Frequently Asked Questions

Purging, which can be emotional, energetic, mental, or physical, happens for most people and is considered a cleansing process that releases negative energies and emotions.

It’s very common to vomit and/or to have diarrhea; this is part of the purgative process and a good sign that you are releasing that which no longer serves you. Purging can also manifest as crying, shaking, laughing, cold sweats, blowing your nose, yawning, feeling feverish, and experiencing intense negative psychological states.

It’s reassuring to know that the purgative experience is temporary and will subside by the next day, for the most part. Some people still might experience upset stomachs, headaches, and negative emotions the day or several days after the ceremony.

The psychedelic brew consists of two main ingredients: the ayahuasca vine, Banisteriopis cappi, and the chacruna leaf, Psychotria virdis. The chacruna leaf contains the psychoactive chemical N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and the ayahuasca vine contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The MAOIs enable the DMT to be experienced in a long-lasting psychedelic journey.

Its legal status varies by country, but it is legal in Peru.

Ayahuasca is not considered addictive. In fact, it has been used in treatments aimed at overcoming addictions to other substances.

Ayahuasca is regarded by indigenous cultures and many modern practitioners as a medicine, offering healing benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.

It varies by individual need, but a retreat includes 3 to 5 ceremonies, depending on which retreat you book, to allow for a profound exploration and healing process. Some people choose to continue working with Ayahuasca regularly, whether that be twice per year, once per year, or every several years. It depends on the individual and what they feel called to do.

Becoming a shaman requires many years of dedication, sacrifice, and training under experienced healers. La Medicina does not offer apprenticeship opportunities.

Effects can begin within a few minutes after ingestion for some people or 60 minutes or more after ingestion for others, peaking around two to three hours in and lasting for 4 to 8 hours, potentially longer.

Indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin have used Ayahuasca for centuries, and its discovery has been attributed to these cultures. It holds significant spiritual and medicinal importance to the Shipibo.

Due to its indigenous origins, the Amazon, particularly in countries like Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, is considered the heartland for authentic Ayahuasca experiences. La Medicina offers a traditional environment in the Amazon Jungle, working with indigenous Shipibo healers to experience the transformative power of Ayahuasca.

Tobacco (Mapacho) is considered a sacred plant in the Shipibo tradition, used for purification and protection during ceremonies. Mapacho, a sacred jungle tobacco, is an indispensable ally of the Shipibo healers. The healers smoke Mapacho during the ceremony and sometimes smudge patients with Mapacho smoke to clear away negative energies while calling in positive energies. It is used mainly for grounding, protection, and calling in a particular intention. Shipibo healers believe that tobacco smoke feeds the spirits of the plants. Ceremony participants are also given the option to smoke Mapacho if they so desire. Smoking Mapacho during ceremonies can help people come to their center if they feel ungrounded.

The primary language spoken is English, but our healers only speak Spanish and Shipibo. Our facilitators know Spanish and can translate it if needed.

At La Medicina, there are a variety of rooms to choose from, providing options for people with different tastes in accommodation. There are a couple of fully contained studios, single-occupancy rooms, double-occupancy rooms, and two eco-tambos for those seeking a truly traditional experience. Most rooms have a connected terrace so that guests can relax outside in their own space. All rooms, except the eco-tambo and two rooms in Casa Nueva, have their own bathroom. Hammocks are provided for each room, with a place to hang them up and enjoy them.

Wi-Fi is not available at La Medicina, and guests are discouraged from using mobile devices and laptops while on retreat so they can focus on their healing process.

Activities may include yoga, meditation, nature walks, conversations with facilitators and other guests, and opportunities for personal reflection and rest. There is also a curated library. The library contains over 850 books on plant medicines, shamanism, eastern spiritual traditions, esoteric wisdom, philosophy, nutrition, crystals, and many other topics.

Guests can use our many paths for nature walks, which will allow them to connect with the natural environment.

We do not offer individual ceremonies. For private retreats, please inquire at info@la-medicina.com.

Laundry services are not available.

Both solo and group attendance are encouraged, as they offer different benefits. Attending alone can foster personal introspection while attending with loved ones can provide mutual support and unique opportunities for relational and generational healing.

Yes, we offer Master Plant Dietas, which allow participants to deepen their healing and spiritual connection through the guidance of specific plants. Many Master Plants grow on the property at La Medicina. You can read more about Master Plant Dietas here, and you can book a Master Plant Dieta at La Medicina here.

Inquire about the facilitators’ experience and qualifications, the source and preparation of the Ayahuasca, and any safety protocols in place.

We do not offer preparation support beyond what we’ve detailed on our Ayahuasca preparation page.

Retreats can be booked through our website, which provides detailed information on available dates and prices.

The review process typically takes up to 14 days, as we carefully consider each application to ensure the safety and compatibility of all participants.

Our website provides detailed information, including retreat descriptions, pricing details, and a calendar of upcoming retreats.

Our policy includes partial refunds for cancellations made within a specified timeframe before the retreat start date. You can read our terms and conditions here.

We maintain small group sizes with a limit of 12 guests per retreat to ensure personal attention. Facilitator to participant ratio depends on the number of participants in the retreat. We typically have a minimum of three facilitators present on site, with two fully dedicated to the group.

Shorter retreats, suitable for newcomers, offer an introduction to Ayahuasca, while longer retreats allow for deeper exploration and healing. The best duration depends on individual needs and intentions. Our 6 day/5 night retreat offers 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies. The 8 day/7 night retreat has 4 ceremonies. The 10 day/9 night retreat and the 15 day/14 night Master Plant Dieta have 5 ceremonies.

No.

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

At La Medicina we have a dog and a cat that live on site. In order to provide comfort and safety to our animals and participants we do not allow any pets to be brought to the property.

Yes, couples are welcome and can choose to share accommodations if they wish, fostering a shared healing journey.

We do not currently have a financial aid or scholarship program, but if this is something that you are seeking, feel free to contact us at info@la-medicina.com. We offer a 15% discount to returning guests (this does not apply to the dieta retreat).

Visitors to Peru typically need a passport valid for at least six months. While some nationalities require a visa, many do not. Based on current health advisories, vaccinations, and health precautions are recommended.

Tarapoto Airport – Cadete FAP Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport.