Ayaymama Mystic Backpacker

Thanks for an unforgettable experience, really authentic shaman and setting. Nothing fancy but exactly like promised, kind welcome and safe place. Loud sounds of real Amazon and total escape from grey reality. Our first trip of that kind which is certainly not regretted.

Authentic cabins and food. Authentic ceremonies and the most interesting psychedelic experiences I ever had! I was overwhelmed by what I experienced and can’t find words to describe it! Sometimes I had been hungry, but I think it is better not to eat too much to feel not that bad during the ceremonies!

It is quite an experience and perhaps not what you will expect. In fact, probably not what you expect. Have no expectations, if possible! This retreat, being the only one we have been to, felt exactly what we were looking for. Deep in the jungle among the soundscapes but without being anything too fancy or plush. The local Shaman took our ceremonies, singing for four hours while taking the medicine with us (how do they do it!) I would say that we discovered a lot about what worked for us through trial and error and I learnt that if I wanted or needed anything then British politeness gets you nowhere. Poul was an excellent host and a lovely guy, tending to our needs, organising activities to do for us (depending on how we felt the next day), but also giving us the time to relax and digest the ceremonies. It was pitched very well. He also has adopted some really wonderful house pets, which provide so much love. The food is simple, as it should be considering the aim of the retreat, but there is plenty of it. You won't go hungry. A local friend of the retreat, Wissam, is a wonderful man. Warm, generous, kind and very knowledgable in the local plants. More than ready to share this knowledge with us. Another highlight is getting involved in the rituals before ceremonies. I would have loved to be able to talk more with the Shaman and learn more about his practise, the medicine and his lineage, but his local tongue is not easy for translation. I couldn't recommend this enough, but if you want lots of guidance or new to ayahuasca, be sure to ask for what you need.

I visited for a four day retreat. It's a wonderful place, very homely, with surprisingly reasonable accommodation. Poul is an incredibly empathetic guide and very easy to talk to. The Maloka is beautiful and really added to my experience. It's also one of the more reasonably priced retreats in the area.