Sacred plant medicine immersions: Transform through traditional Amazonian healing ceremonies and mindful plant dietas
César says, "So for me particularly it was a very deep and dark beautiful acceptance experience as i consider darkness part of my natural being and as wise as the light side." See more
Michael says, "I had a really wonderful experience on a 7 day Ayauasca retreat with Sinchi Runa. From the beatiful location in the countryside, to the delicious home cooked food served everyday the conditions were really perfect." See more
Alycia says, "My time at The Garden of Peace taught me more than I could have expected to learn, and I knew before I left that I would return again in the future. I cannot emphasize enough how BEAUTIFUL the energy of the land and the people who facilitate it are." See more
Juan says, "I can not praise Mae enough. I have had the pleasure to esperience her work over the internet and in person for a month long Dieta. I was lead to her through Naysha Silva, another strong respected Mother Shaman." See more
Geneva says, "I recently finished an amazing two month stay at Mai Niti. Maestra Lucila, her brothers, Maestro Leonardo, Peter, Alex and all the other volunteers and helpers were absolutely wonderful and made my experience life-changing, enjoyable and pleasurable." See more
thomas says, "when i most needed help with a dificult experience, both a facilitator and the shaman were right there to give me the help i needed" See more
alison says, "Thank you so much Amma and Jason for creating such an amazing retreat location. Your dedication and attention to the small details provides your guests with a truly enriching environment." See more
Anonymous says, "A 2-plus hour boat ride down the Amazon River brought us to the village of Generro Herrera. On the outskirts of the village, which is situated on 200 acres of farmland surrounded by jungle, sits the home of Maestro Don Alberto and his son Maestro Eliseo." See more
Chris says, "Candice was wonderful and had insight into my life that was truly amazing.. I was blown away with her ability to see my problems and guide me on a forward path." See more
Dieta retreat prices typically range between USD $600-2,600, with most falling around USD $1,500-2,200 for 7-14 day programs. Daily rates generally run between USD $115-300, depending on location, accommodations, and program inclusions. Peruvian retreats tend to offer better value, while European and North American options command premium prices. Shorter dietas (1-3 days) may cost USD $500-800 total, while extended experiences (3+ weeks) usually provide better daily value though higher overall investment. Some centers differentiate pricing based on accommodation type, offering both budget-friendly communal options and private rooms at higher rates.
The period of abstaining from salt, red meats, heavily processed foods, sweets, alcohol, narcotics, and sexual activity, as well as avoiding stress, screen time, and other distractions from intention-fostering is derived from the dietas that Amazonian shamans in training follow in order to acquire their abilities and perform healing and magic.
In practice, a strict dieta is not absolutely necessary for a fruitful ayahuasca experience for common folk. In fact, many people have gone into ceremony after not honoring any aspects of the dieta and suffered no adverse consequences.
However — it's easy to see that adhering to dieta recommendation for a few days is nothing if not beneficial for the prospective drinker. Above and beyond helping to clear out the mind and body from the immense amount of toxins we devour daily in a typical Western lifestyle, the dieta serves to institute stillness, energetic balance, and create space for reflecting and focusing on our intentions for the journey.
Taking these steps in the preparation process can go a long way to ensuring a smoother ceremony experience and more effective integration afterward. As such, it is highly advised to at least maintain a moderate abstinence from unhealthy sustenance in the days leading up to the ceremony.
The effects of ayahuasca typically unfold across distinct phases over 4-6 hours, though the full journey can last up to 8 hours for some people. Traditional Amazonian ceremonies usually begin in the evening and continue through the night, with the most intense period occurring 1-2 hours after drinking the medicine. The physical effects often start within 30 minutes, while the visionary phase commonly peaks between hours 2-4. After the main journey subsides, many experience a gentle "landing" period of 1-2 hours where insights continue to emerge. In traditional contexts, integration begins immediately after the ceremony and extends for days or weeks - this is considered an essential part of the medicine's work. Some retreat centers observe that certain participants may feel subtle energetic shifts for several days following a ceremony, though these are typically mild and manageable. Each person's experience with the medicine follows its own timing and rhythm. Traditional healers emphasize that the effects aren't limited to the ceremonial hours - rather, the ceremony opens a door through which healing and understanding continue to flow long after the acute effects have passed.