I have been involved in spiritual practices and studies since I have been a young boy.
I first received my initiation into shamanism by the world of spirit when I was 30 years old. Since this time I have worked with many different shamans from many different modalities form throughout the world.
I have studied and been in ceremony with many Ayahuasqueros with Ayahuasca and finally settled down with Don Romulo and Don Winister because of their dedication to working as true healers.
I also began working with the spirit plant medicine Huachuma or San Pedro throughout the temples in Peru with several Huachumeros since 2005.
Finally receiving my initiation by Huachuma in 2015 as a true Huachumero after many years of many spiritual tests.
I have acquired much knowledge and experience dealing within the spiritual worlds that shamanism opens, helping and healing through the access and connection to the divine.
I also have an extensive knowledge of the medicinal plants that have been used by the shamans to help treat many different conditions.
My intention is the true healing to what extent one can be healed physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
From a place of service to our fellow man, the planet and our creator with great heartfelt love for all.
-William
Don Romulo is the main master shaman that we are aligned and work with, for our Ayahuasca ceremonies. Don Romulo was born in 1936, he is a rare breed of shaman called a “Banco Ayahuasquero”. As foreign as the description may seem to us in our cultural paradigm a “Banco” has the ability through many years of strict diets, isolation in the jungle, working with Ayahuasca and the spirits to become the “chair” or “bank” of the spirits in order for the entry of the spirits into his body to help cure people of disease. They have mastered the spiritual aspect of earth, water, air and fire. Here is Don Romulos’ history in his own words.
“My first experience with Ayahuasca I was 8 years old. When I drank with my oldest brother on this very dark night it was revealed to me many secrets that Ayahuasca keeps. I made the decision to become a shaman because my father and oldest brother were shaman and also I saw a lot of people who needed help with diseases that science could not find the cause of the malady. After my first ceremony I began a regime of strict diets no salt, sugar, spicy, acidic or oily foods. With this diet I received much knowledge of the medicinal plants that exist in the Amazon. After this I began to do ceremonies with Ayahuasca and during my visions I encountered many small humanoids similar to what the appearance of elves might look like, they taught me how to see the disease that the patient was suffering from and what medicinal plants were needed to alleviate the condition.
When I was 12 years old, the first person I was able to cure was baby who was suffering from manchari (a condition defined by apparent fright and continued crying and nervous fits that does not subside over a period of time), Through the process taught to me by the spirits and Ayahuasca the manchari was cured. To be a shaman I must know how to cure many diseases. I continued my ceremonies and diets into the depths of the jungle so I could have the ability to concentrate and continue to learn more Icaros (magical healing songs) because different problems have their own icaros to remedy the problem.
As I continued to diet more quickly I learned many many things including many more medicinal plants, trees, and vines that Mother Nature has given to us. When I was 20 years old I was given the medicine of “La Ponga” ( a spiritual tree in the amazon) which was given to me like a phlegm called Mariri. With this phlegm I then became able to cure people who were inflicted with witchcraft from sorcerers or Brujos (practitioners of negative magical works). As a shaman it is necessary to be prepared for all of this to have medicinal and defensive ability. To be a shaman you have to be strong and brave because we are exposed to dangers of the brujos.
Ayahuasca holds many secrets, many people do not know what is real and exists in the physical and spiritual world. To study the spirit world with Ayahuasca has a beginning but not an end.
At my age now I have allot of knowledge about Ayahuasca. I have taught many people on the path with Ayahuasca and I am not stingy teaching what I know.”
The lineage of Don Romulo goes back many generations so far that there is no record or memory past his great great grandfather. I, William have been a testament to the power and integrity that Don Romulo works with, he is a humble man and very wise. If only a handful of us could know just a portion of his experience our lives would be enriched immeasurably.
Winister is the second master shaman that we work with. Winister was born in 1964. He is the son of Romulo the Banco Ayahuasquero. In Winisters’ words this is his history,
“My first experience with Ayahuasca was when I was 15 years old, I was in school and working at that time. In my first ceremony I had a lot of visions both positive and negative, I saw a lot of serpents and heard the sound of Ayahuasca coming from the earth. After that I was dieting with Ayahuasca for one year, then I had to temporarily leave my apprenticeship for some time to enter the military. After I returned from the military I went to visit my father on his farm and decided to continue dieting with Ayahuasca because I was going down a bad path in my life. I decided to make Ayahuasca my doctor and began again my diet, but stronger of no salt, sugar, spicy and greasy foods and no sexual relations. This diet I continued far away from my family deep in the jungle because the spirits of Ayahuasca through my dreams and ceremonies showed me that I was going to be a master shaman and my father told me that one day I would be a teacher to help humanity and that I would also need to learn to help my children. My father gave me his medicine and I continued to do many diets so I could become a master shaman to be able to detect what is wrong with the patient to know and use the medicinal plants. It is not easy to use all the powers of plant medicines it takes a lot of special diets.
The ceremonies of Ayahuasca brings a lot of visions of the spiritual and material worlds, it is a doctor who teaches you the good way in behavior in the material and spiritual realms.”
Winister is very serious,quiet and strong yet kind in heart who like many of us has traveled down paths that could be detrimental to oneself but making the decision to heal himself with the aid of Ayahuasca and grow in a positive direction, always looking out for ways to help where he can, he is a good man and works very hard in his work with Ayahuasca and in life.
Don Junior is the Grandson of Don Romulo and the son of don Winister. Don Junior has been trained by both his grandfather and father to carry on the ancient lineage of the healer ayahuasca shamans of Don Romulos ancestry. He is an excellent shaman with a great heart for the healing work with ayahuasca.
Viviane is a humble servant of the light, assisting all those that seek the love and grace of the Creator.
She has dedicated the remainder of her existence on this planet to help others heal and reconnect to the truth, the light, and the way back to unconditional love.
Viviane has no interest in material gain, and all her work and efforts are to evolve spiritually, which are accelerated through the human experience.
Viviane’s aim is to help you work through the human emotions and feelings, digging deep into the roots of your path and what is blocking you from reaching peace and love on earth as it is in heaven.
She is a guide through the mind labyrinth to help advance one’s eternal spirit back home to the Creator.
I have been on the Spiritual journey for over 10 years. Throughout these years I have used Ayahuasca twice. Both times it’s been at kawsay. The amount of support and effort that is given by all the staff at Kawsay is absolutely incredible.
I am grateful and appreciative of the respect and dedication that is given to each individual person ,tailoring specific work that meets their needs.
There are no gimmicks here, only the best interests for each and every soul that seeks healing and connection to the Great Devine.
For a true, trustworthy, safe and authentic ayahuasca experience look no further then Kawsay. The shamans are experts in the medicine, the facility is amazing, the food is absolutely delicious and the location is magical.
I experienced true healing for my body, mind and spirit.
I will be back🙏💛💛💛
5.0
Verified
I couldn’t have imagined this level of healing
My journey with Kawsay Retreat has been nothing short of miraculous. Writing this review, my heart is full of love and appreciation for the incredible work done at Kawsay. Having visited thrice since my first encounter in January 2022, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in myself, thanks to the compassionate care of William, Viviane, and the shamans (father and son).
My first visit was a desperate search for direction, at a time when life seemed bleak and hopeless. It felt like fate led me to Kawsay, a place centered around unconditional love. There, I found trustworthy people who guided me towards healing. In just one week, I experienced profound healing, akin to years of therapy. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, along with dependencies on substances and unhealthy behaviors, began to fade away.
Months later, facing challenges with depression and romantic relationships, I was suggested a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The prospect of lifelong medication was daunting. Reaching out to Kawsay again, I spoke with William, whose insights prompted an invitation back, at no extra cost. This gesture of generosity and care affirmed my trust in Kawsay’s healing process.
The retreat’s philosophy is not about profit, but genuine healing and love. Each visit reaffirmed this belief. When I faced difficulties in accepting love in a healthy relationship, I knew Kawsay was the place to find answers. The healing and insights during my third visit came more naturally, solidifying my belief in this process.
To anyone seeking a genuine, authentic ayahuasca experience, Kawsay Retreat is the place to be. This retreat has become a second home to me, filled with love and healing. My gratitude towards Kawsay and everyone involved is immense. Kawsay isn’t just a retreat; it’s a life-changing experience where one can find hope, direction, and a deep sense of belonging
1.0
Verified
Came for spiritual retreat … ended with legal proceedings
When we arrived in Iquitos (from London) 4 days before start of retreat we were told that there is “no retreat for the week we had booked” (19/1/24) because lack of clients and they didn’t have our booking in their system due to internal error. To save holiday we booked other open retreat fairly quickly. Unbelievable but true, Kawsay refuse refund, instead offering us credits to be used over 2 years ! … after we have already travelled to Peru! Human errors can happen, but the handling of it tells a lot about William Menech and Kawsay and their priorities. Despite the inconvenience we actually believe it happened for a reason and we are glad we didn’t end up doing ayahuasca at Kawsay. We spent a day in Iquitos with lawyers and notary to start legal proceedings against Kawsay, which are ongoing. Avoid!
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Response from Retreat Center:
Dear Jurgen,
We would like to address all of your concerns on the events leading up to your scheduled retreat with Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat. Our recognition of your individual struggles, especially in light of the Covid travel situations of your initial scheduled booking, and your repeated requests for rescheduling demonstrate our dedication to supporting you in the face of these extraordinary circumstances.
Notably, from the beginning of our interactions, we have kindly granted your requests for many reschedulings. After your last cancellation, there was a crucial period during which you were unsure of the retreat's new date. In December 2023, when you chose to reschedule, communication was unfortunately directed to an ex-employee rather than Kawsay directly. This misdirection resulted in your not being scheduled for the retreat date you preferred.
Upon your unexpected arrival in Iquitos, almost a week before the retreat, we were made aware through a message forwarded by our ex-employee from you to her at that time. We contacted you right away, and you were scheduled for your desired retreat immediately. We truly regret the current legal situation, especially in light of our ethical principles of spiritual growth and healing, but despite our best efforts, your unhappiness resulted in legal proceedings.
In our more than 11 years of conducting business with the utmost integrity and providing excellent service and healing, this is the first time we have encountered this type of scenario. We've learned so much from it, and it has inspired us to improve our procedural and communication standards. We are still working toward a solution that serves the interests of both yourself and Kawsay, moving empathetically and rationally in the direction of a correct resolution.
We deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused by the miscommunication and oversight. We are committed to maintaining our internal procedures and learning from this experience, therefore, your opinion has been very important to us. Ensuring that our decisions and actions completely reflect the principles we uphold.
We are willing to continue the conversation as this issue develops in order to find a solution that benefits all sides in terms of mutual understanding and resolution. We appreciate your choices and the path you have chosen, and we offer our best wishes for your journey forward and well-being.
This message also serves as a commitment to our community and prospective guests, reaffirming our commitment to openness, growth, and the utmost regard for every person's experience working with us. Our mission is to keep Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat a center for learning and healing, and we remain steadfast in our dedication.
Jurgen, we apologize for not living up to your expectations, but we are thankful for the chance to have had this experience with you. We wish you contentment and peace of mind going forward.
Warmly,
William Menech,
Director Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat
5.0
Verified
WHAT A GUY!
William is a beacon of light, full of genuine absolute love for each and everyone who attends Kawsay. His dedication to a person's healing is beyond compare. His laugh is infectious, and his stories and reflections are incredibly helpful when working through and processing the experience of the ceremonies. He is a genuine brother to me now and opens his compassionate heart to all equally. What he has created here is a gift to those who receive the call of Ayahuasca. My heart is full of LOVE AND LIGHT.
5.0
Verified
ABSOLUTELY LIFE CHANGING
This was my first time working with Ayahuasca and Huachuma plant medicine. I had done a lot of research after hearing many scary stories about the experience. I was recommended Kawsay by a friend who had attended years before. I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to have selected this retreat as the place to do this deep healing work. The retreat itself is utterly incredible. Pictures don't do justice to how stunning the set up is. Also the staff are truly fantastic. William and Ana are absolutely 150% committed to your healing journey. Warm, open hearted, genuine, loving humans. When working with the plant medicine, it is vital to have absolute trust in your Shamans holding the ceremonies. Winnister and Junior are beyond compare when it comes to this. They are pure, safe and good and utterly dedicated to your healing. I cannot imagine working with anyone else, through such powerful ceremonies. The off retreat excursions are one of a kind. The monkey sanctuary being an absolute highlight. I am eternally grateful to William and his care of me and my small cohort of participants. I have lifelong friends now with these humans.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Refund Policy
I understand that a deposit of $800 or full payment is required to confirm my booking. I understand that the remaining balance must be paid in full at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning date of the retreat to guarantee my space. I
Christine's Staff Pick
Verified
Last Chance