Ayahuasca $100 - $180

Onikano

Name: Onikano
Price range: $100 - $180
Rating: 4.9

Iquitos, Peru

4.9 (99 reviews)

Contact for $5

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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.

Reviews (99)

4.9 out of 5

Overall 4.9

mandeepsaini
December 4, 2024 at 12:44 pm

I remember when I came across this retreat online and saw all the five-star reviews, I asked myself, “Is this too good to be true?” But then I explored their website and could tell it was genuinely written. I immediately connected with Barbara and asked if it was safe for a solo woman. She was so specific and kind right from the start. I’m sharing how I found this retreat because I know many solo travelers are reading reviews like this. If you’re wondering and feeling skeptical, as I did, don’t be—little did I know this place would turn into a Wishing Well for me.

# Ceremonies
The ceremonies are profound and can be intense, depending on the amount of medicine you take. The medicine is wise; it doesn’t give you what you want but what you need. Before starting, everyone in the group is thoroughly briefed about how the ceremonies work, the process, and detailed instructions. The ceremonies take place in the main maloka, a sacred and pure space filled with special energy.

During the ceremonies, the maestros sit at the center of the room, monitoring the experience alongside a translator. Each participant has a designated mattress and a bucket for purging, facing the center of the room. If someone enters a deep trance, the maestras, who are highly trained, provide care and help guide the process. They are incredible at what they do.

After the first round of administering ayahuasca, the maestros begin singing icaros. These songs are so beautiful, it feels like a divine download into your body as they sing. The maestros’ voices are captivating, guiding you through the ceremony with their melodies. Doroteo, who often sits near the door, helps participants during their trance states. Overall, the ceremonies are masterfully administered. Get ready for profound, deep healing.

# The People

# Maestro Heberto
He is a magical healer and an incredibly kind human being, full of love and compassion. From the first consultation, you can feel his energy—a blend of deep knowledge and confidence. His aura sparkles, and he ensures everything is translated well so everyone feels safe and informed. His icaros are melodic and deeply healing.

The way he runs this center with love, care, and his incredible gift is inspiring. He takes great care of his staff, manages the ceremonies flawlessly, and works tirelessly. Huge respect for him. May the universe bless him with even more happiness, love, and success so healing becomes more accessible to humanity. I feel so lucky to have been part of this experience.

# Maestra Eunice
She is such a kind soul, always smiling warmly and radiating kindness. She gives wonderful massages, and her voice is like a nightingale when she sings icaros. During ceremonies, she helps participants who are in deep trances, removing negative energies with incredible skill. She helped me a couple of times, and I felt held by her as if she were pulling out the bad energies from my body. It was magical. I miss her deeply.

# Maestra Cecilia
She is like a surrogate mother. She helped me multiple times during my ceremonies, especially in my first week when I was very emotional. She comforted me with maternal love, holding me, kissing my forehead, wiping my tears, and hugging me. She even removed negative energies from my belly and head during one panic attack, making me feel normal again. That experience was profoundly healing. I am so grateful to her and tear up just thinking about it. I miss her so much.

# Doroteo
I love Doroteo. He is the sweetest—so kind and such a beautiful soul, and I’ll always cherish the kindness he showed.

# Tulia
Tulia is such a gentle and nurturing presence. She exudes warmth and kindness that makes everyone feel at ease. During my stay, she often checked in on me to ensure I was comfortable and supported. Her calming energy and genuine care were incredibly reassuring, and I’m so grateful for her role in my journey. She’s truly a gem.

# Barbara
From the moment I spoke with Barbara while booking the retreat, I could tell she was amazing. She is disciplined, warm, and incredibly organized. She manages the center like a boss! I miss her dearly and admire her so much.

# Fellow Participants
One of the highlights of this journey was meeting the other visitors at the retreat. They were some of the kindest, most compassionate people I’ve ever encountered. Sharing this experience with them created deep connections that I will always cherish. I’m so grateful to have met them on this path.

# The Staff
Every single staff member is kind-hearted, cheerful, and dedicated. They ensure everyone is comfortable and safe, even standing on guard at night to provide security. I felt so safe and cared for by them.

# The Forest
The forest is breathtaking. Pachamama is thriving here. The master trees are magnificent, with the Lagarto tree being my favorite. These trees seem to talk back to you, and visiting them feels like connecting with an ancient, wise friend. Be prepared, though—the “tax” to visit them is mosquito bites. Cover up and use repellent, but even then, it’s worth it. The forest’s beauty is beyond words.

# Bungalows
The bungalows are charming, with peaceful forest sounds at night. Each has a shower, toilet, and my favorite—a hammock—perfect for relaxation. The screens ensure no bugs or insects get in, and they even provide bug spray, just in case.

# The Lake
The man-made lake adds an extra layer of tranquility to the experience. The water temperature is perfect, making it a relaxing spot to swim and unwind.

# Other Details
The program is thoughtfully designed with activities like plant baths, mud baths, and orientations with the teacher trees—all wonderful ways to connect with Pachamama. The food was amazing; I’ll never forget the delicious watermelons, passion fruits, and papayas that everyone devoured within minutes.

I also made such good connections with other visitors at the retreat. They were incredibly kind-hearted, and I am so grateful to have met them on this journey.

# Conclusion
I spent two weeks here, and I was showered with love, care, and happiness. I’ve never experienced so much unconditional love anywhere. This place truly is a wishing well for me. As I continue to integrate the insights and visions from my ceremonies, I feel more peace and calmness than ever before. I returned home with a heart full of gratitude, love, and compassion. I can’t wait to reunite with my Yosi Ocha family. I love you all ❤️.

Note: This review was edited for over-punctuation, but has otherwise been left in its original form.
malikamorch
November 23, 2024 at 9:27 am

I recommend this retreat. I spent three weeks at Yosi Ocha in October-November 2024, and I feel changed on a very profound but subtle level. Not as much as I had hoped, I suppose there is more work to be done, and wish to go back to Y.O. later to undergo further treatment.

I’ve known about ayahuasca healing practices for about 20 years, and had a little feeling I would end up undergoing them myself eventually.
I did a lot of research for quite some time in order to find the right retreat center, and in the end was left with two options: Yosi Ocha and The Temple of the Way of light, which both seemed serious, with authentic healing practices, run with an ecological respect for the plants, and primarily run, founded or owned by a local curandero, using Ayahuasca which they cook and make themselves and located in the area/country where the plants grow. These were my requirements. I did not want to end up on a retreat that was about tripping in jungle, I wanted help to overcome difficulties I could not fix on my own, I wanted medicine. And that’s what I got at Y.O. I see many other attendees have written here about the ceremonies and so forth, so I’ll leave that be.

What I want to be clear about is that I came, and still come, at this from the perspective of openness to the possibility that this medicine works, not from the perspective of belief. I don’t have any way of proving that it works or that it doesn’t. But what I can say for sure is that something inside me is different. I relate to friends and family in a calmer way, I stopped biting my finger nails (been doing it for 40 years), I have much less anxiety, I don’t feel any depression (had both pretty much all the time , or on and off for almost 30 years), I felt some inner peace that was not there before, I have felt genuine gratitude for the first time. There is still a way to go. I did not fully get an answer from Mother Ayahuasca to my question, my reason for attending the retreat, but these changes have occurred and that’s not to taken lightly.

As a solo female traveler I felt completely safe throughout the whole stay. All the staff at YO are caring, kind, respectful and answer any of your requests. I locked myself out of my bungalow not only once but twice (the last time wearing only a t-shirt and no underwear), and the loving Barbara from the staff solved the situation promptly and without batting an eye. I connected with people working there, the other attendees/patients in a unique way, as we spend time together undergoing our processes side by side. Some of them I’m sure I’ll never completely loose touche with. Maestro Heberto, Eunice and Tía Ercelia have a grounding nature and a very kind disposition. I’m extremely grateful for their work.

Things I wish I brought:
– a proper, powerful lantern to light up my bungalow, it got dark at 6pm
– Rubber boots (if your staying more than 2 weeks and it’s not dry-season)
– long wool underwear for the night (if your cold blooded)

Things I’m glad I brought:
– mouldable silicone ear plugs for sleeping (bugs and birds in the jungle are louder then traffic in the city. And if you’re sensitive or easily overwhelmed, they’re a life saver. Forget about the foam ones, they’re useless, get proper ones that will shape to your ear)
– sleeping mask (the bungalows don’t have curtains/shading, it started getting light at 5am)

…Yes, I’m sensitive.

Tips: If you attend this retreat I would recommend to not be shy about asking questions to the Maestro/Maetras or any of the staff if you need guidance, or just practical info. I stayed for three weeks, and every week has a slightly different structure to it, so info given to some on one week may be passing right by others on another week. Ask! They are more than helpful.
Atreya
November 13, 2024 at 6:30 pm

In Oct-Nov 2024, I had the privilege of attending a 2 week retreat at Yosi Ocha. I can say without being guily of hyperbole that it was the most life changing experience of my life.

The entire retreat was centred on the effective healing of all participants. The frequency of Ceremonies was 3-4 times a week, allowing enough exposure to not only get acquainted but deeply in touch with Mother Ayahuasca.

Yosi Ocha is set IN the amazon jungle which makes it so much more connected to nature and Mother Ayahuasca. The property boasts a beautiful lake with warm water where we would take a daily swim. I still miss this weeks out!
The outer edges of the property is where the master trees are located. Each tree represents a quality of healing, singing, dancing, protection, managing of emotions. We were encouraged to connect with and show gratitude to these spirit trees daily based on our healing needs. They even showed up in one of my Ceremonies which was a remarkable and skepticism killing experience.

The Ayahuasca experience for me was profund! I was able to unveil alot of the trauma and physical pain I was experiencing in the first week, while in the second I dwelled deep into correcting psychological patterns that created suffering. I saw many visions that directed me step by step to what I needed to understand. Holding your intention strongly and knowing when to allow new messages to flood your consciousness is key. I felt a deep sense of gratitude, strength, energy, and clarity, just a few days out from the retreat. It was like I was given a second chance, one I had been desiring for many years.

As healing as Ayahuasca is alone, the people managing Yosi Ocha made the experience far more impactful.

Maestro Herberto was remarkably insightful and very evidently highly spiritually advanced. Starting from the day 1 diagnostics session he was able to identify areas where your energy encountered blocks and designed customized healing plans for each participant. Every participant was given keen attention and was allocated time throughout their stay to discuss experiences and progress with him. He also designed a specific plant Dieta for each participant, based on his insight on what they required.
He protected all our Ceremonies from negative influences and worked on our energy bodies throughout the stay. He’s a truly phenomenal Shaman and his work and wisdom were essential to the healing journey. During Ceremonies he was able to identify participants who needed his support and was effective in curtailing painful trips. I have immense gratitude for what he has done for all of us.

Maestras Eunice and Tia were the perfect support for the Maestro. They facilitated some of the Ceremonies, organized daily plant/mud baths for all of us and made sure we were well looked after throughout. What made them truly special is the immense love and kindness they directed at each of us. They were gentle and full of positive energy. The plant baths which they managed were revitalizing and made us more sensitive to the Ayahuasca Ceremonies. They patiently took the time to educate us on the master trees, on positive intentions through mapacho and interpreted our experiences.

Barbara who facilitates communication via email, is highly responsive, incredibly accommodating and just a wholesome person overall. I had the good fortune of intersecting with her bi-annual retreat at Yosi Ocha and I saw her as a TRUE spiritual solider. She would prioritize the welfare of others in the group over her own in many cases, checking in on everyone, while herself being on the medicine. She had a wealth of experience in Ayahuasca and beyond. She was full of energy and entertained us with her stories and insights about Ayahuasca. An absolutely remarkable person and definitely one of my favorite people in the world.

What made Yosi Ocha additionally amazing, was the great community it drew. In the 2 weeks I stayed, I met with several people who were keen to solve their deep rooted issues but still made sure to connect with others, sharing laughs and learning from each other’s experiences. Something about the place brought put the best in us.

I made many life long friends during the trip and I’m certain you will too.

In summation, Yosi Ocha is an ideal place to undertake your healing Ayahuasca journey. I would recommend it without hesitation to all spiritual seekers.
roryv
July 26, 2024 at 9:50 am

Yosi Ocha is such a beautiful place for deep healing. I feel blessed to have had my experience at this place. Yosi Ocha felt like magic, overflowing with love and care.

My stay was very profound and meaningful. So much magical things unfolded, both intense and loving.
The ceremonies felt safe and the Maestros and the facilitators were outstanding and let the medicine do it’s work.
The bungalows are basic but very comfortable, surrounded by the majestic nature. The meals were delicious and diverse and as snacks plenty of teas and fruits.

It’s hard to put in words the experience at Yosi Ocha. It deeply resonated with me and I will definitely choose this place again.
Highly recommened Yosi Ocha.
OwlAmazon
July 2, 2024 at 8:00 pm

Words will never fully describe my experience at Yosi Ocha over many weeks, but I will try.

Yosi Ocha is first and foremost a place of deep healing. The intentions are always Love, Protection, and Medicine. To this point, while incredible and even supernatural experiences can occur (and have), it is not the primary focus… the focus is healing… healing your heart… quieting your mind… ego… so you can heal your body and soul.

If you trust in the process, the healing will occur. The goal of Maestro Heberto and Eonice is not for you to simply have visions or see aliens… their goal, working deeply in connection with master plants and animals of nature, is for you to look past the illusion of your ego in the spirit of Love so you can heal yourself mentally and physically. The work goes far deeper than just Ayahuasca and can include any number of important plant teachers: Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Chacruna, Ayahuma, Aciote, Bobinsana, and more. If you work deeply with these medicines, magic will happen.

For those traveling alone, you are in good hands. I’ve always felt safe at their center, and the integrators, including Inez, Tulia, and Andrea are very experienced and excellent. English and Spanish translations are always available. I met many women traveling alone who felt comfortable in the environment.

Maestro Heberto is the real deal, and this is coming from someone who was initially very skeptical of any ‘spiritual leader’. Most importantly, his intentions are pure and mission-focused. His grandfather was one of the original Merayas of Shipibo lore, and his shamanic training and isolation in the jungle began at a very young age. His sister, Eonice, carries this lineage and training, as well as the most beautiful singing voice. Both make themselves available if you have emergency questions, although the process is meant to be experienced and not talked over like therapy.

The role of the Curandero is to serve as a bridge to the spirit realm facilitating healing while providing the recipient the power to then integrate those lessons and become better human. A good spiritual leader doesn’t lecture you, write books, or go on podcasts out of ego, but rather gives you the tools to walk your path while providing protection (or training wheels) while you do. This is exactly how Heberto and Eonice operate, providing you the Love and Protection to walk the path yourself.

Heberto and Eonice are humble people, and in turn, they teach us to be humble, with each other, and most importantly, with the power of the natural world around us.

After many weeks at Yosi Ocha, I can confidently say that the vast majority of people left glowing and beaming with love. I’ve met many lifelong friends from all over the world. While far in the minority, the one or two who struggled had noticeably huge egos, expectations, or ideas that their spirituality was ‘superior’. The plants themselves have a way of humbling these types. It is possible one day one of these people will write a negative review on Yosi Ocha, if that happens, do yourself a big favor and ignore it.

Make no qualms about it, Yosi Ocha is basic on accommodations, but that is part of the process of healing and communing with nature. The food, despite being part of a restricted aya dieta, is delicious and yummy. The private bungalows are comfortable yet primitive, and situated in the jungle. You feel protected in the mosquito net at night, and there is running water, toilets, and drinking water. You need a flashlight at night. Yes, there is a Starlink wifi connection at central Malacca and basic electricity to charge phones and lights, but if you spend most of your time there you are cheating yourself. The lake is beautiful for swimming and stargazing. A very important part of the experience is connecting with the jungle, and that is what makes this center so special.

The magic and true masters of Yosi Ocha are the Master Trees accessible on a well-maintained Amazon trail: Remo Caspi, Wimba, Chullachaki, Lagarto, Sirena, Pashaka… each of these is a powerful spiritual teacher in their own right and will support you if you take the time to reach out to them. Their lessons are worth more than the temporal discomfort and mosquito bites required to gain comfort in their domain.

If you are serious about healing, Yosi Ocha is the right choice. During my extended stay, I saw many people start with just a week, and extend for two or three more as they saw themselves change for the better. This was not uncommon. I would recommend a minimum of two weeks to go deep. I started with two, and came back for another nine weeks. During that time I saw anxiety, depression, ptsd, sleep problems, and even physical pain overcome by pasajeros. The experience will challenge you, but in the best possible ways, and you will be a better person for it. It is hard, but try not to come in with any expectations, other than Love, Healing, and Protection… and just being a better human.

Yosi Ocha taught me that magic is real if you are brave enough to find it in yourself.

Note: This review was edited for over capitalization, but has otherwise has been left in its original form.