Frequently Asked Questions

Information & Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect - Travel Info!

Travel Info – Amaru Spirit Retreat

What to expect!

Arrival
Fly into Iquitos, Peru. We’ll pick you up from the airport or your hotel. Please send us your confirmed arrival and departure details so we can coordinate transportation. Please convert currency to soles before arriving in Iquitos for transportation

Day-of Arrival: Please arrive before 4 PM.
Please send a recent photo and a contact phone number (with roaming if available) before pick up to help with ease of communication and travel
Hotel Recommendation: If staying in Iquitos the night before, we suggest La Casona (near the main plaza). Book directly for a discounted rate by emailing: contacto@hotellacasonaiquitos.com.pe and mention you’re with Amaru Spirit. Do not confuse with La Casona Inn.

Transport Details
You’ll be met by our driver, Ciro, Richard, or Rony - we will be in communication beforehand to inform the driver of the time of pick up and provide details to you. From there you will be taken to the port and boat to the retreat center.

Moto-taxi: Airport → Port = 30 soles (30 min)
Moto-taxi: Iquitos Center → Port = 20 soles (15 min)
Boat to center = 10 soles per person (30 min)
Bring exact cash in Peruvian soles; no stops en route.

Departure

Departure will be arranged by boat the day of your flight leaving Iquitos. Be sure to properly communicate travel times (such as boarding time and departure time) to ensure proper planning and timing when coordinating arrival to the airport.

Contact info

If delayed, contact us immediately through amaru.reserve@gmail.com - you may also call and text through WHATSAPP. Please send the email first. Thank you!

Phone contact info

Office phone # : +51 994 155 989

Slocum's phone # +51 970 822 650

WHATSAPP: is a great app for communicating with us through text!

(please keep these numbers handy and call if there are any issues with transportation - keep attempting if there is no answer, coverage can be spotty in the jungle)

Please tell loved ones you’ll be out of contact during the retreat. In case there is an emergency and they need to contact you, they can email or call us (info above).
If no one answers, tell them to message and call through WHATSAPP (service can be spotty in the jungle)

What should I expect?

At Amaru Spirit, every retreat is built around a deep commitment to personal healing and real support. Whether you're here for cleansing, energetic renewal, or deeper plant work, we offer an environment designed to help you reconnect with yourself.

Each retreat includes:

A private jungle hut (tambo) with a Western-style bathroom, comfortable mattress, mosquito netting, and simple essentials.
Fresh, organic meals crafted around a superfood-based diet to aid detoxification, energy, and balance.
One-on-one consultations to tailor your experience and guide your process.
Full use of the center’s facilities, including high-quality purified water throughout.
Optional energetic clearings (limpiezas) as needed.
Access to a variety of holistic healing practices, blending traditional plant medicines and modern detox methods.
The possibility to undertake a master plant dieta (for experienced guests) with plants like bobinsana, tobacco, or chiric sanango, depending on availability.
Security is one of our highest priority and there is 24/7 supervision of the grounds

We invite you to check our calendar for availability and if you feel called, complete our questionnaire to begin the conversation

Tips and Reminders!

Health Info Reminder
Ensure all health and medication info you provided is accurate. Incorrect or missing info may result in removal from the retreat without a refund.

Baggage Tips!
If you have a layover, ensure your bags are checked through to Iquitos. Sometimes they’re offloaded in Lima—double-check at the carousel. Carry essentials and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of delays, we recommend packing light in general, as this journey will be more internal than material.

Phones & Internet
There’s no reliable phone or internet at the center. You’ll be expected to disconnect—phones are only for emergencies. It is crucial to disconnect from the concerns of the modern world when healing and in introspection; we especially emphasize the need to disconnect from social media and technology during plant dieta and retreat. In these times of calm solitude, it is best to unplug and be sensitive to the nature of one's self and the messaging being received.

You’ll receive a notebook and pen for journaling if you are drawn to record your experience. You are also welcome to bring a small camera for photos.

Bring clothing for a hot, humid climate:

Light tops, shorts, skirts for daytime
Long-sleeved tops & trousers for bugs/evenings
Light jacket or hoodie for cool nights
Swimsuit, light raincoat, sandals/slip-on shoes
Plastic bags to protect items from humidity
Flashlight (preferably with a red light option for ceremonies), headlamp for reading
Spare batteries, travel adaptor, socks

Toiletries:

Natural shampoo, conditioner, soap (we provide natural soap), mosquito repellent, sunscreen
Tiger balm for insect bites

*Towels, sheets, blankets, and rubber boots are provided.

What you should NOT bring

You should not bring expensive tech items that can be damaged easily in humidity

What should I pack?

Commonly asked Questions

How do I get to Amaru Spirit?
We’ll arrange to pick you up from the Iquitos airport (if you arrive before 4 PM) or from your hotel if you’re spending the night in Iquitos beforehand. Please refer to travel info in "what to expect!" for more information.
Please note: Transportation costs are not included, so bring enough Peruvian soles in small bills, as drivers often don’t have change.

How many guests will be at the center?
We accommodate up to 20 guests at a time, but often host fewer to ensure a more personal and peaceful retreat environment.

How often are ceremonies held?
We typically hold 3 to 4 ceremonies per week. Ceremonies are intentionally kept small (usually no more than 10 guests), so each person receives personal attention and support from our shamans.

When and how do I pay for the retreat?
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD) on arrival, or via PayPal before your trip. Please note: our internet connection is not strong enough at the center to process PayPal payments, so complete any online payments before you arrive.

Do you offer plant diets?
Yes, we work with a wide range of healing plants. Whether a plant dieta is right for you depends on your personal goals, energetic readings by our shamans, and the time you have available. Dietas can be incredibly helpful for healing, grounding, and preparing for deeper spiritual work.

What other healing treatments are available?
We host two highly regarded practitioners:

María Luisa, a traditional huesera (bone setter), helps realign the body and release tension (150 soles, 1 hour). Appointments can be arranged during your stay.
There are a variety of different facilitators and practitioners who host their offerings through Amaru Spirit - these offerings are dependent on the time of year of stay - please ask to see who may be available

Is there electricity at the center?
Yes, we have solar-powered electricity in the main house where we eat and gather—perfect for charging your phone or other small devices. There’s no electricity in the rooms, and after dark we use candlelight, which adds to the peaceful, natural setting. If you would like to read in bed we would suggest a small reading light (as it is recommended not to bring lit candles in the bed)

Is there internet access?
Internet and phone signals are limited and unreliable at the center. We encourage you to disconnect fully during your stay to support your healing process. If needed, basic emails can sometimes be received on phones, but for anything more, you’d need to visit Iquitos.

Can you recommend any books to help me prepare for the retreat?
Yes, absolutely. The more you prepare your mind and body ahead of time, the more deeply you’re likely to benefit from your experience with us. We suggest:

Depression-Free for Life by Gabriel Cousens – a nutritional guide to supporting mental and emotional well-being
Loving What Is by Byron Katie – a powerful book for examining and transforming limiting beliefs
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford – great for exploring shadow work and integrating all parts of yourself

These books offer valuable tools for self-awareness, healing, and transformation—perfect companions for your journey.

Do you offer laundry service?
Yes! We can take your laundry to town or wash it onsite. Turnaround is usually about two days. There is a small fee for this service.