Ayahuasca Retreat Reviews — Helping You Stay Safe with 5,000+ Independent Reviews
The mission of Yosi Ocha, The Peruvian Institute of Shamanism and Natural Medicine, since its foundation in 2014, has been to establish a brand of excellence in the preservation of authentic Shipibo shamanic practices. Maestro Heberto García, who is today one of the most recognized shamans among the Shipibo descendants, preserves this indigenous tradition with great rigor. The centre was named after his grandfather and mentor, Yosi Ocha, known as the last Meraya, a title granted to curanderos that attained the highest level of shamanism.
Today we pride ourselves on offering the most complete combination of original Shipibo shamanic treatments available. The centre is the ideal refuge for those who seek deep healing and transformation through a personalised program, or wish to be trained in the fascinating art of shamanism following the ancient Shipibo tradition. Maestro Heberto makes a holistic diagnosis of each guest and designs a tailor-made program taking into account his or her individual objectives.
The passengers are free to choose the starting date and duration of their stay. Many centres offer retreats with fixed start and end dates for cost savings reasons, but in Yosi Ocha we believe that such rigidity does not favour the personalised treatment approach and goes against the central shamanic spirit that values the healing and promotion of integral well-being above any consideration of personal benefit.
Yosi Ocha is located in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, about 20 km southeast of Iquitos, in the Allpahuayo Mishana National Park. The diverse ecosystem in this magnificent part of the jungle includes majestic trees of impressive sizes, streams of reddish water and distinctive white sands that contribute even more to the enchanting beauty of the place.
Once a year, Maestro Heberto travels to Europe (Holland, Spain, etc.) to conduct intensive 3-days healing retreats. These retreats are an excellent opportunity to carry out deep personal work in a safe and loving environment, while discovering his unique approach to the medicine and healing.
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K.berley
June 2, 2025 at 12:21 pmI had the perfect experience during a one week stay. I understand why it is recommended to stay longer now and I only wish my current lifestyle and situation allowed me to stay longer. Everyone is so selfless and caring, so dedicated to sharing their wisdom and ensuring every guest is comfortable and safe. The translator Ones was very sweet and accommodating. The Maestro was very wise and powerful. The Maestras were also very wise, powerful and caring. I felt very safe and loved. Ceremonies were very special. The food was delicious and very nourishing. The property was very clean and well maintained. I very much recommend this place. I am sure to return one day.
HR
May 28, 2025 at 6:11 pmI visited Onikano for 2 weeks. This was my 2nd visit, last year I spent in Onikano 1 week. Both times the experience was powerful, meaningful and healing. I allowed the medicine to do its work and was open, excited and present with the medicine, teacher trees, the healers and self.
This year I experienced the medicine in a very powerful and meaningful way. It was transformative!
The retreat felt intimate, safe, loving, caring, healing and even fun.
We had an amazing fire ritual, opening of the back portal and even a boat cruise. The Maestro and Curanderas were attentive and always there to guide us. Ines, translator, was absolutely amazing.
For me, Onikano is a sacred place for healing that can help you to lead to many transformations. I believe that the key is to being open and judgment free.
eller904
May 25, 2025 at 2:00 pmAfter my third miscarriage, I chose to travel to Onikano to replenish my physical, mental and spiritual state. The Onikano team was incredibly warm and welcoming. They were attentive and deeply caring. You can feel it in their words and their actions. The experience wasn’t just the ayahuasca, it was a wholistic approach to my general well being in a very customized way. They provided a few other herbal remedies for my specific conditions. I stayed one week and left feeling rejuvenated, lighter and brighter in spirit. Fast forward a few months, I am now 18 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby.
This place isn’t for everyone, but if you’re feeling stuck, completely depleted, in need of a reboot/cleansing of energy, I highly recommend considering Onikano.
Mags
May 9, 2025 at 10:17 amI recently had the privilege of attending the Onikano ( former Yoshi Ocho) Ayahuasca retreat, and I must say, it was an absolutely amazing experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a transformative journey. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for the entire retreat.
The people I met at Yoshi Ocho were truly incredible. Each person brought their own unique energy and stories, creating a vibrant and supportive community. It was a joy to connect with such diverse and inspiring individuals, all of whom contributed to the enriching experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the retreat was the presence of the Shipibo tribe. Their wisdom, traditions, and deep connection to the land added an invaluable dimension to the experience. The Shipibo people are truly amazing, sharing their culture and insights with such generosity and warmth. Their ceremonies and teachings were profound, leaving a lasting impact on my journey.
The food at the retreat was thoughtfully prepared to be dieta-friendly, featuring meals with little to no salt, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and the most delicious fruits I’ve ever tasted. Each meal was a testament to the retreat’s commitment to nourishing both the body and soul, allowing us to fully embrace the experience while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.
Overall, my time at Yoshi Ocho was filled with moments of profound connection, personal growth, and pure joy. The retreat offered a perfect blend of relaxation, introspection, and community, leaving me with cherished memories and a renewed sense of self. If you’re considering a retreat that offers an amazing atmosphere, wonderful people, delicious, health-conscious food, and the incredible presence of the Shipibo tribe, Yoshi Ocho is the place to be. I can’t wait to return and experience it all over again!
mcfrodo
April 17, 2025 at 9:57 pmThis place is life changing. I cannot recommend it enough. Heberto is so caring, and selfless, and a healer beyond your wildest dreams. My life and happiness have expanded exponentially after my first trip to the center. I have been 3 times, for over 4 weeks at a time. Before attending the center, and experiencing the power of plant medicine, and energetic and spiritual healing, I was addicted to various medications, suffered from severe anxiety, and incurable insomnia. I am now sober, and sleep almost every single night. I have rekindled meaningful relationships, and found passion for life again. Heberto saved me, and devotes his life to helping those in need. I am greatly looking forward to my next trip, and the progress I will continue to make thanks to this magical place.
They practice very authentic shamanic healing and plant medicine rituals here. It is super safe and the shamans are constantly monitoring you, to make sure that nothing gets out of hand. All of the passengers are beautiful souls, helping each other to heal and grow. I love it so much. I attend often with my brother, and we have both experienced so much healing.