Ayahuasca Immersion 26-Day Retreat

The Ayahuasca Immersion is a 26-day ayahuasca retreat at Refugio Altiplano, near Iquitos in the Loreto region of Peru. It is a long-stay plant medicine program for people whose needs call for more time than a standard retreat allows: physical, emotional or spiritual concerns, a wish to study shamanism and ayahuasca medicine more deeply, or an interest in taking part in plant or shamanic diets.

Over the stay there are 14 traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, giving guests room to work with the medicine and to learn from it over weeks rather than days.

What to Expect

The Immersion spans two of the refugio's 12-day retreats. It begins on the first day of one retreat and ends on the last day of the retreat that follows, so you live through the full rhythm of the house twice. Retreats start on Mondays, and the group gathers in Iquitos on the first morning before travelling to the retreat.

Across the 26 days (25 nights) you take part in the ayahuasca ceremonies, hold consultations with the shaman, and join guided activities. Plant medicine is given as prescribed for each guest. Those drawn to plant or shaman diets can pursue them within this longer format. A sauna is available on nights when there is no ceremony.

The Setting

Refugio Altiplano is a comfortable, safe retreat facility reached from Iquitos, a city in the Peruvian Amazon. Transport between Iquitos and the retreat is arranged for guests. Accommodation, healthy meals, house cleaning and laundry service are all part of the stay.

Guests should arrive in Iquitos the day before the retreat begins. The group meets on Monday morning in the lobby of the Jungle House hotel, on Calle Pevas two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, next door to the retreat's office. The hotel is run by Explorama and offers Refugio Altiplano guests a discounted rate, with economy, standard and superior rooms and breakfast included. Mention that you are travelling with the refugio when you reserve.

Before You Go

The program suits guests who want a significant commitment of time, whether for healing or for study. Because places are limited, you first contact the retreat to confirm availability for your chosen dates, then reserve your place with a deposit.

Included in the stay:

- 26 days and 25 nights at the retreat
- 14 ayahuasca ceremonies
- Transport between Iquitos and the retreat
- Accommodation and healthy meals
- House cleaning and laundry service
- Plant medicine as prescribed
- Consultations with the shaman
- Guided activities
- Sauna on non-ceremony nights

Not included:

- International and national airfares
- Transport to and from Lima airport
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation in Iquitos, which the retreat can book for you
- Peruvian visa costs for travellers who are not from the EEC or USA
- Personal expenses, such as meals and drinks in Iquitos
- Tips for the team

For questions about any of the options at the retreat, the team at Refugio Altiplano invites you to get in touch before you decide.