The 8P Method of Integration is Arkana's structured approach to post-ceremony healing, designed to help you embody transformation across body, mind, and spirit. It includes:
Practice: Implement teachings through habits like yoga, meditation, or journaling.
Prune: Let go of toxic habits, relationships, or beliefs that hinder your growth.
Pilgrimage: Cultivate inner stillness through meditation or breathwork.
Pause: Regularly check in with your inner state to foster awareness.
Patience: Embrace the gradual nature of healing and celebrate small victories.
Preach Not: Protect your energy by sharing your experience thoughtfully.
Plaugh: Balance seriousness with play and laughter to lighten the process. Pursue Your Purpose With Passion: Identify what you love, your gifts and talents, and dedicate yourself with devotion.
Mexico - Yucatán
Climate Type: Tropical Jungle
Temperature: Warm and humid year-round.
Daytime highs: 82°F to 90°F (28°C to 32°C)
Nighttime lows: 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C)
Rainfall: Moderate rainfall throughout the year, with a wetter season from June to October and a drier season from November to May.
Atmosphere: Immersed in the Yucatecan jungle, surrounded by sacred Mayan lands with a powerful spiritual and healing energy.
Summary: The Yucatán offers a tropical, humid environment with warm temperatures, lush jungle surroundings, and a deep connection to Mayan traditions.
Mexico - Valle de Bravo
Climate Type: Temperate Highland
Temperature: Cooler and more comfortable due to its altitude.
Daytime highs: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)
Nighttime lows: 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C)
Rainfall: Seasonal, with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.
Atmosphere: A luxurious sanctuary nestled in serene highland surroundings near the "Pueblo Mágico" of Valle de Bravo, offering tranquility and stunning natural beauty.
Summary: Valle de Bravo features a mild, comfortable climate with cooler nights, luxurious amenities, and a serene, temperate highland setting perfect for deep relaxation and self-discovery.
Key Differences:
Yucatán: Tropical, warm, and humid, surrounded by lush jungle and Mayan energy.
Valle de Bravo: Cooler, temperate, and comfortable with luxurious accommodations in a peaceful highland setting.
Each location offers its own unique environment—Yucatán for a jungle immersion with deep spiritual roots, and Valle de Bravo for a tranquil, luxurious retreat in the mountains.
Yes, all of our centers have electricity:
Amazon Center: Powered by a solar panel system.
Sacred Valley Center: Connected to the city’s power grid.
Yucatán Center: Follows North American electrical standards.
Electrical Specifications:
Peru: Outlets support plug types A, B, and C (flat or round two-prong plugs). The voltage is 220V, different from North America’s 110V, but most modern devices are dual-voltage (110V–240V).
Mexico: Electrical standards are similar to the USA and Canada (plug types A and B, 110V).
If you’re traveling from Europe, Asia, or Australia, we recommend bringing a travel adapter or converter to ensure compatibility with your devices.
Yes, we provide complimentary laundry service for all guests. Each room is equipped with a laundry bag for your convenience. Laundry is collected every Wednesday and returned by Friday during your stay.
This service allows you to pack light and focus entirely on your retreat experience.
Yes, Arkana Spiritual Center offers a volunteer and work-exchange program for individuals who are passionate about supporting transformative healing experiences.
Requirements to Apply:
How to Apply:
Yes, we provide Wi-Fi at each of our centers, offering basic internet access during designated hours of the day.
Please keep in mind: The connection has limited bandwidth and is best suited for sending and receiving messages.
It is not suitable for heavy audio or video usage such as streaming or large file uploads.
At the Amazon center, the connection may not always be reliable, and occasional outages can occur due to the remote location.
We encourage guests to use this time as an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and fully engage in the retreat experience.
Each program is all-inclusive and features:
- Transportation to and from the center.
- Shared or private accommodations to suit your preferences.
- Nutritious meals provided daily.
- Classes and workshops for deeper learning and self-discovery.
- Excursions to explore the local environment and culture.
- Ceremonies led by our highly trained shamans.
For a detailed overview of the weekly programs at our different locations, please click the links below:
Amazon Jungle Center Schedule
Sacred Valley Center Schedule
Yucatán Center Schedule
Our retreats follow a weekly schedule, offering a full week of transformative healing and personal growth in a carefully designed program.
Program Schedule Overview:
Start Date: Sunday
End Date: Saturday
This structured timeline allows participants to:
Immerse themselves fully in Ayahuasca ceremonies and integration activities.
Take part in guided excursions, sharing circles, and other supportive healing practices.
Dedicate time for reflection, preparation, and post-ceremony integration.
By committing to a week-long retreat, you create the space for meaningful transformation and connection with yourself, the medicine, and others on a similar journey.
View the Complete Schedules for Each Center:
Amazon Jungle Center Schedule
Sacred Valley Center Schedule
Yucatán Center Schedule
Yes, absolutely! At Arkana Spiritual Center, we warmly welcome companions who wish to attend a retreat without participating in the plant medicine ceremonies.
What’s Included for Non-Participants:
Even without drinking Ayahuasca or other plant medicines, companions can enjoy:
We offer a 10% discount off our regular retreat rates for companions who choose not to participate in the ceremonies.
How to Reserve a Spot for Your Companion:
Feel free to contact us for more details or to book a spot for your friend or family member. We’re happy to ensure their experience is enriching and supportive.
At Arkana Spiritual Center, we collaborate with highly-trained Master Shamans from the Shipibo, Wirrarika, and Mazatec traditions. Each shaman represents an unbroken lineage of sacred plant medicine knowledge, rooted in thousands of years of indigenous culture.
The Traditions We Honor:
Shipibo Shamans: Guide Ayahuasca ceremonies with sacred healing songs (icaros) that channel the vibrational energy of the Amazon’s master plants.
Wirrarika Shamans: Custodians of Peyote medicine, these shamans share their deep spiritual connection to this ancestral teacher, facilitating ceremonies that inspire clarity and personal insight.
Mazatec Shamans: Renowned for their profound work with Psilocybin mushrooms, these shamans lead ceremonies grounded in humility, reverence, and a transformative connection to the natural world.
Together, these esteemed healers create a sacred space of integrity, respect, and honor. This allows our guests to embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and emotional healing.
Arkana is deeply committed to preserving and sharing these sacred traditions with the utmost respect for their cultural origins.
At Arkana Spiritual Center, we do not accept credit card payments for the remaining balance. However, we offer several convenient payment options to make the process easy:
If you need assistance or have questions about any of these payment methods, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help ensure a smooth and stress-free payment process!
At Arkana Spiritual Center, we carefully manage group sizes to ensure an intimate and supportive experience. Group sizes vary depending on the location:
Sacred Valley:
Avg / Max: 10 / 18 guests
Amazon Jungle:
Avg / Max: 16 / 25 guests
Valle de Bravo:
Avg / Max: 15 / 25 guests
Yucatán:
Avg / Max: 15 / 25 guests
At Arkana Spiritual Center, we do not typically offer individual Ayahuasca ceremonies. Our programs are carefully designed as week-long immersive retreats, allowing participants to experience the full transformative power of the medicine through a series of 3–4 ceremonies.
We believe that true healing and deep transformation with Ayahuasca are best achieved through a structured retreat format that includes:
While Ayahuasca is not offered as a standalone private ceremony, we do provide private individual ceremonies in the Sacred Valley for:
These private sessions offer a unique opportunity for personalized healing in a sacred and serene mountain setting.
Yes, at Arkana Spiritual Center, we are committed to making healing accessible to those in need.
Scholarships: Every year, we provide a limited number of scholarships for individuals who are in desperate need of healing but lack the financial resources to attend.
Payment Plans: For those requiring flexibility with payments, we are open to discussing mutually convenient payment plans.
Yes, absolutely! At Arkana Spiritual Center, we welcome couples, family members, and close friends to join our retreats together. Sharing this transformative experience can deepen your connection and create a supportive foundation for long-term growth and healing.
Why Attend Together?
Shared Healing: Attending with a loved one allows you to process, discuss, and support each other as you navigate your healing journey.
Stronger Bonds:
This shared experience can strengthen your relationship and help you stay aligned as you return to daily life.
Ceremony Setup:
To ensure everyone can focus on their individual journey, we assign separate seats during ceremonies. This allows you to immerse yourself fully in your personal experience while still being present for one another outside of the ceremony space.
Attending an Arkana retreat with a partner, family member, or friend can be a deeply meaningful way to grow together and support each other’s transformation.
At Arkana Spiritual Center, there are no strict age requirements as long as guests are in overall good health and able to participate safely in the retreat activities.
Minors: Guests under the age of 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by their legal guardian.
We’ve had guests well into their 80s who have fully enjoyed and benefited from our programs.
Our retreats are designed to be inclusive and accessible to individuals of all ages, as long as they are physically and mentally prepared for the experience. If you have concerns about health or suitability, feel free to reach out to our team for guidance!
We accept the following payment methods:
Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted for the 50% deposit during online booking.
Cryptocurrency: Payments can be made using crypto for added convenience.
Cash: The remaining balance must be paid in cash upon arrival at the retreat center.
If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding payment options, feel free to reach out to our team!
Booking a retreat at Arkana Spiritual Center is simple, secure, and designed to ensure your journey begins with ease. Follow these steps to reserve your spot:
1. Visit Our Website:
Go to the Arkana Booking Page to view all available retreats and locations.
2. Choose Your Retreat:
Select the location and dates that best align with your schedule and healing goals.
3. Click "Book Now":
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.
4. Pay the Deposit:
Secure your spot with a 50% deposit, payable by credit card or cryptocurrency.
5. Pay the Balance Upon Arrival:
The remaining balance is due at the retreat center and can be paid using:
Cash
Bank Transfer
Cryptocurrency
Amazon (Iquitos)
Climate Type: Tropical Rainforest
Temperature: Warm and stable year-round.
Daytime highs: 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C)
Nighttime lows: 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C)
Rainfall: Very high year-round.
Wettest months: November to May
Drier months: June to September (though rain is still frequent)
Humidity: Very high, ranging from 70% to 90%.
Summary: The Amazon is hot, humid, and lush with consistent warmth and frequent rainfall year-round.
Sacred Valley
Climate Type: Highland/Mountain
Temperature: Cooler and more variable due to high altitude.
Daytime highs: 65°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C)
Nighttime lows: 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C)
Rainfall: Markedly seasonal.
Dry season: May to October (minimal rain, clear skies, cooler nights)
Wet season: November to April (most rain in January and February)
Humidity: Generally lower compared to the Amazon.
Summary: The Sacred Valley has a cooler, temperate climate with significant day-to-night temperature shifts and a distinct dry season.
Key Differences:
Amazon: Warm, humid, and consistently rainy, with a lush tropical feel.
Sacred Valley: Cooler, drier (during the dry season), with greater temperature swings between day and night.
Each location offers a unique atmosphere—Amazon for a warm, immersive rainforest experience, and Sacred Valley for a serene, temperate mountain retreat.
Yes. We strongly believe that 50% of the work is done at the retreat and the remaining 50% is done at home in your daily life. Integration is one of the critical aspects of plant medicines and it starts at the retreat in our sharing circles. When we articulate our experience in the ceremony, our mind starts processing what the medicine shows us in the ceremony. Throughout your time spent with us, we will give you practical tools that you can learn and take away so you can live your life in an extraordinary way. Towards the end of the retreat we share with our guests our proprietary Integration method that we have developed over the years, giving practical advice on how to put all of these new learnings to practical use.
Once you leave the center, you will have a number of resources available at your discretion. As a part of our spiritual family you can always reach out to us to ask questions, you can also participate in our community facebook group made up of like minded individuals who have gone through our programs.
For more in depth work, all guests can schedule at any time a 1-on-1 integration session with our integration support specialist for a fee.
The ideal length of your stay depends on the depth of healing and transformation you wish to achieve. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
1-Week Retreat
Overview: A solid introduction to plant medicine and its healing power.
Who It’s For: Those new to Ayahuasca or plant medicines, seeking a shorter experience.
Considerations: While sufficient for many, some participants may feel they need more time to fully process and integrate their experience.
2-Week Retreat
Overview: Provides a complete and immersive experience with the medicine.
Who It’s For: Ideal for those wanting to dive deeper into their emotional, spiritual, or personal healing.
Benefits: Allows more time to work through lingering issues and fully absorb the effects of the medicine.
3-Week Retreat
Overview: The most in-depth and transformative option.
Who It’s For: Best suited for individuals working through severe trauma, deep-rooted addictions, or those desiring profound spiritual transformation.
Benefits: The extended time provides the space to thoroughly address complex challenges and achieve long-lasting results.
Our Recommendation:
For the most complete experience, we recommend a two-week stay. This ensures you have enough time to integrate the medicine’s effects and avoid leaving with unresolved or “unfinished business.”
No, airfare is not included in our retreat prices. Guests are responsible for booking their own flights to and from the retreat location.
We recommend arranging your travel well in advance to ensure the best rates and to align with the suggested arrival and departure times for your chosen retreat center.
Which Retreat Location Is Right for Me?
We offer transformative retreats in four stunning locations, each with unique settings, medicines, and experiences:
Retreat Locations:
Peru:
Amazon Jungle: Immersive Ayahuasca experience in the tropical jungle.
Sacred Valley: Andean ceremonies near the majestic Machu Picchu.
Mexico:
Valle de Bravo: A luxurious sanctuary near the charming "Pueblo Mágico."
Yucatán: Healing steeped in Mayan traditions within a lush jungle setting.
Peru Retreats
Amazon Jungle Center
Setting: Deep in the tropical jungle, ideal for those seeking an immersive Ayahuasca experience. Expect warm weather and occasional mosquitoes.
Comfort Level: Enhanced comfort with shared bathrooms in a jungle environment.
Program Schedule: Four Ayahuasca ceremonies per week.
Medicines Offered: Ayahuasca, Rapé (Hapé), and Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT).
Sacred Valley Center
Setting: Located in the Andes mountains, near Machu Picchu, with cooler nights. Perfect for those seeking breathtaking landscapes and Andean traditions.
Comfort Level: Luxurious accommodations with hot water, private bathrooms, and cozy down comforters.
Program Schedule: Three Ayahuasca ceremonies and one San Pedro (Wachuma) ceremony per week.
Medicines Offered: Ayahuasca, San Pedro (Wachuma), Rapé (Hapé), and Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT).
How to Choose Between Peru Locations:
Amazon Jungle: Best for nature lovers seeking deep immersion in a jungle setting.
Sacred Valley: Ideal for those wanting added comfort and the chance to explore Machu Picchu.
Mexico Retreats
Valle de Bravo Center
Setting: A luxurious retreat near the serene "Pueblo Mágico" in central Mexico.
Comfort Level: Thoughtfully designed accommodations with private and shared room options.
Program Schedule: Weekly ceremonies.
Medicines Offered: Psilocybin Mushrooms, Peyote, Temazcal (Sweat Lodge), and Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT).
Highlights: Organic vegetarian meals and tranquil surroundings for deep healing.
Yucatán Center
Setting: Nestled in the Yucatecan jungle, rich with Mayan traditions and sacred energies.
Comfort Level: Authentic spiritual ambiance in a natural jungle setting.
Program Schedule: Weekly ceremonies.
Medicines Offered: Psilocybin Mushrooms, Peyote, Temazcal (Sweat Lodge), and Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT).
Highlights: A deeply spiritual experience rooted in Mayan cultural healing.
How to Choose Between Mexico Locations:
Valle de Bravo: Best for those seeking luxury comfort and serene surroundings.
Yucatán: Perfect for authentic Mayan healing experiences in a vibrant jungle atmosphere.
Making Your Decision
Peru: Best for plant medicine immersion and traditional ceremonies with Ayahuasca and San Pedro.
Mexico: Ideal for exploring Mexican medicines, luxurious accommodations, and Mayan cultural healing.
Get More Information
Watch videos for each retreat center to help decide:
Amazon Jungle
Sacred Valley
Yucatán
Weekly Schedules:
Explore the weekly schedules for each center:
Amazon Jungle Center Schedule
Sacred Valley Center Schedule
Yucatán Center Schedule
At Arkana, we maintain a no-refund policy for retreat bookings. However, in the event of a cancellation, a percentage of your deposit may be converted into a personal credit based on the timing of your cancellation request:
Cancellation Policy:
4+ Weeks Notice: 100% of the deposit is transferable as credit for future use.
2–4 Weeks Notice: 80% of the deposit is transferable as credit.
2 Days–2 Weeks Notice: 60% of the deposit is transferable as credit.
0–2 Days Notice: 0% of the deposit is transferable.
Important Note: For last-minute cancellations or no-shows, no credit will be issued, and the full retreat price will be charged to the original form of payment.
We encourage guests to carefully plan their travel to avoid any financial loss. For more information or assistance with rescheduling, please contact us directly.
With four stunning locations, we offer a safe, nurturing, and all-inclusive experience for deep healing and growth.
Click here for pricing and details.
Our retreat prices are all-inclusive and vary based on single, double, or triple occupancy.
Here’s what you can expect when you book your transformative journey with us:
Local Transportation: Convenient transfers to and from the retreat center.
Comfortable Accommodations: Choose from shared or private rooms tailored to your needs.
Nourishing Meals: Enjoy delicious, wholesome meals designed to support your healing journey.
Activities and Excursions: A variety of enriching experiences to complement your retreat.
Plant Medicine Ceremonies: Included at no additional cost, ensuring the full benefits of Ayahuasca and other transformative practices.
Optional Add-Ons:
Customize your retreat with these extras:
Bufo Alvarius Ceremony: Experience the powerful healing of 5-MeO-DMT.
Specialized Therapies: Tailored treatments to enhance your healing.
Machu Picchu Excursion: A breathtaking journey to the iconic Incan site (Sacred Valley retreats only).
Our pricing ensures everything is taken care of, so you can focus entirely on your spiritual growth and healing. Whether you're attending in Peru or Mexico, we strive to provide a safe, enriching, and deeply transformative experience.
Sacred plant medicines like Ayahuasca, Peyote, Bufo (5-MeO-DMT), Psilocybin Mushrooms, and San Pedro (Wachuma) are powerful tools for spiritual healing and transformation. They help participants connect deeply with themselves and the world around them, fostering profound insights and emotional release.
Spiritual Benefits of These Plant Medicines:
- Releasing Emotional and Energetic Blockages:
- Let go of past pain, suppressed emotions, and limiting beliefs.
Healing Past Traumas:
- Address deep-rooted wounds, allowing for emotional recovery and renewal.
Enhancing Self-Awareness and Spiritual Connection:
- Strengthen your connection to your higher self and the spiritual realm.
Accessing Creativity and Intuition:
- Open pathways to deeper levels of creativity, clarity, and intuitive understanding.
Fostering Love, Compassion, and Inner Peace:
- Cultivate feelings of unconditional love and develop a profound sense of inner harmony.
Unique Spiritual Benefits of Each Medicine:
Ayahuasca: Facilitates profound spiritual visions and emotional healing.
Peyote: Offers spiritual clarity and a deeper connection to nature and universal energy.
Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT): Induces non-dual awareness and ego dissolution for transformative awakening.
Psilocybin Mushrooms: Encourages introspection, alignment, and deep connection with the natural world.
San Pedro (Wachuma): Opens the heart to love and compassion while providing grounded spiritual insights.
These plant medicines create a sacred space for self-discovery, healing, and spiritual awakening, empowering participants to live more authentically and joyfully.
Shamans serve as spiritual guides, ensuring that each ceremony is conducted with safety, reverence, and deep respect for the sacred traditions. Each lineage brings its unique approach to guiding participants:
Shipibo Shamans: Use icaros (sacred healing songs) to channel energy, guide the experience, and facilitate healing.
Wirrarika Shamans: Lead rituals with prayers and offerings to honor the spiritual connection with Peyote medicine.
Mazatec Shamans: Incorporate chanting and meditation to create a reflective and transformative atmosphere.
San Pedro and Bufo Shamans: Provide a compassionate, grounding presence while guiding participants through their journey with these powerful medicines.
With their expertise, shamans help participants navigate their inner journeys, overcome personal challenges, and achieve profound healing.
Our long-term immersion programs are available at our Amazon location. Participation in one of our standard retreats is required first so we can get to know each other. If, after the retreat, both parties feel this is a good fit, you will be invited to join us for a dieta with a minimum commitment of 1 month. A dieta is a unique opportunity to connect with your true essence while gaining invaluable knowledge directly from the plants and the shaman guiding your dieta. Our shamans, some of the most skilled in the Amazon, generously share their wisdom with those eager to learn.
Pricing for our dietas is as follows:
1–3 Months: $5,500/month
4–6 Months: $5,000/month
6+ Months: $4,500/month
This includes private accommodations, all meals, 24-hour support, transportation to/from the center, ceremonies, and the shaman's guidance. To maximize the benefits of the dieta, a minimum of 3 months is recommended.
Yes, Ayahuasca is extremely safe when used responsibly and in the right setting. At Arkana Spiritual Center, we prioritize your safety by following strict protocols and providing expert guidance throughout the retreat.
How We Ensure Safety:
Strict Safety Protocols: Comprehensive measures are in place to protect the well-being of all participants.
Medical Screening: Guests are carefully screened for contraindicated medical conditions to prevent adverse reactions.
Experienced Healers: All ceremonies are led by skilled shamans and facilitators with years of expertise in traditional plant medicine practices.
Why Choose Arkana for Ayahuasca?
Our approach creates a safe, supportive, and transformative environment where participants can experience the profound healing potential of Ayahuasca with confidence and peace of mind.
Ayahuasca is not a magic cure-all or a quick fix, but rather a powerful spiritual tool used to address conditions of the mind, body, and spirit. Its healing potential has been recognized for centuries in Amazonian traditions and is supported by anecdotal evidence from modern-day users.
Traditional Use:
In traditional Amazonian practices, shamans would drink Ayahuasca themselves to connect with the plant spirit, enabling them to diagnose the "sober" patient and guide their healing process through appropriate medicinal plants and practices.
Conditions Ayahuasca May Address:
Emotional and Psychological Issues:
Addiction Recovery:
Provides insights and clarity to help overcome substance dependencies.
Spiritual Exploration:
Facilitates profound self-discovery, reconnection with one’s purpose, and deeper spiritual awareness.
While Ayahuasca offers transformative potential, it is not a substitute for professional medical care. It should be approached with respect, preparation, and an understanding of its deeply personal and spiritual nature.
At Arkana Spiritual Center, our Ayahuasca brew is prepared onsite at our Amazon center by skilled shamans, following traditional and sacred practices.
Ingredients:
We take a purist approach, using only two ingredients:
Ayahuasca Vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi): The foundational component that opens the connection to the spiritual realm.
Chacruna Leaf (Psychotria viridis): Provides the visionary and introspective properties of the medicine.
We do not include any additional admixtures in our Ayahuasca brew. This ensures the preparation remains true to its ancestral traditions, providing a safe, powerful, and authentic healing experience.
At Arkana Spiritual Center, we offer a diverse range of ancestral plant medicines and psychedelics to support spiritual healing, emotional growth, and personal transformation. These sacred medicines are administered with care and respect, guided by experienced shamans in a safe and supportive environment.
The ancestral medicines shared at our retreats include:
Ayahuasca (Yagé): Originally from the Amazon jungle.
San Pedro (Huachuma): A sacred cactus from the Andes Mountains of Peru.
Sapo (Bufo): Secretions of the Sonoran Desert Toad, containing the powerful medicine 5-MeO-DMT.
Rapé (Hapé): A traditional Amazonian snuff made from tobacco and other medicinal plants.
Sacred Medicines We Offer:
Ayahuasca (Yagé):
Origin: Amazon jungle.
Benefits: Facilitates deep spiritual insights, emotional release, and transformative healing.
Offered At: Peru – Sacred Valley and Amazon Jungle.
San Pedro (Huachuma):
Origin: Andes Mountains of Peru.
Benefits: Opens the heart, fosters grounding, and connects participants with universal energy.
Offered At: Peru – Sacred Valley.
Sapo (Bufo):
Origin: Secretions of the Sonoran Desert Toad.
Active Ingredient: Contains 5-MeO-DMT, an extremely potent medicine known for inducing spiritual awakening and ego dissolution.
Offered At: All Arkana locations.
Rapé (Hapé):
Origin: Amazonian traditions.
Primary Ingredient: Tobacco combined with other medicinal plants from the Amazon jungle.
Benefits: Provides grounding and cleansing, aligns the spirit, and clears mental and energetic blockages.
Offered At: Peru – Sacred Valley and Amazon Jungle.
Peyote (Hikuri):
Origin: Wirrarika (Huichol) traditions.
Benefits: Facilitates spiritual clarity, visionary insights, and a profound connection to the natural world.
Offered At: Mexico retreats.
Psilocybin Mushrooms:
Origin: Mazatec traditions.
Benefits: Promotes introspection, emotional healing, and a connection to nature and the subconscious mind.
Offered At: Mexico retreats.
Our retreats offer a unique blend of ancestral wisdom and modern understanding of these powerful medicines, ensuring a safe and transformative experience for all participants.
An Ayahuasca ceremony is a deeply personal and transformative experience, with outcomes varying widely among participants. Guided by skilled shamans and supported by facilitators, the ceremony allows the medicine to work in unique ways, tailored to your individual needs.
Potential Experiences During the Ceremony:
Strong Visions: Some participants may have vivid visual experiences that provide clarity, insight, or spiritual guidance.
Physical Healing: Others may connect with the medicine on a physical level, experiencing sensations that facilitate emotional or energetic release.
Purging: A key aspect of the ceremony, purging is viewed as a cleansing process.
Common forms of purging include:
Yawning
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Shaking
Crying
Sweating
How the Medicine Works:
Ayahuasca may guide you through challenging moments to release suppressed emotions or energetic blockages.
If visions become overwhelming or distracting, the medicine might redirect you to focus on physical sensations or emotional healing.
The key is to breathe, relax your body, and allow the process to unfold naturally.
A team of trained facilitators is available throughout the ceremony to ensure your safety and comfort. If you need assistance, simply turn on your flashlight, and a facilitator will come to help you.
Purging is considered a vital part of the healing journey, symbolizing the release of emotional, physical, and energetic toxins. Each participant’s experience is unique, but the medicine works in the way that best supports your individual needs.
Yes, facilitators actively participate in ceremonies as part of their responsibilities.
Facilitators take a microdose of Ayahuasca during ceremonies to connect with the spirit of the plant. This allows them to remain attuned to the energy of the room and the needs of the participants. By doing so, they can effectively assist and support guests throughout their individual processes. Facilitators maintain a grounded and balanced presence to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during the ceremony.
Yes, absolutely. Our shamans are fully available to support guests throughout the retreat and are committed to guiding participants on their healing journeys.
Personal Meetings:
At the beginning of the retreat, every guest has a one-on-one meeting with the shamans and facilitation team.
This session allows you to share your motivations and intentions for attending the retreat and to ask any questions about the process.
Ongoing Support:
Additional one-on-one time with the shamans can be scheduled as needed during the week.
The shamans are always available to provide personalized guidance and assist with any challenges or insights that arise.
Access to the shamans ensures a tailored, supportive, and meaningful retreat experience. Their expertise helps participants navigate the plant medicine journey with clarity and trust.
At Arkana Spiritual Center, our retreats are designed as a multi-step healing process, and full engagement in key activities is essential to receive the full benefits of the experience.
Mandatory Activities:
We require all guests to participate in the following:
Optional Activities:
In ancient traditions, only the shaman would drink the medicine, and participants would still benefit from the icaros (sacred healing songs) sung during the ceremony.
Even if you choose not to drink, you can still receive profound healing and energetic alignment.
Engaging in the core activities ensures a transformative and meaningful experience while providing the structure needed for effective healing.
We strongly recommend avoiding cannabis or any street drugs for at least three weeks before your Ayahuasca retreat.
Why Is This Important?
Focus and Balance:
Integration Time:
Preparing for a plant medicine retreat, whether it involves Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Peyote, Mushrooms, or Bufo, requires thoughtful preparation of your mind, body, and spirit. These steps will help you create a solid foundation for a transformative experience:
For more information on how to get ready, click here or read our dietary recommendations.
Preparing for your retreat includes following a specific dieta to cleanse your body and enhance your connection with the medicine.
Here are our recommendations for the two weeks leading up to the retreat:
Stay well-hydrated and consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid pork (very important) and red meats in general.
Minimize consumption of salt, sugar, and irritants such as caffeine, spices, and alcohol.
These dietary adjustments help prepare your body for the ceremony and align you with the energy of the medicine.
For more detailed guidance, visit: Ayahuasca Dieta
For more details, visit: https://www.arkanainternational.com/ayahuasca-dieta/
Yes, you can still participate in the ceremony during your moon cycle. We kindly ask that you inform the facilitators at the retreat so the shamans can take the necessary steps to protect the energy of your cycle during the ceremony. This ensures that there is no unintended interaction with the medicine and maintains the energetic balance of the space.
Your participation remains fully supported, and our team is here to guide and assist you throughout your experience.
Yes, certain medical and psychological conditions can make Ayahuasca unsafe. At Arkana Spiritual Center, we prioritize your safety and carefully screen all participants to ensure the medicine is used responsibly.
Psychological Conditions (Contraindications):
As a policy, we do not serve Ayahuasca to individuals diagnosed with these conditions due to the heightened risk of manic episodes or other adverse psychological reactions.
Chronic Physical Conditions:
Eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each individual’s specific risk factors.
Ayahuasca is a powerful tool for healing but is not suitable for everyone. Using the medicine under unsafe conditions could worsen pre-existing physical or psychological issues. Our screening process ensures that all participants can safely benefit from this transformative experience.
What Should You Do If You’re Unsure About Your Eligibility?
If you have any medical or psychological concerns, please contact us before booking. Our team is available to guide you toward the safest and most appropriate path for your healing journey.
Your safety is our top priority, and we have strict protocols in place to handle any medical emergency.
Here’s how we ensure your well-being:
We are proud to report a zero-incident record over more than five years of operation and over 4,000 guests served.
Rest assured, your safety is our highest priority from the moment you book until after your retreat is complete.
While Malaria cases do exist around Iquitos, they are extremely rare (close to nonexistent) in the region where our Amazon center is located. Additionally:
We strongly advise against participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies if there is any possibility of pregnancy. The use of Ayahuasca during pregnancy carries significant risks, especially during the first trimester and third trimester, including the potential for serious complications and the risk of losing the baby.
If you are pregnant or think you might be, please consult with our team before planning your retreat to ensure your safety and the well-being of your child.
Vaccines are not required to enter Peru or Mexico, nor to participate in our retreats. Choosing to get vaccinated is a personal decision.
If you opt to get vaccines, the most commonly recommended ones are:
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Rabies
Hepatitis A & B
We recommend scheduling your vaccinations at least three weeks prior to your retreat to allow time for them to take effect.
For your peace of mind, none of our staff members have taken these vaccines, and we have had no health-related incidents in over five years of operation.
Currently, there are no quarantine, testing, or vaccination requirements to enter or leave Peru or to participate in one of our retreats.
Maintaining a Safe Environment: At Arkana Spiritual Center, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants by maintaining a clean and secure environment throughout the retreat. We encourage guests to stay informed about any changes to international travel regulations based on their country of origin.
For your safety, we require that all medications and supplements be suspended prior to drinking Ayahuasca or participating in other ancestral medicine ceremonies at our retreats. This precaution is essential to prevent potentially harmful interactions with the medicine.
Important Guidelines:
Discontinuation of Medications:
All medications and supplements must be stopped unless explicitly approved by our medical intake coordinator.
Exceptions:
Certain medications may be permitted, but approval is required on a case-by-case basis.
Half-Life of Medications:
Medications and supplements have varying half-lives, meaning specific timelines for discontinuation will apply.
Contact Us:
If you are currently taking any medications or supplements and wish to attend a retreat, please email us at: guest.experience@arkanainternational.com with the details.
Our medical team will provide you with a tailored safety protocol based on your situation.
Ayahuasca contains natural MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), which can interact dangerously with certain medications, including:
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
Stimulants (ADHD medications)
Blood pressure medications
Supplements with stimulant or serotonin-increasing effects
By following these guidelines, we ensure a safe and transformative experience for all participants.
Yes, both Peru and Mexico are welcoming and generally safe destinations for visitors. However, like traveling to any country, it’s important to exercise common sense to ensure your safety.
Here are some tips:
By staying mindful and following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and enriching travel experience.
The airport you fly into depends on the location of the retreat center. Below are the specific recommendations for each destination:
Peru:
Amazon Center (Iquitos):
Fly into Lima (LIM) for international arrivals.
Connect with a domestic flight to Iquitos (IQT).
Sacred Valley Center (Cusco):
Fly into Lima (LIM) for international arrivals.
Connect with a domestic flight to Cusco (CUZ).
Mexico:
Yucatán Center (Cancún):
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) for both international and domestic arrivals.
Valle de Bravo Center (Mexico City):
Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX) for both international and domestic arrivals.
You will receive a comprehensive packing list in your pre-arrival email, sent out 10 days prior to the start of the retreat. This list will include everything you need to ensure a comfortable and prepared experience during your stay.
If you have specific questions before receiving the email, feel free to contact us for guidance.
Most international visitors do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru or Mexico. This includes travelers from:
North America
South America
Europe
Australia
New Zealand
Exceptions:
Citizens from certain African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries may need a visa.
When in doubt, please verify your visa requirements before traveling.
Yes, you will need a valid passport to enter Peru or Mexico. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months from your date of entry.
If your passport is set to expire within six months, you will need to renew it before traveling.
Yes, we recommend bringing a few hundred dollars to cover:
To ensure a smooth experience, here are our recommendations for arrival and departure for each of our retreat centers:
Amazon Center (Iquitos)
Sacred Valley Center (Cusco)
Yucatán Center (Cancún)
Valle de Bravo (Mexico)
For any questions or additional assistance with planning your travel, feel free to contact us.
Not at the moment.
In Peru, we provide a complimentary shuttle to/from the center using a designated pickup/drop-off spot in town: In Iquitos we use the Hotel Casona Inn, in Cusco we use the Tierra Viva Hotel Centro. You will be responsible to make your way to the pickup spot at the designated time, both in Iquitos and Cusco it is safe to use airport taxis.
In Mexico, the Doubletree Hotel Cancun Airport has a complimentary airport shuttle. Transportation to/from the Hacienda has an extra cost of US$80 round trip.
Please note that we sometimes change pickup/drop-off locations. To make sure, please refer to the prearrival email you will receive two weeks prior to the start of your retreat.
Yes, we recommend the following hotels, which also serve as our designated pickup and drop-off locations for a smooth and convenient transition to and from your retreat:
Recommended Hotels by Retreat Location:
Amazon Center (Iquitos, Peru):
Hotel Casona Inn
Sacred Valley Center (Cusco, Peru):
Hotel Tierra Viva Centro
Yucatán Center (Cancún, Mexico):
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cancun Airport
Valle de Bravo Center (Mexico City, Mexico):
Hotel Camino Real Mexico City Airport (curbside)
Important Notes:
Pickup/Drop-Off Locations May Vary: Occasionally, these locations may change. If you’ve already booked a retreat, refer to your pre-arrival email for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Staying at one of these hotels ensures a seamless connection to our retreat centers and eliminates unnecessary logistical concerns