completely optional—if you do not feel like joining an activity, you are always welcome to stay at the retreat center, relax in a hammock, visit our private river beaches or simply enjoy the peaceful jungle surroundings.
Our retreat center is located in an exceptional area, close to many of the most beautiful places and activities in the region. While participants experience traditional ayahuasca ceremonies and cleansing practices, they also have the opportunity to explore the Amazon and enjoy a new experience almost every day.
Depending on the length of the retreat, the program may include river rafting, swimming at our private river beaches, visiting a spectacular canyon and waterfall, exploring an Amazonian cave, discovering a cacao farm by boat, visiting a Kichwa community, meeting monkeys in their natural environment, enjoying thermal baths and relaxing at a private spa.
On ceremony days, the schedule is calmer and includes plenty of time for rest, preparation, a traditional herbal sauna and personal reflection. After each ceremony, participants can share their experiences and receive guidance and support.
Our guests often tell us that these activities help them relax, clear their minds and enjoy the healing process in a more natural and balanced way. This combination of deep healing work and unforgettable Amazonian experiences is one of the things that makes our retreats so special.
All excursions and activities listed in your chosen retreat program are included in the price. Participation is completely optional—if you do not feel like joining an activity, you are always welcome to stay at the retreat center, relax in a hammock, visit our private river beaches or simply enjoy the peaceful jungle surroundings.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Amayas Ecuador, Cotundo, Ecuador
Directions
The nearest international airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO). Group transportation from a designated meeting point near the airport to our retreat center is included, as is the return transfer after the retreat. The journey to Cotundo takes approximately 3 hours. Detailed pickup information and the exact meeting point will be provided before arrival.
Accommodation
Accommodation consists of several comfortable jungle cabins, each with its own private bathroom and toilet. The entire center is equipped for the comfort of our guests and offers Wi-Fi, electricity, hot water, and access to clean drinking water in several locations. Each cabin is shared by two guests: either two guests of the same gender, a couple, or friends travelling together. If you would like a cabin to yourself, this can be arranged for an additional fee of USD 250 per person. Please email us to request this option. A small Kichwa village is located just a short walk from the center, where you will find several local shops and a beautiful riverside park. The Misahuallí River is not only picturesque but also clean and safe for swimming, making it an ideal place to cool off and connect with nature. Our entire center is surrounded by the peaceful Amazon rainforest and has been created to provide guests with privacy, comfort, and a safe, harmonious environment for their retreat, relaxation, and healing process.
7-Day Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Our retreat center is in Cotundo, Napo, Ecuador, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest beside the Misahuallí River. Set on five private hectares surrounded by rivers, it offers a peaceful natural setting just 30 minutes from the nearest town. Guests can enjoy two private river beaches, including a secluded canyon beach reached by a 15-minute walk through the jungle. The center features a spacious traditional maloka, a kitchen and dining area, and hammocks for relaxing.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Our meals are light, healthy and delicious, using fresh ingredients. We happily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements when requested in advance.
What's Included
- Inclusions depend on the selected program.
- - 3 or 4 ayahuasca ceremonies
- - A traditional tobacco ceremony
- - Herbal sauna before ayahuasca ceremony
- - An individual cleansing by the shaman during each ceremony
- - Excursions listed in the selected program
- - Transportation from Quito to the retreat center and back
- - Full-board meals
- - Accommodation
- - A guide for the excursions
- - Translation and language support
- - Ceremony assistants during each ceremony
What's Not Included
- Airfare and personal expenses are not included.
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