Deryk's Staff Pick iconDeryk's Staff Pick

13-day Sacred Plant Journey with Ayahuasca and San Pedro in the Amazon and Andes

5.006 reviews
Location icon
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Users icon
Up to 15 in group
Date
March 11 - 23, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Ayahuasca ceremonies in the jungle
  • San Pedro ceremony in Sacred Valley
  • Despacho ceremony in Sacred Valley
  • Guidance and support during the rituals
  • Shared and private integration and guidance
  • Amazon jungle excursion
  • Visit of Maras salt mines, Moray terraces, Ollantaytambo archaeological site, Pisac Intiwatana temple (Sacred Valley)
  • Excursion to Condors refuge
  • Excursion to Cusco

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Our upcoming Master Plant Retreat in Peru, scheduled for March 2025, offers a profound 13-day transformative journey with sacred plants. In the heart of the Amazon, we will engage deeply with Ayahuasca through three powerful ceremonies, allowing participants to connect with the ancient wisdom of the jungle. The second part of this spiritual odyssey takes us to the Sacred Valley of the Inka near Cusco, where we will integrate and share the insights gained from our Amazonian experience. As we explore the historic and mystical sites of the Andes, we will culminate this journey of personal transformation with a San Pedro ceremony, guided by a local medicine man, tapping into the sacred power of the land and its healing traditions.

The retreat is located in the Sacred Valley of the Inka, near Cusco, which is considered the Andean capital city. This region hosts a unique culture with a significantly different history than that of the Amazon basin or the coastal regions. It also has its own unique master plant tradition with the use of San Pedro cactus, or Wachuma, as it is known to the Quechua people.

During the 13 days, participants will take part in three Ayahuasca ceremonies in the Amazon. In the Andes, our ceremony experiences with San Pedro and Despacho will be dedicated to sharing and integration. During the remaining six days in the mountains, we will visit archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, including Moray terraces, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo temple, and Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. We will also travel to Cusco to see the magnificent Andean capital in person. In between the excursions, there will be plenty of time to spend in Pisac village, visit the local handicrafts market, and walk local mountain trails.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies
There are a total of three Ayahuasca sessions, starting in the evening at 6 PM. The rituals are accompanied by traditional chants and medicine songs from different traditions. Moments of silent prayer and contemplation also play an important role in working with Ayahuasca. During the night sessions, participants are free to leave for the bathroom at any time, though it is recommended to stay inside the session space most of the time until the ritual concludes around 3 AM. We use only traditional, high-quality Peruvian Ayahuasca brew (consisting of Banisteriopsis Caapi and Chacruna) for our rituals. Additionally, during the night sessions, there’s a dedicated moment to receive two other traditional Amazonian medicines—rapé and sananga. Rapé is a snuff made from medicinal plant ash and sometimes tobacco, allowing for deeper levels of connection and cleansing. Sananga is a drop applied to the eyes that provides clarity to perception.

San Pedro Ceremony
The concluding experience with San Pedro is a peaceful day by the river, beginning in the early morning with the sacred plant medicine. After a short walk from the village to a serene riverside spot, we will spend the day along the riverbanks, immersed in the soothing sounds of nature. San Pedro (Huachuma) gently reconnects the body and mind, offering clarity and a return to a primordial state of awareness. This final day is one of reflection and deep integration, guided by the mountain spirit and the grandfather energy of San Pedro. Under the care of Don Kucho and the retreat facilitators, this slow, mindful journey deepens the understanding and integration of the retreat’s transformative experiences.

Despacho Ritual
The Andean Despacho ritual is a sacred offering ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits). It involves creating a bundle of symbolic offerings—such as flowers, coca leaves, and grains—arranged with prayers and intentions for balance, gratitude, and healing. Once completed, the bundle is either buried, burned, or offered to a river to send the prayers to the spirit world, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature. The ritual reflects the Andean principle of *ayni* (sacred reciprocity), fostering connection with the universe.

The Integration
Processes brought up in the ceremonies are essential elements of the retreat, serving as pointers on our map of inner healing. Another important part of the retreat is feedback from one’s experience, which may occur in group sharing the day after a ceremony and individually as well. Sharing is caring. Our ability to articulate what emerges provides a map for our inner journey.

Participants receive personal attention during group and individual interactions that ultimately help ground their ceremony experiences. The shared group experiences create a family-like environment for a safe and confidential personal process, with support and guidance.

Schedule

- March 11: We will meet in the morning at the airport in Puerto Maldonado, where we will take a van and a 40-minute boat ride to reach the beautiful Lodge. Here, we can rest, swim in the pool, and start to familiarise ourselves with the local nature and the group. In the late afternoon, we will gather for an intention-sharing circle and an introduction to the retreat, followed by the first ceremony. We will meet Maestro Don Bechin, a curandero from Iquitos, who will guide us through the experience of the Amazonian tradition.

- March 12: Before lunch, we will hold a sharing circle, looking into each other's eyes and allowing space for the night’s experience to settle. In the afternoon, we will take a guided walk through the Amazon.

- March 13: After breakfast, we will gather to listen to a talk led by Maestro Don Bechin. In the afternoon, we will rest and prepare for the second ceremony.

- March 14: Before lunch, we will hold a sharing circle. In the afternoon, we will visit the tropical orchard.

- March 15: We will take an excursion to Lake Sandoval. Third night ceremony.

- March 16: A day of rest and reflection in the afternoon on the experiences and teachings received in the first part of the journey.

- March 17: Departure from the Amazon and arrival at Cusco airport. From here, we will take our van to the town of Pisac, located at 2972 meters above sea level. Pisac is a flourishing center in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, rich in attractions and known for its beautiful handicraft market. Time for rest and acclimatisation.

- March 18: After breakfast, we will depart for a full-day excursion. We will visit the archaeological site of Moray, composed of three terraced amphitheaters, built by the Incas, probably as agricultural laboratories. Here, we will meditate and connect with the ancient wisdom of the place. After lunch (in Urubamba), we will head towards Ollantaytambo, the town that best preserves the atmosphere of the Inca period. We will visit the archaeological area, where, among many ruins, lies the Temple of the Sun, a center for astronomical observation. Return to Pisac.

- March 19: After breakfast, we will visit the artisanal community of Chawaytiri. We will witness their work and be shown the entire process of creating their fine handicrafts. We will have lunch with the community, enjoying their traditional soup, and those who wish can purchase some pieces. After our farewells, we will visit the Intiwatana Temple in Pisac, used by the Incas for astronomical observations. Here, we will meditate together and then walk down through the scenic landscape to our hotel.

- March 20: After breakfast, we will have the honor of meeting Maestro Don Kucho, who will guide us in the Despacho experience, a traditional Andean ceremony of offering to Pachamama. In the afternoon, we will visit the rescued animal sanctuary at Ccochahuasi, located 20 minutes by bus from Pisac.

- March 21: We will spend the entire day guided by Maestro Don Kucho, experiencing a deep connection with ourselves and celebrating nature with Andean medicine. We will walk along the river, feel the strength and energy of Mother Earth, and learn about the spirit of Mapacho. We will close the ceremony with songs around the fire.

- March 22: After breakfast, we will calmly move toward Cusco, the "navel of the world," the beating heart of the ancient Inca empire, which still fascinates visitors from around the globe. We will start at the Temple of the Moon, a mystical place dedicated to female energy and fertility. Here, we will meditate together and connect with the energies of the place, then walk to the center of Cusco, where we will visit the characteristic neighbourhoods of San Blas and San Ana, the cyclopean walls, and the traditional San Pedro Magic Market. After dinner, we will hold a sharing circle and close the retreat.

- March 23: After breakfast, we will visit the traditional market of Pisac, where every Sunday the Quechua communities from the mountains parade through the streets, bringing their products to the square. After farewells, we will depart.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Ayahuasca Prajna , Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Directions

Arrival to: Puerto Maldonado (PEM) Mar 11,
Arrival to: Cuzco (CUZ, Sacred Valley) Mar 17
Its recommended to arrive in Peru at least one day in advance to rest before the retreat.

If you plan to return home right at the end of retreat, schedule your flight from Lima from Mar 24 at the earliest.

Accommodation

Comfortable double rooms Private bathroom Towels Hot water Mosquito net Safe box Free drinkable water

Accommodation
Shared Room

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
Beautiful gardens
Communal spaces
Bar
Swimming pool
Jungle trail

Meals

Menu

Menu Types

What's Included

  • Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies
  • Guidance and support during the rituals
  • Shared and private integration and guidance
  • Excursions to archaeological sites
  • Ground transportation
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Translation for Italian, English, Spanish, Latvian and Russian

What's Not Included

  • Airline tickets
  • Meals in the Andes
  • Tips

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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A Sacred Journey with Edmund and Alessandra
I had the joyful and miraculous opportunity to spend time with Edmund and Alessandra. I felt it was life-changing and very beneficial to my experience on this Earth. They beautifully balance sky and earth with their presence, music, and simply as radiant, shining beings. I experienced it as a highway of exploration and evolution on different levels, in a very safe and sacred manner. I would highly recommend working with them and following their guidance in the pathways of plants and life.

5.0
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A life changing experience
I had the houner to be part of this retreat. Multipule times.
It is for sure the most life changing experience a person can have.
A safe loving environment that makes you feel one of the universal family. A profissional team and teachers. Hope to go back again soon

5.0
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Magic retreat
This Experience with This staff is deep and professional. The cerimony are intensive. The music is great. The job is well done. The medicine is high quality.

5.0
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Very deep and positive experience
I did a retreat in Peru in January 2024 with Edmund. It was an exciting experience that I hope to do again soon. The pickup was organized in mini details. The ceremonies were conducted by Edmund, at the temple of La Pacha, with attention to all of us and with a high dedication to practice. The Temple has a clean and powerful energy as well as being a beautiful and very well maintained building.
Some ceremonies were held outdoors with splendid walks through the green nature of Pisac and the old ruins of Pisac, surrounded by an ancestral and powerful energy.
The Sacred Valley. where we stayed for the days of retreat, welcomes you with the view of the most beautiful mountains I have seen. It is a place rich in beauty and magic.
Thank you Edmund for the welcome and care. I thank all my fellow travelers for having spent a period of beauty and deep healing.

E' stata un'esperienza bellissima e profondissima. Edmund ha condotto le cerimonie con dedizione, rispetto e profondità. Mi sono sentita accolta dal gruppo e sostenuta. Le montagne che circondano Pisac sono magiche, trasmettono un'energia di sostegno e forza. Un'ambiente ideale per una profonda trasformazione. Auguro a tutti di provare questa esperienza almeno una volta nella loro vita e per me, spero di tornarci molto presto!
Un saluto a tutti e un particolare ringraziamento a Edmund.

5.0
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A transformative experience
Some time ago, I participated in the experience guided by Edmunds at the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Amazon jungle and in the Pisac Valley, Peru. Since I was traveling with my son Micael, who was having his first experience with the sacred plant ritual, I did some research on the internet to find the trip that best suited our needs. Considering the level of satisfaction during the journey, I am certain that I made the best possible decision by participating with Edmunds and companions at the Ayahuasca Retreat.
Communication with Ed, both before and after the retreat, was excellent; from the moment of the retreat - until the drop-off - in Cusco, I felt well taken care of by the team. The team was composed of extraordinary people: the Guide and the translator, because there were people from different parts of the world among the participants, were very accurate. The place where we stayed in the jungle was perfect and the food was also excellent. Among the participants were wonderful people and I felt very safe entering into the experience and group sharing.
The actual ceremonies were an intense experience, both in the jungle and in the Pisac valley at 3300 meters altitude, and being guided by Ed's experience and his harmonious Icaros and songs made the difference. I felt immensely protected.
I'm really happy that I booked with Edmunds and would participate again if I were to visit Peru another time. All the best to the entire team and thank you again for this incredible experience!
Andrea

[Original Italian]
Ho partecipato qualche tempo fa all' esperienza guidata da Edmunds al Ritiro di Ayahuasca nella giungla amazzonica e nella valle di Pisac Perù.
Poiché viaggiavo con mio figlio Micael, alla sua prima esperienza con il rituale con le sacre piante, ho eseguito una ricerca in internet per trovare il viaggio che si confaceva meglio alle nostre esigenze. Considerando il livello di soddisfazione durante il viaggio sono certo di aver preso la migliore decisione possibile nel partecipare con Edmunds e compagni all' Ayuahasca Retreat.
La comunicazione con Ed, sia prima che dopo il ritiro, è stata ottima; dal momento del ritiro - fino alla consegna - a Cusco, mi sono sentito ben curato dal team. La squadra era composta da persone straordinarie: la Guida e chi traduceva, perchè tra gli iscritti vi erano persone che provenivano da diverse parti del mondo, sono state molto accurate. Il posto dove abbiamo alloggiato nella giungla era perfetto e anche il cibo era ottimo.
Tra i partecipanti vi erano persone meravigliose e mi sono sentito molto al sicuro entrando nell'esperienza e nelle condivisioni di gruppo.
Le cerimonie vere e proprie sono state un’esperienza intensa, sia in giungla che nella valle di Pisac a 3300 metri d'altezza, e essere guidati dall'esperienza di Ed e dai suoi Icaros e canti armoniosi ha fatto la differenza. Mi sono sentito immensamente protetto.
Sono davvero felice di aver prenotato con Edmunds e parteciperei di nuovo se dovessi visitare un'altra volta il Perù.
Tutto il meglio a tutto il team e grazie ancora per questa incredibile esperienza!
Andrea