6-Day Kambo and Huachuma Retreat in Peru

A retreat of cleansing, gratitude, and integration. Alma Tierra welcomes you to [PLACEHOLDER: location] for Kambo, Huachuma, plant baths, Qigong, and fire circles.

Two plant medicines, one journey of cleansing and gratitude

Kambo is a purgative medicine that supports the energetic cleansing at the heart of our work. Huachuma is the medicine of gratitude and of “I can,” and we walk with it through beautiful landscapes, accompanied by songs and instruments. Together, they invite you to clear what you carry, look back with love on the path you have walked, and move forward with more clarity.

Key Features:

Group Size: 2 average / 4 max guests
Locations: Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru
Mountain Environment: 32°F (0°C) to 75°F (23°C)
Medicines: Huachuma (San Pedro), Kambo
Facilitators: Alonso Rafael and Flor Araceli

A Retreat of Cleansing and Gratitude

6 Days of Kambo, Huachuma, and Integration

Price: [PLACEHOLDER: price]

Whats Included:

2 Huachuma Ceremonies, Including a Guided Ceremonial Hike
1 Kambo Session or tobacco purge
3 Plant Baths for Cleansing and Renewal
Welcome Circle with Kintus (Coca Leaf Offerings)
An Energetic Reading for Each Participant
Accomodations included
All Meals and Dietas included

Held with Care, Day and Night:

From the welcome circle to the final farewell, your days are guided and unhurried, with time to rest, process, and share. Before you arrive, we review your health history in a short intake call. [CONFIRM: Our facilitators are trained in CPR, and the nearest hospital, Hospital Minsa Pisac, is 11 km away in the city of Pisac.] [PLACEHOLDER: what is not covered, e.g., personal items, souvenirs, restaurant visits.]

The journey in detail

The retreat begins with a welcome circle and kintus, where each guest offers coca leaves with an intention. On the second day, Kambo clears the way, followed by a plant bath and a quiet afternoon to process. Huachuma then takes us walking, with a ceremonial hike on the third day and a second ceremony in the temple on the fifth, with Qigong, an energetic reading, and fire circles in between. We close with a final plant bath, a closing circle, and integration reflections for the return home. Whether you are new to the medicine path or looking to deepen it, we invite you to join us.

Full Itenerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Welcome. Participants arrive between 3:00 and 5:00 pm, settle into their accommodations, and receive a welcome. From 5:30 to 6:30 pm we gather for a welcome circle, where we offer kintus (coca leaf offerings) with our intentions, introduce ourselves, and review the retreat guidelines. At 7:00 pm we share a light vegetarian welcome dinner. [PLACEHOLDER: arrival location and transportation.]

Day 2: Kambo Ceremony and Plant Bath

At 9:00 am we hold the Kambo ceremony, on an empty stomach. Afterward, the first plant bath supports cleansing and energetic alignment. Lunch at 1:00 pm is a nutritious and hydrating vegetarian meal. From 2:30 to 5:00 pm you are free to rest, process the purge, and remain in silence. Vegetarian dinner is at 6:00 pm.

Day 3: Ceremonial Huachuma Hike

An optional light breakfast is available at 6:00 am. At 7:00 am we depart for the ceremonial Huachuma hike. [PLACEHOLDER: where the medicine is taken, hike distance and difficulty, meals or snacks on the hike, and what to bring.] We return to the retreat space at 5:00 pm, followed by a vegan dinner at 6:30 pm. In the evening we gather around the fire for a sharing circle and music.

Day 4: Qigong, Rest, and Intentions

We begin with morning Qigong and a guided visualization meditation from 7:30 to 8:30 am, followed by a plant bath. Vegetarian breakfast is at 9:00 am, after which we set our intentions for the second ceremony. Lunch at 1:00 pm is a diet-appropriate meal. From 2:00 to 5:00 pm, enjoy free time for rest, including an energetic reading for each participant. Vegetarian dinner is at 6:00 pm.

Day 5: Second Huachuma Ceremony

An optional breakfast is available at 6:30 am. The second Huachuma ceremony begins at 7:00 am in the temple. [PLACEHOLDER: location of the temple, midday meal, and return time.] Vegan dinner is at 6:00 pm, followed by fire, a sharing circle, and music.

Day 6: Integration and Farewell

At 8:30 am we gather for a final plant bath, for blossoming and renewal, and an integration session. A vegetarian farewell breakfast follows at 10:00 am. From 11:00 am to 12:30 pm we hold the final closing circle, with integration reflections for the return home, a sharing session, and farewells. Checkout and departure are at 3:00 pm.

Sacred landscapes, quiet reflection, and ancient traditions

Travel Logistics

Nearest Airport:

Cusco, Peru (CUZ)

Arrival:

[PLACEHOLDER: e.g., arrive in Cusco the day before the retreat. Participants arrive at the retreat between 3:00 and 5:00 pm on Day 1.]

Departure

Checkout and departure are at 3:00 pm on the last day. Book your flight after [PLACEHOLDER: time].22

Private Transfers:

[PLACEHOLDER: are pickup and drop-off included, and from where?]

Travel Insurance:

Not required, but many guests choose it to cover unexpected medical and family emergencies or lost luggage. Highly recommended.

Lodging:

[PLACEHOLDER: recommended hotel or hostel before and after the retreat]

Travel Requirements:

A current passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your arrival date. No visa is required for passport holders in North America, South America, and many European countries. Please verify your requirements at the link below.

Cash:

We recommend bringing spending money for your trip. If possible, exchange money in Cusco at the current exchange rate rather than at the airport, where rates are often poor.

Private Ceremonies and Custom Sessions

Can’t join us on our set dates? Alonso and Flor also offer private Ayahuasca ceremonies and one-on-one sessions. [PLACEHOLDER: confirm which are available, e.g., Kambo, Huachuma, Energy Cords Liberation, Akashic Records, acupuncture and moxibustion.]

Other Healing Sessions

Alma Tierra also offers Kambo, Huachuma walks, Energy Cords Liberation, Akashic Records readings, and acupuncture and moxibustion, in person or remotely. [PLACEHOLDER: confirm which are available to retreat guests.] Write to us to learn what fits your path.

Integration Support

Integration is part of the work, not an afterthought. Your process begins with a pre-ceremony interview, continues with shamanic work during the ceremony, and closes with a post-ceremony integration where we help you make sense of what you experienced. [PLACEHOLDER: any support after the retreat, in person or remote.]

Huachuma FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Huachuma. We’ve compiled the most important information to help you prepare.

What is Huachuma?

Huachuma is also known as San Pedro, or also commonly spelled Washuma. The latin name is Echinopsis pachanoi, it is a succulent or cactus that grows natively in the Andes mountains of South America. Often this cactus is sold as an ornamental plant all over the world and grows in moist, arid climates.

Other names include The Grandfather Medicine, or The Cactus of the Four Winds.

What are the benefits of Huachuma?

Huachuma is a heart opening, healing, and expansive experience. The themes often include addressing past traumas, connection nature, and finding your path forward to inner growth. There are many more benefits and the teachings of this master plant can be varied greatly from person to person.

What is a Huachuma Ceremony like?

We typically begin a ceremony at 10am, explaining for new guests what to expect during the ceremony. We set our personal intentions, and then drink the medicine. Perhaps we will draw an oracle card, or introduce ourselves, and after 30-45 minutes we move into the garden to our own private areas that we choose. Guests can sit together or separate, guests can hike the very close Temple of the Moon ruins, or simply be at peace anywhere they choose.

After a few hours, we ask if anyone would like a second glass of medicine. Typically the first part of the ceremony is spent in silent reflection, after the second glass there may be music, laughing, talking, or sharing. We often build and deepen our connections with each other during ceremony, as well as with our inner selves.

The Huachuma experience is one that flows freely, and every ceremony is different. You may purge, but many do not. When we drink, the Grandfather medicine guides us and nothing happens by chance. In truth we can not say exactly what a ceremony is like because the Grandfather teaches us each in their own way.

Can anyone partake in a Ceremony?

Huachuma is like a gentle Grandfather. He is open and accepting of nearly everyone. However, there are a few medications and medical conditions that can preclude someone from partaking in the medicine.

Medical Conditions:

Pregnancy: Not recommending during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Like extremely erratic heartbeat, high blood pressure, or a recent history of heart attacks.
Mental Health Disorders: Such as extreme bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, or severe psychosis. Huachuma may trigger episodes.
Epilepsy/Seizures: Huachuma may lower the seizure threshold in a small amount of people.

Medications that are Counter-Indicative:

Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs): Combining mescaline with medications that increase serotonin levels, especially Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), is highly dangerous.
Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall or other stimulants should be avoided due to the risk of increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Medication: Because San Pedro can cause increases in blood pressure, it may interact with antihypertensive medications.
Decongestants: Over-the-counter cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine should be avoided.
Central Nervous System Depressants: Drugs that suppress the nervous system, such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates, may have conflicting or unsafe interactions, particularly regarding sedation and respiratory effects.

When considering partaking of the medicine, please contact us with any questions. The above information is for reference only, and if you feel drinking Huachuma may be a risk we can inform you of that risk. We will ask the questions necessary to assess your ability to drink the medicine safely, please be honest with us and we will find a solution.

What is required to participate in a Huachuma Retreat?

To begin first you must have a willing spirit, everything that follows are logistical challenges that in most cases can be overcome. A list of these logistical challenges follows:

A valid and current Passport and ability to travel internationally.
A short intake call, and submission of our intake form/questionaire.
Making a deposit to reserve your space. If there is an emergency situation or enough time in advance this deposit can be moved to another retreat.
A plane ticket to Cusco, Peru.

Ayahuasca FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Ayahuasca. We’ve compiled the most important information to help you prepare.

What is Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine brewed from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, usually combined with plants that contain DMT. Its name means “vine of the soul” in Quechua. It is a powerful psychoactive brew used for generations in spiritual, shamanic, and healing work.

Why should I drink Ayahausca? What are the benefits?

Studies indicate that Ayahuasca can lead to significant, often long-lasting improvements in various psychiatric conditions:

Depression & Anxiety: Research has shown that even a single dose can lead to rapid and sustained reductions in depression and stress symptoms for up to four weeks or longer.

Addiction Recovery: It is widely reported to help individuals overcome dependence on substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine by facilitating insights into the root causes of their addiction.
PTSD & Trauma: By allowing users to safely re-experience and reprocess repressed traumatic memories, it can help “extinguish” long-held fear responses.
Mindfulness & Well-being: Regular use is associated with increased mindfulness,self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.

What is Ayahuasca like?

During the Ceremony Participants usually remain seated or lying down. The space may be held in silence at times, and may include music or traditional songs. Skilled facilitators focus on safety, containment, and respectful guidance. Effects can be emotional, somatic, introspective, or sensory.

A ceremony may last 4 hours or longer. Participants are asked to stay in the ceremony space for the entirety of the ceremony, even if they feel no effects. This is non-negotiable and for the participants safety. After the ceremony is over guests may sleep in the ceremony space, or return to their private space.

Can anyone partake in an Ayahuasca Ceremony?

Ayahuasca should not be taken by individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions, especially those taking specific medications that can cause dangerous interactions like serotonin syndrome or a hypertensive crisis. It is vital to consult a healthcare professional before considering Ayahuasca use. Mountain Wind has medical professionals that we ask to assist us with evaluation in special cases. For most cases we are aware of solutions to most of the following issues, however if Ayahuasca is not safe for you, we will advise you.

Medical Conditions

Individuals with a history of the following conditions should avoid Ayahuasca due to the risk of severe complications:

Heart problems: Including chronic cardiovascular conditions, high or unstable blood pressure, a history of heart attacks or surgery, heart murmurs, or those with a pacemaker.
Neurological conditions: Conditions such as epilepsy, a history of seizures, Parkinson’s disease, or a history of stroke.
Severe psychiatric disorders: Especially schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, paranoia, or a history of psychosis, as Ayahuasca can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Other conditions: Advanced diabetes, kidney or liver diseases, glaucoma, or recent surgery should also be discussed with a doctor and retreat facilitator.

Medications and Substances

Ayahuasca contains natural monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which interact dangerously with many medications and substances. Combining them can be life-threatening.

Antidepressants: All types, including SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil), SNRIs, and other MAOIs (prescription or herbal like St. John’s Wort), can cause potentially fatal serotonin syndrome. A “washout” period of several weeks is usually required after stopping these medications under medical supervision.
Recreational drugs and stimulants: Alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines (e.g., Adderall), MDMA, and opiates are strictly contraindicated.
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Cold, cough (especially those with dextromethorphan, or “DM” in the name), allergy, and weight-loss medications should be avoided.
Other prescription drugs: This includes blood thinners (like warfarin), some anti-hypertensives (blood pressure medications), asthma medications, sedatives, and lithium.

Other Groups

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid ayahuasca because its effects on the fetus or infant are unknown and potentially harmful.
Individuals under 18 are generally not permitted due to ongoing brain and emotional development.
People who are not emotionally or mentally prepared for an intense, potentially challenging psychological experience should also reconsider.

Disclaimer: Before consuming Ayahuasca, it is essential to be completely transparent about your physical and mental health history and current medications with both your primary healthcare provider and the ceremony facilitators. The U.S. Embassy in Peru warns that retreat centers are often in remote areas far from modern medical facilities, increasing the risks in an emergency.

What is required to participate in an Ayahuasca Retreat?

To begin first you must have a willing spirit, everything that follows are logistical challenges that in most cases can be overcome. A list of these logistical challenges follows:

A valid and current Passport and ability to travel internationally.
A short intake call, and submission of our intake form/questionaire.
Making a deposit to reserve your space. If there is an emergency situation or enough time in advance this deposit can be moved to another retreat.
A plane ticket to Cusco, Peru.

Kambo FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Kambo. We’ve compiled the most important information to help you prepare.

What is Kambo and where does it come from?

Kambo, Acate, or “Sapo,” is a substance derived from the skin secretions of the giant leaf frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), a species native to the Amazon basin. Traditionally used by indigenous cultures for hunting, spiritual cleansing, and as a natural medicine, it is applied topically to small, intentionally lightly burned skin.

How does a Kambo ceremony work?

During a ceremony, a small amount of Kambo secretion is applied to the skin via superficial burns. The medicine is immediately absorbed by the lymphatic system. This can cause physical reactions such as sweating, vomiting, or an increased heart rate. These cleansing reactions help release toxins and restore balance to the body. Our ceremonies are always led by experienced practitioners who guide you through the process.

What are the benefits of Kambo?

Kambo is known for its physical detoxification, immune system strengthening, and support for emotional and spiritual healing. Kambo is known for a wide range of benefits, including:

Strengthening the immune system.
Supporting detoxification and the removal of toxins.
Reducing inflammation and pain.
Improving mood and clarity.
Releasing emotional blocks.

Although effects vary from person to person, many people experience a deep sense of renewal and strength after a ceremony.

Is Kambo safe?

Kambo is safe when performed by experienced and well-trained practitioners. At Spirit of Kambo, we follow strict safety protocols and each ceremony is tailored to the individual needs and health of the participant. Before a ceremony, we always ask about your medical history and provide clear instructions to ensure your safety

How can I prepare for a Kambo ceremony?

Good preparation is essential for a safe and effective experience. Here are some tips:

Fasting: Avoid food and caffeine for at least 8 hours before the ceremony.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the ceremony, but don’t drink too much just before.
Celtic Salt: Add a pinch of salt to your water daily
Mental preparation: Come with an open heart and without expectations. Set an intention for your ceremony.
Medical information: Be sure to be honest about your medical history during the intake.

Fasting before the ceremony and avoiding alcohol and heavy foods is recommended, as well as mental and emotional preparation

What can I expect during the ceremony?

During the ceremony you will usually experience a short, intense physical reaction, such as nausea or sweating, followed by a feeling of cleansing.

During the ceremony you can expect physical reactions such as:

A short-lived increase in your heart rate.
Sweating, vomiting, or mild swelling.
A feeling of warmth or tingling.
These reactions are part of the cleansing process. After the ceremony, many people experience a sense of clarity, peace, and energy.

How long does a Kambo ceremony last?

A Kambo session usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the body’s response.

Are there any side effects?

Temporary side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness. These effects usually disappear within a few hours.

How often can I do Kambo?

This varies from person to person. Some do it monthly, while others have multiple sessions in a short period for deeper cleansing.
The frequency depends on your intention and goals. Some people choose a cleansing protocol of three sessions within a month, while others use Kambo occasionally. We’re happy to advise you on what’s best for your situation.

Can anyone participate in a Kambo ceremony?

While Kambo is safe for many people, there are certain contraindications where we advise against participation, such as:

Cardiovascular disease or vascular disease.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
A severely weakened immune system.
Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

We always first discuss your health condition in an intake interview to determine whether Kambo is suitable for you.

Kambo is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, or pregnancy.