If you are preparing for a profound experience with ayahuasca, you have likely considered Peru as an ideal destination. With its rich history and cultural significance, ayahuasca retreats in Peru offer a special setting for people to go through their journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation.
Whether you seek to release emotional blockages, connect with higher consciousness, or heal from past traumas, sacred plant medicine ceremonies like ayahuasca offer a gateway to deep spiritual experiences and inner revelations.
This blog post will guide you to the best Ayahuasca retreat centers in Peru who offer truly authentic experiences with knowledgeable shamans.
Refugio Altiplano
Take a Transformative Journey with Refugio Altiplano
In the heart of Iquitos, Peru, Refugio Altiplano offers traditional and authentic Ayahuasca retreats year-round, guided by experienced shamans. All ceremonies are designed to cleanse energy and foster profound spiritual growth.
One of Refugio's most popular retreats is their “Ayahuasca Immersion Retreat” which spans 26 days. It includes 15 traditional ayahuasca ceremonies along with various activities such as swimming, sauna, fishing, kayaking, botanical garden walks, jungle hikes, village visits, and floral baths, all designed to enhance their healing journey.
The three main principles that guide their retreat center are:
- To use plant medicine to heal our guests and help them grow spiritually
- To support the local indigenous community
- To protect and preserve the rainforest
Anyone looking to embark on a transformative experience, deepen their spiritual well-being, or heal from past traumas should visit Refugio Altiplano. Their retreats range anywhere from 7 to 26 days and cost between $1,200 and $3,400 USD.
Our team met with Dennis Nisbet at Refugio Altiplano to ask him a few questions about his journey with the retreat center. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
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"What do you specialize in at Refugio Altiplano? Do you focus solely on ayahuasca, or do you offer other experiences as well?" “We specialize in using plant medicine, specifically ayahuasca, to help people heal.” "What types of people usually come to take the medicine? Are they mostly from abroad or local? Is it a mix?" “Almost entirely from abroad. Occasionally, we have some Peruvians from Lima, but 99% of our guests are from North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. They fly into Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon. From our office, we transport guests by speedboat, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours upriver, depending on the season and water levels. The retreat is just off a tributary that feeds into the Amazon, and it’s about a 15-minute ride from there.” "How did you even find this place?" “The founder, Scott Peterson, started looking for land around 1995. He wanted to start his own retreat center after spending years in South America, including six years living with the Shipibo people in Pucallpa, studying to become a shaman. He found the land in 1996. It’s in a low jungle area, very flat, but this spot has a slight elevation of about 60 or 70 feet, which stands out in the flat jungle. That elevation contributed to the name: Refugio Altiplano.” "Was Scott the first to start the ayahuasca ceremonies with the help of local shaman Jose?" “Yes, Scott and Jose together carved the retreat center out of pure jungle. They built everything from scratch. There was nothing but jungle when they started. Clearing the land, building the structures, setting up infrastructure like electricity for the main houses, running water, docks, and the ceremonial maloca was a monumental task.” "So then you and Kelly came in and took it over?" “Kelly and I originally visited as guests for years. I lived in Lima and would fly up for holiday weeks. We kept returning whenever we could. In 2013, Scott passed away, and Kelly bought the retreat center from Scott's family in 2015. I helped Kelly through the process, leveraging my local connections and language skills to assist with contacts and legal matters.” "How many retreats do you run each year?" “Oh, gosh! I don’t know the exact number. It depends on the duration, but we run about 24 of the 7-day retreats. We also have 9 and 12-day retreats and a one-month immersion program. The immersion program follows the same ceremony rhythm: two nights of ceremonies, one night of rest, for 28 days.” "What types of people gain the most from the retreats? Who do you see transforming the most?" “Everyone gets a lot out of it, but broadly speaking, we have two categories of guests: those there for spiritual exploration and those seeking healing from trauma or depression. The ones who come for healing typically gain the most. They spend time with our shaman, process their experiences in a healthy way, and almost always leave with a huge smile, feeling spiritually and emotionally healthier.” "If you had one piece of advice for someone like myself who has never done ayahuasca and is coming to do a ceremony and stay for 7, 9, or even 30 days, what would it be?" “First, I’d want to know the reason for coming. With that understanding, I’d suggest having an open mind and being prepared to spend a lot of time processing. The ceremonies are at night, and even after the ceremony, there's still processing that goes on. I’d recommend bringing a journal to document your thoughts and experiences. Reflecting on your life and the experience naturally happens in the jungle setting.” "What about people who are returning? They’ve done ayahuasca before and are familiar with the experience. What advice would you give them to deepen their experience?" “For returning guests, we emphasize that we do traditional ayahuasca ceremonies. We don't change the recipe or add anything to it. We keep everything authentic and traditional. The ceremonies are conducted in the jungle, where ayahuasca originates. The open-air maloca allows guests to hear the sounds of the jungle and see the starlight, making the experience even more profound.” "There is something to be said about doing the medicine close to where it has been cultivated or in the same setting. That's where it originates from." “Absolutely. It feels like you're being true to the spirit of the medicine.” |
Soltara Healing Center
Visit Soltara Healing Center, A Sanctuary of Wellness
Soltara is dedicated to facilitating profound self-discovery and healing through the use of traditional plant medicine and other holistic healing modalities. With decades of combined experience, their team of knowledgeable indigenous Shipibo healers and skilled facilitators bring a wealth of knowledge to each experience.
Soltara's ayahuasca retreats include ceremonies led by both female and male Shipibo healers. They also provide yoga classes, pranayama breathwork, meditation sessions, and floral baths with medicinal plants. These practices are designed to support a holistic approach to healing, creating a safe and loving environment for deep, transformative experiences.
Soltara is committed to serving plant medicine with integrity, humility, and compassion. Their healers and facilitators work together to create a space of mutual trust, authenticity, and respect, dedicated to guiding guests through their healing journeys with the highest integrity.
Soltara Healing Center is an advocate for alternative medicines and welcomes anyone struggling with emotional pain or trauma. Their retreats can range anywhere from 5 to 15 days, and cost between $3,000 - $15,000 USD for a truly unforgettable experience.
Psychonauta Foundation
Navigate the Depths of Your Soul with Psychonauta Foundation
Psychonauta Foundation offers transformative ayahuasca journeys that show participants the infinite depths of their soul. Located in the Amazon close to Nauta, an area steeped in history and natural beauty, Psychonauta Foundation draws from indigenous traditions to make them a haven for those seeking profound spiritual and emotional healing. All of their retreats are rooted in the wisdom of local traditions, plant medicines, and expertise of Shipibo healers.
Established in 2015, they have realized their dream of living and working in harmony with the Amazon rainforest. Their infrastructure has been built organically, with a commitment to minimal interference with the natural beauty that surrounds them. This offers guests a truly immersive experience to foster a deep connection with nature through the healing traditions of the local community.
They offer a variety of unique retreats that include open ayahuasca ceremonies, master plant dieta, and long-term shamanic apprenticeships. Some of their other services are forest exploration, private integration sessions, and ceremonies led by Shipibo shamans and western therapists, private integration sessions, and plant baths.
Psychonauta Foundation caters to those facing issues such as chronic depression, lack of clarity and purpose, or battling some form of addictions. Retreats generally range from 7 to 30 days and cost between $950 and $3,000 USD, guiding participants through the healing power of ayahuasca.
Arkana Spiritual Center
Experience Authentic Healing at Arkana Spiritual Center
Arkana Spiritual Center, located amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, is renowned for their ayahuasca retreats and dedicated to providing authentic healing experiences. They offer a holistic approach to healing, balancing the mind, body, and spirit through the use of various ancestral medicines and practices.
Arkana’s ayahuasca retreats are often complemented with other powerful ancestral medicines such as Sapo (Bufo), San Pedro, Peyote, and Psilocybe mushrooms. Retreats are designed to deliver comprehensive healing experiences, featuring San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremonies, optional Bufo ceremonies, sound baths, breathwork sessions, and yoga classes for all levels. They believe nourishing the body is part of the healing process which is why they offer farm-to-table meals throughout your stay.
Ceremonies are conducted by skilled Shipibo shamans and other service highlights include excursions to Machu Picchu along with spa therapies like float tank sessions, Hypnagogic Lamp treatments, Reiki energy work, and massages.
Arkana caters to many people, with retreats ranging from 7 to 21 days and costing between $2,500 and $8,000. Anyone looking to connect with their inner selves and the natural world around them will benefit from visiting their transformative sanctuary.
Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat
Visit Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat for Profound Experiences
Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat offers a sanctuary for those seeking profound healing and spiritual growth through sacred spirit plant medicines Ayahuasca and San Pedro. Their retreats offer a unique opportunity to work with these powerful medicines under the guidance of four experienced shamans from their respective communities.
Their retreats feature a variety of ceremonies and healing practices. Participants can engage in ayahuasca ceremonies, enriched with the heart-opening aspects of Bobinsana. Additionally, guests can experience a 12-hour San Pedro Cactus ceremony, known for its ability to reach higher energetic levels than Ayahuasca.
Their services include Pulsario treatments, where shamans address trapped emotional energy in the stomach, and energetic cleansing plant baños to release any lingering energy post-ayahuasca ceremonies. The Baño de Florecimiento, or Spiritual Flowering Bath, harmonizes one’s energies, promoting life and love. Plant vapor saunas are available for those facing specific blockages, and customized shamanic therapies are offered as needed.
Meetings with the shamans provide clarity and deeper understanding of each person’s individual healing journey. All meals adhere to the shamanic diet required when working with sacred plant medicines.
Kawsay’s retreats range from 7 to 15 days and cost between $2,500 and $6,000 for an incredible and transformative journey of healing, connection, and self-discovery.
Ayaymama Mystic
Experience a Fusion of Spiritual Exploration and Eco-Tourism with Ayaymama Mystic
Nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Ayaymama Mystic’s ayahuasca retreats offer a unique blend of spiritual exploration and sustainability. As an eco-tourism center, Ayaymama Mystic is deeply committed to environmental preservation while delivering profound healing experiences to their guests.
All ayahuasca retreats are designed for anyone in search of self-discovery, inner peace, and spiritual awakening, led by an experienced shaman for a safe journey into the depths of your consciousness. Participants are given specific meals that align with ayahuasca dietary restrictions and transportation to their retreat center is provided to give a fully seamless journey.
Ayamama’s shamans meet with each participant before integration to ensure they can process and understand their experiences. Guests also have the option to participate in Kambo and Kananga ceremonies along with flowering baths to cleanse the body, energy, and emotions. And for guests who want to creatively express their journey, they also offer painting workshops.
Ayamama’ Mystic’s retreats are designed to be a completely holistic experience, ranging from 7 to 10 days and cost between $500 and $1,000.
Paititi Institute
Discover Paititi Institute for Natural Healing Modalities
Paititi Institute is dedicated to offering retreats that feature indigenous medicine practices and natural healing modalities from around the world. They are focused on addressing sicknesses and disease on all levels while having a deep commitment to preserving natural resources and restoring degraded landscapes. Their food forests and gardens serve as a beacon for harmonious living with Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Paititi’s retreats feature ayahuasca ceremonies, complemented by a range of other healing practices. Participants can experience primordial breathwork that combines Amazonian tribal techniques with Tibetan practices for cathartic emotional release. Individual and collective transpersonal dreamwork is offered, blending Ashuar tribal methods with Jungian approaches to unlock spiritual messages in the subconscious mind. All sacred plant medicine ceremonies with ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Coca are guided by an experienced practitioner.
Some of Paititi's other services include sharing circles, Qigong, yoga, eastern meditation practices, and energetic realignment. Their retreats are an opportunity for self-reflection and integration to release personal history, dissolve subconscious limitations, and let go of emotional tensions.
Paititi Institute offers 10-day ayahuasca retreats that cost between $1,500 and $4,000 for a profound journey of healing and self-discovery while connecting with the natural world.
Mai Niti
Healing at Mai Niti, a Family-Run Ayahuasca Center
Mai Niti is a family-run ayahuasca and plant medicine healing center located in the native Shipibo community of San Francisco in the Amazon. This retreat center offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic ayahuasca ceremonies led by Maestros Leonardo and Lucila, whose deep-rooted knowledge and traditions stem from the very lands where these sacred medicines originated.
Their retreats are catered to the individual needs of each participant. Ceremonies are held in a ceremonial maloca, where guests can also practice yoga, meditation, painting, and other activities. The delicious and nutritious meals are ayahuasca-friendly, made from fresh local ingredients without oil, spices, or salt.
At Mai Niti, ceremonies are guided by powerful male and female healers from the Shipibo Tribe who work closely with each guest. Each treatment plan is unique and tailored to their specific needs. Optional activities such as Rio Ucayali boat tours, dolphin watching, jungle exploration, and learning how to make Shipibo crafts are available as well.
Whether someone has deep-seated wounds, wants to release emotional blockages, address physical or mental illnesses, or heal from ancestral patterns, Mai Niti provides a safe and supportive environment for true healing and wellness. Their retreats range from 8 days to 1 month and cost between $900 and $2,500.
The Garden of Peace, Ayahuasca & Master Plant Center
Discover Your Path to Healing at The Garden of Peace
The Garden of Peace can be found in the heart of Peru. They are a sanctuary for those seeking profound healing through shamanic plant medicine therapies, including the ayahuasca. They were founded to help people heal and grow on multiple levels and are dedicated to helping participants live more fully and authentically from the heart.
Their retreats provide a range of holistic healing practices. On top of ayahuasca ceremonies, the integration process includes relaxing in the river, swinging in hammocks, and connecting deeply with nature and oneself. Additional services include Temezcal (sweatlodge), yoga, sound healing, breathwork, and optional Mapacho Tobacco Purges.
The Garden of Peace is ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking alternative healing methods and are drawn to Amazonian traditions. They offer nourishing meals designed to support the healing journey and floral baths help with cleansing.
Whether dealing with physical or mental illness or seeking to expand your consciousness, The Garden of Peace provides a safe and supportive environment for holistic well-being. Their retreats last from 10 to 21 days and cost between $1,000 and $2,500, with the flexibility to choose your own dates.
Final Thoughts: The Best Places to Go On an Ayahuasca Retreat in Peru
Each of the retreat centers we mentioned in this blog post offer their own unique path to profound healing and transformation, providing a compassionate and supportive environment for your spiritual exploration.
Whether you want to heal from emotional wounds, deepen your connection with the divine, or discover your true self, an ayahuasca retreat in Peru promises to be a life-changing experience. The knowledge and insights gained through these ceremonies can lead to lasting peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As you consider taking part in this sacred journey, trust that the right retreat center will call to you, offering the perfect setting for your inner transformation.
