10 Day Ayahuasca Retreat and Master Plants Dieta in Peru

Location icon
Nauta, Peru
Users icon
Up to 16 in group
Date
December 18 - 27, 2024

Retreat Highlights

  • Safe space to work with plant teachers in the traditional Amazonian way.
  • Retreats always led by at least two Shipibo shamans and two Western facilitators.
  • 4 powerful Ayahuasca ceremonies with medicine cooked on the spot.
  • Dieta with plants selected according to your intentions and needs.
  • Accommodation in private single-person house surrounded by forest.
  • Consultation with Shipibo shamans.
  • Private integration sessions..
  • Interpreter (English, Spanish, Polish spoken) - available 24h
  • Pick up/drop off from Iquitos airport

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Please read carefully following description, and if there is anything unclear or anything more you need to know, write us a message, we will love to go into details. It is important to be aware what is dieta before signing up.

We could describe dieta as transformation process happening in isolation, a kind of shamanic vipassana that enables contact with spirits of healing plants, better understanding of oneself and roots of own problems, getting rid of things blocking you from moving forward and finding onward path in life.

This is an intimate master plant dieta structured in a traditional style in a family camp, in a very small group, under care of healers from the Shipibo tribe and a western team of facilitators.

This holistic transformation process consists of : 10 days dieta in isolation / 4 powerful ceremonies with Ayahuasca cooked on the spot out of pure, selected plants / private consultations with shamans / private integration sessions - depending on the needs / plant medicines - chosen according to your intentions and issues to be solved / plant bath / integration/ consultation services after the dieta.

Ayahuasca retreat in Peru combined with entering the master plant dieta is a way to really get to know the power of Amazonian plants.

/Our approach to serving ayahuasca/

Ayahuasca is priceless - That means one can not put a tag on relationship established. Just like you can not price feelings, love, health and abundance. We do not therefore charge for ayahuasca. We see limitation in “I pay – I demand” approach, which can be obstacle to build that meaningful relationship with the plant, to transcend restrictions of consumerism that keeps us enslaved in expectation.

Our main goal is to provide a deep, safe and transforming experience with mother Ayahuasca and plant teachers from the Amazon rainforest. The price of our retreats is covering healers work and work involved in preparation and running of the retreats and place itself.

Thanks to our undertaking and your trust we can support the maintenance of a living tradition of working with plant medicine. The medicine itself remains free for all. We treat is as alive, sentient and beautiful being. Obtaining it, preparing and cooking is as important as ceremony itself. We are trying to give back to nature and re-plant it in the forest. Our work is to serve it and to serve you.

Our focus and best effects so far are working with issues such as chronic depression, lack of clarity and purpose in life, compulsive habits and addictions ( for example alcohol, drugs, addiction ), lack of focus and determinations to finish things, anxiety and excessive control, emotional blockages. Besides, both ayahuasca and other plants prove effective for a range of physical ailments. It is best to contact us before to discuss potential options of your healing.

/Use of ayahuasca during the master plant dieta retreat/

Ayahuasca is used in the Amazon as one of main master plants. Therefore for healers working here it is a source of knowledge and this is its main function in a master plant dieta. Both for the shaman to know what is going on with his patient as well as for the guest to be able to recognize patterns inside his body, psyche and soul and in this way to have an option of transformation.

Besides, in the context of dieta, ayahuasca allows understanding and strengthening connection with the plant being dieted. All elements work here in synergy, design of master plant dieta, power of psychoactive brew and healing potential of the plants. Therefore, this approach delivers experience much stronger and much more effective than what even very experienced drinkers may know from their previous random sessions.

Usually ayahuasca taken during the master plant dieta works stronger because of proper preparation. Psychonauts, having foundation of right diet and isolation, can dive deeper. Ayahuasca rewards patience, humility and commitment.

/How the Shipibo ceremony at ayahuasca retreat looks like?/

There are always at least two shamans present in the ayahuasca ceremony, besides experienced facilitators. We have always a female curandera ( onanya ) working with us. This is assuring that if there is a need for physical treatment for female guests, it can be done in a safe and transparent manner.

Shipibo style of ayahuasca ceremony means complete darkness, lack of superfluous gadgets and ornaments. Just you, medicine, and power of multiple songs – icaros weaving the visions, harmony and new, healthy energy patterns.

We strictly follow our security protocol so that every experience can be safe. This protocol consists of many elements developed during hundreds of ceremonies held under our guidance.

During ayahuasca retreat it is an important priority for us to provide participants with a safe space for deep journeys.

/Introduction to Samá – master plant dieta/

The root of ¨dieta¨ is δίαιτα , which was a Greek word meaning a way of life. This included not only food, but also way of being in the world, way of thinking, relating to environment and others. Samá in the Shipibo language or dieta is a therapeutic and spiritual practice of isolation and working toward integration with plant medicine.

In the Amazonian tradition it means stepping out of your ordinary daily life and reorganizing it completely with the aim of changing focus and opening new communication – with plants and with yourself. If you want a radical breakthrough, you need to look for radical solutions.

You may have already drunk ayahuasca or went through some other initiatory experience that hinted you direction to follow. But all seems very complicated, you don´t know where to start, entangled in complexity of your life patterns.

But there is a way.

It has been tested in history of humanity in various contexts. This is the spiritual practice of separating yourself from social game, from all habits and seeking the voice in the wilderness. Whether it is Jesus conversing with God and Satan in the desert. An Amazonian shaman learning from the plants, or modern man understanding himself better. These may be just cultural ways of attempting to use language to describe similar process.

The only way to understand is to stop thinking and try. This can not only be profound healing, but also an adventure of your life.

/Master plant dieta leads you to union with the spirit of the plant/

The concept of the dieta in Shipibo and some other Amazonian cultures is learning directly from the plant you are dieting. Receiving messages in order to heal oneself. Learn about reality, and learn tools of medicinal work, especially healing songs called icaros.

It requires a lot of determination. It is for people dedicated to make a change in their life and in lifes of others. By silencing your mind, switching out external distractions or chaotic energies of everyday life. You can be still enough to hear subtle message, in your dreams, visions or in the forest surrounding you. This is how shamans of these traditions learn.

Specific master plants have their characteristics, some are better for opening heart and emotions. Some give you a solid center and strength, defence against hardships of life. Some make you more focused, able to do what you want but so far only claimed you want, including leaving your addictions. Other can heal stomach problems, rheumatism, depression. You should specify your intentions when applying, and the healer will choose one appropriate.

/Guides for your plant experience. Who facilitates ayahuasca retreat in Peru at Psychonauta Foundation?/

Ayahuasca retreat and master plant dieta is led by a crew of experienced Shipibo shamans. We especially take care to have female maestra present. This is most appreciated by women who often are cautious who they learn from. If there is any physical treatment that needs to be performed at night, during ceremony, female guests are always treated by female healer.

The healers work with a variety of techniques, ayahuasca ceremonies being only one among them.

Male shaman gives sense of foundation and stability in the ceremony, as well as power that takes you really deep, while female presence assures empathy, feeling and sensitivity.

There are also always multilingual Western practitioners present, building a compassionate space and a bridge of understanding between cultures. It is a crew of experienced facilitators, guides and volunteers.

/More details about the master plant dieta process/

Dieta starts with flower bath, which purpose is to cleanse and make you more receptive to plant spirits, removing distractions. Your plant can be chosen beforehand, if you specify your intentions, what you want to resolve or learn.

Master plant dieta is formally opened with first ayahuasca ceremony, during which healers will be additionally able to diagnose you, connect with plant being dieted, perhaps also add another one. You will be also able to see with greater clarity and details the issues present in yourself.

You can diet one of many plant teachers available, such as Ajo Sacha (Mansoa Alliacea), Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia), Chiric Sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora), Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus laevis), Uña de Gato (Cat’s Claw, Uncaria Tormentoso) and many other. You can choose yourself if you are experienced, or healers can help you choose according to your intentions.

After first ceremony you are given first dose of plant. The preparation, amount, frequency, that all depends on type of plant. Some are taken every day apart from the day of ceremony, some just three or four doses in the beginning. They also have different requirements, some are more strict. For example demanding avoiding sun exposure or excessive movements, some more relaxed.

Our team of dedicated staff is available at all times.
Throughout the dieta you are guided and monitored by our crew. We can help with things coming up, both about your psychological and physical process and sometimes adjust in different ways. This is highly individual, and so makes no sense to give examples here. Small size of group allows us to give enough attention to each guest’s development.

What is common that all plants have is what Shipibo call shitana, which is negative or dark energy. Proportionally stronger according to medicinal and healing power of the plant. It can be contained with right knowledge and approach. For instance, consciously working with negative thoughts appearing, like inner criticism of someone you know. When you are able to see it and acknowledge, you can transcend from potentially self and others harming pattern to a better, more aware living.

Technically, you spend most of the time in isolation. You will be dieting in a private tambo – forest hut, protected against insects, without electricity. Twice a day, a simple meal will be served. The dieta food is without salt, sugar, spices, oil, no fruits, very limited vegetables.

You are suggested not to read, use internet, instead to focus on your interior, meditate. You are allowed all activity that does not involve seeking distraction from outside. For example you are encouraged to draw, write, especially note your dreams, do yoga, sing or play instruments. Part of communication with plant spirits happens through musical inspiration. You can take walks in the forest, but avoiding going to village and contact with other humans’ energies.

By stepping out of your ordinary daily trance you may gain new perspective.

It is a form of isolation, a process of symbolic burial, permission to let the old patterns die, and the new path to be revealed. What is worth emphasizing again, it is a certain sacrifice in order to truly change and learn. This process can be compared in some ways with vipassana. However focus here, apart from own self understanding, is to connect too with plant energies.

The ceremonies are held in a place called maloca – the traditional meeting place in tribal communities, in this case hosting together participants, shamans and facilitators. They are happening every second day to allow time for integrating experience and physical rest. For safety reasons, we stay together until the morning after each ceremony. Final session of master plant dieta includes sealing of energies and placing protective arkanas. These special icaros are supposed to guard results of your diet and provide permanent connection with the plant.

You are instructed about post dieta period, during which we are also available for online consultations.

/Reasons to join dieta with us : How can we help/

In conclusion, learning and healing are inherently connected. Most of healers began by dealing with their own troubles, or those of someone in their family. But even if you are not considering at all pursuing this path, healing is a long process of discovery, untangling and undoing of roots and deep causes. That result in both somatic and psychological obstacles blocking healthy living, growth and happiness.

With help of ayahuasca you will be discovering mysteries of your own life. You will be getting rid of trauma hidden in unconscious, becoming master of your own fate. It does not mean that you will become immune to sadness or suffering. But you will able to do more conscious choices, rather than be driven by causes beyond your understanding.

The master or teacher plants will do their part in healing the symptoms. For example cleansing your organism, including physical purge of negative energies accumulated during years of neglect.

These traditional treatments consisting of ayahuasca retreat and a master plant dieta are effective for and have worked before on our guests with issues such as :

Addictions : to substances as well as other addictive behaviors– gambling, pornography, workaholism

Depression – often years long, medicated with pharmaceutical substances without any big success

Lack of sense of life purpose / meaning. Feeling lost and confused, in transition, uncertain

Anxiety, constant living in past or future

Difficulties in emotional opening, relations with family / partners

Low self esteem, pathological introversion.

Anger, excess of control

Consequences of trauma, abuse, childhood neglect,

Stressful lifestyle

Dieta is a remarkable tool for improving mental and physical well-being. It is also a fundamental step on the path of shamanic apprenticeship, so if you feel a calling for learning craft of the healer, also good to put it to the test.

If there is anything unclear or anything more you need to know, write us a message. We can also schedule a call to discuss details or clear any doubts. It is important to be aware what is ayahuasca retreat and master plant dieta before signing up.

Schedule

Day 1 - Pick up from Iquitos airport, transfer to jungle base, welcome meal and gathering, getting to know each other and the place.

Day 2 - Collective meditation and talking circle in preparation for ceremony. Lots of rest and recovery from the travelling, gathering strength for big night. In the night first ayahuasca session.

Day 3 - Rest after the ceremony, actual dieta process in isolation begins.

Day 4 - Private integration session on request, discussing what has happened so far in the process. In the night second ceremony.

Day 5. - Dieta continues in isolation.

Day 6 - Private integration sessions on request. Third ceremony.

Day 7 - Dieta continues in isolation.

Day 8 - Private integration sessions on request. Last ceremony closing the dieta process.

Day 9 - Integration day, with final talking circle, lots of socializing and sharing with other participants.

Day 10 - After breakfast, departure for Iquitos.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Psychonauta Foundation, Nauta, Peru

Directions

Our center is located in Peru, near a small town called Nauta, inside lush Amazonian forest, 2 kilometers away from the Maranon River. Usually, we pick up our clients from the airport or main square in Iquitos and provide a private transfer to our resort. So you do not have to worry about how to reach us, our carers will pick you up from a previously agreed, easy to find place.

Accommodation

Each dieta participant is provided a private one-person wooden house, single bed, mattress, pillow, mosquito net, hammock and candles. There are communal ecological showers and shared toilet. We collect water for washing and bathing from rain, we take drinking water from deep well and filter it with a specialized filter. We ask our guests not to bring unnecessary garbage. We try to live as close to nature as possible, without disturbing its rhythm.

Accommodation
Price includes retreat, accommodation, meals, plant medicines and airport transfers (1 person)

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
We realize our dream, living and working in the Amazon forest, near plants, close to nature, close to the local healers' community. We deeply believe in the power of medicine. We came to this piece of land in 2015, gradually built houses and infrastructure, growing organically to minimize interference with the forest we found there at the beginning. We designed the whole settlement with the idea of deep work with plants during diets in the Shipibo tradition.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

During master plant dieta, especially designed menu is based on requirements connected with type of plant being used. Some are less demanding and allow certain vegetables, others more strict, so your diet is limited to rice, quinoa, green plantains, lentils and some beans. If you eat fish, certain kind of fish is allowed too. Of course there is no spices, salt, oil etc used at all for duration of master plant dieta.

What's Included

  • 10 days in private tambo – forest hut
  • 4 powerful ceremonies under the care of Shipibo Shamans
  • private consultations
  • private integration sessions, depending on the needs
  • plant bath
  • plant medicines
  • meals during each day of the diet
  • integration after the dieta
  • interpreter ( English, Spanish, Polish spoken ) available 24h
  • all transfers included (Iquitos - Nauta - Psychonauta , Psychonauta - Nauta - Iquitos)

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

Customer Reviews

4.94 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Life Changing Retreat
My experience at the Psychonauta Foundation was incredibly profound and life changing. A true detox of the mind, body and spirit.

I completed the 10-day silent retreat starting on Christmas Eve and ending the day after New Years. The retreat wasn't easy and tested me in ways I never expected. The ceremonies, although a beautiful experience, is a difficult journey to face. The dieta is tough. The silence is difficult, however, the most challenging part for me, was being alone in the jungle. The trek through the great unknowns of the jungle from my tambo to the Maloka / Mundo was a fear I didn't know I needed to mentally prepare for, all while being eaten alive by mosquitos with no cosmetics (mosquito repellent included). But to get to the ultimate form of healing, you need to pay your dues and face your fears and discomforts.

I am incredibly thankful to Bles and Sebastian (mom and dad) for watching over us and guiding us through this experience while we all crawled in the pits of hell together. I wasn't expecting to connect with the people in our retreat as much as I did (in silence), but every small gesture and smile was impactful. The last day of our ceremony as the New Years celebration fireworks were going off, a fire was lit and we were finally able to talk. As we were all coming to, and after hearing everyones intentions, deepest insecurities and struggles there was a bond felt like no other. These people became family.

Some tips: anything you can bring to the ceremonies to keep you comfortable is recommended (ie. warm clothing, socks, etc.). A sleeping bag is comfortable for the evenings to feel like you have your own space, but it's not necessary. I recommend bringing a pack of kleenex on you in a little safety bag nearby for the ceremonies as you will get very snotty. Wear long sleeves and pants when treking through the jungle to reduce mosquito bites. WATER SHOES, bring them. And remember to surrender and let go during the ceremonies. It's hard to fully surrender to the medicine, but once you do, the real healing begins.

I would 100% recommend the Psychonauta Foundation and I am so thankful to have experienced Ayahuasca for the first time here. This retreat has reminded me to start caring about myself again. I have learned the true meaning of self love and will continue shining bright light a diamond.

5.0
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great place, great format, great people (10-day open Aya retreat)
I took part in the 10-day open Ayahuasca retreat and I have to say that is one of the best things I have done for a long while.

The people organizing the retreat were great and felt safe and supported throughout the process. We had a super group of participants - a great way to bond with people who were total strangers in the beginning.

The individual houses we were lodged in were great - very basic (no electricity, running water etc.) but beautifully designed and in the jungle - it was a real pleasure to sleep in the sounds of the forest and animal life.

I really liked this setup where the work done during the 3 Aya ceremonies worked as preparation for a daytime San Pedro trip. For me the work done during the nights culminated in a wonderful daytime experience that I can only describe qs spiritual.

Highly recommended this retrear and I would/will gladly do it again!

5.0
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The best 10 days of my life!
I cannot describe by words the experience. Everything was perfect, from the food, accommodation, people that work at PsychoNauta to the retreats and shamans. Big thank you to the whole team who took care of us, made us feel comfortable, helped us during our struggles and made this experience unforgettable!

5.0
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Simply beautiful
Without a doubt, one of the best life experiences I've had to date.

Beautiful location, lovely food, and the warmth of the staff makes you feel a sense of home away from home.

Thank you Pyschonauta, I will be back.

5.0
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A special 20-day experience at very special place
I knew from the moment I looked this place up that it was the right place for me! Oh how I wasn’t disappointed. The love and care that Blaz and the team put into this place is just incredible. The main hut (Maloka) is stunning. Everything is made by hand with wood. The hut (tambo) where you stay in the jungle is also beautiful. I love the little trails you can walk on during the days.
The Shamans are such special people.
This was my first time. I feel 10 days is enough to get the hang of things but I really deepened into my experience during the second 10 days I was there.
Do not hesitate to book this place ❤️