Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat
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About
5.0
#1 of 1 special resort in IndianaLocation
5.0
Rooms
4.8
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Sleep Quality
4.9
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
At our ayahuasca retreats, you will be able to explore traditional plant spirit shamanism that dates from time immemorial in a safe and secure environment. We work with integrity and the best of intentions for spiritual awakening and holistic healing of the mind, body and spirit. You can have the confidence to immerse yourself in the realms of Peruvian shamanism with Ayahuasca and Huachuma (San Pedro cactus), knowing that you are with people at our ayahuasca retreats who have dedicated their lives to helping you heal and explore the nature of reality and the shamanic realms of this ancient healing practice in the heart of this phenomenon Iquitos, Peru. The goal of these retreats is to provide guests with a professional and experienced support, conducive to deep healing and transformation, to provide you with the tools to maintain positive change.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Boating
Canoeing
Free shuttle or taxi services
Meeting rooms
Shared lounge / TV area
Public wifi
Breakfast available
Special diet menus
Hiking
Entertainment staff
Fishing
Walking tours
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Taxi service
Sun deck
First aid kit
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Bottled water
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Walk-in shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Green
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
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Detailed Reviews
Property's Favorite Review
I can't thank William and the whole team at Kawsay enough for the most incredible, magical, nourishing experience. I have been to several Ayahuasca retreats but it was always my dream to drink medicine in the Amazon of Peru and I'm SO GLAD I chose Kawsay, it definitely lived up to my dream. The grounds/ retreat centre are absolutely stunning, theres something very special being emersed in the jungle plus it was much more luxurious than most of the retreat centres I've been to. The food was delicious and all the staff were so kind and nurturing, as well as William and the Shamans. I was travelling alone but they made me feel so safe, held, so comfortable and at ease. The ceremonies were profound, I'm still in awe of the Shamans power and their commitment and the dedication when holding sacred space for us, I am truly grateful for all their hard work and the incredibly special experience I was lucky enough to part of, its something I will cherish forever. Thank you so much again everyone at Kawsay, sending you all so much love and light
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My trip to Peru to visit kawsay was the most eye opening experiences of my life, I saw and learnt so much during our stay that I genuinely believe I am changed in ways for the better. William runs the retreat he has deep understanding of shamanism and spirituality he spends lots of time with all of us educating us on what he knows about this amazing practice and the real meaning of healing using ayahuasca and san perdo. He was a teacher, councillor and friend to everyone in the group and spent Time with us all individually also. This is not a business for him its not about making money it is about helping people. William lives at the retreat with his beautiful family and there is a very friendly family atmosphere.
The shamans are father and son and work very hard during the ayahuasca ceremonies over 6 hrs sometimes to heal everyone individually it amazed me how romelo is over 92 years old and still able to do this.
We loved the food it was healthy and delicious. The rooms are clean, comfortable and there were no mosquitos which surprised me
For anyone who is reading this and unsure what retreat to choose I cannot recommend Kawsay enough, from what I hear there are lots of charlatans in Peru offering ayahuasca which can be very dangerous to you spiritually and physically do your research. Im sure William will take your call and answer any questions you have. This is a genuine review my email is strettonsteve@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to ask me anything.
The shamans are father and son and work very hard during the ayahuasca ceremonies over 6 hrs sometimes to heal everyone individually it amazed me how romelo is over 92 years old and still able to do this.
We loved the food it was healthy and delicious. The rooms are clean, comfortable and there were no mosquitos which surprised me
For anyone who is reading this and unsure what retreat to choose I cannot recommend Kawsay enough, from what I hear there are lots of charlatans in Peru offering ayahuasca which can be very dangerous to you spiritually and physically do your research. Im sure William will take your call and answer any questions you have. This is a genuine review my email is strettonsteve@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to ask me anything.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In January 2020, I visited Kawsay for the second time to take part in the 7 day Ayahuasca retreat.
I have had the most remarkable, profound, transformative experiences at Kawsay, and I thoroughly recommend this retreat.
The location deep in the Amazon is amazing. William runs the retreat with the utmost care for guests, and incredible respect for the medicines. He has continued to invest in the facilities to provide a truly comfortable and memorable experience for retreat participants.
Don Romulo and Don Winister are wonderful to work with. I could not imagine more wise, experienced, caring and loving shamans anywhere else. Together with William, Coco and the rest of the team, they ensure that ceremonies are conducted with a palpable sense of sacredness, care and healing.
This is THE retreat to attend for an authentic, sacred plant medicine experience where you will be looked after like family, and indeed will become part of the Kawsay family.
I have had the most remarkable, profound, transformative experiences at Kawsay, and I thoroughly recommend this retreat.
The location deep in the Amazon is amazing. William runs the retreat with the utmost care for guests, and incredible respect for the medicines. He has continued to invest in the facilities to provide a truly comfortable and memorable experience for retreat participants.
Don Romulo and Don Winister are wonderful to work with. I could not imagine more wise, experienced, caring and loving shamans anywhere else. Together with William, Coco and the rest of the team, they ensure that ceremonies are conducted with a palpable sense of sacredness, care and healing.
This is THE retreat to attend for an authentic, sacred plant medicine experience where you will be looked after like family, and indeed will become part of the Kawsay family.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was recommended and introduced to Kawsay and Ayahuasca in 2019 by my best friend. For two years I had spent a lot of time thinking I will go one day but then Mother Ayahuasca called me back in October 2022 (a whole 2 years later). There have been mentions of other retreats in between but I knew I wanted to experience Ayahuasca with the indigenous people of Peru and at a safe retreat.
I am glad I held out as the experience is beyond words. The love I feel for everyone at Kawsay, the Shamans, Healers, Helpers, the Jungle is immense. In a world full of people and spirits that walk amongst us to take and hurt, my faith has been restored. Everyone at Kawsay has taken their time and energy to genuinely love and care for everyone that steps foot onto the retreat. The retreat itself is paradise and really helps pull you out of the 'reality' that you live in and immerse you back into the true essence of being.
There is ample opportunity to talk about your experiences with William or your group which I felt was really integral in processing the ceremonies. During the ceremonies the Shamans and helpers work to ensure that the ceremonies are held in a safe environment and you can truly feel the presence of the work that Shamans do throughout. I cannot express my gratitude and love for all the support I had during my ceremonies. You can feel the love from a mile away! Even after the retreat, I've contacted William who has always strived to help and respond as quick as he can. I also had a session with Viviane who is the most beautiful spirit and I was smiling from ear to ear during the conversation and the next morning. I would highly recommend taking the opportunity for healing after the retreat with Viviane as it really solidified the lessons I learnt.
As for Mother Ayahuasca, she is nurturing and loving. No matter how difficult the journey may be, she brings to light what needs healing and I am incredibly grateful for her, and to have experienced the beauty that she is.
Thank you Kawsay for reminding me who we truly are, where we truly belong, and for expanding my healing journey. I hope to see you all again one day! Sending you all lots of love <3
I am glad I held out as the experience is beyond words. The love I feel for everyone at Kawsay, the Shamans, Healers, Helpers, the Jungle is immense. In a world full of people and spirits that walk amongst us to take and hurt, my faith has been restored. Everyone at Kawsay has taken their time and energy to genuinely love and care for everyone that steps foot onto the retreat. The retreat itself is paradise and really helps pull you out of the 'reality' that you live in and immerse you back into the true essence of being.
There is ample opportunity to talk about your experiences with William or your group which I felt was really integral in processing the ceremonies. During the ceremonies the Shamans and helpers work to ensure that the ceremonies are held in a safe environment and you can truly feel the presence of the work that Shamans do throughout. I cannot express my gratitude and love for all the support I had during my ceremonies. You can feel the love from a mile away! Even after the retreat, I've contacted William who has always strived to help and respond as quick as he can. I also had a session with Viviane who is the most beautiful spirit and I was smiling from ear to ear during the conversation and the next morning. I would highly recommend taking the opportunity for healing after the retreat with Viviane as it really solidified the lessons I learnt.
As for Mother Ayahuasca, she is nurturing and loving. No matter how difficult the journey may be, she brings to light what needs healing and I am incredibly grateful for her, and to have experienced the beauty that she is.
Thank you Kawsay for reminding me who we truly are, where we truly belong, and for expanding my healing journey. I hope to see you all again one day! Sending you all lots of love <3
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was somewhat of a last minute decision for my girlfriend and I. We had heard a lot about ayahuasca, but were weary of being in the middle of the Amazon, with strangers, drinking strange mind altering substances. But we did the research and took a chance, and are extremely grateful we did. Weve heard a lot of "ayahuasca is 1000 therapy sessions in 10 hours" but kind of wrote that off as just something people say. Our view was changed. Its hard to adequately describe what we went through, but it certainly gives you an unprecedented amount of perspective and really can propel you going forward. Unfortunately, my girlfriend did not experience any visions, and was mostly sick during the whole experience. The shamans, Romulo and Winister, did some work on her throughout the week, and by the end her last ceremony was finally positive. We were told her experience is very rare, though. I have to say, this work is not for the faint of heart. But if you feel like you want, or need, to experience ayahuasca, then I say go for it. Im glad I did.
As far as Kawsay itself, Im so thankful we had our ceremonies here. William is very helpful and genuine, and the shamans are... well, you can just feel it yourself when you meet them. I cannot imagine having that much experience with something that powerful and being that genuinely caring. Their work is driven by intense love, and thats what we took away from this experience.
The price may seem a bit outstanding, but consider it a life investment. Also consider that food is included, as well as a few day trips on the boat to places like monkey island and such, which are a real treat.
I cant say much more on this without wanting to type a dissertation sized review, so I'll leave it at that. Truly a once in a life time experience. Feeling blessed and transformed.
Happy travels!
As far as Kawsay itself, Im so thankful we had our ceremonies here. William is very helpful and genuine, and the shamans are... well, you can just feel it yourself when you meet them. I cannot imagine having that much experience with something that powerful and being that genuinely caring. Their work is driven by intense love, and thats what we took away from this experience.
The price may seem a bit outstanding, but consider it a life investment. Also consider that food is included, as well as a few day trips on the boat to places like monkey island and such, which are a real treat.
I cant say much more on this without wanting to type a dissertation sized review, so I'll leave it at that. Truly a once in a life time experience. Feeling blessed and transformed.
Happy travels!
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
What made Kawsay the location of choice, was the amount of excellent reviews. After my trip, I agree wholeheartedly with those reviews.
William, Doriana, and the rest of the Kawsay Family were exceptional. They cooked with love, were exceptionally patient, and always willing to help.
The location is in the heart of the jungle along the coast of the Amazon, One must understand that you will come in contact with large spiders, cockroaches, and an array of large insects because…you are in the jungle! If your goal is achieve a spiritual revelation with the best intentions, loving environment, and patience, then this is the location for you. I could listen to WIlliam talk for hours: the man has such a soothing voice, a large array of information in regards to the various degrees of depth in the Ayahuasca ceremonies, and a willingness to listen.
The ceremonies are intense. Ayahuasca is not something to be taken lightly, and you truly never know what’s you’re going to get. Would i go back? Absolutely. Do I plan to go back? Absolutely. My goal is to return and try the San Pedro! Now that i know what to expect after my first experience at Kawsay, I genuinely look forward to a new adventure in the future.
William, Doriana, and the rest of the Kawsay Family were exceptional. They cooked with love, were exceptionally patient, and always willing to help.
The location is in the heart of the jungle along the coast of the Amazon, One must understand that you will come in contact with large spiders, cockroaches, and an array of large insects because…you are in the jungle! If your goal is achieve a spiritual revelation with the best intentions, loving environment, and patience, then this is the location for you. I could listen to WIlliam talk for hours: the man has such a soothing voice, a large array of information in regards to the various degrees of depth in the Ayahuasca ceremonies, and a willingness to listen.
The ceremonies are intense. Ayahuasca is not something to be taken lightly, and you truly never know what’s you’re going to get. Would i go back? Absolutely. Do I plan to go back? Absolutely. My goal is to return and try the San Pedro! Now that i know what to expect after my first experience at Kawsay, I genuinely look forward to a new adventure in the future.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I can separate my life into two time frames: Before Kawsay and After Kawsay. Before Kawsay I felt like I was walking around with a gushing wound of self deprecation and low level anxiety. This steady stream of painful emotional oozing could be temporarily slowed down or even halted at times through a plethora of everything “self help” I could get my hands on. However, even the smallest bump, would dislodge these fragile bandages. When I was younger, I used recreational drugs and alcohol as my bandages of preference. These wonderful and fun escapades always left me wondering, what was this I was tapping into inside of myself that could quiet down the relentless negative chatter, and more importantly, could I get there as a regular state, and if so, how? Surely alcohol and drugs could not be the only way! When I heard about the emotional healing qualities of ayahuasca about 6 months ago, I became obsessed and read and watched everything I could about it. After being convinced that it was at least worth a try, came the long and arduous search to find the best retreat to gain the most from my experience with the plant. Because of its small and intimate guest sizes, the stunning setting, and the unparalleled integrity and experience it seemed of the shamans, Don Rumulo and Don Winister, the retreat I kept coming back to was Kawsay. It turns out my calculations for choosing this location among so many others, was 100 percent correct and going there was probably the single best decision I have made in my life. Through commitment and the power and grace of healing plants, William the owner, his son Dominick, the shamans, Dorianna and others here have been profoundly touched by unconditional love, kindness and the universal connectedness we are all searching for. You can see and feel this in them and they have dedicated their lives to showing you the way you can achieve this too. The ceremonies were challenging (4 ayahuasca and 1 San Pedro ceremony), but what is on the other side is worth every second of the hard work. The highly experienced and devoted shamans here work tirelessly and selflessly during the ceremonies to clear the negativity and heal the trauma that holds you back from living your best life. Even months now After Kawsay, I have infinitely better connections with everyone in my life, the negative chatter has reduced substantially, I have less fear and more consistent confidence, peace and joy than I have ever known. I have reconnected more with that truer-self I was searching for all those years and many of my gushing emotional wounds have finally been patched up right. If you are reading this because you are on the identical search I was for the best place to experience these holy and healing plants, well you have found it. Need more convincing? Call Dorianna or William now at their Whatsapp numbers and see what happens! I did and I will be forever grateful I did !
My Tips before coming to Kawasay
Read the website carefully for safety and preparation recommendations.
Follow the pre and post diet recommendations the best you can.
Do the full two weeks if possible for the most benefit.
Do not hesitate to call them about any questions whatsoever. They really are there to help.
My Tips before coming to Kawasay
Read the website carefully for safety and preparation recommendations.
Follow the pre and post diet recommendations the best you can.
Do the full two weeks if possible for the most benefit.
Do not hesitate to call them about any questions whatsoever. They really are there to help.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The most authentic and transformative experience of my life. William and the entire staff, the 3 generations of shamans took such good care of us. The maloka, cermony room, was a profound space where we spent lots of cermony time which released so much and cleaned so much within me. This spiritual journey felt fully supported, even aftercare with Viviane. The homemade food felt nourishing amidst some emotionally tiring days and the nature experience in the heart of the amazon very special. I highly recommend Kawsay.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Feel so fortunate that I found this magical place. The Retreat is a beautiful place to stay. I felt like I was living in a tree house. ( because I was) Very comfortable rooms and amenities. The food was excellent while sticking with a strict diet so that you would get full benefit from the ceremonies. The Shamans, William and his staff were very knowledgeable, professional and I always felt safe. Coco, Williams’s assistant, was also great! He would arrange many different excursions for our days off from ceremonies, visiting local villages, learning about the different plant life, being introduced to exotic animals, visiting the monkey sanctuary, and Native Tribes. There were 12 in our group and between them William, Coco, the Shamans, Williams family( who live with him at the retreat) and the rest of the staff I have been touched in such a positive way, that it will last a lifetime. I truly believe that I have come home as a better person. William has many wonderful plans for this place and I have no doubt that as the years pass it will continue to grow into a more beautiful and loving place. I hope to return the in the years to come.
Robert Werth
Robert Werth
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Amazon trip was great, the river journey. Visiting the monkey sanctuary and the native village on day trips was the highlights of the trip. Staff and other guests seemed to believe that smoking those stinking Peruvian cigarettes was a great habit to have not having any consideration for other guests not sharing their enthusiasm for smoking. This went on in all common areas. Don't go unless your sure you want to participate in all ceremonies as there is no consideration for people not wanting to . I was told I would have a private room for the week and if I stayed a 2nd week I would have to share. I had to share the 1st week. Didn't like the diet and small portions, had to ask for more food almost every meal, they were more than happy to give people seconds. I was hoping for more insightful meaning from the ceremonies but couldn't balance the puking and sicikness with the benefits. Would I go again? No!
Yoga and meditation retreats for me
Yoga and meditation retreats for me
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We accommodate Vegan :).
Hello Andre, Sorry for the late response. Questions are better posted through our contact on our website at Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreats.
Sorry, we have a specific program and it is best to complete the program for the specific healing purpose that it was created for. We have a retreat from December 10th to December 17th. Thank you for asking.
Hello, If you go to the website you will find all the dates listed there. Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat on Google is where you would search as TripAdvisor is not allowing me to add the link here for you.
Thank You,
William James Menech
"My tips are to remain very open. Keep your heart open listen be attentive to what other people are experiencing."Read full review
"wear light, cool clothing. the heat is NO JOKE. also, respect the dietary guidelines. stay emotionally open and vulnerable."Read full review
"The pre and post diet is an absolute essential part to get the most of the experience with the smoothest transitions."Read full review
"Give yourself an extra day on the way back in either Iquitos or Lima before returning on your main flight home. "Read full review
LOCATION
PeruLoreto RegionIndiana
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat
What are some of the property amenities at Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a fitness center.
What food & drink options are available at Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness center during their stay.
Does Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat?
Yes, laundry service and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.