Shamanism in the Jungle (4 days / 3 nights)

Day 1: Iquitos – Jungle

Meet at Iquitos airport and transfer to the pier. En route, we have a brief orientation of the city. We navigate the Amazon River towards the Amazon Sinchicuy Lodge (45 min from Iquitos).

We take a short walk or canoe ride – depending on the season – to ‘Nuevo Peru’ where a Yagua ethnic group has established. There we get acquainted with their ancestral customs, see their unique apparel made of palm fibers and even try their ‘pucuna’ or blowgun.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided ethno botanic excursion. We will be able to identify species of the Amazon plant kingdom such as Cat’s Claw, Sour Cane, Copaiba, Aguaje and even Ayahuasca, the ‘dead’s rope’. We visit the local naturist ‘shaman who will explain about the marvelous healing properties and use of some of these plants and roots. Then we tour the Santa Maria de Ojeal farmlands where we visit the sugar cane squeeze, the fruit orchard, the fish pond with native species for their consumption, the Amazon breed cattle (cross of Cebu with Brown Swiss) and artisanal dugout canoe fishing performed on the river by locals. We visit a typical village on the shores of the Amazon, see the homes, schools, churches, shops and interact with its people. On our return trip, we will relax with an unforgettable sunset.

In the evening, we can have an evening canoe ride or walk to discover the awesome world of night insects, cicadas, spiders, praying mantis, etc. Listen to the owls and ‘ayaymamas’. Return to the lodge.

Meals: Lunch and light dinner

Day 2: Jungle

Watch the Ayahuasca ‘take’ being prepared early in the morning. You can see the Master Shaman cooking the magic vine or ‘dead man’s rope’ pieces accompanied by chants, spells and prayers to the gods or semi-gods.

After a light breakfast at the lodge, we navigate by motorboat to the opposite side of the Amazon River. During the trip we might spot river dolphins. We see typical riverside landscape plantations. Then we walk on tropical rainforest trail and boat or canoe on the Yanayacu River to the Tambo Yanayacu Lodge located in the ‘Kingdom of the Giant Trees’. We watch the rich avian fauna of the area and the diverse medicinal plants, epiphyte plants (bromeliads) growing high on the trees, and giant flora like the ‘lupuna’ or Ceiba tree species over 150-feet high. Search for primates and sloths that blend with the forest canopy. We stop for a light lunch at the Tambo Yanayacu (38 Miles NE of Iquitos).

In the afternoon, we fish native-style on the river for piranhas and other species. Return to the Amazonas Sinchicuy in the afternoon.

We can have an optional psychotherapeutic session before dinner in order to prepare for the Ayahuasca ritual. Dinner is optional since it is suggested to fast or eat very light before the ritual.

Ayahuasca Ritual
Participants gather at the Master Shaman’s Tambo to prepare the magic circle. A number of fragrances and esoteric utensils are used, among them: the ‘shakapa’ or sweeper, the ‘mapacho’ or cigar and the ‘carmalonga’ or protective potion also known as ‘arkana’. The Master Shaman calls upon divine powers through chants, prayers and ‘icaros’ (cigar smoke puffs). The Ayahuasca potion prepared by Master Shaman is passed to participants. The effects of the ‘take’ will be noticed approximately 10 minutes after drinking it. Purging is one of the purposes of the ceremony and that is why nausea is common. This way, both body and spirit are cleansed and so harm and evil are expelled giving room to a better health. The ritual ends by midnight, and then the participants return to the lodge to rest.

* Those who participate of Ayahuasca will be assisted by the shaman’s aides when the effects of the take manifest.

** Master Shaman suggests that those who have taken Ayahuasca must refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages or having sexual contact at least for 4 days.

*** It is not necessary that all participants take Ayahuasca. If you wish you can receive a flourishing bath or cleansing or just simply witness.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (optional)

Day 3: Jungle

Early in the morning the Master Shaman prepares the ‘cleansing bath’ using fragrant plants to bring perfect harmony to the participants. The cleansing takes place in an appointed place on the Sinchicuy River before breakfast time.

After breakfast dugout canoe ride and hike to see the development of sustained economy projects in the Nuevo Peru Community. If you prefer, you can stay at the lodge and rest.

In the afternoon we have an esoteric session in which the Master Shaman will reveal the meaning of the previous night hallucinations. Suggestions by the shaman to focus your life according to the manifested revelations through the Ayahuasca ‘take’.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Jungle – Iquitos

Time for leisure. In the afternoon, return to Iquitos by boat and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch