10-Day Amazonian Ayahuasca Healing Retreat in Pastaza, Ecuador

The retreat runs for 10 days at Feather Crown, a centre in Santa Clara, Pastaza, Ecuador, set on 23 hectares of private reserve that borders protected rainforest and Llanganates National Park. The Piatúa River runs alongside the property, and indigenous communities consider the area a place of healing power. You'll be part of a small group of 6 to 12 participants, which means the shamans and support team can give each person real attention.

Across the ten days there are four ayahuasca ceremonies, held in a purpose-built circular temple. The brew is prepared traditionally using only the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and chakruna or Diplopterys cabrerana leaves, with no added admixtures. The ceremonies are guided by indigenous elders Don Carlos and Maestro Sina (Emilio). A dedicated support team remains sober and attentive throughout every ceremony. Each ceremony is followed by a morning integration session with translation, where you can ask questions and begin to make sense of what arose. The shaman also offers individual limpias — energetic cleansings using plants and traditional techniques — and you prepare for each ceremony with a cleansing flower bath.

Between ceremonies, the pace slows deliberately. You'll walk jungle trails with a Kichwa guide, including a night walk, learning how local plants are used in healing. Cultural immersion runs throughout: storytelling, music, dance, body painting and handicraft workshops with a local Kichwa family deepen your connection to the tradition. You'll also visit a waterfall, explore a medicinal plant garden, and help harvest the ayahuasca vine. Optional treatments include sananga, tobacco work, plant purgatives, and one-on-one healing sessions with the shaman.

Guests stay in clean bamboo cabins with orthopedic beds, mosquito nets, hot showers, solar electricity, and Wi-Fi. Meals follow traditional dieta practices, including organic options. Instruction is in English, with Czech and Spanish also spoken. A PDF guidebook is sent before arrival, and transfers from Quito's Mariscal Sucre airport are available.

What makes this retreat different from similar ones is the combination of authentic indigenous leadership — Don Carlos and Maestro Sina (Emilio) — the purpose-built temple, the strict traditional preparation of the brew, and the integration of cultural activities with a local Kichwa family. The centre's location bordering protected rainforest and Llanganates National Park, beside the Piatúa River, adds a layer of natural isolation and healing reputation that few other centres can match.

This retreat is run by Feather Crown Ayahuasca Ecuador. A health screening is required, and the retreat follows a strict policy regarding medications and supplements. It is not suitable for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or certain psychiatric conditions. This is serious, structured work for people who feel a genuine calling — not a casual tourist experience.

What's included

- 10 days accommodation in bamboo cabins - 4 ayahuasca ceremonies guided by indigenous elders - Integration sessions with translation after each ceremony - All meals following traditional dieta practices - Jungle walks with a Kichwa guide, including a night walk - Cultural activities: storytelling, music, dance, body painting, handicraft workshops - Visit to a waterfall and medicinal plant garden - Ayahuasca vine harvesting - Cleansing flower bath before each ceremony - Individual limpias (energetic cleansings) with the shaman - Transfers from Quito's Mariscal Sucre airport - PDF guidebook before arrival - Wi-Fi and solar electricity

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional treatments: sananga, tobacco work, plant purgatives, one-on-one healing sessions - Additional nights or extensions - Meals outside the retreat programme - Transportation to/from Quito before/after transfers