Why journey to the Amazon for plant medicine?

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 not a performance.
It is a return.

To the origin.
To the song of the Earth.
To the memory of your soul.

In the Amazon, the medicine remembers who it is.
And so do you.

What Is Ayahuasca?

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 two main ingredients: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and leaves from a DMT-containing plant, most commonly Psychotria viridis. When prepared and consumed together, these plants induce a deeply introspective and visionary experience, often described as a gateway to higher consciousness or profound inner healing.

The word “ayahuasca” comes from the Quechua language, roughly translating to “vine of the soul” or “vine of the spirits.”

Yagé: The Traditional Ayahuasca We Use

At our center, we work specifically with yagé (also spelled yajé), which is a traditional form of ayahuasca used primarily in the northwestern Amazon, particularly among Indigenous communities in Colombia, Ecuador, and parts of Peru.

What is the difference between Ayahuasca and Yagé?

Both Ayahuasca and Yagé are made from the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine which acts as the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI—which makes the DMT orally active). However, the source of N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) can vary, coming from the leaves of the chacruna (Psychotria viridis) or chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) plants (amongst others).

The secondary ingredient is what differs the two. Whilst Ayahuasca is brewed with the leaves of Chacruna (Psychotria viridis), Yagé is made with Chacrupanga/Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana).

Whilst you may have heard Ayahuasca being referred to as grandmother Ayahuasca or madre Ayahuasca, the Yagé brew is not considered masculine nor feminine but rather a combination of the two. This can be explained by its two main ingredients, Banisteriopsis Caapi with its feminine energies and the Chacrupanga/Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) being a masculine plant. Yagé also has traces of 5MeO DMT that is not found in Ayahuasca. These variations result in subtle differences in strength, duration, and the nature of the visionary experience.

Importantly, yagé is not just a substance — it is part of a larger spiritual and ceremonial practice, passed down for generations. The medicine is always served in the context of traditional rituals, led by experienced healers (often called Taitas or Yageceros) who guide participants through the process with care, prayer, and deep respect for the plants and their wisdom.

Why People Seek Ayahuasca (Yagé)

Many people come to experience yagé for a variety of reasons, including:

• Emotional Healing: Many individuals find that plant medicines help them process and release unresolved emotions, leading to greater emotional balance and resilience.

• Spiritual Awakening: Participants often report profound spiritual experiences, deepening their connection to themselves, others, and the universe.

• Increased Self-Awareness: Plant medicine can promote introspection, allowing people to gain insights into their behavior, patterns, and beliefs.

• Shift in Perspective: Many individuals experience a transformation in their perception of reality, leading to a greater sense of openness and understanding.

• Trauma Resolution: Plant medicines can help individuals confront and heal from past traumas, facilitating a sense of release and renewal.

• Enhanced Creativity: Some people find that they can tap into a deeper well of creativity and inspiration through the use of plant medicine.

• Connection to Nature: Plant medicines often foster a profound sense of connection to the natural world, promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.

• Community Bonding: Participating in ceremonies or retreats can strengthen bonds with others, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

• Physical Healing: Support physical health and well-being, alleviating various ailments but also detecting and preventing.

• Mindfulness and Presence: Many users report increased mindfulness and the ability to live in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the past or future.

  These transformations can vary significantly from person to person, influenced by factors such as the type of plant medicine used, the setting, and the individual's intention and openness to the experience. At Jungle Harmony, we are committed to providing knowledgeable facilitators who hold an ancestral allegiance and deep respect for the homeland of this sacred plant medicine. Our main ceremonies take place in the ‘Maloka,’ a dedicated space thoughtfully designed to create a harmonious environment for these transformative journeys.

  Our company values are what connects us to each other in a more intimate and trusted way. Guests and business partners alike become family when we work together for the common good of humanity and the earth.

While every experience is unique, yagé often brings about deep insights, emotional catharsis, and a sense of renewed purpose.

A Sacred Tradition, Not a Trend

We approach yagé with the utmost respect — not as a recreational drug, but as a sacred medicine rooted in Indigenous cosmology. Our ceremonies honor the traditional lineages, protect the integrity of the medicine, and prioritize your safety, healing, and transformation.

Will I receive integration help after the retreat?

We believe that true healing continues long after the retreat ends. That’s why we offer ongoing integration support to help you process and embody your experience. Our commitment is to ensure you never feel alone in this important task.

Throughout the retreat, we guide you with practical tools for integration, including daily talking circles, a one-on-one session with our experienced therapist, and a private consultation with Taita Cesar. These spaces help ground your insights and provide clarity for the path ahead.

Additionally, we offer one free integration call after the retreat, available upon request, to support your continued transformation. Our intention is to walk beside you—before, during, and after the retreat—so you feel held, supported, and safe as you navigate your healing journey.

How much money should I bring to the retreat?

We ask that you bring the 50% remaining balance in cash with you or alternatively you can send the remaining amount electronically before retreat start. If you bring cash you can bring US Dollars or Colombian Pesos however please check in with us first if bringing Pesos so we can provide you with the exact exchange rate. You can make purchases at our retreat shop paying with US Dollars or Colombian Pesos as well as Zelle or Venmo.

What’s the mosquito situation like?

We have very few mosquitos and conduct pest control on our property meaning we are not bothered by too many bugs that bite. We still recommend bringing a bug repellent for our excursions in the forest and an anti itch cream can come in handy if you do get bit. The jungle is always a bit unpredictable and some individuals are more prone to bug bites than others.

What’s the weather like?

The Putumayo jungle is a sub tropical climate located in the Southern hemisphere. There is frequent to heavy rains with an overall comfortable temperature and high humidity. The nights can get cold due to the altitude and when the sun is out it can be quite hot. The rain season (winter) is from June - August and summer is from September - May.

Can I take part in the retreat/ceremonies if I am on my menstrual bleed cycle?

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.

Is it safe for a woman to travel to Colombia by herself?

You will fly into the capital city of Bogota and from there take a connecting flight to Villa Garzon. You will be picked up at the airport in Villa Garzon so you don’t have to worry about navigating unknown territory. 

Sometimes you will have to layover in Bogota for a night until the connecting flight the next day. In that case you can take an official taxi, please avoid accepting rides from anyone who offers you that and stick to the yellow cabs. We recommend you stay at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel or the the Holliday Inn located 8 minutes outside the airport. 

Once at the retreat center we guarantee that you will be safe as long as you follow instructions by the facilitators. There will be one or more female facilitators present so you can feel comfortable sharing anything you may not feel comfortable sharing with a male. 

You will be sharing a cabin with another participant of the same sex unless requesting otherwise. 

What does Taita mean?

In the Colombian and Ecuadorian Amazon, Taita comes from the Quechua language, meaning father or elder. It’s used to honor spiritual leaders who guide traditional medicine ceremonies, often with yagé (ayahuasca).

A Taita is not just a healer — he is a guardian of ancestral wisdom, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, and a father figure to the community.

Similar to “Pajé” in Brazil or “Father” in the church, the word Taita carries a deep sense of care, connection, and sacred responsibility.

Let us speak this word with respect — not as a trend, but as a title earned through years of devotion to the path.

What clothing should I wear to the ceremonies and during the retreat?

As there is no specific dress code you are free the wear what you feel most comfortable in. Keep in mind that two ceremonies are during the night so long pants, layers and a sweatshirt are great. For the ceremony you will be provided with a bed, sheets, blanket and pillows. For our day time ceremony it can be hot if the sun is shining or also chilly if it is a rainy day. As humidity can be high it is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing and materials that are of natural fibers to allow for maximum airflow and comfort. Clothing that is tight fitting can be uncomfortable during ceremony.

Who will be conducting the ceremonies?

The Yagé ceremonies will be conducted by Taita Cesar, Abuela Fanny and assisted by Taita Cesar’s wife Cleo and different assistants depending on the size of the group. Throughout the week there will be various activities and rituals facilitated by the team.

What food can I expect?

There are three meals served per day except during ceremony days where we skip dinner . We have filtered water at the center and filled daily in your cabin. The drinking water at the retreat is fresh spring water. It is packed with minerals and we run it through a filter so it is 100% safe for you to drink.

Your meals will be fresh, local cuisine with fish and sometimes chicken from the Jungle Harmony farm. Please let us know if you have any food restrictions or allergies. Our kitchen is dairy free, gluten free and we serve no red meat.

Vaccines

Some travelers get vaccinated against yellow fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Since we have very little mosquitos, getting vaccinated is not necessary however if you feel that you would like to get vaccinated that is not a problem.

As of June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

Retreat Center Amenities

• Daily Housekeeping

• Laundry

• Jungle Jacuzzi

• StarLink Wifi

• Towels

• Bedding / Linens

• Hot Water

• Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash

• Tea Station

• River & Creek access

• Jungle Walking Paths