Arkana Ayahuasca Retreat: A Complete Guide to Healing in Peru
Some travels temporarily shift your consciousness while others transform you. There was a lot of darkness clouding my entire being before I left for Peru — going through a break up, existential crisis, pre 30 jitters (I was not okay).
Pre-Ayahuasca in Pisac
2019 was a tough year for me but also a monumental one — I turned 30. Before starting a new decade I wanted to free myself of blockages and negative patterns that were piling up internally throughout the years. I was sick of feeling trapped and I wanted a “breakthrough”.
Yoga and meditation have been an integral part of my evolution, but this past year I was drawn to something more — Mama Ayahuasca. Months before the retreat I felt forces pushing me towards the high vibrational energy, healing modalities, & plant medicines of Peru. And now looking back, it makes sense when they say “Mama Ayahuasca comes to you when you’re ready”.
My 7 Day Ayahuasca Retreat at Arkana Spiritual Center was a trip indeed — a journey inward to light and love. If you’ve had a strong calling toward Mama Ayahuasca, curious about the experience, or seeking healing of any sort - here’s everything you need to know about a 1 week Ayahuasca Retreat at Arkana Sprirtual Center in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
What is Ayahausca?
Ayahuasca Ceremony Temple
Drop any misconception you have about Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is not a recreational drug to get high from or a magic pill that erases your problems. To the indigenous people of the Amazon, Ayahuasca is more than just a plant — it’s a sacred, ancestral ritual for healing.
What's Ayahuasca exactly? It's a tea brewed by shamans from the Amazon jungle to enter altered states of consciousness. Historically, patients would visit shamans for healing from physical, mental, or emotional ailments. During a visit, the shamans would drink Ayahuasca to receive guidance from the “plant spirit" to diagnose the course of treatment for their patients.
Traditions are still deeply rooted in Ayahuasca ceremonies, and in recent decades shamans started serving Ayahuasca to patients under their supervision. The Ayahuasca is brewed by the shamans using Ayahuasca vine and Chacruno leaves grown in the Amazon. These plants naturally contain hallucinogenic properties such as DMT. So the combination of these plants form a powerful psychedelic brew that affects the central nervous system leading to altered states of consciousness such as out of body experiences, hallucinations, and euphoria.
Ayahuasca has become a global phenomenon and popularly sought out by many Westerners for its powerful, healing properties. Ayahuasca is known for curing psychological issues such as PTSD, chronic depression, addictions, as well as physical illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and psoriasis. Some describe their Ayahuasca experience equivalent to years of professional, psycho-therapy.
Why I chose
Arkana Ayahuasca RETREAT?
Sacred Valley retreat center
SAFETY & CREDIBILITY
Since this was my first time experiencing Ayahuasca or any plant medicine in a foreign country, my #1 priorities were safety and credibility. The internet is bombarded with horror stories about Ayahuasca and forget about telling friends and family, they will quickly shut you down.
Retreat group with shamans & facilitators
After rummaging through every Google article, YouTube video, AyaAdvisor review and stalking social media accounts of past Ayahuasca participants, I chose Arkana Spiritual Center for my first Ayahuasca retreat.
The main reason I chose Arkana Spiritual Center was due to its hundreds of glowing reviews on AyaAdvisor (a website dedicated to reviews on Ayahuasca retreats around the world). Arkana Spiritual Center was the #1 rated center in Peru on the website.
After spending time at Arkana I can attest to the safety and credibility of the center. The retreat is run by professional and experienced shamans + facilitators, and security/ staff are always on site. As a woman traveling solo I always felt safe during the retreat.
LOCATION
Experiencing Ayahuasca for the first time, I wanted it from the source. Casually trying it in someone’s basement in New York is literally not my cup of Ayahuasca. I wanted to experience the sacredness of the plant and Peru was the ideal setting.
Sacred Valley views
Arkana has two centers in Peru, one in the Sacred Valley and the other in Iquitos (Peruvian Amazon). As much as I wanted the raw Ayahuasca experience in the Amazon, snakes and spiders are not my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard magical things about the Amazon, but I opted for the more comfortable Arkana location in Peru — the Sacred Valley.
View from room balcony
Arkana’s Sacred Valley retreat center was the perfect place to experience Ayahuasca for the first time. Waking up everyday to the river flowing, birds chirping, grass between my toes, and the Andes in the distance eased my worries and anxieties. I was in my element more than ever and Arkana Spiritual Center quickly became my Sacred-Valley space.
AUTHENTIC SHAMANS - THE SHIPIBO
I wanted my Ayahuasca experience to be led by authentic shamans — not by new age, hippies from California. At Arkana Spritual Center, participants are guided by the Shipibo indigenous tribes from the Ucayali region of the Amazon River basin. For over 2000 years, the Shipibo shamans have been the “caretakers of the jungle”. They continue to practice traditions past down from their ancestors, including Ayahuasca rituals and other plant medicines of the Amazon.
The Shipibo shamans have gone through years of training, apprenticeship and master plant diets. The plant spirit is ingrained in their souls — transferring energetic healing to patients and curing imbalances such as physical diseases, emotional blockages, and negative thought patterns. Maestra Justina, mother of our retreat shaman Maestro Eligio, is said to have guided Ayahausca ceremonies even while she was pregnant. She’s widely known for her healing powers in the Amazon - here’s a short video about Maestra Justina:
COMFORTABLE ROOMS
Comfy single room
I knew the retreat would push me beyond my comfort zone so I wanted to make sure that my accommodations were comfortable.
There are two options for lodging at Arkana:
1) Single Room with Private Bathroom
2) Shared Double Room with Private Bathroom
I was already anxious about the Ayahuasca ceremonies so I didn’t want to add another stressor to my retreat so I opted for a Single Room. I loved having my private space, especially after the ceremonies.
The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and had all the western amenities I needed (well equipped with toiletries, towels, and outlets). The Sacred Valley gets cold during the night and it was convenient to have extra blanks and a heater in the room. There’s also a cleaning staff on site, daily housekeeping, and free laundry service during the retreat.
Home Sweet Arkana
OPTIONS FOR OTHER PLANT MEDICINES
Ayahuasca is the main plant medicine of the retreat, but Arkana also includes other plant medicines to enhance each person’s overall experience. With professional guidance by experienced shamans and facilitators, Arkana holds a safe space to experience plant medicines that are normally unavailable in the States.
Nunu (Rape) - On the first day of the retreat, the shamans guided us through a Rape ceremony for grounding which helped prepare us for the first Ayahuasca ceremony the following day. Rape, also known as the “Dust of the Elders”, is tobacco mixed with macambo nut, cacao, and the barks + leaves of medicinal trees from the Amazon jungle.
Temazcal Sweat Lodge
Temazcal Sweat Lodge - We were guided through a Temazcal Sweat Lodge by our facilitators Sara & Rafael during the middle of the week. Temazcal Sweat Lodge is a traditional, Mayan steam bath originating from Mexico. The ceremony is held in a circular, dome-shaped structure, and there's a fire pit in the middle of the dome mixed with water and herbs. It was a great way to sweat out all the toxins in our bodies and to release any tension from the first 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies that were heavy for many of us.
Sapo - Sapo Toad Medicine is optional during the retreat for an extra $200 for those interested. It comes from the Bufo Avarus toad in the Sonoran desert and has the 5-MeO-DMT which is known as the “God molecule”. Many people who’ve tried Sapo have had profound experiences, even claiming that they’ve “met God”. I personally didn’t try Sapo, but many of my retreat friends who did were moved by Sapo more than Ayahuasca. Some described Sapo as “Ayahuasca that lasted for 10 minutes”.
San Pedro - We ended our retreat with San Pedro, which is a more gentle and grounding plant medicine. San Pedro cactus contains a variety of alkaloids, including Mescaline. After the San Pedro ceremony, Rafael our facilitator guided us on a walk by the Urubamba river and we just marveled at nature for a few hours. San Pedro was a great way to balance out the week.
Connecting with nature during San Pedro ceremony
GROUP ACTIVITIES
Drum circle & bonfire
One of the best parts of the retreat was meeting like-minded souls from around the world. In just 7 days, the group of 20 of us quickly became family. But I’m not surprised, we shared a lot of time and personal stories with one another.
The group dynamic is an essential part of the collective energy of the ceremonies. We were all there for our own personal healing, but holding space for one another was just as important as holding space for ourselves.
Group bonding was a big part of the retreat. It was fun to connect with kindred spirits, but to also explore the beautiful Sacred Valley. The high vibrations all around were contagious.
Pisac Day Trip
Before our first Ayahuasca ceremony, we went on a group day trip to the town of Pisac. We explored the markets, ancient ruins, and art galleries around town. It was a great way to get our creative juices flowing and to get to know each other. We were guided by our insightful and poetic facilitator, Rafael.
Strolling through Pisac town
Maras Salt Ponds Hike
It’s easy to get lost in the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley. Just walking distance from the retreat center is the small town of Maras - known for its 5,000 salt ponds belonging to local families in the Sacred Valley.
Maras Salt Ponds are just a quick hike through the dirt roads and hills of Urubamba. Rafael guided us on this spectacular nature walk during sunset just before our last Ayahuasca ceremony. It was a great way to prepare and connect with the local elements of the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu (optional)
Since I was visiting Machu Picchu with my mom after the retreat, I opted out on this group activity. If you don't have time to stay in Peru before or after the retreat, this is a great time to check off Machu Picchu from your bucket list. The staff organizes the trip to Machu Picchu with tickets, transport, guides, and lunch. Cost is about $200 per person.
Machu Picchu - one of 7 Wonders of the World
Shaman Market
Our shamans held a small market at the center to showcase Shipibo handicrafts made by their family members in the Amazon. Shipibo women create most of the colorful and intricate handicrafts during Ayahusca ceremonies. This is a great opportunity to chat with the shamans outside of ceremonies, purchase authentic handicrafts, and support the Shipibos. Check out A.BROAD Travel Shop for Shipibo finds.
AFFORDABLE PRICING
For an official and well organized Ayahuasca retreat, I didn’t expect the price to be cheap. But after comparing and contrasting retreats in Peru, Arkana Spiritual Center’s pricing was one of the more affordable options.
Sacred Valley views
Sacred Valley Retreat Price includes:
+ Round Trip Shuttle to Cusco Airport
+ Private or Shared Room
+ All Meals & Drinks
+ Day Trips to Pisac & Maras Salt Flats w/ Private Guide & Transport
+ 3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
+ 1 Rape Ceremony
+ 1 Sweat Lodge Ceremony
+ 1 San Pedro Ceremony
+ Yoga Classes
+ Sound Bath
Total Price:
Private Room - $1,500
Shared Room - $1,200
FLEXIBLE RETREAT DATES
Arkana Spiritual Center hosts a retreat once a week starting every Sunday which made it easy to plan my trip. Other centers only host retreats on specific dates.
Arkana Spiritual Center offers several options for retreats. From 7 days to 3 weeks, or you can even split your time between the 2 centers. Here are the options:
Sacred Valley or Amazon Offerings
+ 7 Day Ayahuasca Retreat
+ 14 Day Ayahuasca Retreat
+ 21 Day Ayahuasca Retreat
Sacred Valley AND Amazon Offerings
+ 14 Day Ayahuasca Retreat
Ayahuasca Preparation
“The Dieta”
Dieta friendly dishes in Cusco
The Ayahuasca journey begins weeks before the retreat starts. Each participant is required to have a video call with Arkana’s medical specialist who asks questions about medical and family history. Depending on your history, there are restrictions for certain plant medicines - for instance, if your family has a history of Schizophrenia you won’t be able to take Sapo.
My soul number
After going through your medical and family history, the Medical Specialist explains the detailed preparation for Ayahuasca aka “the dieta”. The dieta requires participants to stay away from certain foods/ drinks/ activities such as:
NO caffeine, citric fruits, meat, spices, alcohol, drugs, and sex
(2 weeks before and during the retreat)
The dieta is an important tradition before Ayahuasca ceremonies. The Ayahuasca works more effectively with a pure and cleansed body. Physically preparing the body helps set the plant medicine in motion.
Pre-Ayahuasca Ceremony
First Day Schedule
Not sure if anything could’ve prepared me for the Ayahuasca ceremonies. Here’s a quote that perfectly sums up my feelings pre-ceremony:
“The truth is there is never a completely ready, there is never really a right time. As with any descent to the unconscious, there comes a time when one simply hopes for the best, pinches one’s nose, and jumps into the abyss”.
Intentions With The Shamans
Arkana Yurt in the Sacred Valley
Before the ceremony, each participant privately meets with the shamans and facilitators for an introduction discussing personal history and intentions for the retreat. The Shamans speak minimal English so the facilitators translate the conversation for those who don’t speak Spanish.
After introducing ourselves, the shamans give us insightful advice for the retreat and decide on our dose of Ayahuasca.
Think of your intentions beforehand and focus on a maximum of 3.
Pre-Ceremony Diet
Arkana Center along the Urubamba River
2 hours before the ceremony we aren’t allowed to eat any food or drink liquids. It’s recommended to fast throughout the day for the Ayahuasca to be more effective. The day I fasted, my trip was more vivid and intense. But the retreat can be physically draining so you’re going to want to eat for comfort.
About an hour before the ceremony, we have free time to mentally prepare ourselves whether it’s taking a shower, journaling, walking around the grounds, or listening to music.
What Happens During the Ayahuasca Ceremony?
Ayahuasca ceremony ready
Dimmed lights, no shoes, incense burning — the temple is a small and sacred space to connect with Mama Ayahuasca. There are about 20 beds in the room for participants, facilitators, and shamans. Each bed has blankets, pillows, toilet paper, mapachos (tobacco), palo santo, and a vomit bucket (...I wasn’t joking about the “purge”).
Lights Off..
Once we were situated in our assigned beds, we anxiously awaited our turn to drink the Ayahuasca tea. The shamans prepare the room and Ayahuasca with Shipibo rituals. Once they’re ready, the lights go off and one by one each person receives the Ayahuasca tea in a small cup from the shaman. After you receive the Ayahuasca you go back to your bed and wait for the medicine to hit, which takes about 45 minutes.
(By the way — AYAHUASCA TASTES TERRIBLE. Don’t expect it to taste like your favorite fruit drink…)
The Purge
Ayahuasca is also known as “the purge” for very evident reasons. Not only are you releasing everything that no longer serves you, you literally vomit, cry, and (excuse my french) shit everything out. The first hour of Ayahuasca is your own personal “purge-atory” and don’t try to stop it because you’ll feel even worse.
Mural at Shaman Vegan in Cusco
After purging for minutes or hours (everyone’s experience is different), the magic starts to happen. A mix of good and bad hallucinations, colorful images/shapes, good and bad memories, light/ love/ darkness from 8pm till 2am.
Even though the temple is small and the beds are extremely close to each other, Ayahuasca is not a social ceremony. You are going through your own trip, while the people around you are merely passengers in the journey.
Everyone’s experience is different, but you try your best to trust and surrender to the medicine. Mama Ayahuasca is wise and knows what’s best for everyone.
Icaros
Once the plant spirit starts connecting with the shamans, they begin to sing their “icaros”. Icaros are sacred songs sung by the shamans that transfer healing energy from the plant spirit. Once the Ayahuasca kicks in, each rhythm and word of the icaros hits every fiber of your body. I’ve felt the icaros dig deep inside my soul and rewire my brain and heart. Every shaman has a different style of icaros depending on how the plant spirit guides and affects them. At the end of Ceremony 3, every participant receives a personal icaro of protection from each shaman (also known as an Arkana).
Yoga Shala at Healing House Cusco
Second Dose
After a few hours, the shamans will offer a second dose to the group. Everyone’s experience is different, some people can’t feel their face by that time while others haven’t felt a thing. It’s under everyone’s discretion to have a second dose. Facilitators will check in with each participant and the shaman before pouring the second dose. After the shamans pour the second dose, they continue to sing the icaros and guide the ceremony.
Lights on..
Once the medicine fades, the shamans close the ceremony and start to gradually turn the lights back on. The facilitators walk around the room with tea and fruits once the shamans leave. You can stay on the ceremony bed, sit outside, or go straight to your room. Once you do decide to walk to your room, security escorts you from the temple. Not sure about everyone else, but the moment I arrived in my room, I normally went straight to sleep.
My Ayahuasca Experience
My Sacred-Valley Space
When we hear the word “retreat” we automatically think “relaxation”, but an Ayahuasca retreat requires a lot of inner work. Ayahuasca forces us to go through feelings and memories that we normally ignore in our consciousness.
Ayahuasca didn’t “solve” my problems, but it did lead me to powerful insights. My ceremonies were a mix of dark feelings, euphoric moments, and a lot of purging.
2 weeks before the retreat, I ended my 7 year relationship with my once love of my life. My heart was torn in pieces so expectedly, I cried, puked, and purged out my sadness. Ayahuasca didn’t cure my heartache, but it did help me make peace with the past (felt like I went through 1 year of break up suffering in 7 days).
CEREMONY 1 - TRUST & SURRENDER
I was extremely nervous before the first ceremony so my intentions were to “trust and surrender”. To my surprise, Mama Ayahuasca was more gentle and comforting than I anticipated. I experienced a lot of psychedelic colors and shapes that I’ve only seen in paintings. But it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns, some memories of my ex-boyfriend came up and I cried profusely. At the end of my trip, I was thankfully comforted with loving, childhood memories of my dad (who passed away 12 years ago) then fell asleep.
CEREMONY 2 - DARK & DEEP
My second ceremony was the most intense. I was in a dark tunnel (for what felt like hours) marinating in the worst feelings imaginable like loneliness, sadness, heartbreak, and grief. The dark tunnel was painful and scary — I cried uncontrollably at the edge of my bed while the shamans sang their icaros.
During my time in that dark tunnel, there was always a ladder that Mama Ayahuasca invited me to walk up. I denied the invitation numerous times, but eventually found the courage to walk up. It was in that moment where I finally felt at peace with the past (specifically about my recent break up). There was nothing to control or change, and despite how my relationship ended, I was grateful to experience love. I closed my eyes and felt so connected to myself and the universe. At the end of my trip, I was comforted again with loving memories of my dad and fell asleep.
CEREMONY 3 - LIGHT & LOVE
By ceremony 3, I was emotionally exhausted. I just wanted to feel light and love, so I made that my intention. I was a bit distracted during the first half of the ceremony, so I decided to take 2 doses of Ayahuasca for the first time.
After my second dose, things started to hit and my ceremony became one out of body experience. I felt green light (representing Mama Ayahuasca) in and around me, rewiring my brain & heart, and peeling toxic layers of my existence. I felt a strong force of light shooting up from my body into the heavens. And for the first time in my life I felt light, love, and clarity within. It was beautiful and I couldn’t have chosen a better way to close out my Ayahuasca experience.
In my element
What did I learn from Mama Ayahuasca?
The light & love I’m constantly searching for is just within.
I am good enough and exactly where I’m supposed to be.
There’s always a ladder at rock bottom waiting for us to climb up.
Let things flow & trust the process - let go & let God.
Healing takes time & conscious effort each day.
We are all on the same journey, one journey.
Useful Tips for
Ayahuasca Retreat
Be open & patient - Ayahuasca will push you beyond your comfort zone. Mama Ayahuasca knows what you need, trust her.
Evaluate intentions - avoid veering off course and focus on a maximum of 3 intentions.
Journal - especially after ceremonies to remember visions and insights.
Follow the dieta - the more you follow it, the more effective Ayahuasca will be.
Connecting with Pachamama
Respect traditions - Ayahuasca is a sacred ritual to the Shipibos. Be culturally appropriate.
Disconnect from your phone - avoid distractions. Focus on yourself and your healing.
Spend time in nature - connect with Pachamama (Mother Nature) and take advantage of the beautiful grounds.
Make time in Peru before and after retreat - there’s so much to see and experience in the country.
Keep in touch with Arkana fam - they’ll become forever friends and a great resource for integration.
What to Pack for the Arkana Ayahuasca Retreat?
Hike to Maras
Warm clothing (think of brisk fall weather)
Loose clothing (it gets a bit warmer during the day - I went in August)
Bathing suit for Temazcal
Active wear for hikes & yoga
Flashlight
Book to journal
Refillable water bottle
Be sure to make room in your suitcase (so much good finds in Peru)
What to Wear During the Ayahuasca Ceremony?
Dress in layers and as comfortable as possible. It gets chilly in the room and by the time the ceremony finishes it’ll be past 2am. Throughout the ceremony you’ll feel hot/cold/hot/cold. So your best bet is to “dress like an onion” — you’ll be twisting and turning in bed, while constantly adding and peeling layers.
Retreat ladies
Ayahuasca Ceremony Outfits:
Loose fitting pants with thermal leggings under
Tank top with warm sweater and scarf on top
Comfy shoes to wear to temple
Warm socks
Glasses (if you wear contact lens)
Where to Stay In Peru Before & After
Ayahuasca Retreat?
PRE-AYAHUASCA & DIETA IN PISAC
I decided to stay in Pisac before the retreat to mentally prepare and ground myself. Pisac is a small village in the Sacred Valley known for its handicraft market, healthy restaurants, and shamanic shops. It was the perfect place to rest and focus on the dieta before the retreat.
View from Hatha Art Yoga Pisac
WHERE TO STAY IN PISAC
Hatha Art Yoga Pisac balcony
Hatha Art Yoga Pisac
No paved roads with 360 views of the Andes Mountains — Hatha Yoga Art Pisac is located in the middle of nature, but just a 20 minute walk from town. The views were spectacular from the balcony, I spent most of my time reading and marveling at the Sacred Valley on the chair hammocks.
The bed was comfy, room was spacious, and the complimentary breakfast was dieta friendly. The owner, Ron, was lovely to talk — he’s participated in many Ayahausca ceremonies in the past and was able to give me a lot of tips. He also teaches the yoga classes on site and cooks a family dinner for guests each week. Highly recommend staying at Hatha Art Yoga Pisac before the Ayahuasca retreat.
WHERE TO EAT IN PISAC
Apu Organic - Located in Pisac town, this vegan restaurant serves a wide selection of Peruvian and international dishes. Restaurant has two floors and comfy seating - found myself spending hours reading a book on the bean bags. Be sure to try their burger!
Jardin El Encanto - Great place for tea time or a bite while gazing at the beautiful garden.
WHAT TO DO IN PISAC
Pisac Market - Located in the main plaza every day. The Pisac Market is known for its Sunday festivities. But throughout the week you can stroll through the market and purchase anything from handicrafts, textiles, ponchos, scarves, and other souvenirs/ trinkets.
Nature Walks - The surrounding area of Pisac town is filled with nature trails and hikes. I personally walked by the river every day. Other options close by are the Pisac Terraces and Moray.
Mercadito Verde - Located at Nidra Wasi every Thursday. Organic market where you can find natural and artisan products, clothing, & food + join the community jam session.
POST AYAHUASCA & INTEGRATION
IN CUSCO
After the retreat the majority of the group was dropped off in Cusco so we were able to spend time together before everyone parted ways. Highly recommend spending time with fellow Ayahuasa friends post retreat and to spend time in Cusco. Cusco is small enough to explore in just a few days and calm enough to ease into post integration.
San Blas neighborhood in Cusco
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO
La Bom Hostel in San Blas
La Bom or Healing House in San Blas
San Blas is the bohemian neighborhood of Cusco where you’ll find numerous yoga studios, shamanic shops, art cafes, and vegetarian eats.
I loved the location of La Bom Hostel — tucked in a quiet, cobble stone street in San Blas close to the main square. The single room was comfortable and the crepe breakfast was delicious.
I enjoyed my time at La Bom, but I liked the vibe at Healing House better. Healing House had more of a yoga crowd and more options for integration support. In terms of lodging and location, Healing House looked just as good as La Bom and is located on the same street with a better view.
Front desk at JW Marriott
JW Marriott
If you want to splurge and relax, 100% stay at the JW Marriott. It’s a historical, luxury hotel located close to San Blas and other main attractions. JW Marriott is overall an incredible hotel with a great spa, breakfast buffet, and even offers oxygen infused rooms which helps for altitude sickness.
WHERE TO EAT IN CUSCO
Greenpoint - Located in San Blas. Greenpoint has a wide selection of vegan food and cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus the ambiance of the restaurant is a vibe — ate here practically every day.
Organika - A bit of a walk from San Blas, but the view and restaurant are worth it. This cozy restaurant serves the best vegetarian food in Cusco. Try the gnocchi and mint lemonade!
Shaman Restaurant - Located close to San Blas and the historic center. Great for vegan Peruvian food, plus the restaurant is very familiar with pre & post Ayahuasca dieta.
Naturale - Located in San Blas. Great place to switch up your Cusco meals with pizza — try the vegan pizza with cashew cheese!
WHAT TO DO IN CUSCO?
San Pedro Market - Whether you just want to stroll, people-watch, eat, or shop, the San Pedro Market is a must in Cusco. You could purchase anything from souvenirs, clothing, and local goods (this market is the best place to buy chocolate, coffee, palo santo, mapachos for the best prices). And once you’re done shopping, there are a number of stalls to choose from for some bites.
Practice Yoga & Meditation - There are plenty of yoga studios to choose from in Cusco. Similar to Bali and Costa Rica, Peru attracts a similar yoga crowd. My favorite studios were Healing House, Exhala, and JW Marriott.
City Stroll - Altitude sickness will hit hard in Cusco. But Cusco is a small-town city where you can just enjoy and take your time people watching at the plazas (you’ll probably be out of breath anyways).
Useful Tips for
Ayahuasca Integration
Integration reads
Meditate daily - to help ground you and ease your mind when things start to feel heavy. Meditation is a great tool to help remind yourself of the powerful insights and love during Ayahuasca.
Read insightful books - my favorite reads during integration were Be Here Now by Ram Dass, Many Lives Many Masters by Brian Weiss, and Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Estes.
Keep in touch with Arkana fam - they are the best resource and support system during integration. Our group created a Whatsapp group chat where we check up on each other frequently.
Get creative - Ayahuasca will stimulate your creative juices. So go ahead and paint, write, dance…create some magic.
Take time in nature - it might not be the Sacred Valley, but your backyard or local park will do. Nature is medicine no matter where you are.
Hatha Yoga Art Pisac
What a healing journey those 7 days were! I’m eternally grateful for the incredible shamans, compassionate facilitators, & all the like minded strangers who quickly became family for holding space in my heart. Oh the places you'll go when you trust Mama Aya…
If you’re looking for a safe, authentic, and professional setting to experience Ayahuasca, I highly recommend Arkana Spiritual Center. I personally want to go back and experience the Amazon Center next time around.
Have you traveled to Peru for an Ayahausca retreat? If so, how was your experience? For more information, check out this video below & the Arkana website.
