Sacred plant medicine immersions: Transform through traditional Amazonian healing ceremonies and mindful plant dietas
Bart says, "I just came back from 6 days of ceremonies in Psychonauta. The venue is perfect to get detached from the pollution of the city with no distraction, your work with yourself starts even before you meet the plants or healers." 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
Jesse says, "I met Mae during a Dieta down in Peru. I learned through first hand experience that psychic abilities are real, and Mae has a profound ability to tap into this mysterious space." See more
Jaimey says, "I can’t say enough about Dr. Scott, the yachacks and all those who are responsible for running Sacha Wasi. A secluded, natural and primitive location, you’re surrounded by nature and its sounds." See more
Cristian says, "Wonderful retreat. Well organized and sensational positive. In la casa del maestro I reset my baseline and re-direct my life." See more
Maddy says, "What an incredible place - it's so hard to boil down the Garden of Peace into any kind of short, witty, concise review that will express the true feeling of the place." See more
Charles says, "There are lots of retreat centers that one can attend for personal growth and healing. Ayahuasca Foundation offers the only opportunity for one to learn Shipibo traditions and practices from maestro Don Enrique." See more
April says, "What an amazing land! I am somewhat a snob for good living, even though I can rough it pretty well and have no complaints for simplicity, but I didn't feel that way there at all." See more
Christopher says, "The Pachamama Sanctuary offers one of the most powerful, emotional, meaningful experiences of my life. I feel as if I had travelled around the world in one weekend." 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.