Ayahuasca Retreats in Peru | Arkana Spiritual Center

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the benefits of attending an Ayahuasca retreat?

Ayahuasca retreats can offer a range of potential benefits for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Many participants report profound breakthroughs and insights – such as releasing past traumas, gaining clarity on life purpose, and overcoming negative patterns or addictions. Therapeutically, Ayahuasca has been noted to help with conditions like depression or PTSD by providing new perspectives and a sense of inner peace. Participants often experience a deep connection with nature and a greater understanding of themselves and their relationships. These transformative experiences, especially when supported by proper integration, may lead to lasting positive changes in one’s daily life after the retreat.

What is an Ayahuasca retreat?

An Ayahuasca retreat is a transformative, multi-day experience where participants immerse themselves in a safe and structured environment to engage deeply with the sacred plant medicine Ayahuasca. The retreat typically spans several days, often one week or more, and involves multiple Ayahuasca ceremonies led by experienced Shipibo shamans and facilitators. These ceremonies are designed to facilitate deep healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.Preparation for the retreat begins long before the ceremony itself. Physical, emotional, and spiritual readiness are vital to ensure you receive the full benefits of Ayahuasca. This includes following the Ayahuasca dieta, a sacred dietary cleanse, engaging in emotional preparation through practices like journaling and meditation, and mentally setting clear intentions for what you seek to heal or explore.During the retreat, guests engage in the ceremonies, where Ayahuasca helps uncover unconscious patterns, release emotional blockages, and provide clarity on life's purpose. In addition to the ceremonies, the retreat program includes daily practices like yoga, breathwork, nature excursions, and group sharing circles, which help integrate the healing process. Our facilitators are present throughout, offering compassionate guidance to support each guest's journey.The retreat also includes essential integration sessions, where you receive guidance on how to apply the insights gained during the ceremonies to your daily life. This holistic approach ensures that the healing process continues beyond the retreat, helping you carry the wisdom into your everyday life.At Arkana, we believe the retreat is not just about the ceremonies but about fully preparing your body, mind, and spirit for a deeper connection with the sacred medicine. From the moment you arrive, our dedicated team ensures you are supported and cared for every step of the way, making the retreat a truly transformative experience. (Learn more about preparing for your retreat on our Ayahuasca Preparation page.)

Is Ayahuasca safe?

When used responsibly in a controlled setting, Ayahuasca is considered generally safe for most people. However, it is a powerful medicine that causes strong physical and emotional reactions, so proper supervision and medical screening are essential. At Arkana, we prioritize your safety and adhere to strict health protocols to ensure your well-being throughout the retreat. Before your retreat, we conduct a comprehensive medical screening to assess any potential risks, taking into consideration your personal health history and any contraindicated medications. Our facilitators and shamans are highly experienced, and medical support is available should any concerns arise during the ceremonies.It’s common to experience purging (vomiting, sweating, or crying) and intense emotional releases as part of the healing process, which is seen as an important step in cleansing and emotional healing. To ensure safety, we also carefully monitor participants during the entire retreat, ensuring all guests are supported and guided with compassion and respect. We follow a detailed health and safety protocol that is available for review on our Health and Safety page.By carefully following these guidelines, risks are minimized, and your experience can be profoundly healing.

Why choose Arkana for an Ayahuasca retreat?

Arkana Spiritual Center is a trusted leader in the Ayahuasca retreat community, known for its safety, integrity, and heart-centered approach. We have nearly ten years of experience and have facilitated thousands of individual healing journeys, earning us a proven track record of positive outcomes. Our programs are unique in blending traditional Amazonian shamanism with complementary healing modalities – we integrate ancestral ceremonies with yoga, meditation, breathwork, and skilled integration coaching for a holistic approach to healing. The center also prides itself on a high facilitator-to-guest ratio and personalized attention; our compassionate team ensures each guest is seen, heard, and cared for every step of the way. Moreover, Arkana maintains strict safety protocols and medical screening, so you can embark on your Ayahuasca journey with total confidence. We invite you to read our testimonials and visit our About Us page to learn more about our mission, our team, and what makes the Arkana experience so special.

What is included in the retreat program?

Arkana's retreats are all-inclusive, covering accommodations, meals, ceremonies, and a variety of wellness activities designed to support your healing journey. Guests stay in eco-friendly, comfortable lodging, and meals are tailored to the Ayahuasca dieta, ensuring they align with the dietary needs for your experience. Each retreat includes a set number of Ayahuasca ceremonies, as well as preparatory and integration sessions to guide your process before, during, and after your retreat.

Additionally, guests will engage in daily activities such as:

Yoga & Meditation to center the mind and body for deeper spiritual work.
Breathwork & Sound Healing sessions to assist in emotional and mental processing.
Sharing Circles to foster a sense of community and offer support in integrating experiences.
Nature Excursions like jungle walks or hikes to reconnect with the healing power of the earth.

We also offer traditional practices such as floral baths for spiritual cleansing and the use of Hapé (sacred tobacco snuff) for grounding.

Bufo is available as an optional add-on to any retreat program, offering an additional layer of healing through this powerful medicine. More information about Bufo and how it can complement your Ayahuasca experience can be found on our Sacred Medicines page.

To book your retreat, visit our Book Your Retreat page for all the details on pricing, dates, and availability.

Who leads the Ayahuasca ceremonies at Arkana?

All ceremonies at Arkana are led by highly experienced Amazonian shamans, supported by a dedicated facilitation team. We work with Shipibo healers – indigenous shamans from the Peruvian Amazon who carry an unbroken lineage of traditional Ayahuasca wisdom. Each ceremony typically has multiple Master Shamans and trained facilitators present to guide participants. The shamans conduct the ceremony by singing ícaros (sacred healing songs) and using tools like mapacho (Amazonian tobacco) to cleanse and protect the space. Their deep experience (in many cases, decades of practice) and compassionate presence ensure that every participant feels safe, supported, and guided throughout the Ayahuasca journey. (You can read more about our team and tradition on our About Us page.)

How do Arkana’s Amazon and Sacred Valley retreats in Peru differ?

Both of Arkana’s Peru Ayahuasca retreat locations offer authentic healing programs, but each provides a unique setting and atmosphere. Our Amazon retreat (near Iquitos, Peru) is located deep in the lush rainforest, immersing you in the tropical environment where Ayahuasca originates. In contrast, the Sacred Valley retreat (near Cusco, Peru) is nestled in the Andes Mountains, offering a tranquil highland setting with breathtaking mountain scenery. The Amazon center provides a warm, humid jungle experience – you might explore the river or trek in the jungle during excursions – whereas the Sacred Valley center offers a cooler climate and proximity to Andean cultural sites. Program-wise, both retreats follow the same core schedule (the same number of Ayahuasca ceremonies and integration activities) and uphold Arkana’s high standards of safety and care. Your choice may simply come down to whether you prefer the vibrant energy of the Amazon rainforest or the serene backdrop of the Andes; either way, you will be in expert hands with our team. (Learn more about each location on our Amazon retreats and Sacred Valley retreats pages.)

What can I expect during an Ayahuasca retreat at Arkana?

At Arkana Spiritual Center, each Ayahuasca retreat is a carefully guided journey of healing and self-discovery. Guests typically spend 7–21 days at our center (with week-long and multi-week programs available) and participate in multiple nighttime Ayahuasca ceremonies (for example, about 3–4 ceremonies in a 7-day retreat). Daytimes are filled with supportive activities such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, and group sharing circles to help you process and integrate your experiences. Our team provides individualized care from day one – including traditional plant baths and limpieza (energy cleansing) rituals at the start of your stay as part of our Receiving Treatment process. Throughout the retreat, experienced facilitators and indigenous Shipibo shamans are present to ensure your safety, offer guidance, and hold a sacred space for your transformation. The retreat concludes with guidance on next steps and initial integration sessions, so you leave with tools to continue healing and applying the insights gained once you return home.

What is Ayahuasca integration and why is it important?

Integration is the process of applying the insights gained from your Ayahuasca ceremony to your everyday life. At Arkana, we place a strong emphasis on integration because it ensures that the healing you experience extends beyond the ceremony. This can involve journaling, meditation, or continuing therapy – anything that helps you embody the changes you’ve undergone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about integration on our Ayahuasca Integration page.

What should I bring to the retreat?

It's important to pack thoughtfully so that you're comfortable and prepared for the retreat's environment. Here are some items we recommend bringing:

Comfortable clothing
Practical footwear
Personal items like a journal and pen
Toiletries and medications
Optional comfort items like a blanket or shawl

For a full packing list, please visit our Preparing for the Retreat page.

How should I prepare for an Ayahuasca retreat?

Proper preparation is crucial to get the most out of your Ayahuasca retreat. In the weeks leading up to your journey, we recommend following the guidelines in our Ayahuasca Preparation resource. Some key preparation steps include:

Dietary preparation: Adopt the Ayahuasca diet (dieta) by eating light, healthy foods and avoiding substances that conflict with the medicine. This means no alcohol or drugs, no pork or red meat, minimal salt and sugar, and avoiding caffeine, spicy foods, and sexual activity for at least 1–2 weeks before the retreat.
Medication adjustments: Certain medications (especially antidepressants/SSRIs, MAOIs, or other psychoactive drugs) can be dangerous to mix with Ayahuasca. It's critical to consult with your doctor about tapering off any contraindicated medications well in advance.
Mental and emotional readiness: Take time to reflect on your intentions and goals for the retreat. You might keep a journal, write down questions you want answered, or engage in meditation/prayer.
Rest and self-care: In the days before the retreat, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Avoid stressful situations if possible.

By caring for your body and mind beforehand, you create a receptive state that allows Ayahuasca to work more deeply.

What happens if I need to leave the retreat early?

We understand that sometimes unexpected circumstances arise. If you need to leave the retreat early, we will do everything we can to support you. We recommend discussing any potential issues with our team as early as possible, and we will help make any necessary arrangements. Refunds for early departures are handled on a case-by-case basis according to our retreat policies.

Can I attend the retreat if I have dietary restrictions or special medical needs?

At Arkana, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all guests. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), we can accommodate these needs during your retreat. Our team will ensure your meals are tailored to your requirements, in line with the Ayahuasca dieta.If you have specific medical needs or concerns, we encourage you to share them during the booking process. Our medical screening, as well as our health and safety protocols, are designed to ensure you are supported throughout your retreat. Any questions or concerns about your specific health conditions can be discussed with our team before your arrival.

What is the accommodation like at the retreat centers?

Arkana’s retreat centers offer comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations designed to complement the natural surroundings. Guests stay in simple, clean, and peaceful rooms that encourage relaxation and reflection. In the Amazon, you'll be surrounded by the lush jungle, with rooms designed to help you connect with nature. The Sacred Valley center offers rooms with spectacular views of the Andes, allowing you to fully immerse in the tranquility of the mountains. We strive to provide a balanced and comfortable environment where you can focus entirely on your healing journey.Guests are encouraged to disconnect from their usual routines, and rooms are designed without electronics (other than necessary medical devices). All bedding and basic amenities are provided. You can read more about accommodation options on our Booking Your Retreat page.

How do I get to the retreat centers?

Once you've booked your retreat, our team will provide detailed instructions on how to reach your retreat center. For our Peru retreats, the nearest major airport is Iquitos (for the Amazon) or Cusco (for the Sacred Valley). We'll assist you with the travel process, including airport pickup, to ensure your arrival is smooth and stress-free.

For the Mexico retreats, the nearest major airport is Mexico City for Valle de Bravo and Cancún for Yucatán. We will also arrange transport from the airport to the retreat center, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Travel logistics, including suggested flights, accommodations for pre-retreat days, and transfer details, are outlined in the booking instructions we provide after your reservation is confirmed.

Where are Arkana’s retreat centers located?

Arkana operates retreat centers in two countries: Peru and Mexico. In Peru, we have two main locations for Ayahuasca retreats – one in the Amazon rainforest near Iquitos and another in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. Each location offers a unique spiritual environment for healing, with the Amazon retreat immersing you in the vibrant energy of the jungle and the Sacred Valley retreat nestled amidst the peaceful, majestic Andes Mountains.

In Mexico, we also host retreats in Valle de Bravo and Yucatán, although these locations focus on different sacred medicines, such as Psilocybin Mushrooms, Bufo Alvarius, and Peyote. These locations were selected for their natural beauty and spiritual significance, ensuring that wherever you go, you will experience a deep connection with the land and the medicine.

All of Arkana's retreat centers are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, offering a balance of nature and peace to help you relax, disconnect, and focus entirely on your inner journey.

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Ayahuasca Retreats

Reconnect With Your True Self

Why Trust Your Healing to Us?

Proven track record

Experienced Compassionate Team

Safe Environment

Personalized Attention

Holistic Approach

Dream Locations

Transformational Ayahuasca Retreats

Amazon

Sacred Valley

Bespoke Retreats

Valle de Bravo

Yucatan

Arenal, Costa Rica

Pillars of Our Retreats

Sacred Medicines

Spiritual Practices

Integration Support

Hospitality

Remember what it feels like to feel

ALIVE

One of the Top Ayahuasca Centers in the World

From Our Blog

The Spirit of Peyote: A Sacred Ceremony of Healing and Vision

Niños Santos of Oaxaca: An Ancient Indigenous Ritual

The Spiritual and Healing Wonders of the God Molecule

Ayahuasca Ceremony Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow us

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Careers

Faqs

Sitemap

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Ayahuasca
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