Lighthouse Ayahuasca Retreat (former Light of the Shipibo) is a small, intimate ayahuasca retreat located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, near Iquitos. We offer a safe and authentic space for people seeking healing, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with themselves and the wisdom of the Amazon.
Our retreats are intentionally limited to a maximum of 8 guests, allowing for personal attention, genuine connection, and individual support throughout the experience. Ceremonies are guided by experienced Shipibo shamans, honoring the traditional practices and ancestral knowledge of the region.
Life at Lighthouse is about more than the ceremonies themselves. Guests stay in a peaceful rainforest setting with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, enjoy fresh and nourishing meals, and have time to rest, reflect, and connect with the surrounding jungle. Depending on the retreat, guests can also experience activities such as jungle excursions and river trips, as well as optional traditional practices including Kambo and Hapé.
From preparation before the retreat to support during your stay and integration afterward, our team is there to make the experience as safe, comfortable, and meaningful as possible.
Whether you are completely new to ayahuasca or have previous experience, Lighthouse offers a personal and grounded environment to explore your journey with respect for the medicine, the Shipibo tradition, and each individual guest.
Small groups. Authentic tradition. Personal care.
Return to the wisdom of the Amazon.
A Transformational Experience at Lighthouse Ayahuasca Retreat
In recent times, Ayahuasca’s profound benefits have been gaining widespread attention, with many prominent figures openly sharing their journeys. From celebrities like Will Smith and Megan Fox to renowned business leaders, the transformative power of Ayahuasca has resonated with many. While my initial thought was to explore this journey in Europe for proximity and safety, destiny led me to Peru on a business venture, where I began researching the best places to embark on this spiritual journey. That’s when I discovered the Lighthouse Ayahuasca Retreat.
From the very first interaction, Ivan at Lighthouse stood out. His responsiveness, warmth, and genuine willingness to address all my queries made me feel an instant connection. Despite my usual preference for luxury accommodations, I felt that the comfort and safety Ivan provided were exactly what I needed to take this leap.
Upon arriving in Iquitos, we were warmly greeted by Jino and his team, who ensured a seamless transition to the retreat. From that moment, it was clear that this wasn’t just a service; it was a labor of love and care.
The Experience:
Jino – The Guiding Light: Jino, who leads the entire Lighthouse team, was exceptional. He went above and beyond to ensure every guest’s needs were met, always adjusting plans and getting the team to provide us with the highest level of comfort. What stood out most was the time he dedicated to us, explaining the intricate details of each plant medicine, ensuring we felt informed, prepared, and confident throughout the entire experience. His warmth, knowledge, and genuine desire to help others truly set the tone for our healing journey.
The Team: Jino, Christian, and the entire Lighthouse team welcomed us as if we were family. Their dedication to making our stay comfortable, hygienic, and nurturing was evident in every detail. Special mention to the chef, who went above and beyond to prepare meals that were not only diet-compatible but also flavorful and beautifully presented. It truly felt like dining at a world-class establishment like the Burj Al Arab.
The Ceremonies: The Ayahuasca, Rapeh, and Kambo ceremonies were led by two experienced Shamans whose primary mission was our healing. Their deep understanding, genuine compassion, and powerful guidance were felt throughout each session. They took the time to listen to us, ensuring we felt heard, supported, and safe during every step of our journey.
Christian, Our Guardian: A heartfelt thank you to Christian, who was always there, offering assistance, guidance, and care whenever needed. He truly embodies the spirit of Lighthouse – warm, nurturing, and committed to every guest’s well-being.
The level of professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care at Lighthouse are unmatched. This journey was much more than just a retreat; it was a life-changing experience facilitated by a team that pours their heart into what they do.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing with Ayahuasca, Lighthouse is the place. They offer not just ceremonies but an environment of love, respect, and deep spiritual care. Wishing the Lighthouse team all the success in expanding their light to many more around the world. May you continue to guide and heal many more souls. Godspeed and God bless.
After only 3 weeks, Lighthouse feels like a second home. The staff feels like a family, and make you feel like family as well. Lady and Christian are very helpful during ceremonies, for trips to the bathroom, emotional support and anything else you may need. They and the other staff members truly care about their guests. One of my favorite parts of sitting down to a meal was hearing the laughter from the kitchen. Blanca, Yoko, and Leo always made me smile. Ivan is very helpful for preparation, recommendations, and anything else you may need before you arrive. I’m grateful to Gino, Josh, and Lenin for their dedication and care. I’m refraining from mentioning every staff member I interacted with but they have all been amazing.
The maestro was incredible. He felt fatherly to me and he quickly gained the trust of myself and the other guests. His protection can often be felt during ceremonies. Not to mention, he sings his icaros precisely and powerfully.
The retreat center is much more beautiful than I had expected. The rooms are fairly big and quite comfortable. On non-ceremony days we played soccer on the beach, or volleyball at a close village, or visited a village we hadn’t seen before.
Ultimately, I left permanently changed for the better with deep friendships and memories I’ll always cherish.
Lighthouse is the place!
I had a calling to go to the jungle to partake in the medicine and so I spent a long time trying to find a spot that seemed suitable for me. I settled on Lighthouse and did not regret it one bit.
First about the center. The main selling point for me to be honest is that they keep their attendance low. 8 max I believe. A lot of the retreats I was looking at max out at like 20-35 people to even higher. Also based on the pics and reviews it looked like a nice combo of rustic jungle vibes but still comfortable and it turned out to be just that. The place is 50 miles up the river and secluded and off grid. nothing around but trees and animals. I was in heaven.
I spent 2 weeks at the retreat and the first week was 5 people (we all had a very nice connection together and spent many hours around the table having long in depth discussions. I appreciate them all dearly for being apart of my journey) and the second was just 4 so it was very intimate and quiet (the way I wanted it). The whole team was simply wonderful and I felt so safe and comfortable. Jino and the whole team there were clearly one big family and it really seemed they all cared a lot about the service they were there to provide. Christian and Lady were our main “minders” for the duration and I cant thank them enough for all the care and love and support they offered us. I saw them as true angels and I just have so much admiration and appreciation for them. The food was simple as it should be for the dieta but clearly prepared with a lot of love and care. The cooks Blanquita and Yoko did a wonderful job.
Another part of it I was a little hesitant about was how would the Maestro be? I had heard that it can be a little hit and miss at some places but he turned out to be the man. Maestro Antenor is from a family of traditional Maestros (I actually purchased a book about his father who was very well known shaman in the amazon) and I have a newfound respect for the whole tradition. Learning about him and the other Maestros and what they do filled me with absolute awe. These are truly Mystical people that can very clearly access realms and touch places that we cannot fathom. I was admittedly a little skeptical going into it but feeling and witnessing the things I did in my time there all that skepticism has melted away completely. Maestro Antenor helped me greatly on my very difficult journey and I cannot be any more grateful for his guidance, wisdom, confidence and protection throughout it all.
Now to the medicine part of it. Wow! Its probably a cliche but I have to say that this was truly Life changing for me and a real turning point in my life. I went there with clear intentions and questions and they were all answered and more. I did 6 ceremonies and they were all strong and profound and very different each time. It really is a journey and it can feel very challenging at times but trust the process. This is a truly powerful medicine and a journey probably not for the faint of heart but I urge you if you feel the calling of Mother Ayahuasca please heed it. Go with an open heart and mind and you can have the ability to truly shift your existence and to really self-actualize. My advice would be to take the preparation seriously. Don’t take lightly the Diet, meditation and restrictions leading into it. Write things down, clear your mind and have really solid intentions and Mother Aya will connect with you deeply and you can experience real change.
All in all I whole heartedly recommend Lighthouse if you are seeking a place to partake in this medicine. I have nothing negative to say. Ivan, Josh and the whole team clearly have their hearts in the running of this center and I got no bad vibes from anything during the process.
Peace and Love to all.
When I was looking for a retreat, I was worried about the true intentions and attitude of the people running the retreat. I heard bad stories and read disappointing reviews. But soon, all my worries have been dispelled and I realised that these people have the best intentions. Staff of Lighthouse are very kind, fun and friendly. They made us feel like we are a part of their family. They supported us on our journey physically and emotionally, always happy to help. The ceremonies were amazing, well prepared and meticulously done. The shaman put his heart and soul into his craft. We have done even some fun activities like playing football on a beach or went for a short hike to jungle to see medical plants. The stay exceeded my boldest expectations and it truly helped me address my trauma. Love you guys, you are the best ♥️.
Kambo at the Lighthouse made both my eyes better by half a dioptre each. Next to Ayahuasca there, this was my favorite thing that happened.
Hello there You! Yes You, who are thinking about diving into the biggest decision of your life and trying to find the best place to do it.
It’s going to be the Lighthouse!
This is my second time there and my second review for them.
After last year’s 1 week experience I knew I had to come back again. This time Aya Mama called me for 3 weeks and I’m grateful that she did.
Every week had its own flavor and its own teaching.
After more than a month home I still feel enormous gratitude for Lighthouse, its owner Joshua and its staff. They welcomed me back like part of the Lighthouse family and made me feel at home and at ease every day.
Jino – thank you for all your advice, relating to the Ayahuasca trips and otherwise. Also I was truly impressed by how you seem to know everyone in town and solve any problem (like lost luggage) with a smile on your face.
Lady – thank you for always being approachable and friendly. I hope you keep playing Exploding Kittens – you were a natural 🙂
Cristian – Ñañito, I just met you and I liked you immediately. You also made my weeks there beautiful.
Yoko, Blanquita, Zoyla – thank you for cooking for us. I really really liked your food. It made me healthy and happy.
Lenin, Rusber – thank you for taking care of the retreat. Everything looks nice and relaxing. Plus Lenin – you have Ojos Rapidos! The way you picked out that sloth on the tree from a boat. 🙂 Good job!
Maestro Keith – I believed you and I believed in you and how good it was that I did – your kambo and rapeh have made me supercharged. My knee, my immune system and my eyesight all thank you.
Maestras Lilia and Adele – you two are a marvel individually but the strength of your Icaros are unbelievable when sung together. Thank you for all the beautiful journeys together.
Joshua – you are amazing and clearly driving this vision forward. Thank you for all your work that goes into spreading the message of Aya Mama.
I will keep coming back to you guys because I love it there. I love the person I am becoming because of you. You have a very strong and loving operation and I want to be part of it.
I would also like to mention my compañeros. My groups. They were awesome and supportive and all of them are unique and brilliant human beings. May all of you be blessed.
What else is left to say?
The accommodation is beautiful and perfectly fits the purpose of you being there. The food is very good and very good for you. The people there are always on your side and make a genuine effort to ease you along your journey. Plus they are super fun.
I was here last year with my wife, this year with my sister (while my wife was home taking care of our dogs), and next year – who knows, because I want to send as many people to the Lighthouse as I can.
So You, who are reading this. Do yourself a favor and visit the Lighthouse!
Thank you again
Attila
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Insook Park
a month agoThe experience of lighthouse was amazing, I could feel the staff’s services come from bottom of their hearts, no two minds but only one. Very impressed. Above all, my mission accomplished!! Mama Aya answered me in meeting my shadow and light in 2nd ceremony.
Corinna
5 months agoI could say so much but actually everything‘s already said in all the beautiful reviews before and I can just confirm 100% what all the people are saying about Lighthouse. I‘ve never been to such a peaceful place and have never experiencing so much love in my life before. What the whole Lighthouse family is creating and offering there is above and beyond you could ever imagine. They‘re giving all of their heart to the place and their work and you’ll feel like part of this family right from the start. If you‘re considering doing Ayahuasca in Peru please do yourself a favour and choose Lighthouse. I can’t imagine a better place. I just finished my 3 week retreat with them and I‘m already pretty sad to left the jungle behind. I‘ll be back for sure and can’t wait to meet the guys again. It literally feels like a soul family far away from home. I‘m in deepest gratitude for my experience there. Also for me it was life changing and I‘m happy to found a place where I can always return to to remember how beautiful life is ♥️ gracias gracias gracias from the bottom of my heart!
Maarten
8 months agoReally incredible! Thanks Christian, Lady, Joy and all the others! The Intake As I believe going to a retreat for a week to be part of an ayahuasca ceremony is not a decision you make on a whim. And with the personal , quite vulnerable nature of the entire process, I found it reassuring the have an almost hour long talk beforehand to get to know the people behind the organization and the reasons for wanting to be part of the ceremony. Information After the intake a lot of information was shared to prepare for the ceremony beforehand. From meditation to dieting requirements. The crew They couldn’t have been more welcoming, loving and supportive. They were simply great! A big part of the very positive experience! Ceremony The ceremonies were taken very seriously, setting the right supportive atmosphere, the importance of it, the maloka where it took place and the maestras who guided the ceremony with their íkaros; very special. And one - I believe - very (!) important aspect: group size. They are limited to 8 participants, which some organizations don’t do. I don’t want to imagine a group of 16 participants, no way! Mama Aya The ayahuasca root en the chacruna leaves. Just wow (!) what an experience, you can - and they have - write books about it. But…: you just have to experience it! But don’t take it lightly, it is intens, beautiful but intens. Down to basics The facilities were basic, decent and I liked that. It suited the ceremonies. It’s just you, the Amazon and the reason you’re there. (Okay there was also wifi ;-)) Good food and juices within the dietary restrictions Getting your food to taste good without salt is harder than you imagine. But as with anything, you get used to it. It makes you feel better as well. The different fruit juices and creativity in the dishes made it quite good really. (The first dish with salt and all the forbidden elements after the retreat was indescribable!)
JONATHAN JOSEPH
6 months agoThis Lodestar, this Pharos namesake, this Beaming Amazonian Guidepost of spiritual edification and revelations aligning one to zero point... "Lighthouse!"; definitely lived up to it's name. The lights are on and somebody's home... you're home...your home away from home during the duration of your stay. You're going to be taken care of and be in good hands. Before even arriving Ivan was on the job getting me ready and prepared for the experience, answering any and all questions, making himself available through texts, emails, and video calls. Thank you Ivan! The Lighthouse Team did excellent work facilitating transfer from the airport to the retreat destination. Upon arrival, like I said, it feels like home. Structurally built to safely cradle all guests, while still remaining open enough to feel immersed within the Amazon wilderness. I truly miss this place: the environment, the atmosphere, the vibe, the energy, the delicious all natural, healthy, balanced meals, fresh squeezed juices, friendly cats and dogs who also call this place home, and of course the vital spark that ties it all together, the wonderful staff of people. Jino, Christian, Maestro Antenor, Lady Di, Joy, Yoko, Lenin--words can't begin the describe my depth of gratitude and appreciation towards these outstanding humans. The world truly needs more humans like these! The Lighthouse staff has figured out a formula that works by catering to a humble assembly of humans at a time, making each individual feel recognized, acknowledged, accepted, and attended to; truly impressive! Fresh fruits and teas are always available to assemble how you'd like and reading material is also available and I do recommend not to shy away from it...the information is truly enriching! The excursions are fantastic and memorable, keeping my mind in the right place of being connected to nature and Mama Aya. As for the pièce de résistance, the ceremonies...Mama Aya has something in store for each of us and each individual's encounter is different and unique. Words do no justice here...it's just something you have to experience...and trust! you will not regret it. During the ceremonies Maestro Antenor made me feel at ease and comfortable...it's like you know you're in more than capable hands. The staff are also present during ceremonies and available for much needed support, and if you're lucky, may also synchronize with the Maestro's icaros and the occasional guitar may come into play. The Maestro's icaros are like supernatural songs, tuning the chakral notes of your spiritual body, until finally resonating in harmony with Mama Aya. After each ceremony personal time is set aside between you and the Maestro and this allowed for deeper clarity and insight. Truly fulfilling! In its entirety, I must say, the Lighthouse Ayahuasca Retreat is incredible and incomparable! After it was all said and done it's like I was reborn through Mama Aya. If you're searching for an Ayahuasca retreat, look no further, because this is it! You'll be thankful you chose "Lighthouse! Ayahuasca Retreat "!
Kate Readings
9 months agoThere truly are no words to express just how special Lighthouse is. Where to even begin. The team emanate kindness and love and make you feel part of the family from the minute you arrive. I was incredibly nervous about embarking on this experience but the minute I arrived I felt in such safe, nurturing, kind, knowledgeable hands. They care deeply about each and every person and their healing journey and nothing is too much trouble. The shaman was incredible with such a strong connection with the medicine having learnt from his famous shaman father from a young age, his Icaros were beautiful and it was amazing to be able to speak with him after every ceremony to decode the experience. The schedule is perfectly curated with rest days in between ceremonies. The food is delicious and fresh and served in the beautiful dining room overlooking the Amazon river. You feel like you are in a treetop jungle paradise at lighthouse, the accommodations are lovely and everything you need and the land is so well kept. I loved the hikes into the jungle to learn about the different trees, plant life and wildlife. What I particularly loved is that the Maestro incorporates extracts from some of the master healer trees that are known for their protective energies into the medicine. Seeing the Aya vine just a short walk from the lodge was amazing. The medicine gave me everything I hoped for and more, so much healing and so much clarity. I chose Lighthouse because the groups are maximum of 8 and with this you get so much 1:1 time with the team and are cared for so well during the ceremony. I will be forever grateful to the Lighthouse family (including the friendliest dogs and cats you could ever meet), my wonderful group who now feel like family and Mama Aya for all they have given me, without a doubt the best week of my life and I am so glad I chose Lighthouse. If you are considering Lighthouse I promise you will not regret it, it will be the greatest gift to you will ever give yourself! I look forward to returning again one day to this very special place in the jungle.