I have been on a long plant medicine healing journey for over 2.5 years almost continuously, with 13 months of that back in the UK for Integration after the first Ayahuasca year 2021-2. To date, Dec 2023, I´ve experienced San Pedro, Kambo, Rapé, 8 plant Dietas, but mainly Ayahuasca over 60 ceremonies in 4 different countries (Peru, Ecuador, Columbia and Bolivia) and 7 different retreats. I am revisiting this retreat on 8 Jan 2024 when my Peru visa is renewed, to continue my healing journey. So, why here? I already spent 6 months continuously from May to October 2023 at the Light of The Shipibo, on a 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off Aya ceremony routine, with dietas. The reason is simple – because it’s the best retreat I’ve found for all the best reasons and I’ve done the legwork and spent the money! Everyone is such a wonderful person, with their own special traits and personalities. Joshua has done a lot of work over the last few years to build the ideal team he now has, and he is always thinking of new ways to improve. I’ve been to an expensive $3000 for 12 days retreat, and though good, it´s just not necessary to spend that amount to visit a retreat where the business model comes first, packing in 25 people, for an annual turnover of nearly $2M! There is a major loss of personal care and interaction at these type of retreats, in my view, as well as increased risk of overwhelming energies during ceremony with these large retreats, but you won’t know any different if it´s your first time. Shop around! Read lots of reviews, but best of all, go on personal recommendation and stear clear of private Shamans unless absolutely sure, on personal recommendation, that they are safe – that can be a very dangerous situation to find yourself in! Unfortunately, corrupt shamans are a reality, especially in Peru! The reality of retreat finances is it is not possible to provide a good service in Peru, on the Amazon, for less than $800 for a 3 ceremony week, due to the overheads – food, staff, quality shamans, tambos and facilities, security, maintenance,  client/staff/food logistics etc. The thing that really stands out with Joshua’s retreat compared to all the others I have experienced, is that Josh’s core philosphy is to do the healing work of Mama Ayahuasca first and foremost, with love, kindness, understanding and integrity, attempting to ensure the best possible care of ALL their clients (that’s a big ask given the uniqueness of every individual and their possible state of being when first arriving, for many different reasons, but most commonly, trauma related). That philosphy is felt upon your arrival in the beautiful grounds, as there is a palpable feeling af love, peace and serenity that pervades, which is often missing from other retreats I’ve experienced – I could mention some names, but I won’t…lol. For perspective, of 7 retreats I’ve experienced, I only recommend 3. I regard all the staff here as my family, as they are all so loving, kind, understanding and patient, ready to help in anyway possible with any difficulties or reservations anyone may have when coming to Ayahuasca for the first time. The Light of Shipibo had group sizes at a maximum of 8 for the size Maloka they have, which means more of the Shamans attention is on you in a less detrimentally energertic space, depending what energies are brought by the clients. I have had the privelege of meeting and talking to about 16 different Shamans and Shamanas on my long journey and most have been wonderful and powerful people in their own way. For me though, I feel blessed at this retreat, having the two best Shamans I’ve ever worked with, Shamans Jiero and Urias, wonderful brothers and super powerful in ceremony! They have been happy to help with my personal requests for my dietas whilst at the retreat, sourcing and preparing the plants for and often with me, to show and explain to me the process. When at this retreat, I’m blessed to see many people’s Aya journey’s progress and I feel most priveleged to see the incredible positive changes in people from when they first arrive, carrying whatever burden they have, to seeing – in most cases – a massive relief from what ails them, a lightening of the soul and a renewed sense of self, direction and positivity. So, for me, there is only one retreat worth visiting – for all the right reasons – genuine love and care, best shamans, beautiful environment, best staff and best value for money. Best Wishes, Steve, @stevee4444