Frequently Asked Questions

Shipibo ayahuasca retreat master plant diet amazon rainforest

  • A plant diet is a deeper healing process that requires more responsibility and commitment than ayahuasca alone. While we generally recommend having prior ayahuasca experience, some individuals may be ready based on their life experience and personal preparedness. If this is your first time, you must schedule a Zoom consultation to discuss your medical background and determine if this is the right step. We reserve the right to refuse applications if we sense someone isn't prepared.

    The master plant dieta offers focused cleansing that can release root causes of inner challenges, requiring careful attention to dietary and activity restrictions. Key differences between a healing program with Ayahuasca alone, and a Master Plant Dieta include stricter dietary protocols, extended periods of silence, and the necessity to spend significant time in solitude to effectively connect with the plant spirit.

  • A master plant dieta at Niwe Rao Xobo can clear deep-rooted traumas and unhealthy energies held in our bodies and consciousness. However, from our experience, people often need several dietas to create lasting, definitive change and transformation. The causes of our pain and suffering work in layers—much like an onion—requiring time and patience to clear away accumulations of a lifetime. A significant part of the healing comes from what YOU bring to the process - your trust, faith and commitment to self-development. Mindfulness practices, therapy and consistent, dedicated practice make all of the difference.

  • We are a center solely owned and run by an indigenous Peruvian Amazonian family of ancestral healers. Our center is woman founded, led, owned and operated. Although supported by the men in the family, the decisions and management is primarily held by maestra Ynes, her daughters, and her granddaughters, who manage the administration end of the business.  Our work is interwoven into our daily lives and brings us profound joy. Our family environment—welcoming participants as guests into our home and ancestral homeland—creates a deeper connection to the medical work we do. Every staff member is either a direct descendant of our family or a very close family friend, creating not only a warm, trusting atmosphere but also more potent healing work through our shared ancestral lineage. Maestra Ynes, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, founder and teacher of Niwe Rao Xobo, is one of last living Onanyabo of her level of training and experience. Our center is women led, and the maestras take care of participants with loving motherly care. 

  • If you're seeking to deepen your work with ayahuasca or searching for a program that truly heals the root cause of your pain, combining plant diet with ayahuasca offers profound benefits. A master plant dieta provides greater longevity than ayahuasca alone. When you connect with a plant spirit through integrity, respect, care, and dedication, the spirit gifts you with its wisdom, allowing you to blossom into your fullest potential.

  • Many pharmaceutical medications must be discontinued at least one month before and approximately 2 - 4 weeks after the dieta, as they could cause adverse reactions or block the effects of the plant medicines. The post-restriction period varies based on individual healing needs. For mild medications like hormone replacement, exceptions may be made case-by-case after consultation with the maestros. Questions pertaining to medications will be answered after our initial medical intake consultation call with you. 

  • Yes, there is a hospital in Pucallpa, 40 minutes from our center and easily accessible by road. In case of medical emergency, a staff member will accompany you and provide support.

  • We are open to accepting people with previous psychological conditions as we believe most conditions are treatable, but we would first need to speak with you to get clarity on your medical background, your current situation, and your intentions. We would also tailor your dieta in very specific ways, following the wisdom and guidance of the plants and Maestra Ynes, so it is safe for you and all concerned. These specially curated dietas often combine more plant saunas to cleanse strong energies held in the body. We also sometimes reduce or omit the ayahuasca intake of the participant to prevent any psychological backlashes, but allow the participant to still receive Ikaros in ceremonies so they may receive the benefit from our work.

  • Ceremonies begin at 20:00 and last until approximately 01:00-02:00, depending on group size. You may stay in the maloka until morning if desired. Your facilitator remains available for support after the ceremony closes.

  • You can wear anything comfortable. We recommend bringing extra warm clothes as the temperature can shift during ceremony.

  • The first two days and final day allow for sharing and group connection. Once you begin drinking your master plant on day 3, silence becomes essential. Common spaces are silent, and while meals are taken together, conversation should be avoided. You may speak with your facilitator at any time, and we hold a group share with the maestros midway through the diet.

  • We do not provide internet access, as the diet offers an opportunity to disconnect from modern distractions that inhibit self-connection. Emergency contact arrangements can be made if needed.

  • Each guest receives their own tambo (wooden cabin) where you spend most of your time in privacy. We never share tambos between guests.

  • Our facilitators come from various countries including Peru, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Mexico. All speak English and Spanish, with some offering French and Portuguese. Their extensive international travel experience allows them to connect with all cultures.

  • Most maestros, except Maestra Ynes, speak Spanish and Shipibo. Facilitators serve as translators during all group shares and individual consultations.

  • We accept friends and family who wish to undertake this journey, though each person must maintain focus on their individual process.

  • While we don't offer formal volunteer positions, we consider exchange arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss possibilities.

  • We strive to accommodate dietary requirements within jungle limitations. The food provided follows dieta restrictions carefully. For specific allergies, we'll work to find appropriate solutions. Due to our remote location, we cannot always acquire specific items.

  • Currently the Maestra does not accept people for longer programs than the 14 days. As an elder, it is important for her to have time off in between 14 day programs. If you would like to embark on a longer program, you are welcome to join 2 diets in a row, taking a break in between the first and second diet and moving off site, and then returning with the next group.

  • We generally recommend two weeks of preparation before and after, however, the more time you take to prepare and integrate the work, the better. It is still possible to travel before and after your dieta, we simply advise you to surround yourself with positive environments, activities, and people and have access to simple, healthy food. The Sacred Valley region (Cusco, Machu Picchu) has a diverse range of diet-friendly food options.

    If you are interested in doing the Inca trail and Machu Pichu before or after the post-diet, we highly recommend Alpaca Tours who provide very good ayahuasca/diet-friendly food. They are very well organized and offer great tours.

  • We recommend two hotels for accommodation before and after your stay:
    Hotel Manish - A peaceful hotel, only 5 minutes from the airport, it has a beautifully well-kept jungle garden, pool, and great service. (discounted price if booked through us)
    Hotel Gavilanes is closest to the center and the location is much more relaxed than in the center of Pucallpa.

  • The best domestic airlines that specifically fly from Lima to Pucallpa are Latam, Sky Airlines, and Star Peru - please note that all Peruvian airlines often run late, so best to give yourself at least 3 hours of transit if you are catching an international flight from Lima. These Peruvian airlines often allow you to change the time and date of the ticket free of charge up to 24 hours before - please contact the airline to confirm this flexibility. 

  • We have no recommendations for accommodation in Lima, but we advise an Airbnb, hostel, or hotel in Barranco or Miraflores district. These areas are safe and the most interesting, with shops, restaurants, and good vibes.