Peru Ayahuasca Retreat cost (I surveyed 11 ayahuasca retreats)

If you’re looking for the best Ayahuasca Retreats in USA, Europe or outside of Peru but still in South America read our Best Ayahuasca Retreats guide.

I looked at 11 Ayahuasca retreats in Peru and found that they vary from $121 – $286 USD per day in price with an average cost of $166 USD p/day inclusive of accommodation, food, ceremonies and sometimes more as they vary in what’s included for the price. As such your research should take into account exactly what you are getting for your money. On top of the cost of the retreat, I also look at how you can get a cheaper flight to and within Peru as is often necessary.

Some travel tips:

• ** Peru has had some recent political riots and turbulence. It is still possible to travel there despite this. **
• **Prices, retreats and COVID Travel Info updated February 2022 **

Table of Contents:

• Not just the price of the retreat is important (transport):
• Do you know someone who has been to the retreat?
  • Read about my own experience with Ayahuasca
• Table of prices (ayahuasca retreat cost)
• Specifics on Each Retreat Surveyed
• COVID Travel Restrictions to Peru

Not just the price of the retreat is important:

How are you getting to the retreat?

Cost wise the price of the retreat isn’t the only thing you want to consider. Getting to Peru itself is a variable cost as well.

Many people will be traveling to Peru from overseas and as such flights are an important consideration on top of choosing your Ayahuasca retreat.

If you are trying to minimise your flight costs then here are a few tips.

• Obviously where you are buying your flights from is important but also,
• being flexible with the date and
• when you buy are also really important with respect to flight cost.

Scotts Cheap Flights has some more suggestions on how to get a cheaper flight including booking early, being flexible with your date of travel and specific suggestions if you are flying from the USA. You can check it out here.

Note that there is only one international Airport in Peru, that being in Lima so if you are flying in from overseas then you have to go through Lima.

As there aren’t any Ayahuasca Retreats that I have found in Lima then you need to travel to other parts is Peru. Most retreats are in Iquitos, Pucallpa or Cusco. As such you will need to add in another internal flights to your costs. Iquitos is farthest away, then Cusco and then Pucallpa. As such finding a retreat in Pucallpa could help you save some flight costs.

Star (local Peruvian company) as well as Viva and LATM all fly within Peru so, look for these companies when booking.

Not flying? If you are already in Peru or a nearby country then you may not need to fly. You have a few options for buses in terms of routes. You can bus all the way to your destination within Peru or just bus to a national airport and then fly internally to the airport nearest your retreat. For example, if you are coming from Ecuador or Colombia then you could bus to Talara in Northern Peru and then fly to Iquitos or if in the South you could bus to Arequipa and then fly from there.

Do you know someone who has been to the retreat?

The truth is that Ayahuasca has become very popular and people in Peru know this well. As such some of them are going to want to take advantage of you. Not all but some.

This means they may overcharge and underdeliver or ask for a lot of money in order to take you through the ceremonies. Worst case scenario they take your money, give you ceremonies with unsafe practices and your safety is in jeopardy.

A good way to help reduce this possibility is to find a retreat that someone you know has personally been too. This can be harder than it sounds, but I think if you ask widely enough you can find someone who has been to a good place.

In lieu of this, check out the reviews on their site but more importantly Trip Advisor or indeed ask in the Ayahuasca Reddit group for recommendations of reviews of a particular retreat.

Read about my own experience with Ayahuasca:

If you want to drink Ayahuasca where I did then check out Santuario Huistin which I am now working with and taking bookings on behalf of. You can read about what my experiences were like there in some of my trip reports,

• Ceremony 1 (of 8) at Santuario Huistin August 2018 (Maestro Enrique)
• Ceremony 4 (of 8) at Santuario Huistin 2019 (Curandera Aimee)
• Ceremony 5 (of 8) at Santuario Huistin (Maestro Egne)
• or read all my trip reports.

Table of prices (ayahuasca retreat cost):

Ayahuasca Retreats vary in price but, it’s important to realize that usually, the cost will involve not only the ceremonies themselves but also,

• food,
• accommodation,
• possibly other plant medicines, and
• various tour products like visits to local villages, hikes and the ability to see jungle flora and fauna.

Many retreats are far away from other townships and therefore need to be all inclusive but are also adding value to their services because retreat participants also often are interested to see the jungle (or mountains) and environment because it’s unique and interesting.

Important notes:

• I asked The Ayahuasca Reddit Group to tell me the various factors that make a good Ayahuasca Retreat and they said that the main 4 factors were,
  • Experienced shaman(a),
  • A day off in between ceremonies to recoup and not rush the process,
  • small group sizes of around 10-12 people. Some retreats have 30-35 people and it can be annoying, uncomfortable and perhaps even dangerous.
  • And last but perhaps most important is a retreat which medically screens you for any health or medication issues. Ayahuasca does not mix safely with some medications and health issues so these need to be understood before you be confident you can drink Ayahuasca safely. If you want to get an idea of the kinds of things to think of health wise take a look at our medical screening form for Santuario Huistin we use.
• I’ve included the above 4 criteria it the retreat table so you can see which ones meet this criteria.
• Any retreat you go to should be researched in more depth than the info presented in this article.
• Most of these retreats will have more things that you will want to take into account. For example, those near Cusco are more accessible and some have doctors, some pickups, some yoga, and yet others massage.

Specifics on Each Retreat Surveyed:

Looking at the costs alone is a bit misleading as each retreat offers different things for the price. Some have transport included, others include activities and massage while yet others have mandatory doctor ‘checkouts’ for those attending and onsite medical help. Basically, finding an Ayahuasca retreat isn’t about price only. You need to find the place that is correct for your needs, wants and budget.

Santuario Huistin:

This is a rustic retreat with a powerful Ayahuasca brew not for the faint of heart. The accommodations are basic but comfortable, the food is healthy and simple just like an Ayahuasca Dieta should be.

They are one of the only retreats which satisfies 4 key factors to choosing an Ayahuasca retreat. Those being,

• You will medically screened before you reserve,
• have very experienced shaman(a),
• do take a day off in between ceremonies and even Saturday and Sunday off if you’d like to relax or do a tour of the jungle,
• and are in ceremony with no more than 10-12 people.

I (Vinay Lal the author of this site) work with Santuario Huistin and take reservations on their behalf screening you medically for safety and advising on all logistics. You can learn more about Santurio Hustin in terms of its location, logistics, ceremonies, reviews and more on our dedicated page.

5 nights, 3 ceremonies, all food, return transport from Pucallpa, logistics such as airport or hotel pickup, private accommodation for $729 USD.

Kapitari:

The Kapitari Center was founded in 1980 by the shaman Luis Culquiton, widely known as Don Lucho. Don Lucho comes from a long line of natural healers, but he discovered the healing qualities of plants 

Kapitari Website – https://www.kapitari.org/

Casa de la Madre:

Embark on deep healing and spiritual growth embraced by the arms of our forest mother. 

Our tranquil lakeside retreat centre on the banks of the Ucayali focuses on profound work with the Ayahuasca plant spirit guided by the hands of skilled shamans, our indigenous kin, and teacher plants of the Amazon Jungle.

Casa del la Madre Website – https://casadelamadreayahuasca.org/

Some extra notes on Casa de la Madre:

• Close to Pucallpa (10 minutes) if required to be close to civilization.
• Seems well appointed.
• Focussed on small groups.

5th Dimension:

We work with incredible male and female Shipibo Shamans. Our life changing retreats honour the traditions of Shipibo healers and indigenous plant medicines in a safe, supportive intimate group setting with no more than 12 participants. Individual attention is given before, during and after ceremonies.

5th Dimension Website – https://the5thdimensions.com/schedule/

Some more notes on 5TH Dimension:

• Ayahuasca Ceremonies, Floral baths, Nunu, Kambo and Sanaga ceremonies,
• Comfortable clean accommodations,
• Meals, snacks & fresh fruit, Tea & fresh drinking water,
• Transportation to and from retreat, 24 hour security,
• Monkey Island excursion,
• Guided Jungle walks and Star gazing on the Amazon.

Ayahuasca Spirit Center:

The truth of the matter is that your journey has already begun whether you are aware of it or not, by proclaiming to the universe that you are serious and ready for the change to take place. It is with an open heart that we welcome you to the Ayahuasca Spirit Healing Center where we are committed to working with pasajeros (travelers) who are looking for a custom 1-on-1 healing experience. Our renowned shaman Wiler Noriega Rodriguez will welcome you in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Limongema, near Pucallpa (Peru) at one of our intimate retreats. Wiler is formerly known as the shaman at the #1 Ayahuasca Centre in Iquitos, Peru.

Ayahuasca Spirit Center – https://ayahuascaspiritcenter.com/

Some more notes on Ayahuasca Spirit Center:

• Internet if you really need it (not recommended but some may like this option). Don’t use it for Facebook, I mean for emergencies.
• Has electricity.
• Professional website with good info.
• Online booking so no need to bring so much cash with you while traveling (i.e. safer).

Etnikas:

Website was done at time of writing this article but you can visit for yourself with this link.

Temple of The Way of Light:

The Temple of the Way of Light is a traditional plant-medicine shamanic healing center located in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest that offers intensive ayahuasca retreats with female and male Shipibo healers. We are dedicated to providing our guests with the opportunity to benefit from the ancient healing wisdom of the Shipibo people, and to helping this unique culture preserve its knowledge and identity in the 21st Century.

Temple of the Way of Light Website – https://templeofthewayoflight.org/

Kawsay:

At Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat we do powerful work within our Ayahuasca & San Pedro Ceremonies. We are all authentic shamans: Trunco Don Romulo Ayahuasquero, Maestro Ayahuasquero Don Winister, and Huachumero William Menech. Combined we have over 100 years of extensive shamanic healing knowledge, spiritual experience, and practice within Ayahuasca and San Pedro shamanism.

Kawsay Website – https://kawsayretreat.com/

Amaru Spirit:

Amaru Spirit is a family owned natural medicine holistic healing center located in the Amazon rainforest, half an hour boat ride outside of the city of Iquitos. In 2008 we began our mission with a single intention: to create a safe holistic community suitable for the restoration of mind, body and spirit. This work is our passion and calling.

Our purpose built facility was designed to ensure maximum comfort to our guest’s in this transformative process who travel from all over the world specifically to address toxicity=physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, dis-connectedness, dis-harmony and dis-at-ease. We create a comfortable space because detoxing the system can, at times, get us out of our comfort zone. We are here to recommend protocols and guide each unique individual process of each unique individual. It is your process, you own it, we are here to guide it if you need assistance and we strongly believe one size does not fit all.

Amaru Spirit Website – http://www.amaruspirit.com/

Hummingbird Healing Center:

The Hummingbird Center embraces the need to encompass the physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual aspects of healing, as well as understanding and changing negative patterns of conditioning in our thoughts and belief systems. In the shamanic view of illness, physical and psychological problems have their source in negative thought forms, a reflection of one’s spiritual state of consciousness. Illness is an effect of these distorted thoughts. Unfavorable thoughts arise in the conscious mind and are then held in the subconscious, from which they can be transferred into the physical body. Because of this, true healing always has to begin at the spiritual level. From one’s spiritual aspect into the subconscious level of the physical, this deep level of the mind can then erase the negative thought forms and emotions it holds, such as anger and fear, replacing them with light. This is how the cause of illness is dealt with and how all true healing is accomplished, and our ayahuasca retreats reflect these beliefs on healing.

Hummingbird Center Website – https://hummingbirdhealingcenter.org/

Takiwasi:

Retreats/Diets are organized on a monthly basis … for groups of around 15 participants. People who want to participate have to go through an evaluation process that allows us to know about your medical and psychological conditions. This is a therapy recommended for anyone, women and men, who seek to heal emotional/psychological/spiritual wounds and who look for an introspection space to get in touch with themselves. The Retreat/Diet is suitable for anyone who is at a crucial moment in their life, who needs to make decisions, to overcome some type of emotional, spiritual or energetic blockage or who simply wants to embark on a path of personal development.

Takiwasi Website – https://takiwasi.com/en/retiro01.php

Marosa:

Marosa is a fully integrative medicinal plant retreat center that focuses on healing all aspects of the human system. We aim to provide patients with a holistic and educational approach to plant medicine. The center is run by an indigenous Shipibo family and offers a wide range of plant-based therapies. The center strikes a balance between modern comfort without distractions, supporting a deep connection with nature. Marosa is not a luxury-based center and does not invest in luxury-type amenities. Instead, we invest in healers with extraordinary skills to give you the best possible outcome. However, we understand the importance of providing our patients with western-style showers, toilets, and beds.

We keep groups to around ten people to provide adequate care 24 hours a day. There is much to learn and understand about plant medicine that is not shown to the western public, and many centers focus exclusively on Ayahuasca. We do provide a rigorous ceremony schedule of four a week. When dieting on master plants, this can be very challenging for those looking for a touristic experience. Our center is built for those seeking deep healing on all levels and those yearning to learn about plant medicine, spiritual pursuit, and shamanism.

Marosa Healing Center Website – https://www.marosahealingcenter.com/

Dream Glade:

Come to Dreamglade Ayahuasca Retreat for as long as like, whether for just a week or even for a month or two….

Dream Glade Website – https://www.dreamglade.com/services/retreat-services/

Dream Glade Includes:

• Free, comfortable 4×4 transportation to and from the healing center
• Three Ayahuasca ceremonies per week (Mon, Wed & Fri )
• Flower/plant baths
• Individual healing sessions with our shamanic healers
• Natural Sauna/Sweat lodge (2 -3 times per week)
• All meals
• Comfortable accommodation and rest areas
• Modern bathrooms and showers
• Free Yoga classes (2 – 3 times a week)
• Spanish/English translations
• Free laundry service
• Lake for swimming and jungle walks
• Extensive library on-site
• Complimentary ‘Mapachos’ (natural jungle tobacco)
• Counseling to better help you understand the process you are going through

Sanken Nete:

Sanken Nete is rooted in the ancient Shipibo tradition and knowledge of plant medicine. The center was founded by Shipibo Healers and Maestra Elisa Vargas Fernandez. The center is managed by Elisa and her family and is a vital part of the local Shipibo community. While our retreats are centered around Ayahuasca ceremonies, we believe in a holistic approach that includes preparation to the experience, introduction to the various medicinal and sacred plants, the practice of “dieta” (“diet”,) and a path to integration of the messages and the insights received into the everyday life.

Sanken Nete Website – https://www.sanken-nete.org/

Mai Niti:

Welcome to Mai Niti, we are a family-run ayahuasca and plant medicine healing center based in San Francisco, a native Shipibo community in the Amazon Jungle region of Peru [edit: Pucallpa area od Peru]. Ayahuasca and other plant medicines have their origins in these lands, as do Maestros Leonardo and Lucila. The family has been working as curanderos (healers) for many generations and has a profound depth of ancestral wisdom and knowledge with respect to the plants and healing. Their aim is to awaken you to your true potential by expanding your consciousness and healing your mind, body, and spirit.

Mai Niti Website – https://www.mainiti.org/

COVID Travel Restrictions in Peru:

**This was written in February of 2022 – see below link for current restrictions**

• Passengers need to wear two face masks on flights bound for Peru and must complete an affidavit before travel. All passengers to Peru of 12 years old or more whose final destination is Peru must show evidence of vaccination received at least 14 days before boarding, otherwise they can show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR (molecular) test, issued a maximum of 72 hours before the flight departs. Those under 12 years old must only be without COVID-19 symptoms. These rules are subject to change at short notice. The entry of foreign nationals who travel from South Africa or who have stopped over in South Africa in the last 14 calendar days and do not reside in Peru, is banned until at least 12 December 2021. Please note that all adults need to show evidence of vaccination when entering Jorge Chavez international airport in Lima to leave Peru. Other airports in Peru may enforce the same requirement. Quarantine requirements
  Until at least 12 December 2021 all Peruvian nationals and foreign residents in Peru who enter Peru from South Africa or who have stopped over in South Africa must isolate by law in their homes, shelters or accommodation for 14 calendar days upon arrival in Peru. Anyone who shows COVID symptoms on arrival in Peru, including those under 12 years old, must isolate by law.

This information is taken from Safety Wing Travel Insurance Company who maintain up to date info on this. You can see the latest info here.