Mission & History
At La Medicina, nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon Jungle and in partnership with the Shipibo tribe, we hold a deep conviction that health, happiness, and freedom are not merely aspirations but the very essence of our birthright. Anchored in the wisdom of ancient traditions, we embrace the transformative power of the medicine, guiding each soul on a journey of profound self-discovery and healing.
We understand that the path to personal evolution is paved with authenticity, integrity, vulnerability, and patience. It’s a journey of opening one’s heart to the endless possibilities of what can be, of embracing one’s true self with courage and compassion.
We are committed to the principle of unconditional giving, recognizing it as the most direct path to the expansion of human consciousness. We choose this journey daily, understanding that each step taken is a step towards a more connected, conscious, and harmonious world.
In this sacred endeavor, we are devoted to empowering individuals to empower themselves. We provide the tools, knowledge, and space for each person to awaken their inner healer, realize their full potential, and forge a path of self-empowerment that extends beyond our retreat center and into the heart of their lives.
Together, let us embark on this path of healing, discovery, and alchemy, unlocking the infinite potential that resides within us all. By empowering ourselves, we light the way for others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and healing that touches lives far beyond our own.
The genesis of La Medicina traces back to 2011 when Chris and Nori Odle embarked on a journey by acquiring a lush expanse that would transform into the sanctuary it is today. Over a decade, they poured their hearts and souls into the land, meticulously crafting water systems, pathways, and buildings and nurturing the community ties, expanding the haven to its current sprawling 30+ hectares (75 acres) of flourishing, untamed wilderness.
By 2022, after a decade of stewardship, which welcomed countless souls from across the globe, all finding deep healing in the embrace of Ayahuasca and the expertise of compassionate healers, Chris and Nori passed the torch, retiring from their roles. It was in early 2022 that we, honored and humbled, stepped into the legacy of La Medicina, becoming the new guardians of this natural oasis, committed to preserving its natural water courses and abundant wildlife.
Our connection to the Shipibo healers, cultivated over a decade, made our transition to the stewardship of La Medicina a seamless process. We work with healers we have known for a very long time and have developed complete trust in them during those years. To keep things in balance, we always have male and female maestros present for each retreat and each ceremony. This deep-rooted respect for the traditional use of Ayahuasca informs every aspect of our work.
Our foremost commitment is creating a safe container for transformation and healing. The collective expertise of our staff, almost all having at least a decade of experience with Ayahuasca, alongside the integral roles played by everyone from the groundskeepers to the cooks, who have all partaken of the medicine, solidifies a supportive and understanding environment for our guests. At La Medicina, every member of our team is dedicated to facilitating a journey of self-discovery and healing for each individual.
Embracing diversity in all its forms, from the rich biodiversity of our jungle to the myriad of human experiences, is a cornerstone of our philosophy. Though English serves as the lingua franca of our retreats, we celebrate the variety of languages and backgrounds our team and guests bring to this collective journey. We receive guests from every continent (Antarctica remains an exception—for now), and we are proud to serve a diversified clientele.
On an annual basis, we dedicate about half of our time to working with veterans of war. We currently work with two non-profit organizations – Heroic Hearts Project USA and Heroic Hearts Project UK. This privileged work allows us to support the brave souls who’ve served, aiding their path to recovery and peace. The other half of our annual schedule is dedicated to private retreats and serving the public, where witnessing the transformative power of our work fills us with gratitude and love.
At La Medicina, our passion for nurturing self-empowerment, healing, and transformation is matched only by the love that infuses every facet of our retreat. It’s a privilege to witness the extraordinary journeys of our guests. We love what we do, and we do it with love!