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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Rone
April 15, 2026 at 7:44 amHave been at Onikano with my partner in February for 2 weeks and it was truly amazing. I have been working with Plant Medicines like ayahuasca for over 15 years in various settings in the, from which most the Western (neo-shamanic) therapeutic approach in The Netherlands. Which also can be very healing and insightful. But must say the experience at Onikano was one of a kind!
In 2019 I’ve been to another big well known centre owned by Westerners close to Iquitos and in Cuzco. It was ok but I missed the real traditional setting. Only the ceremonies were run by local healers/shaman. So this time I was looking for a more traditional setting with a true experienced Shipibo curandero. After some research I found Onikano and after reading through reviews I had a good feeling about it. And yes… it was best choice ever! I did have an amazing, magical and beautiful experience!
Onikano is situated in the jungle and run and owned by maestro Heberto, his family and local people. They are all very friendly. The place itself is beautiful with a magical lake to swim. The bungalows are simple but more than fine. For me, who likes luxury, I did not miss anything and the bed in my bungalow was very comfortabel with a soft mattress! I loved to stay at my bungalow connecting with my inner self and the environment. The food is simple but very nutricious and good enough to look forward to 🙂
The healing at Onikano it is not only about Ayahuasca, the visions and visual spectacle that might come with it. It’s about deep personal healing work, Ayahuasca is seen as a tool to help you. Maestro Heberto is also conducting personal healing work on each individual at night. And I’ve definitely sensed this for example in strange lucid dreams and sometimes physical discomforts. For me personally connecting with the plants, the trees, Pachamama (the Earth), the water (the beautiful lake and daily plant baths), the fresh air and fire (the light of the Sun Moon & Stars) and sitting with myself and emotions (inner child parts) at my bungalow (while listening to the amazing sounds of the jungle) was really healing and gave me meaningful insights about myself. The way Heberto works feels genuine and is a very special, honest and humble person. The ceremonies and rituals are conducted in a safe setting and responsible way. No body is forced to take Medicine and you are the one who decides how much Medicine you like to work with. The Icaros are beautiful. I specially did like the daytime San Pedro ceremonies including mud bath and fire ritual
It was one of my most beautiful (holiday) experiences! Now it’s time for integration…the difficult part of the work with Plant Medicines. 😉 When the time is there I (who knows already next year) will definitely come back! Probably for a longer stay.
Chenoah-Rose
April 7, 2026 at 4:11 pmReviewing my third time at OniKano – this time staying two weeks (I stayed for a month last year and two weeks the year before). I brought a group of 5 people for one week as part of a Peru Retreat I designed, and continued some of my training in the second week. Every time I return, I fall in love with the place even more. The food, the rituals, the family atmosphere, the land & the dedication from Meastro Herberto & the whole team, including Barbara who made the whole experience run smoothly. My group loved it so much that two have already booked to return in the Summer and another extended her stay for an extra 3 weeks!
The number of returning guests plus trainees I’ve met over the years is testament to the healing, teachings and care given to everyone. One thing that stands out for me is that all medicine is consensual – meaning you are never forced to take anything you don’t want to & all medicines & doses are clearly explained (this is not the case at many other centres.) Occasionally Maestro will recommend the whole group to take tobacco or sananga, but again this is explained & optional.
It really is a unique place, built on ancestral land with authentic Shipibo healers from a known lineage of Merayas. Healing with Aya can be challenging and it’s normal to feel a myriad of strong emotions, but if you trust yourself and the process the experience will be profound. Tia’s singing will transport you to another dimension, the Master Trees will whisper ancient mysteries to you & Maestro will treat you like family. I’m so grateful to have found OniKano and can’t wait to come back. Muchas Gracias, Chenoah-Rose
P.S I had to delete my previous 5star review from 2025 in order to be able to write another for OniKano on AyaAdvisors x
hannalind
April 7, 2026 at 4:11 pmThis was my first time sitting with mums Aya and I was nervous. Maestro snd the team were incredible patient and gentle. The skill of maestro is incredible and I would not been able to reach the level of healing I did just by sitting with Aya alone, his magic is next level. Will go back.
Nago
April 3, 2026 at 6:47 pmMy Experience at Onikano
I’ve been to Onikano twice now, and both experiences have been deeply meaningful—completely different from one another, yet equally powerful. During my first retreat, I felt the most dramatic shifts, as there was so much within me that needed realignment and healing. The second journey brought its own gifts, but in a quieter, more refined way.
The jungle itself has a very special atmosphere and energy. It feels like a natural healing magickal force just being there, surrounded by the forest, I felt completely relaxed. My worries, sadness, and depression seemed to fade away, and for the first time in a long while, I could truly feel peace again.
Maestro Heberto truly saved me. I hadn’t fully realized how serious my situation was until he helped me. When we discussed my treatment, I began to understand things that I had sensed but couldn’t quite comprehend before. He identified and began resolving health issues that even doctors would never be able to detect it , this was a health crisis i had
During my second treatment, I had been seen by a few sexual health clinic doctors who told me nothing was wrong, even though I could clearly feel and see the problems myself with multiple issues reflecting on my body. They thought it was all in my head nothing wrong, which was very discouraging. But Maestro Heberto immediately saw what was happening and began the healing process. He knew exactly what needed to be cleared and started working on it right away. I could see things improving, and I know that next time I’ll need to stay longer to go even deeper with the healing.
After my second treatment, I could already see real progress. Maestro Heberto is an incredible man—loving, respectful, and completely devoted to his healing mission. He is very knowledgeable and intelligent wise man I’m truly grateful to him; he has helped me so much and, in many ways, saved me.
What I love about Onikano is how they focus on each person individually. Everyone comes for different reasons and receives their own specific treatment. The healing process is highly personalized—everyone takes different medicines for a certain period, and the center maintains a calm, clinical environment that supports each person’s journey. The healer’s and the workers their are very respectful friendly and helpful. I’m really grateful that a place like this exists.
The Onikano centre itself is beautiful—very spacious, with a lovely swimming pool, a charging area in the dining room (which is so handy), and beautiful paths for long walks and quiet reflection. Everyone there is friendly, helpful, and respectful. The food is always fresh and delicious, and there’s even a small area to wash and dry your clothes, which is very convenient. I also really enjoyed participating in the activities and learning experiences offered there.
Inés, the translator, is very helpful, supportive, and respectful. She has a very considerate and supportive nature—she gives you space but always checks in to make sure you’re okay. Anything you need at the centre, she will do her best to assist you with. She explains things clearly and guides you, offering any help you need. I found her to have a strong heart in the work she does, and she made my time at the centre much easier and more comfortable.
I also found Barbara very helpful—she answered all of my questions with patience and clarity. She is very friendly, respectful, very supportive, and her presence made me feel comfortable and at ease.
Overall, my time at Onikano has been life-changing. I’m deeply thankful for everything I experienced and for the healing and peace and clarity I found there.
mikewheeler
March 31, 2026 at 12:41 pmWonderful retreat
Herberto García is a true supporter of transformation with no sense of ego or power dynamics
It is tough being in the jungle for a soft westerner but part of the process…..no luxury but oneself in basic accommodation with mosquito nets … adequate and strips away attachments
I felt driven to write my first Icarao and the spirits of the land welcomed me
Highly recommended
I felt new energies after my weeks stay and planning to come back
Very special indeed