Ayahuasca in Iquitos | Spiritual Connection and Inner Healing

Iquitos, The Gateway to the Peruvian Amazon

Iquitos, the capital of Loreto, is a fascinating destination in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Through its exuberant biodiversity, indigenous communities, and rich history, it has established itself as an epicenter for ecotourism, adventure tourism, and Amazonian spirituality. Below, we offer a complete guide to exploring this wonderful corner of Peru.

Location

Iquitos is located in northeastern Peru, in the Amazonian region of Loreto. It is the gateway to the majestic Amazon River and one of the few cities in the world inaccessible by road, making it an exclusive destination far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Altitude

Located 104 meters above sea level, Iquitos lies in a transitional zone of the rainforest, where altitudes range from 70 to 220 meters above sea level. This environment gives it a characteristic tropical climate, with high temperatures and constant humidity.

What to Do in Iquitos?

Historical City Tour

• Plaza de Armas: The historic center of Iquitos, surrounded by colonial architecture.
• Church: An important religious monument, a testament to the missionary influence in the region.
• Iron House (Eiffel House): An iconic building constructed by the same firm that designed the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of the rubber boom era.
• Tarapacá Boardwalk: A promenade along the Amazon River where you can observe traditional boats and the daily life of the port, as well as enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Nature and Ecotourism Nearby

• Quistococha Tourist Complex: A natural area with a lagoon, zoo, and trails ideal for walking and observing local wildlife.
• Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Garden: A refuge for butterflies and Amazonian fauna, ideal for learning more about biodiversity.
• White Sand Beaches: On the banks of the Nanay River, such as Santa Clara and Santo Tomás, where you can relax and enjoy nature.

River and Waterway Experiences

• Boat Trips: Navigating the Amazon, Itaya, and Nanay Rivers is a unique experience, where you can get to know riverside communities like San Andrés and Padre Cocha.
• Visiting Riverside Communities: Immerse yourself in local cultures by visiting Amazonian villages and experiencing life on the river.

Nature Reserves

• Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Known as the jungle of mirrors, it is one of the largest refuges for Amazonian flora and fauna, ideal for those seeking adventure and a deep connection with nature. It offers multi-day excursions to enjoy biodiversity at its finest.

Museums and Culture

• Amazonian Museum: This ethnographic museum is a key resource for learning about the history of indigenous communities, rubber, and Amazonian architecture.
• Ayapua Historical Ship Museum: A floating museum that tells the story of river transport in the Amazon region.

Ayahuasca in Iquitos: A Spiritual Healing Experience

Ayahuasca is a sacred plant used in spiritual healing ceremonies in the Peruvian Amazon. In Iquitos, ayahuasca has attracted travelers from all over the world seeking an experience of profound connection with nature and with themselves.

What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of Psychotria viridis (chacruna), plants native to the Amazon region. It is used by indigenous communities as part of their shamanic tradition to induce altered states of consciousness and seek spiritual revelations.

During the ceremonies, shamans guide participants on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to release emotional blocks, find spiritual clarity, and restore balance between body, mind, and spirit. The ceremonies are deeply spiritual and often involve rituals of physical and emotional purification.

Precautions and Risks
It is important to note that ayahuasca can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, or disorientation. It is crucial to participate in ceremonies led by experienced shamans in a safe and supervised environment. Furthermore, ayahuasca consumption is contraindicated for people with heart conditions or mental disorders.

Recommendations for a Trip to Iquitos

• Climate: Prepare for hot and humid weather; pack light, comfortable clothing, but also a light jacket for rain.
• Safety: Although Iquitos is generally safe for tourists, it’s always advisable to follow local guidelines and avoid isolated areas at night.
• Vaccinations: Make sure you are up to date on recommended vaccinations, especially yellow fever and malaria, if you plan to go on jungle excursions.
• Connecting with Nature: If you decide to take excursions to nature reservesor Indigenous communities, always respect local customs and the culture of the Amazonian peoples.

Iquitos is a vibrant city, full of history, nature, and unique experiences. From its impressive biodiversity to spiritual ayahuasca ceremonies, this destination promises a profound connection with the Amazon rainforest and its ancestral traditions.

🧭 Itinerary

Group Itinerary

7:00 – 7:30 a.m.: Hotel Pickup in Iquitos

Our team will pick you up directly from your hotel and take you to the ceremonial center. During the journey, we will provide an introductory explanation about the importance of ayahuasca in Amazonian culture and its ancestral use as a healing medicine.

Arrival at the Amazonian Ceremonial Center

Participants will be welcomed by the shaman or healer. The Indigenous worldview will be shared, and a spiritual preparation will be offered prior to the ceremony. Fruit and water will be provided, and a light fast is recommended to facilitate the body’s purification.

Introductory Talk and Energy Preparation

The shaman will lead a brief cleansing ceremony with the smoke of aromatic plants such as mapacho and palo santo. The plants that make up the brew (Banisteriopsis caapi and chacruna) will be explained, along with the objectives of the ceremony: connection with the divine, physical healing, and spiritual opening.

Beginning of the Group Ayahuasca Ceremony

Participants will gather in a circle inside the maloca (ceremonial temple). The shaman will chant the icaros (sacred songs) that will accompany the ayahuasca ingestion process. The group’s energy will enhance the experience, creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and spiritual connection.

The Ceremony

For several hours, the shaman will guide the participants on an inner journey. This will be an opportunity for introspection and healing, where visions, memories, or revelations may arise. Music and the sounds of the jungle will complement the experience, while trained assistants will be available to provide physical or emotional support if needed.

Closing Ceremony

The shaman will perform a ritual of protection and gratitude to the spirits of the jungle, closing the sacred circle. Water, fruit, and light beverages will be offered to restore energy after the purification.

Group Integration Space

Participants can voluntarily share their experiences. The shaman will offer guidance on the messages received during the ceremony and how to integrate them into daily life. This time of sharing will strengthen the sense of community and shared learning.

Rest and Light Walk

Free time will be offered to rest in hammocks or explore the natural surroundings of the ceremonial center, allowing participants to assimilate the spiritual healing experience.

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Return to Iquitos and Transfer to the Hotel

Group transportation will take participants back to the city, concluding a day of profound connection with the Amazon rainforest and the spirituality of ayahuasca in Iquitos.

Private Itinerary

7:30 a.m.: Pick-up from your hotel in Iquitos

A private vehicle will pick you up at your hotel. During the transfer to the Amazon retreat, the guide will offer an introduction to the ancestral use of ayahuasca in the Peruvian Amazon, highlighting its role in purification and spiritual healing rituals.

Arrival at the Private Ceremonial Center

The shaman will welcome the participant with a ceremony. An initial energy cleansing will be performed using mapacho smoke, palo santo, and aromatic plants. The interpreter will translate and clarify every detail to ensure the participant feels safe and confident.

Personalized Guidance

An energy cleansing will be performed using sacred plants such as mapacho, flowers, and Florida Water. The shaman will speak directly with the participant to align the ceremony with their objectives: emotional healing, mental clarity, release of blockages, or spiritual expansion.

Beginning of the Private Ayahuasca Ceremony

In an intimate and safe environment, the participant will ingest the Banisteriopsis caapi and chacruna preparation under the shaman’s guidance. Icaros (traditional songs) and the sound of drums will accompany the process. The approach will be entirely individual, allowing for a deeper and more personal connection with the divine.

Ceremony Development

The shaman will closely accompany the participant during the process of introspection and visions. Assistance and care will be guaranteed at all times, ensuring the participant’s physical and emotional safety. The natural environment and the silence of the jungle will enhance the experience.

Closing of the Ceremony and Rest

The shaman will perform a ritual of gratitude to the jungle and the guardian spirits. Water and fresh fruit will be provided to help participants regain energy. Participants will have a time for rest in hammocks or private cabins.

Light Amazonian Lunch

A private lunch will be offered featuring healthy dishes prepared with local Amazonian products, such as fresh fish, salads, tropical fruits, and natural juices, ideal for revitalizing the body after the purification.

Vision Interpretation and Spiritual Guidance

The shaman will discuss the visions or messages received during the ceremony with the participant. Through the interpreter, the spiritual meanings are conveyed, and practical advice is offered for integrating the experience into daily life.

Time for Rest and Individual Integration

The participant will have time to relax in hammocks or private cabins while discussing the lessons learned with the shaman. This personalized support is key to applying the benefits of the ayahuasca ceremony.

Light Jungle Hike and Personal Reflection

A short guided walk will be taken to reconnect with nature and absorb the energies of the ceremony in a tranquil setting.

6:00 p.m.: Return to Iquitos and Private Transfer to the Hotel

Private transportation will take participants back to the city, concluding a day of profound inner transformation and connection with Amazonian spirituality.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

This experience has been carefully designed to ensure a safe, authentic, and enriching environment, providing everything you need to experience the ceremony with peace of mind.

• All-inclusive transfers: transportation from your hotel in Iquitos to the ceremonial farm and back at the end of the experience.
• Accommodation at the farm: private or shared room, prepared for a restful sleep after the ceremony.
• Preparatory talk before the ritual: detailed explanation of the effects of Ayahuasca, its traditional use, and recommendations for optimal experience.
• Ceremony guided by a shaman: facilitated by a healer or herbalist with extensive experience, following the traditional Amazonian ritual with sacred chants (icaros) and ancestral instruments.
• Safe and protected ceremonial environment: a clean and energetically harmonized space, with constant support throughout the process.
• Personalized support and assistance: the presence of the shaman and assistants to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support during the ceremony.
• Nutritious breakfast the following day: designed to restore energy after the night’s experience.
• Connection circle: a space to share experiences, receive guidance, and understand the messages and lessons of the ceremony.
• Lunch included in the private ceremony: a nourishing and relaxing closing meal before your return (exclusive to this option).

❌ What’s not included?

Some services are not included so you can personalize your experience to suit your needs.

• Accommodation in Iquitos before or after the ceremony.
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks not included.
• Tips for the shaman and support staff (optional, but appreciated as a gesture of gratitude).
• Travel or medical insurance, highly recommended for any experiential tourism activity.
• Personal expenses such as purchases of handicrafts, souvenirs, or additional services not mentioned.
• Transportation to/from areas outside the standard pick-up service area.
• Prior dietary preparation (the recommended diet before the ceremony is provided as a guide, but adherence is the responsibility of the participant).

🌟 Recommendations

• Follow the recommended pre-ceremony diet: Avoid processed foods, fats, alcohol, drugs, and red meat at least 3 days before the ceremony. This helps prepare your body and mind to receive the plant.
• Rest and prepare mentally: Arrive with a clear intention, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in the spiritual work you will undertake.
• Comfortable and lightweight clothing: Wear loose-fitting, cotton garments in light colors to ensure your comfort during the ceremony.
• Hydration beforehand: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid eating or drinking excessively before the ritual.
• Avoid stimulants: Do not consume coffee, strong tea, or energy drinks on the day of the ceremony.
• Don’t forget essential personal items: A small flashlight, a reusable water bottle, and natural insect repellent (without harsh chemicals).
• Trust the process: Remember that the shaman and their team will be with you to guide and support you every step of the way. Inform them about your health: Inform them in advance if you have any medical conditions, are taking medication, or have had previous experiences with master plants.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ayahuasca ceremony safe?

Yes, provided it is done with an experienced shaman master.

Experienced, in a controlled environment and following prior instructions. On this tour, all safety conditions are guaranteed.

Do I need to prepare before the ceremony?

Yes, it is important to follow the pre-ceremony diet and avoid certain substances to enhance the positive effects and reduce physical and emotional risks.

Can I participate if I am taking medication?

It depends on the type of medication. It is essential to inform the facilitator in advance so they can assess whether it is safe for you to participate.

How long does the complete experience last?

The ceremony lasts between 4 and 6 hours, but the complete experience includes transportation, preparation, accommodation, rest, and the integration circle the following day.

How many people participate in the group ceremony?

The group is usually small to ensure an intimate atmosphere and allow the facilitator to attend to everyone.

What is the difference between the group and private ceremonies?

The group ceremony is shared with other participants, enhancing the collective energy, while the private ceremony is personalized, and the spiritual work is tailored just for you.

What effects can I expect during the ceremony?

Ayahuasca can produce visions, deep insight, emotional release, and intense physical sensations. Each experience is unique.

Is there assistance throughout the ritual?

Yes, the shaman and their team are present to offer physical and emotional support at all times.

Can I bring a companion who is not participating in the ceremony?

Yes, but you must inform us in advance and cover the corresponding costs for lodging and meals.

What if I don’t feel well during the ceremony?

The support team will be with you to assist you, provide security, and help you navigate the experience safely and with guidance.