FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the questions we are asked from time to time about our center and its healing programs. If you need more guidance email Tracie at ayahuascaRetreats@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to guide you.
Is it best to bring a backpack or a suitcase?
It’s up to you. The items you might need are listed in our What To Bring page. Since most things are taken care of for you at our Center this mainly amounts to appropriate clothing and normal holiday items.
Where do we meet?
In most cases we will meet you at Iquitos airport on the first day of your programme. Let us know in advance if you have any problems making this time and place and we’ll try to accommodate your schedule.!
Is there electricity at the Center ?
In general, no. This is policy to ensure that the Center retains a traditional ambience and remains close to nature, as native people and shamans have done for thousands of years and as the ayahuasca diet requires. Oil lamps are provided but you may wish to bring a torch for night-time use.
Is there a phone at the center?
No, and again this is policy so you can concentrate on your journey without the lure of the outside world. Use of mobile phones is not prohibited but not especially encouraged. If you choose to make calls please do so well away from other participants.
What about mosquitos?
Mosquitoes are usually not a problem at our Center but as we are in the jungle they cannot be ruled out and a mosquito net is provided over your bed just in case. The best natural defence is to take lots of Vitamin B12 beginning a few weeks before you travel. The richest natural source is goji berries. And, of course, consult your health advisor about precautions before you travel.
Should I vaccinate?
This is a matter of personal choice. Some people prefer homeopathy and go for a consultation before they travel and bring a homeopathic travel kit with them.
If you choose to vaccinate do so in good time and as far in advance of ayahuasca ceremonies as possible as some shamans do not like to give ayahuasca to people in combination with chemical medicines.
Some countries (such as Australia) may require you to vaccinate and to be able to prove your vaccination as a condition of re-entry. In cases like these ask your physician for a vaccination certificate and bring it with you just in case.
What do I do about the medication I’m taking?
If you are taking medications you are advised to see your GP, physician or health advisor and explain the nature of this trip to him or her then listen to their recommendations.
Can I take ayahuasca if I am menstruating?
Yes. We do not work with shamans who refuse ceremonies to women who are menstruating. Most of our shamans have no problems at all with menstruation; others will provide a short ceremonial ‘dispensation’ for you before you drink. This is a special ritual to remove the more disruptive energies (to you and to others) which can arise from menstruation.
Whether your period is due or not however it is advisable to bring sanitary wear with you.
Can you suggest a hotel in Lima or Iquitos?
There is a selection of hotels here which you may find helpful: http://www.peru-hotels.com/cities.htm with details of prices and online reservations. Our Air Travel and Hotels page has recommendations for hotels in Iquitos, along with links to the hotel's web site.
Is the water safe to drink?
Purified and bottled water is used at our center so the water provided for drinking can be safely consumed./p>
How do your programs compare to others?
We are primarily a dedicated shamanic healing center with a proven track record of healing a variety of medical conditions for those who come on personal retreats. While we offer 12 day workshops, our emphasis in on healing rather than simply providing ayahuasca experiences for groups of people. This sets us apart from other centers, and especially from “ayahuasca tourism”.
We keep our workshop groups limited to no more than 10 people so everyone receives the personal attention they need.
It is also our policy to offer fair prices for our retreats and workshops so that as many people as possible have access to the healing they need. Comparisons have shown that our costs can be $1,200 less than some centers.
What happens after I book?
After you book your flight, send us your flight arrival information, and we will arrange to pick you up at the airport and bring you to the center. We will be happy to answer any other questions you have via email.
What if I have special needs?
Let us know before you book and we’ll tell you if we can accommodate them. The jungle presents special challenges of course (for example, for wheelchair users) but the intention of our Center is to facilitate healing so we will do all that we can to assist if you have a special need.
And if I have further questions?
Email us at any time (ayahuascaRetreats@gmail.com) and we’ll get back to you straightaway (or, at least, when we have the answers if we must consult our shamans first).