After staying the night in Iquitos, Manuel and Tony picked our group and one other up in tuktuks carted us out the narrow road to the clinic. The road itself is rutted and mired and provided a unique start to our stay. Bumping and bouncing along, there were times it was necessary to get out and push the tuktuk over a large obstacle or dislodge it from the ruts in the soft white sand. On arrival at the clinic space, we were asked to wait briefly in the dining facility before being shown to our various huts. The buildings on site are open construction with the addition of a stiff green mosquito netting. The layered natural roofs do a fair job at keeping the stiff rain out, though the occasional dripping could be found. The huts are comfortable, equipped with a bed, a night stand, a single electrical light and wall outlet. We also obtained candles, to allow for late night post ceremony journaling. Meals at the center are excellent! Cannot say that enough. Although simple in nature, they are cooked expertly and are tasty and nutritious. Tea and fruit is available at all times, cooked meals happen at set times. There was plenty of room to go for walks, swim in the lagoon at the end of the road, meditate or relax on a hammock or rocking chair in the common areas. Although having 7 other guests, it was easy to find a quiet unoccupied space to journal or reflect. On ceremony days, care was taken to prepare participants physically emotionally and spiritually for the experience. Following a smoke bath. The Maesta Angela and Maestro Elias heard our intentions and what we wanted to work on, We would be given the medicine, and then we would lay comfortably on a mat inside the Maloka, a ceremony structure at the center of the clinic. As the medicine worked, the Shamans would begin the ikaros. After a time, they circle the Maloka and sing a personal ikaros to each participant. They do their best to communicate and observe those who might be having an unpleasant experience and have methods on hand to reduce these effects if the experience becomes too much. The ceremonies end peacefully and participants walk back to their huts, as they feel they are ready.
I stayed for a week, having a total of four ceremonies. The first three were intense and not particularly pleasant. However, the medicine doesn’t always give you what you want, it gives you what you need. It took a lot for me to let go, but the final ceremony was worth it. I feel like I gained a lot in the seven days, but know there is more to unpack and deal with and an extended stay could be in my future.
Overall I couldn’t be happier with Marosa and would recommend it to any who are looking.