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 Cesar, Abuela Fanny, and assisted by Cleo and 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

We hold deep respect for the sacred rhythms of the body, particularly the menstrual cycle, which is a powerful and ancient energetic force. Across various traditions, menstruation is honored in different ways—some lineages welcome children, babies, and menstruating women into ceremony, while others, like the tradition we carry, approach these energies with particular caution and care due to the enhanced magnitude of our medicine.

In the tradition of yagé—which differs from the more commonly known ayahuasca—the energy of the medicine is often much stronger and deeper. The yagé lineage we follow invites profound healing and intense energetic work, requiring a finely balanced ceremonial space. During menstruation, the womb is open and highly sensitive, making it easier to absorb external energies. In ceremonies of this depth, this heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort, overwhelm, or difficulty integrating the experience.

To honor both the sacred rhythm of menstruation and the powerful spirit of the medicine, we ask that participants refrain from drinking yagé while actively bleeding. If your sacred cycle coincides with the ceremony, you will instead be offered a different, supportive plant medicine during the ceremony, specifically chosen to work harmoniously with the menstrual energy. You will also receive:

A special private ritual in honor of your blood and womb

A protective belt and herbal support to care for your body during this time

A free extended stay, allowing you to participate in a yagé ceremony once your cycle is complete

We recommend that if you feel your moon cycle may align with the retreat, you consider booking a flexible return flight. This gives you the option to remain longer and receive the full experience of the medicine after your cycle has completed.

This approach is not about exclusion, but protection—of your body, your energy, the ceremonial space, and the sacred tradition we carry. We do this to preserve the power and depth of the work we are here to share, while also honoring the sacred feminine and her unique rhythms.

If you have any questions, or if you’re unsure how your cycle may align with the retreat, we warmly invite you to reach out. We are here to support you and ensure that your journey with us is safe, respectful, and deeply nourishing.