Selva Madre Healing Center

This retreat is on the edge of the jungle, but still only 30 minutes from the nearby city of Iquitos. They picked me up at my Airbnb in Iquitos and from there it was about a 30 minute trip by 3-wheel moto-taxi, boat, and another moto-taxi (this is the primary mode of ground transportation in the area). The retreat consists of a clearing with small common building at the entrance containing 2 hammocks and 2 dining tables, also a kitchen though as guests we did not enter it. There are 8 cabins. The cabins are basic but comfortable with concrete floors, mosquito netting windows, and no electricity. You are constantly immersed in the symphony of the jungle, especially at night which for me was a valuable part of the experience. Think crickets and frogs chirping but at hundreds of different frequencies and patterns that all seem to be working together. And some unusual bird calls. During the day we spotted some tiny monkeys in the trees. At the end of the clearing there is a temple where ceremonies take place.
I felt very well taken care of during my stay. At one point I was constipated and they kept delivering remedies until it was resolved lol. The food prepared was mostly delicious with the only exceptions occurring on days where we observed the bland ayahuasca dieta, and they were not strict with the diet so this was only a couple of meals. They took us out on two excursions, once to a butterfly farm and animal sanctuary, and then on a longer trip down the river where we visited another animal sanctuary and hiked through a community to visit a large tree with spiritual significance. The ceremonies were beautiful, especially the ikaros which are the chants that the shamans do during ceremony. Iquitos and the surrounding area was like nowhere else I’ve ever visited and the people at the retreat exuded a warmth and friendliness that I really appreciated. I highly recommend Selva Madre if you are seeking an authentic experience and you are okay with sacrificing some small comforts (air conditioning for example) to get it. For we it was well worth it.

Words truly cannot express the profound sense of healing, connection, and transformation I experienced at Selva Madre. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with literal open arms by Don Luis, his son Luis, and Anderson, feeling an immediate sense of warmth and safety. Their genuine care and connection made me feel fully supported throughout my entire journey, which I believe was instrumental in deepening my experience with the medicine.

The team, consisting of three incredibly gifted shamans and a compassionate kitchen staff, created an atmosphere infused with wisdom and kindness. This environment allowed me to fully surrender and embrace the power of the plant medicine in a space that felt both physically and spiritually safe.

The four Ayahuasca ceremonies were a journey through understanding, growth, and profound mysticism. The shamans, Don Luis, Luis, and Anderson, perfectly balance preparation and respect for each individual’s experience, without imposing suggestions. During the ceremonies, which last around two hours, I felt deeply connected to an ancient practice that awakened all my physical senses and expanded my mental state. The presence of the Amazon rainforest surrounding us heightened the experience, amplifying the power of the spirits called by the shamans. Having three shamans guiding us created a synergy, where the collective power truly felt greater than the sum of its parts. While each person will process the medicine in their own unique way, the set and setting at Selva Madre couldn't be more ideal for the transformative experience I came seeking.

The grounds of Selva Madre were exactly what I had hoped for—a serene clearing nestled in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by vibrant plants and animals. During the days, I found peace swinging in a hammock or relaxing in my cabin, watching monkeys move through the trees and marveling at the flocks of parrots migrating overhead every morning and evening. This serene environment allowed my body to relax while my mind processed the powerful ceremonies.

The jungle is alive with sounds that deepened my connection to nature, bringing me the profound sense of oneness my soul was yearning for. Unlike some centers that offer a more "Westernized" experience with pools or distractions, Selva Madre offers the real deal. If you are seeking a truly transformative week with shamans whose lineage spans generations, this is the place for you.