I’ve just completed a four week stay at Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual an hour outside of Iqiotos, Peru, and cannot speak highly enough about this genuine place of healing. Words cannot express the transformation I’ve seen not only in myself, but in so many who have made the journey here with me. Much is said about aya tourism these days, and while you could come simply for curiousity’s sake, Nihue is focused on true spiritual growth.

Maestro Ricardo is the real Peruvian deal, and in addition to over thirty years of experience, he has the most uncanny ability to incorporate the desires of his clients with his own sense of their needs to obtain the results sought. So many of us are hurting and desperate for healing, without anything more than a high-level overview of what’s really causing our problems. Ricardo read my energy field to determine precisely the blockages that prevented me from achieving the peace I so desired. And when I heard them, it all made sense. Like I knew those were the issues all along but simply couldn’t uncover them without his supernatural help.

Ricardo and the other shamans, Marcial, Filacio and Miguel are so filled with love and concern for all who come. There is no question once you experience them that their sole purpose is to spread the light to all who come in pursuit of their own higher selves. It is clear to me that in the wrong set and setting, ayahuasca could really mess a person up. No worries whatsoever about anything spiritually untoward happening here.

I came somewhat of a skeptic, but had tried every “cure” for depression and anxiety known to western medicine and felt I had nowhere else to turn. I was suicidal when I came. I was not when I left. In fact, I felt a deep sense off peace and joy which is felt not only by myself but by the loved ones in my life who also so desperately wanted me to enjoy life once again.

This is no five star resort. It’s a jungle out there, as they say, but the shamans and staff – Phillipe, Benoit, Glennis and Alex – are top-notch in their experience and dedication, and it is so clear that they care deeply about each and every client. This is a place you come to work on yourself. Work. It’s not a place to play. Heavy lifting is done by both the shamans and the clients, and I’ve seen that work richly rewarded in this magical, mystical place.