5-Day Ayahuasca Tour in Cusco | Healing and Meditation Retreats in the Sacred Valley

Ayahuasca Retreats in Cusco represent one of the most transformative spiritual experiences in the Andean world, where the sacred medicine of the Amazon combines with the Inca worldview to achieve a profound balance between body, mind, and spirit.

These retreats, held in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, offer a safe and harmonious space for inner healing, guided by master shamans and ancestral healers with decades of experience in the ceremonial use of the mother plant. From the first day, participants embark on a process of introspection and comprehensive purification that begins with a personalized energetic assessment, where the shaman determines the appropriate dose of Ayahuasca based on each person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual diagnosis.

Throughout the five-day retreat, various complementary activities are carried out, such as cleansing rituals with medicinal plants, floral baths, ceremonies of offering to Pachamama, conscious walks through the valley, guided meditation sessions, and three Ayahuasca ceremonies structured to facilitate a progressive evolution of consciousness.

The first ceremony

Focuses on the purification of the physical body, helping to release accumulated toxins and dense energies, allowing the participant to open to the spiritual process with lightness and clarity. The second ceremony aims at emotional healing and the opening of the heart, a space where fears, guilt, forgiveness, and reconciliation with oneself and others are addressed. Finally, the third ceremony represents spiritual rebirth, an experience of deep connection with the divine essence, where the individual comes to understand their life purpose and experience unity with the universe. The entire process takes place under ritual chants or icaros, accompanied by traditional instruments such as drums, rattles, and quenas, which guide the energy of the ceremony toward a state of expanded consciousness.

One of the most valued aspects of the Ayahuasca retreat in Cusco is its focus on safety and human accompaniment. Each session takes place in a protected natural environment, with supportive medical staff and spiritual guides ensuring the well-being of participants at all times. The Ayahuasca used is 100% natural, prepared by Amazonian communities with respect for tradition, without synthetic mixtures or additives. Thanks to this purity and expert guidance, the experience is characterized by harmony and balance, without causing adverse side effects such as dizziness or hangovers. Instead, those who participate typically experience a profound sense of inner peace, universal love, gratitude, mental clarity, and renewed energy, which lasts long after the retreat.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

With its magnetic energy, crystalline rivers, and sacred mountains, it is the perfect setting for this process of spiritual transformation. The connection with nature enhances the healing effects of the medicine, creating an atmosphere of serenity, respect, and communion with Pachamama. Unlike Western practices, the Ayahuasca retreat in Cusco is not limited to ingesting the plant, but rather integrates an entire Andean spiritual path based on respect, introspection, and subsequent emotional integration. At the end of the five days, participants often describe the experience as a rebirth of the soul, an opportunity to let go of the past, heal wounds, and reconnect with the purest essence of being.

In short, the Ayahuasca Ceremony in Cusco is much more than a ritual: it is a journey into the soul and a gateway to a new understanding of existence. With the guidance of wise shamans, the spiritual power of the Sacred Valley, and the energy of ancestral medicine, this retreat becomes a transformative experience that opens the heart, awakens consciousness, and offers a true connection with the divine. It is a unique opportunity for spiritual rebirth, healing from love, and reconnecting with the eternal wisdom of the Andes.

🕉️ Day 1: Welcome, Energy Diagnosis, and Spiritual Cleansing

The retreat begins with a transfer from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, a natural environment of great spiritual energy surrounded by mountains, rivers, and farmland. Upon arrival at the ceremonial center, participants are greeted by the master shamans and the spiritual team.

After a brief rest and a welcome tea with native plants (muña, coca, or lemon verbena), an individual energy diagnosis session is held, where the shaman assesses each person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual state by observing their aura, pulse, and energy flow.

Afterward, an energetic cleansing ceremony is held with aromatic plants and sacred flowers, accompanied by Andean chants and Amazonian icaros. The purpose of this ritual is to purify the body and spirit, releasing dense energies or blockages before the first ceremonial intake.

The day concludes with a light vegetarian dinner and an orientation talk on the Ayahuasca process, its symbolism, spiritual preparation, and dietary guidelines.

Day 2: First Ayahuasca Ceremony – Purification and Inner Liberation

After a light breakfast and time for meditation, the group prepares for the first Ayahuasca ceremony, which takes place at dusk under the guidance of the shaman and his spiritual assistants.
Before the ceremony, a florecimiento bath is performed, a traditional practice that harmonizes the energies of the heart and opens the connection with Pachamama.

During the night, the space is filled with ritual chants and the sounds of sacred instruments (drum, rattle, shell, and quena), which accompany the ingestion of the master plant.
This first experience focuses on the purification of the physical and emotional body, allowing for the release of toxins, fears, tensions, and limiting thoughts.

The shaman provides personalized guidance to each participant, ensuring a safe and respectful process. At dawn, a medicinal tea is offered and a moment of silence for inner reflection is held.

🔮 Day 3: Meditation, Connection with Nature, and Second Ayahuasca Ceremony

The third day begins with integration activities: guided meditation, Andean breathing exercises (saminchakuy), and a conscious walk through the natural environment.
During lunch, a light diet based on organic foods, fruits, quinoa, and vegetables is offered to maintain balanced energy.

In the afternoon, the shaman gives a talk on the spiritual principles of the Andean worldview, explaining the connection between the Apus (mountain spirits) and Mother Earth.
At night, the second Ayahuasca ceremony takes place, focusing on emotional healing and heart opening. This session allows the participant to experience a deep connection with their soul, heal painful memories, and open themselves to the energy of forgiveness and compassion.

Icaros (sacred chants) accompany the process, guiding the energy toward light and spiritual liberation. At the end, silent support and accompaniment are provided to integrate the emotions experienced.

✨ Day 4: Spiritual Rebirth and Third Ayahuasca Ceremony

This day is considered the most momentous of the retreat, symbolizing the spiritual rebirth of the participant.
The morning begins with a group meditation and exercises of gratitude to Pachamama. The group then participates in an art and spiritual expression workshop, where mandalas or personal symbols are created to represent the healing process.

During the afternoon, the third and final Ayahuasca ceremony takes place under the light of the stars or the glow of the moon. This session aims to reconnect with universal consciousness, achieving states of peace, mental clarity, and union with cosmic energy.
The shaman uses powerful plants and chants that guide the expansion of the spirit toward a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
At the end of the ceremony, the sacred fire of gratitude is lit, where participants offer coca leaves and words of thanks for their inner transformation.

Day 5: Integration, Circle of Words, and Despatch to Pachamama

The final day is dedicated to the integration of the spiritual process. After breakfast, a circle of words is held where participants share their experiences, lessons learned, and visions gained during the ceremonies.
Afterwards, a ritual of Despacho a la Pachamama (Paying a Hand to Pachamama) is celebrated, a traditional Inca offering made with flowers, grains, coca leaves, sweets, and colorful wool. This symbolic act expresses gratitude for the healing received and seals the connection between humanity and nature.

Finally, a closing ceremony with music, natural aromas, and a light farewell lunch is held, marking the end of the retreat and the beginning of a new stage in the participant’s spiritual life.
The return to Cusco takes place in the afternoon, accompanied by a spiritual guide and with private transportation to the hotel.

✅ Includes

🧭 Spiritual Guidance and Shamanic Accompaniment

• Three complete Ayahuasca ceremonies, led by highly experienced Andean and Amazonian master shamans.
• Ongoing assistance throughout the retreat, with spiritual guides and facilitators trained in first aid.
• Complementary preparation and energetic cleansing ceremonies (flower baths, smoke rituals, purification with aromatic plants).
• Psychological and emotional support before, during, and after each ceremonial intake, ensuring a safe, respectful, and personalized experience.
• Translation into English or Portuguese (subject to availability and upon request).

🌿 Spiritual and Therapeutic Activities

• Individual Energy Diagnosis Ceremony, conducted on the first day by the lead shaman.
• Three guided meditation and breathing sessions to integrate the visions and raise the spiritual vibration.
• Walks to connect with Andean nature in the surroundings of the Sacred Valley.
• Art and spiritual expression workshop (day 4):

• making mandalas, symbols of power, or personal intentions.
• Despacho ritual to Pachamama as the closing ritual of the retreat, in gratitude for the healing received.
• Speaking circle and group integration on the last day, facilitated by spiritual guides.
• Sacred fire ceremony under the stars, with chants and closing icaros.

🏠 Accommodation and Food

• 4 nights of accommodation in a spiritual eco-lodge or retreat center in the Sacred Valley (private or shared rooms).
• A natural and peaceful environment, surrounded by mountains and sacred gardens.
• Full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) based on an ayahuasca diet:
• Natural dishes without red meat, alcohol, refined sugar, or caffeine.
• Prepared with local organic products (quinoa, kiwicha, fruits, tubers, herbs).
• Purified water, herbal infusions, and fruits are available all day.
• Menus adapted for vegetarians and vegans.

🚐 Transportation and Logistics

• Private transfer from Cusco to the spiritual center and return at the end of the retreat.
• Arrival assistance and welcome at the airport or your accommodation.
• Transportation during excursions and hikes.

🔮 Ceremonial Materials and Elements

• Complete ritual kit (blankets, candles, flowers, incense, coca leaves, traditional instruments).
• Personal offering for the Despacho to Pachamama (includes natural and symbolic materials).
• Meditation instruments and art materials for the spiritual workshop.
  Use of a drum, shell, rattles, and quena during guided ceremonies.

❤️ Safety and Well-being

• Basic medical supervision during ceremonies.
• 24-hour first aid kit available.
• Pre-arrival medical evaluation (optional) and dietary guidance provided before arrival.
• Safe, respectful, and confidential environment, limited to small groups (8 to 12 people maximum).

❌ Not Included

✈️ Flights and Personal Transfers

• Domestic and international flights to or from Cusco, as well as transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Additional ground transportation before or after the retreat (for example, to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, or Puno).
• Airport pickup outside of scheduled hours (can be arranged for an additional cost).

🏨 Additional Accommodation

• Does not include extra nights in Cusco before or after the retreat. If you arrive days early or extend your stay, trusted nearby accommodations in the historic center or the Sacred Valley can be recommended.
• Private rooms outside the group program (subject to availability and additional payment).

💊 Insurance, Health, and Documentation

• International medical or travel insurance. It is recommended to purchase one that covers wellness activities or spiritual retreats.
• Personal Medications: Each participant must bring their regular medical treatments and notify the spiritual team before the start of the retreat.
• Specialized pre-travel medical evaluations or laboratory tests (if the participant requires them due to a prescription).
• Private external medical care during the retreat, if requested at the participant’s expense.

🍽️ Consumption and Personal Items

• Food or beverages not included in the ayahuasca diet. Red meat, alcohol, coffee, tobacco, refined sugar, or processed foods are not permitted during the retreat.
• Personal or hygiene items such as shampoo, toothpaste, insect repellent, sunscreen, towels, toothbrushes, or natural cosmetics.
• Personal clothing and footwear (must be appropriate for the Andean climate and outdoor activities).
• Technological or electronic items: Use of cameras, drones, or recorders only with the authorization of the spiritual guide.
• Laundry or ironing service (available at the center for an additional cost).

💵 Tips and Personal Expenses

• Voluntary tips for shamans, facilitators, guides, or drivers (at the visitor’s discretion).
• Optional donations to the temple, spiritual center, or local communities.
• Souvenirs, crafts, or natural products (such as essences, plant medicines, or ritual arts).
• Professional photography and recording of the retreat (can be requested as an additional service upon completion).

⚠️ Restrictions and Rules

• The use of electronic devices is not permitted during ceremonies or meditations (out of respect for the process of other participants).
• Tobacco, drug, alcohol, and sexual intercourse are prohibited during the retreat, as they interfere with energy work and spiritual purification.
• No external or non-participant companions are included (only those who complete the entire process are admitted).

🌿 Recommendations for the Ayahuasca Spiritual Retreat in Cusco

The Ayahuasca retreat in Cusco requires physical, emotional, and spiritual preparation. Following the recommendations below will ensure a harmonious, safe, and deeply healing experience.

🍃 1. Physical Preparation and Diet Beforehand (Ayahuasca Diet)

• For best results, it is important to prepare your body with a light, natural diet at least 7 days before the retreat:

• Avoid alcohol, red meat, sausages, fried foods, coffee, chocolate, refined sugar, and processed foods.
• Eat fresh fruits, whole grains, cooked vegetables, and legumes.
• Drink plenty of water and natural infusions (muña, chamomile, or lemon verbena).
• Avoid excess salt and strong or spicy condiments.
• Do not take psychotropic medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, or energizers (consult your shaman or doctor before discontinuing them).

💡 This diet cleanses the body and attunes it to the energy of the master plant.

🧘 2. Mental and Spiritual Preparation

• Days before the retreat, dedicate time to introspection, meditation, or personal writing.
• Define a clear intention or spiritual purpose for your process (healing, forgiveness, self-knowledge, renewal).
• Avoid stressful situations, arguments, or excessive digital information.
• Maintain an attitude of surrender, trust, and respect toward the medicine and your spiritual guide.
• Avoid rigid expectations: each experience is unique and manifests according to what the soul needs.

🧳 3. What to bring to the retreat

• Comfortable, light clothing for daytime activities.
• A coat or poncho for the cold nights in the Sacred Valley.
• Sneakers or hiking shoes.
• A flashlight or headlamp.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and natural repellent.
• Notebook or notepad to record your visions or reflections.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Personal towel, natural hygiene items, and an optional mask.
• Amulet or personal stone to recharge your energy during ceremonies (optional).

🌄 4. Weather Conditions and Altitude

• The Sacred Valley is located at over 2,800 meters above sea level and has a temperate climate during the day and cool weather in the evening.
• Dry season (April to October): sunny days, clear skies, ideal for spiritual retreats.
• Rainy season (November to March): cloudy mornings, intermittent rain, and verdant landscapes.

🌤️ Always wear a light raincoat and layered clothing.

🙏 5. During Ceremonies

• Remain silent and focused; every sound and chant has a healing vibration.
• Don’t be afraid of visions or intense emotions: it’s all part of the liberation process.
• If you feel discomfort, let your shaman or assistant know; they will help you balance your energy.
• Allow your body to flow; avoid mental resistance or judgment about what you feel.
• Trust in the power of the plant and the protection of the sacred circle.

🌺 6. After the retreat

• Continue your light diet for at least 5 days after the retreat.
• Avoid alcohol, red meat, caffeine, sexual intercourse, and loud noises.
• Rest and sleep well; your body continues to integrate energy.
• Write down your dreams, emotions, and lessons learned.
• Maintain practices such as meditation, yoga, or conscious breathing to maintain the harmony you’ve achieved.
• Thank Pachamama, Ayahuasca, and your guides for the experience.

💫 7. Inner attitude

• The Ayahuasca retreat is not a recreational activity, but rather a path of deep healing and spiritual transformation. It is recommended to attend with:

• Humility, respect, and an open heart.
• Willingness to face internal emotions without fear.
• Gratitude for the opportunity to heal and learn.
• Faith in the shaman’s guidance and trust in the wisdom of the plant.

🌞 8. Final Practical Tips

• Arrive well-rested and with enough time before the retreat begins.
• If you are traveling from abroad, acclimatize for at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before participating.
• Disconnect from electronic devices and social media: silence and observation are part of the process.
• If you are traveling with a partner or friends, remember that spiritual work is individual; everyone will have their own inner path.
• Don’t compare your experience with that of others; trust in what the medicine reveals just for you.

✨ Final Summary

Participating in an Ayahuasca Retreat in Cusco is opening your heart to transformation and self-knowledge. By following these recommendations, you will experience a profound, safe, and enriching process that will allow you to be spiritually reborn and reconnect with your purest essence, in one of the most sacred lands on the planet: the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – 5-Day Ayahuasca Ceremony in Cusco

🌿 1. What exactly is Ayahuasca and what is it used for?

Ayahuasca is a master plant of Amazonian origin, used since ancient times by the indigenous peoples of Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia. Its name in Quechua means “vine of the soul.”
In the Andean worldview, it is a spiritual medicine that allows one to open consciousness, heal emotional wounds, and reconnect with the divine essence. It is not a drug, but a sacred tool that guides one toward introspection and inner balance.

🔮 2. Where does the Ayahuasca retreat take place in Cusco?

The retreat takes place in a spiritual center located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by sacred mountains, rivers, and cultivated fields. This natural setting encourages meditation, silence, and connection with Pachamama. The centers are specially designed for Andean-Amazonian ceremonies, with rest areas, circular temples, ritual bonfires, and energy gardens.

🧘 3. How many Ayahuasca ceremonies are held?

During the 5-day retreat, three main Ayahuasca ceremonies are held, carefully planned to allow for a progressive transformation:

• Physical and energetic purification.
• Emotional healing and heart opening.
• Spiritual rebirth and expansion of consciousness.
• Each ceremony is accompanied by ritual music, shamanic chants, and icaros, guided by experienced masters who ensure a profound, safe, and respectful process.

🪶 4. Who guides the ceremonies?

The sessions are led by Andean and Amazonian master shamans, renowned for their spiritual journey and ethics. Some come from Shipibo-Conibo or Quechua communities in Cusco, trained in lineages of ancestral healers.
Each possesses knowledge of the use of master plants, sacred chants, vision interpretation, and emotional support. The retreat also includes spiritual facilitators and medical support staff to ensure well-being and safety.

🌱 5. How should I prepare before attending the retreat?

It is recommended to follow the ayahuasca diet at least one week before the retreat: avoid red meat, alcohol, sugar, coffee, processed foods, sexual relations, and excessive use of technology.
Preparation also includes meditation, rest, positive thoughts, and setting a clear intention for the ceremony (for example: to heal, forgive, give thanks, or rediscover oneself). This physical and mental preparation helps one receive the medicine’s messages more clearly.

💫 6. What effects does ayahuasca produce?

The effects vary depending on the individual and their spiritual disposition. Generally, one experiences an amplification of consciousness, deep introspection, symbolic visions, liberating emotions, and a sense of unity with nature and the universe.
This retreat does not seek a hallucinogenic effect, but rather spiritual and emotional healing. In the hands of responsible shamans, the experience is safe, peaceful, and deeply transformative.

💧 7. Does it cause nausea or physical discomfort?

During the first ceremonies, a natural purge (vomiting or light sweating) may occur, considered part of the energetic cleansing process.
However, this retreat uses shamanic techniques and appropriate dosages, so the effects are controlled and there is no prolonged dizziness or hangover. At the end, most participants feel clarity, energy, and serenity, with no negative physical consequences.

🌄 8. Is it safe to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony?

• Yes. Safety is the top priority.
• Ceremonies are held in a closed and protected environment.
• Shamans verify health and emotional status before accepting each participant.
• The use of incompatible medications or external substances is prohibited.
• A team of facilitators and assistants constantly monitors each person’s condition.
• In addition, we work with 100% natural Ayahuasca, brewed by certified Amazonian communities, without synthetic additives.

🌞 9. What does one feel after the retreat?

Most participants describe a feeling of peace, universal love, gratitude, and mental clarity. They experience an inner cleansing that allows them to face life with serenity and understanding.
During the following days, body and soul continue to integrate the experience, so it is recommended to maintain a light diet, avoid distractions, and connect with nature or meditate daily.

🍽️ 10. What type of food is offered during the retreat?

Food is an essential part of the spiritual process. It is based on a natural and vegetarian diet, with local ingredients: quinoa, fresh fruits, legumes, tubers, and herbs from the valley.
Meat, alcohol, and processed foods are not included. Meals are prepared with intention, silence, and positive energy, helping to purify the body and maintain the connection with the master plant.

🧳 11. What should I bring to the retreat?

• Comfortable, cotton clothing in soft colors.
• A coat for the cold nights of the Sacred Valley.
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• Flashlight or headlamp.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Notebook or personal journal.
• Biodegradable toiletries.
• Poncho or raincoat during the rainy season (November to March).
• A personal item or amulet you wish to consecrate during the process (optional).

🕊️ 12. Can I attend with someone or as a couple?

Yes, although the Ayahuasca experience is individual and personal, many couples or families attend together. During the ceremonies, each participant experiences their internal process separately, but at the end, a group reunion takes place to share lessons and strengthen the spiritual connection.

💵 13. What payment methods are accepted?

Payment can be made by bank transfer, PayPal, or credit/debit card.
It is also possible to pay an advance reservation and pay the balance in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) upon arrival at the center. Rates vary depending on the type of accommodation, guide language, and additional services requested.

🧭 14. Can I combine the Ayahuasca retreat with other experiences?

Yes. Many travelers complement their spiritual journey with:

• Cacao or San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremony.
• Energy visits to Machu Picchu or Moray.
• Meditation and yoga retreats in the Sacred Valley.
• Sound or conscious breathing workshops.
• These activities can be coordinated after the retreat ends, to continue the spiritual work in harmony.

⚕️ 15. Who should not participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony?

Not recommended for:

• People with serious psychiatric disorders or on antidepressant medication (SSRIs, MAOIs).
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• People with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Those unwilling to follow the retreat’s rules of respect, diet, and silence.
• In all cases, a prior acceptance interview is conducted to ensure safety and energetic compatibility.