Ayahuasca Ceremony and Retreat – What to Expect
An Ayahuasca retreat at Centro Yacuruna Plantas Medicinales is a sacred journey — one of cleansing, awakening, and reconnection with the wisdom of nature and the self. Each retreat is guided by Maestro Amer, following the traditional Shipibo lineage of plant medicine work.
1. Preparation – The Beginning of the Journey
Before the first ceremony, guests are invited to spend time in quiet reflection and cleansing. You will meet with Maestro Amer to discuss your intentions — what you wish to heal, release, or understand.
Dietary preparation (la dieta) begins several days before the first ceremony and continues throughout the retreat. This means eating simple, plant-based meals without salt, sugar, alcohol, or spices — to purify the body and allow a deeper connection with the plants.
During this phase, you will also learn basic practices to prepare the mind and spirit: meditation, journaling, or simply listening to the sounds of the jungle.
2. The Ceremony – A Sacred Encounter
The Ayahuasca ceremony usually begins after sunset, around 8–9 p.m., in the maloca — the ceremonial hall. The space is cleansed and blessed before everyone enters.
Participants sit in a circle, each with their own mattress, blanket, and bucket (for cleansing, or “purging,” which is part of the process). The ceremony begins in silence as the Maestro prepares and blesses the Ayahuasca brew — a sacred medicine made from two Amazonian plants: the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the chacruna leaves (Psychotria viridis).
When the time comes, each person receives their portion of the medicine. The lights are dimmed, and the Maestro begins to sing icaros — healing songs that guide the energy and open spiritual pathways.
As the medicine takes effect, visions, emotions, and sensations may arise. Some people cry, laugh, or purge physically; others experience deep peace, vivid imagery, or insights. The Maestro moves through the room, singing and blowing sacred tobacco (mapacho) to cleanse and protect each participant’s energy.
The ceremony usually lasts 4–6 hours. By early morning, the songs quiet down, and participants rest in silence, integrating their experiences.
3. Integration and Rest
The following morning is dedicated to recovery and reflection. After a light breakfast, guests are encouraged to share their experiences in a safe and open circle. Maestro Amer may help interpret visions or sensations and suggest supporting plants for continued healing.
Afternoons are peaceful — time to journal, meditate, bathe in the nearby stream, or rest in a hammock. The simplicity of jungle life helps ground the teachings of the medicine.
4. Additional Ceremonies and Plant Dieta
Depending on the retreat length (usually between 5 to 12 days), participants may take part in several ceremonies — typically 2 to 4. Between them, you may receive plant baths, flower cleansings, or individual consultations with the Maestro.
Those who wish to go deeper may also begin a plant dieta — a period of silent communion with a specific master plant chosen for their healing path. During a dieta, food and social interaction are limited to allow a direct energetic relationship between the person and the plant’s spirit.
5. Closing the Retreat
On the final day, a closing meeting or small ceremony is held to give thanks to the plants, the spirits, and the participants. It is a time to express gratitude, to honor what was learned, and to prepare to carry this wisdom back into daily life.
Guests often leave the retreat feeling lighter, more centered, and deeply connected — to themselves, to nature, and to something greater than words can describe.
In essence, an Ayahuasca retreat is not just an experience — it is a journey of transformation. It asks for humility, trust, and courage, yet offers profound healing and understanding in return.