Find Authentic Retreats in Psac Peru

"It was more than my expectation. You guys definitly should experience it. Though, I didn't have any problem to solve and I went there because my friends are really wanting to experience Ayawaska. But the place was so confortable and staffs are kind. They treated us so good. And,,, Ayawaska,,, that was heavy lol But it gave me so much inspiration. I could realize what and who is important for my life, made me appreciate a lot of things sorrounding me"

"All the staff is very respectful. I have never been around people that carry such peace it spreads to the surrounding community. Thank you to all of them I love them all. A piece of me will forever be there. I’m healed and now I know my life purpose. Ayahuasca is the truth grandmother give you what you truly need. Even if you not sure she knows. if you are lost depressed broken hurt in need of something and not sure this is the place for you. Worth every penny don’t think twice. Everyone need plant medicine it’s the truth.. see you soon xoxox Zulee "

"I’m48 yeas young from The Bronx. I have been smoking weed for over 28 years. I was depressed overwhelmed with the chatter in my head.my brain was on overload. This place is exactly what I am looking for in my life. I wasn’t expecting the amount of love care gratitude and peace I receive from this tribe. They are all magical Lorena and David they sing they play live instruments. Her voice gives me chills and open my heart. Closest I have been to heaven hearing her sing. The yoga they did was just amazing. They took us to the cenote which is so beautiful refreshing. They are super friendly and do things with love 💕.Ester also sings beautifully.Gave us some delicious cacao. We shared dancing 💃🏻 and hope love and laughter. Marek a wonderful musician you can feel his music in your core such a wonderful gentleman. Luis reads the tarot card totally on point even read the card for my mother who was not able to attend m. Totally made my mom feel blessed and best advice she needed to hear from him. My favorite was his Singing 🎵 class he makes it so fun singing and dancing and laughing and moving around and not to mention he rocks the heck out of his guitar 🎸. He trained us well and brings the child out in me and the group.. Alicia we just love her she sings and dances the love and care that she gives us makes us feel special like family we cried we laughed we sang we dance we ate we shared stories. My sister for life. The best for last Arturo the spiritual doctor also known as the medicine man. He open my heart throat third eye and crown chakra . When he sings it’s so meaningful. I felt everything in my soul not to mention his voice I couldn’t believe how beautiful he sounds. And plays that drum I have one now lol.He took his time to care for this circle gave us the best advice guidance the love that he has for his staff his people and us made us feel the love and gratitude peace he has inside shines just like the sun ☀️. When the heart breaks the heart shines when the heart shines the heart sings. Everything he told me is true he prepared me well to come back home. Even tho I now want to live with them and be with them every day. I have never in my life felt such peace such love such care. I will return this is my life now. Also the food is so pure and delicious the cook has magical hands 🙌🏻 and dinner was delicious and made with love. Even shasa is the protector dog makes you feel safe and guided. Zulee "

"My stay at Arkana in the Amazon was truly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. From the beginning of our communication to now, over a month later, it is evident that every aspect of the retreat—pre, during, and post—is thoughtfully curated with deep care and intention. The love and integrity behind everything they do are palpable. The staff, from the top, including Jose, with whom I had the great fortune of spending time, to the facilitators, kitchen staff, cleaners, security, and absolutely everyone else, are exceptional. And the shamans—wow! I have profound reverence for their sacred work, wisdom, and divine service. Each member of the team is gifted, wholeheartedly dedicated to their work, and their presence created a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for all the guests to uninhibitedly explore within and heal on the deepest levels. I can’t speak to every detail, as it is overwhelming (in a good way), but I will say that the ceremonies were incredibly powerful, authentic to the Shipibo tradition, and I was continually blown away by the layers of healing and initiations that were happening for me. While each of us in ceremony went through something unique and acutely personal, I have never felt so completely CONNECTED. I have sat with the medicine before, and all my ceremonies were significant in one way or another, but there is something very special happening at Arkana, and I am so grateful I found my way there. This wasn’t just a healing experience; it was a journey of pure connection and massively intense growth that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. For now I am working on integrating the profound lessons I learned, but I know that I will be returning to Arkana. I am in love with this place and everyone there."

"Anderson struck me as someone who is strong but gentle, and just a nice person to be around. I really enjoyed listening to him chant the ikaros. I’m grateful to have met him. "

"Luis Rimachi made me feel very welcome from the moment I arrived at Selva Madre. His 40+ years as a shaman are apparent during integration, where we discussed our experiences during the ayahuasca ceremony. He expressed a genuine interest in our experiences and provided his own valuable insights, and he had something to offer every person every time they shared. During ceremonies, he provides a unique and wonderful experience with his beautiful ikaros. I feel grateful for the time I spent with him."

"This retreat is on the edge of the jungle, but still only 30 minutes from the nearby city of Iquitos. They picked me up at my Airbnb in Iquitos and from there it was about a 30 minute trip by 3-wheel moto-taxi, boat, and another moto-taxi (this is the primary mode of ground transportation in the area). The retreat consists of a clearing with small common building at the entrance containing 2 hammocks and 2 dining tables, also a kitchen though as guests we did not enter it. There are 8 cabins. The cabins are basic but comfortable with concrete floors, mosquito netting windows, and no electricity. You are constantly immersed in the symphony of the jungle, especially at night which for me was a valuable part of the experience. Think crickets and frogs chirping but at hundreds of different frequencies and patterns that all seem to be working together. And some unusual bird calls. During the day we spotted some tiny monkeys in the trees. At the end of the clearing there is a temple where ceremonies take place. I felt very well taken care of during my stay. At one point I was constipated and they kept delivering remedies until it was resolved lol. The food prepared was mostly delicious with the only exceptions occurring on days where we observed the bland ayahuasca dieta, and they were not strict with the diet so this was only a couple of meals. They took us out on two excursions, once to a butterfly farm and animal sanctuary, and then on a longer trip down the river where we visited another animal sanctuary and hiked through a community to visit a large tree with spiritual significance. The ceremonies were beautiful, especially the ikaros which are the chants that the shamans do during ceremony. Iquitos and the surrounding area was like nowhere else I’ve ever visited and the people at the retreat exuded a warmth and friendliness that I really appreciated. I highly recommend Selva Madre if you are seeking an authentic experience and you are okay with sacrificing some small comforts (air conditioning for example) to get it. For we it was well worth it."

"Going into the ayahuasca retreat I tried to have as little expectations as possible as not to get let down if they weren’t all met. However, it’s only natural as humans to have a set of subconscious expectations about something we spend a decent amount of money to help us heal. Arkana Spiritual Healing Center has gone above and beyond any expectations I could have had. From the amazing meals that are made fresh daily with love, to the wonderful staff who truly love and care for every single guest I was truly blown away as to how much love is shown at Arkana. The staff is constantly checking on you making sure you feel safe and comfortable. The shamans are very well trained and have healed me in ways I didn’t even know were possible. This place has truly changed me for the rest of my life-in a positive way! Before coming to Arkana I had a lot of mental health and substance abuse issues and I swear on everything I love; they have disappeared! I no longer lack self confidence or self esteem. I have no desire to use drugs and stopped my antidepressant medication cold turkey and haven’t had any side effects. I’ve become closer with family and rekindled old friendships I thought were gone forever. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this because Arkana allowed me to heal and has given me things I never thought were possible. I could go on forever but I will finish with this- If you want the life you have always dreamed of and your willing to do the work-Arkana is the catalyst you’re going to need. I recommend 100/10!! My life is forever changed and I’m forever grateful for this opportunity I was given. "

"My time at Arkana Spiritual Center was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Amazon. The ayahuasca ceremonies were powerful and deeply healing, led by shamans who really knew what they were doing. Every ceremony felt like a safe space to dive into my personal healing, helping me release old wounds and gain clarity on things I’ve been struggling with. The vibe at Arkana was exactly what I needed to feel supported during the entire process. The yoga, meditation, plant baths, and meals were also a huge part of what made the retreat special. They really helped me stay grounded and integrate everything I was learning in the ceremonies. Plus, the people I met there made the whole experience even better. We shared laughs, deep conversations, and so much support. I left Arkana feeling refreshed, centered, and with a completely new outlook on life. It was exactly what I needed, and I can't recommend this place enough!"

"I had a truly wonderful experience at Arcana Spiritual Center. The ceremonies, both Ayahuasca and Bufo, were conducted with the utmost professionalism and care. Every aspect of the journey was handled with deep respect and love, making me feel safe and supported throughout. The integration process was seamless, helping me connect with myself on a profound level. The environment was one of genuine compassion, and I left feeling transformed and grateful. I highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a life-changing spiritual experience."

"I booked this retreat on a whim, arriving on Sunday without much research about ayahuasca. Even though it was a last-minute decision, I felt a strong calling to be there. I had been feeling disconnected from my spiritual path, and this retreat became a transformative experience for me. One of the highlights was the incredible team of guides. The male shaman exuded strength and wisdom, guiding us through the most intense parts of the ceremony with a powerful presence. His icaros, or sacred songs, seemed to unlock deep emotional layers within me, helping me confront and heal my hidden pain. The female shaman complemented his energy beautifully with her nurturing and compassionate approach. Her gentle yet profound presence created a safe space for emotional release, and her soothing icaros felt like a comforting embrace, allowing me to surrender to the experience. Most importantly, the coordinator of the retreat played a pivotal role in making us feel like family. From the moment we arrived, their warmth and genuine care created an atmosphere of love and acceptance. They took the time to connect with each participant, ensuring that everyone felt welcomed and supported throughout the journey. Their attentiveness and kindness fostered a sense of community that made the experience even more meaningful. The other staff members were equally amazing, always checking in and providing emotional support when needed. They played a crucial role in helping us integrate our experiences afterward, taking the time to sit with us and help unpack the visions and lessons that emerged during the ceremonies. The meals were excellent and truly nourishing, thoughtfully prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Each dish not only fueled us physically but also felt like an extension of the care and attention given throughout the retreat. It was delicious, balanced, and perfectly suited for the journey we were on. Overall, the combination of the powerful shamans, the supportive staff, and the loving coordinator made this retreat an unforgettable experience. It provided the healing and guidance I needed to reconnect with my spiritual path, and I couldn’t have asked for a better environment for this profound journey of self-discovery."

"I recently attended an ayahuasca retreat, and the experience was nothing short of incredible. Every aspect of the retreat, from the activities to the ceremonies, was thoughtfully designed and executed with such care. The energy during the ceremonies was powerful, and I felt deeply connected to the process thanks to the wisdom and presence of the maestros. The facilitators were wonderful, providing support, guidance, and a safe space throughout the entire journey. Their genuine care and expertise helped make the experience not only transformative but also comfortable and enriching. The food was exceptional—delicious and nourishing, with every meal prepared with intention and attention to detail. It’s clear that every part of this retreat was carefully thought through, down to the smallest details. If you are seeking a truly life-changing and heart-opening experience, I cannot recommend this retreat enough."

"I did an extensive amount of research on Ayahuasca retreats and ultimately chose Arkana. The positive reviews did not disappoint. It’s everything they described and more. Arkana genuinely care about you and your wellbeing. From the picturesque surroundings to the wildlife at its back door, it all serves in conjunction to enhance your Ayahuasca experience. And that’s what you’re there for… to feel one with nature. I was already a happy person before arriving but what I saw and experienced during my 2 weeks stay, left me in awe. It is truly a humbling experience. Now, I feel at peace with the universe. It’s a feeling of calmness and serenity I will take with me for life. For that, I am forever grateful to Arkana. Your mileage may vary but just know this place will change you for the better. Do yourself a favor and give Arkana a try. You won’t regret it."

"Wow! What an amazing experience. I truly gave my 100% going into this for myself. I put all my trust into the staff, shamans and process. In one week I felt as if I did a life time of healing. I realized that I already took action and made the journey, it was time to go all in. I learned so much about myself and was able to let go of a lot of trauma, ptsd and negativity in my life. After letting go, I was able to start to construct how I wanted my life to feel and look like day by day. I was working on this prior to coming but to say my transformation was incredible during and after the retreat is an understatement. The facilitators feel like family, the food is fantastic, and the process is so detail oriented really focused on our needs. I connected with so many amazing like minded people. I am forever grateful to everyone at Arkana. I would love for my family and friends to experience this transformative experience. I will be back, my journey has just begun!"

"I've done a few Aya retreats over the years and this one was was certainly top quality! The facilities are gorgeous, the staff were wonderful and the medicine was strong. I love that they work with a range of different medicines and honour the Shipibo lineage of ceremony. Overall I would highly recommend this retreat centre if you are looking for a safe, well-run experience with high quality facilities (we went to the sacred valley centre)."

"No matter how much one person will try to describe you their personal experience about Ayahuasca , will still remain beyond your understanding until you do it! Everyone is touched in different ways, in different time and it all depends in who you are , how much you know or if you’re willing to believe. Therefore, most of all I will strongly recommend a safe environment. And for me Arkana feels like a safe house , a real sanctuary. You think you are looking for healing and the DMT journey, but in reality you are looking for TRUST. Trust in the process, trust in the experience and knowledge of the people that promise to keep you safe and not take advantage of you in such extreme journey. Now at the end of my week with them, when I understood all the process , the experience , I know with no doubts: ARKANA WAS/IS THE BEST OPTION. They take in consideration every little details, and you will feel the love and the effort that was put to create a very personal experience . At all time there is someone around to listen to you, to assist you, to increase your level of comfort and to chase away any uncertainty. Arkana creates in the middle of the jungle far from anything and everything the environment to help you surrender and turn something that can sound stresfull in a healing process that you will follow step by step with peace and trust. Purging , diareea , pozitive visions, dark visions sounds so uncomfortable and stresfull, especially with other 15-20 people around. The details they took in consideration shows you that everybody in Arkana went through the process of Ayahuasca, used their experience, the doubts, the discomfort and create all the facilities to turn it from a treatment center into a high level of hospitality experience. The home cooked meal , with everything natural and clean , most of all prepare fresh and with lots of love by local people are nourishment to support the medicine. The rooms to share are designed to still give you the feeling of personal space as the single beds are almost queen size with bedding as good as in 5 stars hotels. The bedshits have a calming sand color , that embrace the organic concept of the entire place. You have individual storage unit that is more than generous. They cleaned and refresh the rooms everyday, even was not needed, and they did the personal laundry for free. The ceremony room is big and bright with comfortable mattresses and enough pillow to help you be in the most comfortable position during the time you are under Ayahuasca. As well , there are buckets at each bed , tissues, lanterns and water. Each mat have a name poster to make you find your way back at any moment.Toilets are right outside , easy to reach with red warm color to not stress you during ceremonies. And no, there was no uncomfortable smell as they use some friendly environmental products to prevent any bad odor. As well the facilitators that guard us through out the night , are changing the bucket imediately. They assist you if you need to walk to washroom and you are to drowsy. The ceremonies are wonderful, and I was impressed with the fact that 5 shamans were chanting Icarus for us every night for 4-5 hours. You could feel their power , their good energy and force to protect us. The activities in between, the integration talks , the talks about the individual experience , helps in the process of healing and it helps you bonding. Overall, my experience with Ayahuasca , Sapo was unique and life changing. I am grateful to Jose and Billy for all the heart and thoughts they put in everything , for their kind words and genuine care . I am grateful to Manuel , Nadine, Vint, Imani and Maggie for making great efforts to anticipate our needs and exceed expectations . The level of hospitality that Arkana offers is hard to compete with. Thank you to all Shamans for their blessings : Eligio, Luis, Samuel, Justina, Grimaldo"

"I spent a week at the Arkana Amazon location and it was a beautiful stay filled with love and many lessons. Everyone of the facilitators were absolutely amazing and took great care of us during and outside of ceremony. One of the many things that I loved is that the owner of Arkana sat in every Ceremony with us, ate a few meals with us (great food btw), and was there on the last day of the retreat to send us off. I couldn't recommend this place enough and I will definitely attend several Arkana retreats in the future. Sacred Valley next!"

"I chose Arkana partly because of its amazing reviews and now I know why those reviews were so good. Firstly, the location is amazing. The retreat is located in the mountains of the Sacred Valley and the view is breathtaking to wake up to. Secondly, the accommodations and food exceeded all my expectations. The chef Socrates has some of the most amazing recipes with the freshest ingredients. Thirdly, Arkana at the Sacred Valley was the only retreat I found that offered Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Bufo, and all three of the medicines kind of work together in a perfectly crafted schedule for the week. Finally and most importantly is the people. Maestra Ada and Maestro Misael make you feel so safe and cared for during the ayahuasca ceremonies, and trust (in the medicine, in the maestros, in everything) is key when working with the medicine. The San Pedro maestro Alcides is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met; his love and joy for the world is truly infectious. The facilitators also are some of the best. These people are now my family, and I am so grateful for their time and care during my time at Arkana. I told myself beforehand that for my first time with ayahuasca, I wanted to be comfortable (the food, the amenities, the weather) and that if the medicine calls me again, I could then go somewhere else (such as the jungle). But now, I can’t imagine going anywhere else."

"It’s definitely the best experience I’ve ever had in my life, it wasn’t easy but it was totally worthy. I love all about Arkana family, the staff, the facilitators, the shamans, the food, everything was amazing, you can tell everybody’s doing their job with passion and tons of love, I am so grateful with all of them and with this magic place, I totally recommend this place. Thank you so much y’all. 🤍"

"No matter how much one person will try to describe you their personal experience about Ayahuasca , will still remain beyond your understanding until you do it! Everyone is touched in different ways, in different time and it all depends in who you are , how much you know or if you’re willing to believe. Therefore, most of all I will strongly recommend a safe environment. And for me Arkana feels like a safe house , a real sanctuary. You think you are looking for healing and the DMT journey, but in reality you are looking for TRUST. Trust in the process, trust in the experience and knowledge of the people that promise to keep you safe and not take advantage of you in such extreme journey. Now at the end of my week with them, when I understood all the process , the experience , I know with no doubts: ARKANA WAS/IS THE BEST OPTION. They take in consideration every little details, and you will feel the love and the effort that was put to create a very personal experience . At all time there is someone around to listen to you, to assist you, to increase your level of comfort and to chase away any uncertainty. Arkana creates in the middle of the jungle far from anything and everything the environment to help you surrender and turn something that can sound stresfull in a healing process that you will follow step by step with peace and trust. Purging , diareea , pozitive visions, dark visions sounds so uncomfortable and stresfull, especially with other 15-20 people around. The details they took in consideration shows you that everybody in Arkana went through the process of Ayahuasca, used their experience, the doubts, the discomfort and create all the facilities to turn it from a treatment center into a high level of hospitality experience. The home cooked meal , with everything natural and clean , most of all prepare fresh and with lots of love by local people are nourishment to support the medicine. The rooms to share are designed to still give you the feeling of personal space as the single beds are almost queen size with bedding as good as in 5 stars hotels. The bedshits have a calming sand color , that embrace the organic concept of the entire place. You have individual storage unit that is more than generous. They cleaned and refresh the rooms everyday, even was not needed, and they did the personal laundry for free. The ceremony room is big and bright with comfortable mattresses and enough pillow to help you be in the most comfortable position during the time you are under Ayahuasca. As well , there are buckets at each bed , tissues, lanterns and water. Each mat have a name poster to make you find your way back at any moment.Toilets are right outside , easy to reach with red warm color to not stress you during ceremonies. And no, there was no uncomfortable smell as they use some friendly environmental products to prevent any bad odor. As well the facilitators that guard us through out the night , are changing the bucket imediately. They assist you if you need to walk to washroom and you are to drowsy. The ceremonies are wonderful, and I was impressed with the fact that 5 shamans were chanting Icarus for us every night for 4-5 hours. You could feel their power , their good energy and force to protect us. The activities in between, the integration talks , the talks about the individual experience , helps in the process of healing and it helps you bonding. Overall, my experience with Ayahuasca , Sapo was unique and life changing. I am grateful to Jose and Billy for all the heart and thoughts they put in everything , for their kind words and genuine care . I am grateful to Manuel , Nadine, Vint, Imani and Maggie for making great efforts to anticipate our needs and exceed expectations . The level of hospitality that Arkana offers is hard to compete with. Thank you to all Shamans for their blessings : Eligio, Luis, Samuel, Justina, Grimaldo"

"Words are lacking to describe the healing that happens in the Amazon jungle, but I will give it my best shot. I want to preface with stating that I’ve drank Ayahuasca several times, both at South/Central American retreats, as well as more locally in North America. But sitting with Ayahuasca in the jungle, in the place where she comes from, is a whole new level of healing. And Arkana provides a wonderful container to facilitate such an authentic experience enveloped by peace, love, and safety. As soon as we arrived to Arkana, we were greeted with celebration, and I immediately felt the peace, family atmosphere and connection to nature, the way community was always meant to be. The facility is clean, well kept, with the most comfortable queen size beds in each room, a far cry from the sleeping-on-dirt-with-tarantulas stories I’ve been told about the jungle. It even has a chemical-free pool for those super sticky jungle afternoons! Drinking the Medicine with traditional Shipibo Shamans, who have rigorously trained with their elders for years, some since childhood, was absolutely beautiful, and their Icaros have helped me regain trust in the medicines, in the process, and in myself again. Arkana not only welcomes Westerners into the jungle for deep healing with sacred medicines, but it is also a leader in sustainability, as everything runs on solar power, as well as giving back to the local community by employing residents of the nearby Amazonian village, which made my hippie heart that much more enthusiastic to be contributing to the betterment of Mother Earth. Overall, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and love for Arkana, the founder José for bringing his vision to life, the native Shipibo Shamans for opening up their homes and hearts to share their ancient wisdom and their Medicines with us from the West, the facilitators who look after each participant with such tenderness and care, and every staff member from the nearby village Libertad, not only for feeding us delicious meals, but for keeping us safe and taken care of in the wilderness of the jungle. I have finally found a place that I feel comfortable recommending to everyone I know, and I cannot wait to return to the jungle and visit Arkana's other two locations! "

"Very beautiful inside and out, great translator, very accommodating and helpful for organizing the retreat and answering questions, super friendly and supportive "

"Very kind and patient, very peaceful and wise, calm spirit and strong soul. Great and humble person, very intentional and a good leader"

"This retreat will change your outlook and life for the better. The staff are so loving, friendly and helpful. The shaman is very wise and patient. They are so accommodating from the payment plans and transportation to and from the airport. The food is great, the chefs are accommodating as well to allergies or diets and it’s so healthy and good. The retreat center is so clean and peaceful. The ceremonies are so healing, for the mind body soul. The detox may be uncomfortable at first (vomit, throwing up) but it’s needed to cleanse the body and spirit and you feel 1000x better afterwards. The clarity I got from this retreat is like no other. The massages were amazing. The whole experience was amazing. The worst thing about it was the bugs and mosquitoes but even I can’t be mad at that because it’s in the jungle and that’s their home. If you ever have the chance to go here I promise it will be the best decision you make of your life and that is an understatement.❤️"

"The week that I spent at Planta Maestra was one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I can not say enough good things about my experience here. From the very beginning Danny was very inviting and helpful. He was there to pick me up from the airport and he showed me around Iquitos before we went to the boat. It was a very beautiful boat ride to get to the center. The center itself was absolutely beautiful. I stayed in the house in the front near the river and I spent most of my down time in the hammock there. The food was also GREAT! It did not feel like a diet at all. Roosevelt is a wonderful chef 😋 Don Leo is an excellent Shaman, he made me feel very safe through my stay there. He was always there to help guide me. He is very experienced and very knowledgeable. He is very well connected to the spirits. He has such a sweet pure heart and he truly wants to help others. I was lucky enough to be there at the same time as Nina. It was also nice to have another girl close to my age going through the same journey in life, we created a great bond as she helped me navigate my experiences too ❤️ Danny is an amazing host. He made sure that I was cared for the whole time that I was there. He made me feel very safe through the whole experience. He has such a genuine soul, he truly cares about the healing of others. He is very educational, he taught me so much about the jungle and the culture of the jungle people. The hikes and the tours were one of the best parts! It was such a special experience to hike through the jungle to harvest the Ayahuasca ourselves. I learned so much about the Ayahuasca and many other plants of the jungle on that hike. I also got to have river tours, including one to monkey island. We got to go see the monkeys at a rescue area and we were able to learn more about them. A couple of the monkeys climbed onto my shoulders, I really loved that, and I got great pictures! The BEST PART….. Anaconda Island… I am obsessed with sloths.. They had a baby sloth that I got to hold 🥹 And of course a giant anaconda. The anaconda was way too big for me to hold but it was so cool to see and learn about. As far as my Ayahuasca journey goes.. This was a hard journey for me. Ayahuasca is not a fun, recreational, drug that you do to party. Ayahuasca is meant for something far more deep and powerful than that. Ayahuasca touched me very deeply and it made me confront very hard parts of myself. But it also helped me to heal. On this journey I also had the opportunity to try Bufo.. All I can say is WOW. Bufo was absolutely life changing for me. I seen inside of my soul with Bufo. It will always be the most amazing experience of my whole life. It has absolutely changed me, in the best way possible. I was a woman coming here from Texas, all alone, to celebrate my 30th birthday at Planta Maestra. I was incredibly safe and welcomed the whole time as a single young woman traveler. It was the best experience of my life. If you have the opportunity to go to Planta Maestra… Do it. I promise that you will forever be thankful that you did ❤️"

"I recently had the pleasure of attending an Ayahuasca retreat at the Arkana spiritual centre in the sacred valley, Peru (8th to the 14th September 2024). This was my third Ayahuasca retreat, as I'd previously attended a different, well known, Ayahuasca centre in the Peruvian Amazon in Iquitos (2017 and 2019). My initial reason for choosing Arkana was that as well as Ayahuasca, they also offer the experience of working with other scared plants, such as San Pedro and Sapo/Bufo. Upon arriving at the Arkana spiritual centre, I was amazed at just how good an Ayahuasca retreat can be. The accommodation, meals and quality/caring of the people who work there was first class. Working with Ayahuasca can be a difficult, yet rewarding experience and my recent Arkana experience showed me that it doesn't have to take place in a harsh environment and sub-standard conditions to make it more real. The Shipibo maestro and maestra at Arkana were of the finest quality and the staff; Theo, John, Luke, Tunde, Raymundo, Chincia, Bob and Alcides, were all a pleasure and a blessing. If you want to experience working with Ayahuasca, there's only one company I would recommend, Arkana (scared valley or Iquitos). Congratulations Jose Saens on creating this beautiful experience for people. It's a world of difference, to what I'd experienced previously. Warm regards Kevin Claridge "

"I recently had the pleasure of attending an Ayahuasca retreat at the Arkana spiritual centre in the sacred valley, Peru (8th to the 14th September 2024). This was my third Ayahuasca retreat, as I'd previously attended a different, well known, Ayahuasca centre in the Peruvian Amazon in Iquitos (2017 and 2019). My initial reason for choosing Arkana was that as well as Ayahuasca, they also offer the experience of working with other scared plants, such as San Pedro and Sapo/Bufo. Upon arriving at the Arkana spiritual centre, I was amazed at just how good an Ayahuasca retreat can be. The accommodation, meals and quality/caring of the people who work there was first class. Working with Ayahuasca can be a difficult, yet rewarding experience and my recent Arkana experience showed me that it doesn't have to take place in a harsh environment and sub-standard conditions to make it more real. The Shipibo maestro and maestra at Arkana were of the finest quality and the staff; Theo, John, Luke, Tunde, Raymundo, Chincia, Bob and Alcides, were all a pleasure and a blessing. If you want to experience working with Ayahuasca, there's only one company I would recommend, Arkana (scared valley or Iquitos). Congratulations Jose Saens on creating this beautiful experience for people. It's a world of difference, to what I'd experienced previously. Warm regards Kevin Claridge "

"Words truly cannot express the profound sense of healing, connection, and transformation I experienced at Selva Madre. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with literal open arms by Don Luis, his son Luis, and Anderson, feeling an immediate sense of warmth and safety. Their genuine care and connection made me feel fully supported throughout my entire journey, which I believe was instrumental in deepening my experience with the medicine. The team, consisting of three incredibly gifted shamans and a compassionate kitchen staff, created an atmosphere infused with wisdom and kindness. This environment allowed me to fully surrender and embrace the power of the plant medicine in a space that felt both physically and spiritually safe. The four Ayahuasca ceremonies were a journey through understanding, growth, and profound mysticism. The shamans, Don Luis, Luis, and Anderson, perfectly balance preparation and respect for each individual’s experience, without imposing suggestions. During the ceremonies, which last around two hours, I felt deeply connected to an ancient practice that awakened all my physical senses and expanded my mental state. The presence of the Amazon rainforest surrounding us heightened the experience, amplifying the power of the spirits called by the shamans. Having three shamans guiding us created a synergy, where the collective power truly felt greater than the sum of its parts. While each person will process the medicine in their own unique way, the set and setting at Selva Madre couldn't be more ideal for the transformative experience I came seeking. The grounds of Selva Madre were exactly what I had hoped for—a serene clearing nestled in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by vibrant plants and animals. During the days, I found peace swinging in a hammock or relaxing in my cabin, watching monkeys move through the trees and marveling at the flocks of parrots migrating overhead every morning and evening. This serene environment allowed my body to relax while my mind processed the powerful ceremonies. The jungle is alive with sounds that deepened my connection to nature, bringing me the profound sense of oneness my soul was yearning for. Unlike some centers that offer a more "Westernized" experience with pools or distractions, Selva Madre offers the real deal. If you are seeking a truly transformative week with shamans whose lineage spans generations, this is the place for you."

"I felt called to plant medicine after hearing the story of a friend and how life changing it was for them. I read EVERY review and looked at every picture I could find. It came down to Arkana and another retreat center for me and I couldn't be happier that I chose Arkana's Sacred Valley location! Everything was wonderful - from pickup to dropoff. Each of the facilitators was fantastic and inspiring. The group size was perfect and the people I met have become dear friends. Multiple people in the group had been to this location previously. The facilities and location are comfortable and stunning! The food was DELICIOUS! Everyone in my group had a very different experience with the medicines but we all got what we needed. I'm already trying to figure out when I can make a return trip and take a family member with me. Can't thank Arkana and everyone who works there enough!!"

"I truly believe there is no better place I could’ve chosen for an ayahuasca retreat than Arkana. The staff/facilitators are so supportive and knowledgeable…they made me feel so cared for and safe. Each of the staff are so skilled and talented in their own ways. I really enjoyed the extra therapies offered such as the 1:1 breath work and 3-in-1 massage. I felt that each of the facilitators/staff and the owner deeply care about every guest and their healing journey. There is so much love at Arkana. The shamans are experienced and powerful healers. The schedule was perfectly organized and well put together. I loved the food, every single meal was so delicious and nutrient-dense. I appreciated that Arkana gave guests sufficient tools and resources for both preparation before the retreat and self-care and integration post-retreat. The wisdom and the insights I gained from this retreat were life-changing and so profoundly positive. I cannot say enough good things about this healing center. "