Our Program
At Arkana, we create the space for you to get in touch with your truth, opening your path for deeper meaning and greater fulfillment in your life. We work with ancestral medicines such as Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Bufo Alvarius, Rapé , using the traditional practices of the indigenous cultures of the Peruvian Amazon. We currently operate two centers in Peru, one in the Peruvian Amazon and a second one in the Sacred Valley (close to Machu Picchu), and one in Mexico, the choice is yours.
With great respect for the plants and the knowledge and healing that comes with them, our lineage of Shipibo shamans set the stage for truly deep and profound healing. Awaken your inner power through their sacred and powerful icaros (healing songs), and discover your connection to all things by exploring some of the 2.2 million hectare Pacaya Samiria National Reserve which is our backyard. Nourish your body and soul with fresh, clean, delicious meals that promote your Ayahuasca experience, and integrate healthy habits into your routine with our yoga classes and extensive selection of gym equipment for all levels. We believe the health of physical body sets the foundation for the health of the energetic body – Often ignored in this type of spiritual work, we find this to be an important part of the healing process, so you can begin implementing the healthy habits that will carry this work with you into your life back home. Finally, relax your mind and spirit with sound baths, meditations, breathwave sessions, and OM circles, or simply enjoy the tranquil views of both sunrise and sunset from our front porch on the banks of the Ucayali River, surrounded by lush biodiversity and the mesmerizing sounds of the jungle.
Arkana’s exceptional team of highly-trained Shipibo Master Shamans represent an unbroken lineage of plant medicine work. With a combined history of over 70 years of experience working closely with Ayahuasca and other master plant teachers of the jungle, our compassionate healers lovingly share their teachings, healing songs (icaros), capabilities, and knowledge with integrity and honor. We strive to maintain the traditional practices passed down through thousands of years of indigenous Amazonian culture, in order to continue to promote the true purpose and nature of plant medicine work.
Experiencing the medicines with us is a transformative personal journey, and so much more. We also work closely with our local community, the Amazonian village of Libertad, to ensure that our Center can benefit and give back to the people who have so generously let us into their homes and hearts. We create employment opportunities, teach free English classes, provide a space for the ladies to sell their handmade crafts, and assist in construction projects, among other things. Our latest endeavor is outfitting the entire village with free solar panels, so every house can have light and electricity. When you join us, you are helping the rainforest and the Amazon communities that live here.
Guests that come to our Center often say they feel like “part of the family” with us – that’s no coincidence, as we are one big family at Arkana! The people that are with you throughout your experience can simply facilitate your own healing journey or become an integral part of it. Our experienced, loving, and professional team of caregivers welcomes you to join our tribe, where we strive to make you feel at home and at ease, supported and cared for with all the love and compassion that is at the core of the plant medicines and people we work with.
Ayahuasca is a powerful medicine that offers us the opportunity to understand our true nature, by shining a light onto our darkness, and holding a mirror up to our fears, negative thought patterns, and self-limiting beliefs. We provide the environment and expertise of a team of highly skilled, warm, compassionate Shamans and facilitators to guide you through the process of awakening, of choosing differently, healing, and expanding. It is a slow but steady path towards freedom – from fear, from illusion, from self-constructed boundaries – resulting in a lighter, brighter, more authentic self, and the full experience of love. It is our honor to help you on this most fulfilling of all journeys: the journey back home.
We look forward to having you with us!
Lots of Love,
The Team
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jdpilotte
February 1, 2020 at 1:09 pmWow, what a magical, healing adventure!
I began my retreat in the Sacred Valley for the first week, traveled to the jungle for the second week and back to the Valley to come in for a smooth landing before heading home. At the end of my 3 weeks, there was no doubt that I had just had the spiritual adventure of a lifetime and I take with me the friends of a lifetime to match!
Week #1: Upon arriving, I met Jose and the Sacred Valley staff. I was immediately blown away by the experience, passion and talent that I found in each staff member. From the effortless coordination by the reception office, to the tireless and friendly facilitators and ending with Shaman on a new level, I was honored to spending my time with people that I now call family. With day trips to Machu Picchu, local pre-Inca historical sites, markets and hikes in addition to all of the onsite activities, there is never a dull moment in between ceremonies. All of this was only week 1…
Week #2: To the jungle we went!
Our shuttles, air travel, boat travel and overnight accommodations from the valley to the jungle retreat was handled entirely by Arkana staff with this package. I found the entire trip well thought out, executed and comfortable. Beginning with a shuttle from the valley to the airport, we made our connections to Iquitos and arrived early afternoon with plenty or time to explore before our final leg to the jungle the following day. The accommodations were pleasant and clean located in the heart of Iquitos with plenty of Aya friendly restaurants and river front shopping to explore within walking distance. The next mornings shuttle ride to the river transportation went off without a hitch and we made it to the jungle retreat about lunch time. This place is amazing. Built a stones throw from river bank, the entire facility is raised off of the ground in preparations for the rivers annual swell. Built of traditional Amazonian construction techniques with added modern creature comforts, fully staffed kitchen and dinning facilities, and screened in lounging areas, Arkanas’ jungle retreat is amazing! I found all lodging areas are fully screened in with additional insect netting around the bed to ensure a comfortable rest every night. With the opportunity for massage each day, I found the down time in between ceremonies a great time to reflect and journal.
All 4 Aya ceremonies take place in a huge, round, traditional Maloka. When the darkness falls prior to the evenings ceremony, the magic of this location is revealed as the jungle comes to life right on time for the show! Looking back at my ceremonies in the Jungle, I know now that they will be difficult to top by any other mystical experience that I ever have. On my last day of the jungle portion of the retreat, we got a special opportunity to watch as Arkana staff prepared a large batch of medicine by the river. Perfect ending to a magical week!
Week #3: Back to the Sacred Valley!
Upon departing from the Jungle Saturday morning, I found the travel just as before. Perfectly planned and effortlessly executed by the Arkana staff. After sharing one last evening complete with an Aya approved dinner in Iquitos with my new jungle family, we were back in the Valley by early Sunday afternoon. In hindsight, I am very glad to end my journey in the Sacred Valley. With the intense magic of the jungle experience still fresh, I found it important to buffer my return to the “real world” with a nice, peaceful week in the valley before heading home. All of the comforts of home, relaxing atmosphere, breathtaking mountain surroundings, complete with a beautiful San Pedro ceremony to lighten the mood on our last day together.
All and all, a once in a lifetime spiritual opportunity that resulted in new friends and family that will last a lifetime. I could not be more humbled and thankful to Jose, the Maestras, Maestros, staff and guests from around the globe that made Arkana the only destination spiritual retreat that myself and my family will ever need!
AntoniuSeitan
January 23, 2020 at 2:52 amMy name is Antoniu and this is my honest review about Arkana in Amazon!
In september 2019 I accidentally came across to the subject Ayahuasca. Then I decided I want to experience Ayahuasca. But it came the question: Where? Trying Ayahuasca for the first time, far away from home, alone, this must be done in a safe, professional retreat. Among others retreats, I found Arkana which have the best reviews. They have two locations. I choose Arkana Spiritual Center in Amazon. I meet Arkana staff in Iquitos, perfect! Trip from Iquitos to Arkana retreat, perfect! Warm welcome to Arkana, perfect! The rooms are clean, delicious diet food, daily activities make you understand the Amazon jungle better.
Because of the professional staff and the amazing shamans, Ayahuasca ceremonies were incredible!
I felt safe and comfortable all the time.
Thanks to Arkana I had the most fascinating experience! Thank you Arkana!
If I will want to try Ayahuasca again, i will definitely choose Arkana!
If you are like I was, searching in the front of a computer for a safe, authentic, reliable Ayahuasca retreat, I sincerely recommend Arkana!
Griffin K
January 22, 2020 at 10:46 pmIf you have found yourself reading this review, STOP, and thank yourself for searching out plant medicines as a process of healing. I recently spent a week at the Arkana Spiritual Center in the Amazon, and it was the most important week of my life. I won’t sugar coat it and tell you it was duckies and bunnies but the experience will make you grow in ways you can’t even fathom. Jose and his teams of Shamans and facilitators are wonderful humans who’s generosity and care extend far beyond your visit. We actually stopped into the Sacred Valley center following our week and were treated with such warmth, hospitality and even lunch. I was not a believer at first but walked away knowing full well that I will be back to continue my process and could not dream of going anywhere else. The Shamans are masters and if you listen and trust the process, will help you understand what the plants are capable of showing you. Its not easy to pull the trigger on something like this but if you do I can guarantee that the Arkana Spiritual Center will be the best place for you. Don’t hesitate…..go for it.
P.S. Get the Sapo.
zamirj
January 22, 2020 at 4:24 pmSafe, loving, clean, well oriented, sacred, energetic and the most magical jungle experience. I really don’t want to use words to describe the Arkana Aya experience. Simply seek with your soul, seek with your heart, and I hope you find Arkana. It is what you need, not what you want. May the force be with you ;).
Nick Curl
January 20, 2020 at 2:00 pmAn Ayahuasca retreat is not something that is ‘easy’. It brings up a lot of emotions and makes me feel pretty vulnerable during ceremony and afterward as I reflect on what happened. During my second retreat with Arkana, I realized more many things that go in to creating a space for 15-20 different people from all walks of life to come and do challenging work and undergo some serious transformations. I am SO THANKFUL for everything Arkana does to make these retreats an amazing experience for each and every person there. The staff, from the night time security guard and cleaners to the facilitators, are all incredibly friendly, helpful, and just seem to understand exactly what you are going through no matter what! They are all willing to help with whatever you might need, even when sometimes it’s just a smile and a hello. The facilities are set up in a way that you never don’t have anything that you feel you might need. Everything is taken care of! During the ceremonies, I’ve never felt so safe and supported by the team of facilitators that I am able to completely let go and be vulerable to whatever the medicine throws at me. The high level of care given during ceremony is reflective of the high level of care given before, during, and after each retreat. Coming back my second time, I was a little apprehensive about the younger overall team of facilitators than I had experienced before, but was quickly blown away by all of their professionalism, maturity, and knowledge of this process. I continued to be so impressed each and every ceremoney with how smoothly everything ran! These people are truly hand picked because of the level of service they provide and their passion for this medicine. If you are looking to experience an Ayahuasca retreat, it is important that you feel safe and are able to let go during your retreat, and the combination of great accomodations, amazing food, and most of all a top level team make Arkana the only place I will ever go to for my Ayahuasca retreats! I have had life-changing weeks with these guys and will be back many times! Thanks to everyone at Arkana for everything you do!!