Shamanic Initiation in Peru — March 1–26, 2027
A 26-day immersion in the Shipibo tradition — intensive Master Plant Dieta, nine Ayahuasca ceremonies & a complete training program in the heart of the Amazon.
Early Bird: $4,900 USD — first four confirmed bookings · Full Price $5,200 USD
During the Shamanic Initiation
Twenty-six days at El Encanto de Chullachaqui, walking the shamanic path of the Shipibo people — guided by Maestro Don Miguel and his family through dieta, ceremony, and study.
Guided by Shipibo Healers
Work with authentic Shipibo healers who carry ancestral knowledge through generations, immersed in sacred plant wisdom that reaches far beyond Ayahuasca.
Sacred Ceremonies
Nine traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies across the program, held in safe, sacred spaces that honor the plant spirits and your own process.
Intensive Master Plant Dieta
One or two traditional Master Plant Dietas — solitude, silence, and a profound bond with the plant spirit that can guide you for years to come.
Full Training Program
Classes and workshops on icaros, master plants, plant treatments, shamanic tools, and Shipibo cosmology — learning by studying and by doing.
Personalized Healing
Individual consultations and energetic work with the maestro before, during, and after ceremony, tailored to your own path.
Trauma-Informed & Culturally Rooted
A bridge between indigenous tradition and modern therapeutic practice — respectful, grounded, and safe.
What to Expect
This 26-day immersive retreat in the Peruvian Amazon follows the traditions of the Shipibo lineage. You will engage in an authentic Master Plant Dieta — a practice of solitude, silence, and deep connection, forming a profound bond with the plant spirit whose guidance can span years. The dieta is woven together with nine Ayahuasca ceremonies, teachings, workshops, and communal sharing.
An important word of honesty: completing this program does not make you a shaman, and we do not confer titles or professional authority. In the Shipibo tradition, becoming a healer is a lifelong process of personal growth, discipline, and devotion. What this initiation offers is a sincere beginning — or deepening — of that path: a sacred passage toward spiritual awakening, plant wisdom, ancestral knowledge, and your own discipline and study.
The program is structured into three blocks: Healing and Cleansing (days 1–10), Deepening the Connection (days 11–17), with an extended period of silence, and Practicing and Integration (days 18–26) — each with its own rhythm of ceremony, dieta, study, and rest.
Choosing Your Master Plant
The Master Plant Dieta is a journey into the heart of the forest — and of the soul. The choice of plant is guided by the maestro, drawing on centuries of accumulated wisdom, though sometimes the plant itself calls to you through dreams or visions. Among the sacred plants worked with in this tradition are Noya Rao, Bobinsana, Chiric Sanango, Ayahuma, Marusa, and Chullachaqui.
The core of the dieta is to forge a bond with your chosen plant spirit — a relationship meant to endure a lifetime. Its depth is sculpted by your dedication and sincerity. Upon completion, the curandero closes the dieta and sets the traditional spiritual safeguards.
Who Should Embark on This Sacred Plant Dieta?
This initiation beckons those drawn to the paths of Shipibo shamanism — whether you are seasoned in plant medicine or eager to begin a serious study. It asks for commitment to the profound: respecting the dietary and lifestyle strictures that the tradition requires.
The dieta is a pledge to transformation. Stepping away from everyday indulgences is not deprivation — it is a signal of readiness for change, and an openness to the gifts the plants may offer: healing, guidance, and even new abilities. What you renounce for these weeks, you exchange for depth.
The 26 Days: Three Blocks
The initiation moves through three phases, each building on the last — from cleansing, to deepening, to practice.
Block One: Healing and Cleansing (Days 1–10)
- Welcome and orientation to immerse you into our community and the healing journey ahead.
- Personal consultations with Don Miguel to tailor your individual healing experience.
- 5 Ayahuasca ceremonies to initiate the opening and cleansing of your spiritual pathways.
- Beginning of your Master Plant dieta.
- Daily integrative activities tailored to enhance your healing process, including:
- Icaros classes: dive deep into the heart of Shipibo healing with these sacred songs, learning their meanings and how they are used in ceremonies for healing and protection.
- Workshops on working with Ayahuasca, exploring the ceremonial use, history, and preparation of this sacred medicine.
- Practical workshops on the use of shamanic tools, including mapacho (sacred tobacco) and the ceremonial pipe.
- Group sharing circles to foster community, understanding, and mutual support among participants.
- Detailed workshops on Shipibo culture, offering insights into the traditions and practices of plant medicine.
- Plant treatments, including the use of purgative plants and Mucura treatment, to cleanse the body and spirit.
- Traditional saunas and purgative plant treatments to aid in the detoxification and cleansing process.
- Group lectures on the Shipibo's traditions, Master Plants, and their roles in the healing journey.
By integrating these elements into the first block, you'll start your journey with a strong foundation in both the practical and spiritual aspects of the shamanic path.
Block Two: Deepening the Connection (Days 11–17)
- An extended period of silence for reflection, focusing on inner healing and self-discovery.
- Traditional Shipibo culinary experiences, with two meals a day to align with dietary cleanses.
- Continued individual healing sessions and plant baths for deep detoxification.
- Ongoing personal consultations with Don Miguel to guide your spiritual journey.
- Expansive workshops aimed at understanding visions, deepening connections, and emotional healing.
- Integration sessions featuring art therapy, journaling, and guided reflections.
- Additional icaros classes to deepen your understanding of sacred songs and their healing powers.
In Block Two, you delve deeper, aligning closely with your Master Plant dieta, fostering a profound bond with nature and spiritual realms, and preparing for the practical application of your learning.
Block Three: Practicing and Integration (Days 18–26)
- 4 concluding Ayahuasca ceremonies to solidify your transformation and readiness for reintegration.
- Practical application of icaros within ceremonies to enhance your spiritual connection.
- Hands-on experience in preparing Ayahuasca, plant treatments, and the traditional Shipibo sauna.
- Instruction in the preparation of spiritual baths, including the Love bath and Mucura.
- A guided plant-garden walk with Don Miguel, offering insights into the properties and preparations of various Master Plants.
- A closing circle to share experiences, insights, and transformations.
- Final individual consultations and blessings from Don Miguel, ensuring you're supported for the journey ahead.
- Integration planning sessions to develop strategies for incorporating your newfound knowledge and insights into everyday life.
- Closing of your Master Plant Dieta; learning the meaning of the Arkana and Post Dieta.
- A farewell feast and celebration with the Shipibo family and fellow participants to honor the journey and the community built together.
Block Three transitions you from learning to application, emphasizing the practical aspects of the shamanic path. The final Ayahuasca ceremonies and hands-on healing practices solidify your transformation — preparing you for real-world integration and the beginning of a new chapter in your spiritual journey.
Is this retreat for you?
This retreat is for you if…
- You are ready for sustained inner work — not a quick fix — with the support of an experienced, trauma-informed team.
- You are navigating a life transition, or working with the weight of depression, anxiety, or old trauma, and want a safe, well-held container.
- You feel called to the path of Shipibo shamanism — whether seasoned in plant medicine or ready to begin a serious, disciplined study.
- You are prepared to commit to the dietary and lifestyle requirements of an extended dieta: a real renunciation of everyday comforts, taken on as a pledge to transformation.
It may not be appropriate if…
- You have certain psychiatric or heart conditions, or take medications (including many antidepressants) that are not compatible with Ayahuasca — our screening reviews this carefully with you.
- You are looking for a recreational experience, or cannot follow the dietary and behavioural requirements of a dieta.
- Our screening exists to protect you. If we believe now is not the right time, we will tell you honestly.
Traditional Amazonian medicine has long been used to support people living with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, chronic illness, digestive and nervous-system conditions, and many past participants describe meaningful shifts. These accounts reflect traditional knowledge and personal experience — not guaranteed medical outcomes. A retreat is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.
Availability & Pricing
All prices are in US dollars and include the complete 26-day retreat package.
4 of 4 Early Bird places remaining. A place counts only once you are accepted after screening and your deposit or full payment is received — submitting an application does not reserve it.
| Rate | Price | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | $4,900 | The first four confirmed bookings for this date. |
| Full Price | $5,200 | Standard public price once Early Bird places are filled. |
| Returning Participant | $4,300 | For participants of a previous eligible AYA program. Verified by the AYA team; does not expire with Early Bird. |
| Sacred South | $4,000 | For Central & South American residents, honoring our shared heritage. Eligibility is reviewed and confirmed by the AYA team during application. |
Deposit: $550 USD to confirm your place after acceptance. Payment plans are available — try the simulator below.
Displaying a price does not guarantee acceptance: participation requires an application, health and medication screening, a conversation with our team, and formal acceptance. See our terms & conditions for cancellation and refund terms.
- Start: March 1, 2027 · End: March 26, 2027
- 26 days, private accommodation, 2–3 meals per day
- 9 Ayahuasca ceremonies
- 1 or 2 Master Plant Dietas
- Full training program: icaros, master plants, plant treatments
- Plant baths, icaros, sacred tobacco
- Personalized plant treatments
- World-class safety standards
- Preparation & Integration 1h session before and after the retreat
Payment Plan Simulator
Monthly amount does not include the deposit (paid upfront). Returning Participant and Sacred South rates require verification by the AYA team. Your final payment schedule is confirmed with our office after acceptance, and the full balance must be paid before the start of the retreat.
What's Included
Included
- Nine traditional Shipibo Ayahuasca ceremonies
- One or two Master Plant Dietas, opened and closed by the curandero
- Full training program: icaros classes, workshops, shamanic tools & Shipibo culture
- Private accommodation for the full retreat
- All meals (2–3 per day), prepared to dieta requirements
- Plant baths, icaros, sacred tobacco & traditional treatments
- Personal consultations with Maestro Don Miguel
- Pre-retreat preparation session & post-retreat integration session
- Full translation from Spanish and Shipibo to English
- Ground transfer between Iquitos and the retreat center
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Accommodation in Iquitos before and after the retreat
- Travel insurance (required)
- Peruvian visa costs, where applicable
- Personal expenses and meals outside the retreat
Embracing Authentic Traditions: The Heart of Our Retreats
Our retreats are rooted in the shamanic traditions of the Peruvian healers — a comprehensive journey that goes far beyond Ayahuasca alone. Through workshops on icaros, Master Plants, and a variety of plant treatments, you are offered an immersive educational experience grounded in ancient wisdom.
The holistic approach of traditional shamanic natural medicine extends to personalized treatments, embracing the full spectrum of the tradition — so that what you learn here is carried in the body and spirit, not only in the mind.
Healers, Guides & Facilitators
The facilitation team for this date will be confirmed and announced ahead of the retreat.
Don Miguel
Known as Senen Yoi — "Speaking the Truth" — Don Miguel was born in Roaboya on the River Ucayali and apprenticed in plant dietas from a young age under his grandfather, the curandero Angel Sanchez Vargas. A trained literature professor and teacher of Shipibo language and culture, he has led ceremonies, workshops, and initiations since 2012.
To Be Announced
The lead facilitator for this date will be announced. All our facilitators work trauma-informed and accompany you before, during, and after ceremony.
To Be Announced
The supporting facilitator for this date will be announced ahead of the retreat.
El Encanto de Chullachaqui
Our retreat center rests in the rainforest outside Iquitos, in the Shipibo homeland — reached by river and a short walk into the jungle. You stay in private accommodation surrounded by the living forest, with the ceremony maloca, plant baths, and the family of the center around you.
Integration & Preparation
Before arriving, you'll receive personalized guidance to prepare your body, mind and spirit. After the retreat, we offer continued support to help you integrate the insights and healing into your daily life.
Support: We're Here to Help
At AYA Healing Retreats, we believe in providing full support to ensure a seamless and transformative experience. If you have any questions or need guidance, our team is here for you every step of the way.
Comprehensive Support Before and After Your Journey with Us
Your transformative journey is fully supported with dedicated guidance before and after your retreat. Begin with a personalized preparation session, designed to help you mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare for the deep work ahead — with essential tools, practices, and insights so you step into the experience with clarity and readiness.
After your retreat, continue your journey of integration with a one-hour personalized session, helping you ground and embody the experiences and insights gained. Using somatic-based approaches, this session supports you in applying your healing and transformation to everyday life, ensuring lasting impact and continued personal growth.
Read our preparation guide →
Explore our integration support →
Questions before you apply?
Not sure whether this retreat, these dates, or this medicine path is right for you? Book a free exploratory call with our team — an honest conversation, not a sales call — or write to us any time.
Apply with: The Path to AYA
This retreat is for those ready to commit to their healing path with respect, humility and intention. Applying does not guarantee acceptance, and payment is only possible after acceptance.
- Pre-apply with the short form on this page, to help us get to know you.
- Complete the full application — as soon as you submit the short form, the full questionnaire opens right away, including your health and medication history.
- Speak with our team. We review every application carefully and schedule a call to make sure this is the right fit.
- Receive our honest assessment. If this retreat is right for you, you receive an acceptance and a private payment link.
- Confirm your place with the $550 deposit or full payment. Early Bird places are counted only at this step.
- Prepare with our guidelines and your personal preparation session.
- Travel to Iquitos — we handle the transfer to the center, the retreat itself, and your integration afterwards.
Application form
The short pre-application takes about two minutes.
What Our Guests Say
Hear directly from those who have walked this journey with us. Videos load only when you press play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this retreat suitable for first-timers?
Yes. We support both newcomers and experienced participants with personalized guidance — what matters most is honest preparation and following the guidelines we send you before arrival.
How do I know which plant I will dieta with?
Our team will guide you based on your intentions and needs. The final plant is chosen in agreement with our maestros — and sometimes the plant itself calls to you through dreams or visions.
Will I be a shaman after the 26 days?
No — and we believe honesty about this matters. In the Shipibo tradition, becoming a healer is a lifelong path of discipline, dieta, and devotion. This initiation is a serious beginning or deepening of that path: it offers study, practice, and relationship with the plant traditions, but it does not confer a title or professional authority.
Is this retreat safe if I take medication?
Some medications, including many antidepressants, are not compatible with Ayahuasca. Our screening includes a full health and medication review, and we will advise you honestly. Never stop a medication without the supervision of your prescribing doctor.
What if I need help integrating afterwards?
We offer group calls and personalized support post-retreat, including your one-to-one integration session.
Ready to take the first step?
Places for the Shamanic Initiation, March 1–26, 2027, are limited, and the Early Bird rate applies only to the first four confirmed bookings. The first step is a conversation, not a payment.
Apply now Book a free exploratory call
More dates: full retreat calendar · preparation · health & safety · terms & conditions