Find Authentic Retreats in Urubamba Peru

"I spent 2 weeks at the Arkana Center in the Amazon Jungle in Nov/Dec 2024. The center felt like a 5-star resort- it even had a pool and (jungle) gym. Rooms are cleaned every day, and the entire center is spotless, and is looked after with lots of love and care. I loved being surrounded by the jungle sounds during the day & night. All housekeeping, maintenance & kitchen staff were incredibly friendly. I felt privileged to witness, work with- and be blessed by the Shamans. The Shamans were personally approachable, and in my experience as authentic as it gets when it comes to honoring the Shipibo culture. The stand-out experience for me at this center were the facilitators (6 amazing humans), who hosted/facilitated my retreat experience. They went beyond what was needed for me to feel safe, cared for, and to create the environment and experiences for me to heal- and get the most helpful and useful experience from my time at the center. During my stay, I took part in 8 Ayahuasca ceremonies, 4 Sapo (Bufo) ceremonies, and a breathwork session with Manuel (I refer to him now as ‘The French Shaman’). It felt like every ceremony was strengthening (and continuing to build on top of) the previous one, and after 2 weeks I left the center with a healed heart, and feeling the happiest, most loving and peaceful I have ever felt as an adult. I feel an infinite sense of gratitude to everyone that has helped me along the way to make this possible."

"From the beginning it was a very welcoming experience. I showed up amongst a group of strangers and left with a new family. The retreat meet and exceeded all my expectations. A truly life changing experience that not only changed the way I few the world and my past but also how I see myself…"

"Arkana far exceed all of my expectations. This was the trip of a lifetime for me. I did a 3 week retreat at The Sacred Valley location. The food, facilities, staff, etc. are beyond comparison. It totally changed my life and I couldn’t be more happy with my investment with Arkana. Look no place else. Arkana is the absolute best. The staff, facilitators, maestros, etc. are some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. "

"My week with Arkana Amazon nourished both my soul and body in unexpected and profound ways. I left not only with a good experience, but with a level of clarity and conscious awareness that has stayed with me long after the retreat. I am truly grateful for the shamans, the plant medicine, and Arkana for making this available to those who recover the call. 🙏"

"I had a transformative experience at Arkana Spiritual Center. Each day surprised me with a feeling of more connection to my true self, information for me to continue growing and a the feeling of vibrating on a higher frequency. A lot of love, realization and forgiveness. I loved the small crew, which allowed the facilitators to connect more personally with each one of us. I fully recommend going through this process with Arkana."

"I had the best experience at Arkana Sacred Valley. Everything was wonderful from start to finish. The facilitators made this experience exceptional as they were all incredibly kind, loving, supportive, and helped provide a safe space to lean into the experience and feel all the feels. Everything from the accommodations, location, cleanliness, and food were wonderful! The maestros are incredibly powerful and knowledgeable on the medicines & The small group environment made this place extra special. There is something extra special about making the pilgrimage to the native regions where this medicine is used by indigenous cultures. I feel incredibly grateful to have had this experience and I recommend Arkana to everyone considering plant medicines. "

"Very powerful week here at Arkana. Everything is curated from the moment you step onto the property. I won't spoil with too many details but know that behind the scenes everything is perfectly designed for your growth and healing. The bungalows have huge mosquito nets, ample desk and closet room. The restrooms are Swedish self composting toilets, room temperature/leaning cold showers, and stone basin hand washing faucets. The entire facility itself feels very integrated with the jungle, with nearly the entire structure being made of wood. There's a gym, massage center, reading area, and pool which gives you plenty to do in any free hours you may find. The undisputed best part: the staff. As for the experience, I cannot say how AMAZING the facilitators are. They support in every way possible, and then some. Their energy is calm, uplifting, and elicits kindness in others. The maintenance staff is superb, with all the facilities in tip top shape despite the prolific amounts of bodily fluids around. The shamans are so uplifting, so charismatic, and so grounded that it inspired confidence in me when the process became difficult. Trust the shamans! The chef and kitchen were sent from culinary heaven, they had half the guests clamoring for a cookbook because we couldn't believe everything was no added salts/sugars and STILL tasted so good! There was a birthday one night and this divine banana cake was made that still runs through my mind. If you come here, come committed and open your heart. Trust the medicine, trust the shamans, trust your self! Wishing anyone considering a retreat here the best, and huge shoutout of appreciation to Arkana."

"This is for the Sacred Valley location. This was my first ayahuasca retreat. I didn't know what to expect. Arkana takes a very active role in your week. They very focused on spirituality and healing and take their medicines and ceremonies very seriously. On the first day you are asked to set an intention and share this with the maestros through a translator. I wasn't entirely comfortable sharing my problems with total strangers and gave a high-level version, not going too deep. The ceremony space is very compact and personal. You need to be comfortable with strangers hearing all your bodily purging sounds loud and clear. And you need to be comfortable hearing that from everyone else. If you're shy or squeamish you might be better off in one of their other retreat locations. The center is beautiful and comfortable. The food is excellent. The staff is excellent. The facilitators are kind and genuine. They've seen people go through hell and know how to take care of you. The maestros are the real thing. They care about you, listen to what you share, and give good feedback. I only wish I spoke Spanish so I could talk with them. I had a hard time with the altitude the first half of the retreat. I also had some minor allergic reaction to either mapacho or palo santo smoke. Other people reported the same. The schedule is a bit tough as well. Ayahuasca ceremonies 2 nights in a row can be exhausting because it's usually difficult to get any sleep either night. This was followed by a very long day visiting Machu Picchu, followed the next day with a bufo ceremony and another ayahuasca ceremony. I could have used a rest day or 2 in there. I would like Arkana to provide even more integration support after the experience. I don't know what's practical, but something like a regular meeting online would be great. I know they do this sometimes, but I think even once a week wouldn't be too much. Especially for recent retreat attendees."

"Extremely well organized and run center. The facilitators were amazing, very helpful and compassionate. The medicine was ethically harvested and very pure. The food was SO delicious and healthy. The setting is like heaven. I would recommend this center to anybody and everybody."

"This is worth it. There location, the facility, the food, the ceremonies, all incredible and done with care and love. This is a life changing experience, enjoy if you take the leap, I will be cheering from here."

"I recently attended an Ayahuasca retreat of Arkana in the Amazon in Peru. The experience was really awesome and I'm super grateful for this experience. The team was incredibly professional and supportive, creating a safe and nurturing environment for my healing and personal growth. I was particularly impressed by the schedule for the whole week which (despite the Ayahuasca ceremonies) included a lot of activities that prepared one perfectly for the ceremonies as well as allowed post-processing them. The retreat exceeded all my expectations and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound spiritual experience."

"I attended Arkana Amazon nearly a month ago, and to say the experience was life changing would be an understatement. Everything from the itinerary, to the facilitators and the staff was beyond expectations. The Shamans are truly a gift as they help you navigate through the ceremonies and the medicine’s journey. I left the jungle with tons of questions answered and others that I didn’t know needed to be answered until I returned. Arkana puts as much work into the after process and integration as they do during the retreat. Highly highly recommended "

"Going to Arkana was the single most beautiful and transformative experience of my life. I have been to other retreats in different parts of the world and this is hands down the very best. From the beautiful hearts of the staff and facilitators, to the culinary expertise of the chef and kitchen workers, to the amazing and gifted shamans who work with you to get the most healing out of this experience. The way this Amazon retreat is ran and organized is simply incredible. I can not say enough wonderful things about this place. And you form a deep bond of community and respect and lasting friendships with the people who go through this experience with you. Thank you Arkana!! Thank you thank you thank you!! "

"Dear Friends, As a meditation teacher, I never expected to be called to plant medicine, but after experiencing Arkana, my perspective has profoundly shifted. I've gained a deep respect and reverence for the medicine, which has transformed my life. In my own practice, I serve cacao and blue lotus, but Arkana offers something unique and universal. The facilitators support in itself a powerful medicine. Maestra Justina, Shaman Misael, and the other Shamans are profound guides of Soul Retrieval through the Icaros' light language. I'm forever grateful for my personalized Arkana from the Shipibo tribe, to listen to at home sealing the medicine even further with wisdom and love. With unconditional love and deep reverence, Tolo Aria "

"My time at Arkana Spiritual Retreat in the Sacred Valley was truly transformative. The ayahuasca ceremonies were beautifully and safely guided, offering profound moments of clarity, healing, and connection that felt deeply personal and life-changing. The stunning setting, combined with the care and wisdom of the facilitators, created the perfect environment for self-discovery. This experience was an eye-opening new beginning for me—one that has left me with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. For anyone considering an ayahuasca journey, Arkana is the ideal place to start. Thank you for this unforgettable experience! Brad Z."

"For years, I have struggled with personal growth. I have continuously heard throughout my lifetime that the only way to experience growth and to personally grow is to get out of your comfort zone. I, like many others, struggle with this. I have tried numerous strategies in order to grow, so that I may feel more free mentally as well as spiritually. I had read about plant medicine for years and decided that it was time. I needed this growth and I was honestly tired of trying to get out of my comfort zone with little to no positive results. Arkana catapulted me off the edge towards my personal growth journey as well as my spiritual journey and has given me the tools I have needed my entire life in order to make it happen and to actually make progress on this journey. I believe that without Arkana, I would still be stuck in my own comfort zone which was starting to make me feel like a prisoner. It gave me a deep and insightful look at my inner being and made me aware of what I need to change, my weaknesses, and how to move forward in life. It has brought about change in my life that I could have never anticipated and actually made me excited about the future and my future growth. I could never have gotten to this point without the great help of Arkana 🙏 "

"This may be a long one, but in a nutshell, Arkana has been the most transformational experience of my life and I will whole-heartedly recommend going there to any and everyone. Before coming to Arkana, I had been meditating for around 6 years and been in therapy for 4 years. Both those were helpful, however, the medicine allowed me to see my vulnerabilities and pain in a way that therapy and meditation just were not able to. You see yourself for what you are, shorn of all defense mechanisms and pretenses. It is scary, sad, painful but also liberating and freeing. The medicine is made in the facility itself, which is a big plus point. The facility itself is outstanding – in the middle of th Amazon jungle – the quality of the rooms, the daily house-keeping (which is not just done for formality’s sake but done in a really good way), the matresses which rival that of a top hotel and even the storage spaces are to good to believe. Even the bathrooms and toilets were nicely done up and super convenient to use. The food was a big surprise to me. Each meal is a healthy FEAST – I mean I could eat this food on a daily basis. I cannot believe I am saying this for a salt and caffeine and red meat free diet, but I really miss the food there. There are 3-4 paces there for meditating, yoga or just chilling. Each space is thoughtfully done up and is very inviting. Equally, probably more surprising then the food is the existence of a gym which has all the equipment you can need – from dumbbells to barbells to kettlebells to a smith machine to a pull up bar to TRX to machines for lateral raises etc. I used the gym 6 times during my 7 day stay there!! For me, however, the highlight of the trip was the amazing and giving attitude of the facilitators and the sheer presence of the Shamans. We were a group of 10 and had 5 shamans for each of the 4 ceremonies. This ratio of 2:1 is just mind blowing. This was my first experience with the medicine and I do not have a reference point, but I can say that the ikaroos was beautiful and so touching. It made me sit up in literal rapture and I felt like my body and thoughts were being controlled by a power that is beyond my limited comprehension. The facilitators themselves were amazing. They were there with a genuine desire to help us in our journey and to see us heal. It is not easy nor fun to take care of people who are losing their sense of reality under the influence of the medicine and can barely stand, but these guys did so and without a single complaint and a big smile on their face. Happiness and positivity is contagious and the facilitators were all super-spreaders!! The overall vibe of the place was of healing and acceptance, which, to me, was a very important part of the experience. They were available for any questions or queries that we had and were happy to resolve them. As a plus point, they all play musical instruments and very well at that. Each time any of us was having a difficult experience, there was someone there to take care of us who knew what they were doing. Though I did not get a chance to meet the owner, all things I heard about him were just great. He himself has an attitude of helping others rather than just making money and that really shows in how the place is run. So, kudos to the entire team for giving me an unforgettable experience. "

"A 7-day stay has become the most important period of my life. First of all, the facility was well cleaned and I was able to spend time in a clean and comfortable environment. The meal also used fresh vegetables and fruits, which was healthy and filled my stomach. I was able to focus on looking at the flow of the river and the stars in the night sky and looking at myself leisurely. I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Arcana. At the ceremony, the feelings for my mother, which had been hurting my heart for a long time, disappeared like a lie, and a deep gratitude and apology to my mother sprouted. Not only that, but I also had a deep gratitude and love for everyone involved with me. I was enveloped in the feeling that if I dealt with everything that happened with peace of mind without being happy or sad, everything would be in place. I would like to put giving love with gratitude to myself and everyone around me at the center of my life from now on. It's been two weeks since I left Arcana. I have returned to my daily life, but my heart is peaceful, and what I have gained in Arcana is firmly in my heart and I can spend my days. Thank you to everyone at the Arcana Spiritual Center for your wonderful experience."

"Working with Aya was the most intense experience I ever had, but also a very profound one that helped me grow and overcome issues I have been struggling with. We flew all the way from Germany to Peru, because I have several friends who recommended Arkana and were like "if you do it, please do it right. In the place where the medicine originates, with the people who spend their entire life using it for healing purposes. It's too powerful to experiment with the application and not being sure whether you come to a good or not so good retreat. Arkana I can guarantee you is definetely a good one". I can only emphasize how true these statements are. This is exactly what I would tell my dearest friend, so I thought I include it in the review. The facilitators and the shamams are so caring, so loving. They enable the growth and healing."

"I really enjoyed 2 weeks. Very loving stuff and everything was magic and as it should be. I can’t thank you enough guys❤️ I will come back next summer."

"In August 2024 I participated to a 7 days Ayahuasca Retreat in the Sacred Valley. Everyone at Arkana, including all staff members, the facilitators, the shaman, and also other guest were incredibly kind, loving and compassionate. The place is very peaceful, located in a secluded area and very clean and comfortable! Everything there is made to make you feel welcome and supported which is so important when going through such intense healing. In a week there, I have been given by Mama Ayahuasca the key to heal some trauma that I was carrying for about 20years and that therapy and medication couldn’t resolve. After the retreat I was feeling the best that I have ever felt in my whole life, this feeling of peace within was something I never experienced before, and I am so grateful I got to experience it (Going back to “my real life” has been challenging in the beginning as I dived back into my darkness in order to fully integrate the work done at Arkana, but knowing how well I could feel, it was so easy for me to put my head back up and within a very short amount of time I was able to come back to that amazing feeling I was experiencing in August). I am thankful I had the chance to heal myself with Arkana and so grateful for the help and support they provided me with before, during and after the retreat. Couldn’t recommend the place enough!"

"“It’s all in the details 😉” - Bob. Nothing could have been closer to the truth than those simple words that Bob happened to mention on the first day we arrived. They’ve thought of everything to make your trip special which I won’t bother to spoil by revealing the details but just know there is a lot of thought behind their operation and into your experiences as a group and individually. I’m very grateful for having had the chance to meet the wonderful staff and facilitators who dedicated their time to helping many of us work through the baggage we arrived with. Thank you to Luke, Bob, John, Chincia, Raymundo, Theo and the rest of the team in the Sacred Valley. I love you all very much and am grateful to have crossed paths with you all. I hope to see you again soon. "

"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"

"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."

"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."