F.A.Qs

Ayahuasca is a powerful, sacred plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. It is a psychoactive brew made by combining the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and DMT-containing leaves. Yagé (also spelled yajé) is the specific traditional form of Ayahuasca we use, predominantly found in the Colombian Amazon.

The difference lies in the secondary ingredient used in the brew:

Ayahuasca is typically brewed with Chacruna (Psychotria viridis).

Yagé is made with Chacrupanga or Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana).

These variations result in subtle differences in strength, duration, and the nature of the visionary experience. Importantly, Yagé is not considered exclusively masculine or feminine but a combination of both energies from its main ingredients, and it contains traces of 5MeO DMT not found in Ayahuasca.

Many seek Yagé for Emotional Healing, Trauma Resolution, Spiritual Awakening, and Increased Self-Awareness.

It promotes introspection, shifts perspective, and fosters a profound Connection to Nature. While every journey is unique, it often brings about deep insights, emotional catharsis, and a sense of renewed purpose.

Because here, the medicine is not removed from its roots. It grows wild in sacred soil, surrounded by the spirits that have tended it for millennia. The jungle itself becomes part of the ceremony—the trees, the rivers, the wind, the night sky... all holding, guiding, witnessing. This is a return to the origin and the song of the Earth.

The Yagé ceremonies will be conducted by Taita Janier Tulkan & Cleo Baum with assistance from other team members. Throughout the week, various rituals and activities are facilitated by the entire expert team.

Yes. We believe true healing continues long after the retreat ends. We provide ongoing integration support to help you process and embody your experience:

Daily talking circles, 1:1 sessions with our therapist, and a private consultation with Taita Cesar during the retreat.

One free integration call after the retreat, available upon request.

Wear what you feel most comfortable in. For night ceremonies, long pants, layers, and a sweatshirt are recommended as nights can be cold. Loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers is best for comfort and airflow due to the high humidity.

We serve three meals per day (skipping dinner on ceremony days). Your meals are fresh, local cuisine adhering to the Yagé Dieta. Our kitchen is dairy-free, gluten-free, and we serve no red meat. Please inform us of any allergies or restrictions. We provide 100% safe, filtered fresh spring water.

The Putumayo jungle has a subtropical climate with frequent to heavy rains and high humidity. Temperatures are generally comfortable, but nights can be cold due to the altitude. The rain season (winter) is typically June to August, and summer is September to May.

We have very few mosquitos as we conduct pest control on our property. We still recommend bringing a bug repellent for forest excursions and an anti-itch cream.

Yes. We mitigate travel stress by providing private pickup at the Villa Garzón (VGZ) airport, eliminating the need to navigate unknown territory. If an overnight layover in Bogotá is required, we recommend official yellow cabs and safe stays at the Hampton by Hilton or Holiday Inn near the airport. Once at the center, your safety is guaranteed as long as instructions are followed.

We ask that you bring the 50% remaining balance in cash (US Dollars or Colombian Pesos, please confirm the exchange rate beforehand) or send it electronically before the retreat. You can also make purchases at our retreat shop using cash (USD/COP), Zelle, or Venmo.

As we have very few mosquitos, vaccination against Yellow Fever is not strictly necessary, but you are free to do so if you wish. Please note: As of June 12, 2022, a negative COVID-19 viral test is no longer required for air passengers traveling to the United States.

Our center offers a balance of comfort and immersion, including:

Daily Housekeeping & Laundry, Jungle Jacuzzi, StarLink Wifi, Towels, Bedding / Linens, Hot Water, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Tea Station, River & Creek access. Jungle Walking Paths

At Jungle Harmony, we do not exclude women who are menstruating from participating in ceremony.

We recognize that practices surrounding menstruation vary among different yagé traditions. While some lineages ask women to refrain from participating during their menstrual cycle, our healers have been trained to respectfully hold and work with this natural energy within the ceremonial space.

Women are welcome to participate whether they are menstruating or not. If you are on your menstrual cycle during your retreat, we will provide a traditional woven faja (woven belt) to gently support and hold the womb area throughout the ceremony, in accordance with the guidance of our healers.

If you have any questions or personal concerns about attending ceremony during your cycle, we encourage you to reach out before your retreat. We are happy to discuss any questions so you can make the choice that feels most aligned for you.