Mai Niti is our family run traditional Shipibo healing center based in our homeland; the Amazon region of Peru (Pucallpa). We’ve been working as Maestros for many generations, and have a profound depth of ancestral wisdom and knowledge with respect to the plants and healing.

Our aim is to awaken you to your true potential by expanding your consciousness and healing your mind, body and spirit.

Mai Niti in English means Clarity of the Earth. By living in symbiosis with mother earth, she gifts us with the clarity and insight needed to do the work that we do. It fills our hearts with joy to see the people who come here leave healed, happy and free, with a deeper connection to themselves and awareness of their true nature. At Mai Niti, we work with sacred plants in a way that opens one up to receive the knowledge and healing power the plants have to give. Among these sacred medicines we work with is ayahuasca.

At our core, compassion is what guides us and empowers us to do the work that we do. Our doors are always open to all who come in need of healing.


The Curanderos

Maestro Leonardo

Leonardo has been working with the plants since the age of 12. Now, aged 85, he has over 70 years experience with plant medicine and ayahuasca.

Maestra Lucilla

After rigorous training from Leonardo, strict dietas, and many years in isolation, Lucilla has followed in her father’s footsteps to become a maestra.


Our Center

When you step into Mai Niti healing center, you will be met with the love and compassion that are at the core of the curanderos work. You will quickly become part of the family, and the curanderos are truly here for you every step of the way in your healing journey.

Mai Niti healing center is owned and run entirely by the curanderos and their family. For this reason, they have the freedom to run the retreats in the way they feel is right, in order to bring the deepest level of healing and care to all who come.

This is also why they can offer retreats and long term stays to guests for such a low price. The curanderos feel that ones financial situation should never be a barrier to healing. For this reason it is important to them to keep the cost as low as possible for guests.

The curanderos and their family will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you have a truly trans-formative healing experience, and that you find what you are seeking. Living with them on their land is a truly eye opening experience in which you will not only have the opportunity to heal and grow, but to experience life in symbiosis with nature, the way the Shipibo do.


Healing

Ayahuasca and master plants can help to bring about a profound healing of ones body, mind and spirit as well as transformation of ones life, and awakening to ones true potential. These sacred medicines allow us to access deeper parts of our consciousness and psyche, and uncover and uproot the things that block us from living our true potential as healthy, happy and free beings.

These sacred plant medicines can be a powerful ally to you if you are seeking any of the following:

  • To heal trauma and deep routed psychic wounds
  • To release unconscious emotional, psychological and spiritual blockages
  • To heal physical and mental diseases at their root
  • To release deep rooted fears and doubts
  • To align with ones soul purpose and calling in life
  • To expand and awaken ones consciousness
  • To heal ancestral and family karma
  • To uncover ones innate healing abilities

Reviews (36)

4.9 out of 5
Overall 4.9
  • anniemareem
    anniemareem
    September 5, 2023 at 7:42 pm

    Don’t look anywhere else, I cannot recommend Mai Niti enough and since leaving I have been publicly speaking far and wide about my experience and sending people from my world there. Choosing to book here you are opening up to a pure sacred healing, not just an ayahuasca experience and to question everything you’ve known about the spiritual world, through the gifts of each family member in ceremony. You are choosing to be vulnerable and disciplined, you are being guided to a forever family in Peru.

    I initially spent 2 weeks in March ’23 with my partner where I realised how much was there to work with, uncovered the extremity of being disassociated the last few years and felt how unhealthy my heart was feeling from chronic stress. The plants told me I needed to come back for 6 weeks and I was luckily in a place of my life to be supported to do so in July ’23. I was initially going to book somewhere else but I believe the universe led me here with messages, changing direction on the day I was going to pay for the deposit at the other place. I chose Mai Niti because of having an authentic and traditional ritualistic experience passed down through the Shipibo ancestors and having a female Maestra. I liked that you could choose the date you started during the week and that the amount of time was custom to your personal experience.

    The first thing I noticed after 3 months was noticing that the money they were receiving from guests being put back into the centre with renovations of showers/toilets, a pool, new accommodation quarters, mattresses for ceremony, new places to hang out as an example. The cook was new and the food was creative and made with love. The guys working around the yard are super friendly and helpful when I had amazonian jungle animals in my casita and were very generous with special treats of coconuts on the weekend (thank you Edgar and Julio!). My favourite days were jungle walks to learn and connect in person with the plants i was taking, or the boat rides (jumping in the river and getting bit by a pirahna too hahah!). Each process is individualised to every person based on length of time and what you came there for which Lucy screens/reads you and discusses in each translation after ceremony.

    I have never had anything but complete trust in Lucy and the family during my whole experience. I never questioned my safety or support as the workers at the centre and the attentiveness from the Maestra always made me feel safe and held. It was important to me to feel well taken cared of, seen and cared for without my partner there to lean on, safety was the biggest thing I was looking for in a centre. There was a few times during dietas I felt unwell, I was attended to immediately by either Maestra Lucy or Maestro Leonardo privately for ease of symptoms and readjustment of dieta or the staff bringing me specific plant remedies for my head/stomach/energy.

    To put into words how much has changed for me internally and physically is almost impossible but I have healed PTSD, switched my nervous system back into parasympathetic and decreased cortisol/heart rate, non existent previous monthly allergy and sinus issues(from kambo) cultivated self love, compassion and belief in myself, accessed my numbed out sexuality and sacral area, overcame so many fears and insecurities, witnessed my strength and power in ceremony with the medicine and through process with the healing plants and connected back to myself and others socially in society. As I stayed a while I watched the transformation of others around me, knowing the magic and abilities of the family was the real deal and it was all from Nature.

    How much you put into it is how much you’ll get out, release all expectations and just surrender. Attending this retreat at Mai Niti has been one of the best investments in myself and future. I know it’s not the last time I’ll be there and I won’t go anywhere else. As Lucy said = I came in barely being able to ‘walk’ and left flying.

  • Rosa Milagros
    Rosa Milagros
    March 17, 2023 at 4:25 pm

    My experience at Mai Niti was nothing short of miraculous. I have been to other Plant Diet centers and Ayahuasca retreats, but I have never experienced anything quite like Mai Niti. Maestros Lucila and Leonardo have an extensive history and relationship with the plants that is evident in every aspect of their work. Despite their lineage of wisdom and connection to some incredibly powerful Plant allies – they are, above all, humble humans who work tirelessly to fulfill their vision of bringing healing and clarity to the world. What made the experience unique was the tremendous amount of individualized attention and the crystal-clear insights privately shared with each of the guests. The messages that Lucy received from the Plants and passed along to me were the key that helped me access the roots of my attachment to many traumas including sexual and ancestral. The Maestros are also backed by a well-trained staff of hard-working helpers who watch over and care for the guests like guardian angels. My time at Mai Niti was not easy. I journeyed through many difficult and painful experiences, and I am proud of myself for pushing through those moments. I received so many gifts from the land, the Plants, the Maestros, their family, and the staff. In the end, it feels as though my efforts were rewarded many times over. I know my healing journey is far from over, but I now have the tools I need to complete that journey. I arrived at Mai Niti feeling numb, sick, depressed, and overwhelmed. I am leaving feeling fully connected to my body, my truth, my joy, my freedom, and my boundless gratitude. Gracias Mai Niti.

  • avv526
    avv526
    February 18, 2023 at 10:30 am

    Wow. I spent 5 weeks at Mai Niti and got absolutely everything I went for and then some. I am a completely evolved version of myself- living from a place of inner peace, self-love, confidence, clarity, and joy. Mai Niti opened my heart to myself and others and helped me to discover my purpose. Lucy is an incredibly talented healer who’s powers shattered my perception of reality and what is possible. Magic. The facilitators at Mai Niti are some of the best human beings you will ever ever meet (shout out Peter, Selva, Flor, Mara, Lu). It was fascinating how every guest was given their own special mixture of plants and regimens. Lucy is very prescriptive and you will quickly learn to trust exactly what she (and the plants:) suggest. I watched so many people heal before my eyes- physically and mentally. This is a place where real change happens. It is not easy but it is worth every second and you will be stronger for having embarked on this journey.

  • kevinm
    kevinm
    February 8, 2023 at 9:56 am

    I stayed at Mai Niti for 5 weeks and I can’t recommend it enough! This was truly the most life changing experience of my life, I will never be the same again. Maestra Lucy and maestro Leonardo are magical and they are amazing at what they do. There is so much love and I felt like I was a part of the family, very sincere and loving people. The same goes for the staff, they are always around to help or just have a talk if that’s you need. Just the overall attention to my personal needs by all parties involved were a big part of my transformational process.

    If you’re looking for a big change in your life and you’re willing to put in the work, then this is the place for you. The amount of love and support is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I will definitely return in the future.

    Thank you Mai Niti, forever in my heart!

  • kanderson102
    kanderson102
    January 7, 2023 at 12:05 am

    My time at Mai Niti is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. Living with Lucy and her family, the volunteers, and fellow guests was truly magical. It’s a place to ground and reconnect with what really matters – inner peace, reflection with others, and simple living.

    I came into Mai Niti with much anxiety and uncertainty about my life and where it was heading. I had tried ayahuasca a few times before but this was my first real dive into long term healing and a consistent dieta.

    Within two weeks much of my concerns about the future had washed away. The love I felt with the medicine and the people around me was incredibly healing. One night when I wasn’t in ceremony, but connecting with another master plant, I saw Lucy visit me in a dream. I asked her about it a few days later and she said she visits everyone in their dreams to check in on them. I knew then that she was a very special soul, along with her father. They were always working to ensure that everyone was receiving the deepest care possible.

    In my early ceremonies I had some trepidations about the journey ahead. Lucy would sense this and remind me to have no fear. Indeed each one of my journeys were exquisitely beautiful. It felt like being hugged by God. I had so many wonderful insights that you’ll need to experience for yourself.

    I am beyond grateful to mama ayahuasca for her giving spirit, which is reflected by all the people who live and work at Mai Niti. May all beings be blessed to receive such love and care throughout their lives

  • connect2lkb
    connect2lkb
    November 5, 2022 at 9:57 am

    I visited Mai Niti in October 2022. I initially booked for 3 weeks, extending to 4. I would have extended 3 more weeks for a total of 6 weeks if they weren’t closing November & December. My trip was nothing like I had imagined it to be which helped me realize how attached I am to my control. Every single day there I experienced more internal shifts and healing. It’s not just about Ayahuasca but the mixture of many things…the healing power of the Shipibo tribe, other plant medicines, the sacred environment, the connectedness, it’s truly magical. I arrived, attached to my expectations and when told to let go and surrender, I did (after a few days) and by the last day…received not only everything I needed but everything I wanted. No stone was left unturned. Of course everyone has their own experience and path, but Mai Niti exceeded my expectations and I’m so extremely grateful for all the lessons,new perspectives, my internal growth and shifts that occurred energetically for me. Choosing Mai Niti has changed my life. From talking with others, and their experiences at other Aya retreats…they say none are as both gentle and powerful as Mai Niti, and I intuitively feel that is true. I won’t go anywhere else. I plan on going back in the future as soon as I can plan a 2 months isolation here. Leonardo, Grover and Lucy work together and for you. You’re never alone at Mai Niti. You are supported fully by all who volunteer there, the universe, God, and of course the maestros. Even during ceremony, they are maintaining control and are aware of everyone’s experience and will not let you endure more than you can handle. But you will always get what you need. I am forever thankful and grateful for my experience here.

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

  • ChristianBugge
    ChristianBugge
    June 15, 2022 at 10:55 pm

    The maestros, Leonardo, Lucila and her siblings have the best of intentions, as well as great capacity and skill. s
    Unfortunately, those qualities could not come to fruition for me, and I ended up spending all of my meager savings us and borrowing money in a last attempt to heal mysellf which was thwarted.
    My main problem was that due to an invasive sugery at a young age as well as a tendency towards hypoglycemia, being literally starved for months was hell for me.
    Another problem was people not on dieta doing their things in front of us, including eating cholate cakes and leaving 12-packs of beer in the fridge.
    There was absolutely nothing to do outside of ceremony: We were left to our own devices with no help, no sharng, no guidance.
    I was there for a total 0f 3.5 months. 3.5 months where I was starved and subjected to abject victim blaming.

    “you’re not here to maintain your weight,” was what I was told 6’3 and 130lbs when I returnet in February. I had alredy made arrangeents to be properly fed, but that was with a previous manager, so that held no power.

    These people hurt me and harned me beyond expanation, They stole my money saying they’d help me, but all they did was hurt me.

  • Salsa647
    Salsa647
    June 7, 2022 at 9:34 am

    There is hope; an authentic plant based medicine retreat center:
    This was my first experience with plant based medicine, and I initially had a great deal of anxiety making this journey. Traditional therapies and medication to manage depression and childhood trauma had not yielded the results of deeper healing that I desired. I knew there would be no “quick fix” to what I’ve struggled with for years, however I felt that there was hope in the research on plant based medicine which led me down this path of healing. There were several factors that were important to me when deciding on a retreat center, and safety was a priority. I knew I preferred a female Shaman; I also preferred a traditional, rustic Peruvian setting that would provide me the time and quiet space to do the work necessary for deeper healing. After much research I decided on Mai Niti in San Francisco Peru. My initial contact with the center through Alex was helpful in figuring out the logistics of my trip and in helping to ease some of my initial anxiety. I was able to build trust with Maestra Lucila, her father Maestro Leonardo, and with the supportive staff at Mai Niti. Maestra Lucila was extremely mindful, and patient in her approach to the healing process. In addition to Ayahuasca, she utilized other plant medicines to bring the calm and clarity necessary for deeper healing, and to help prepare me to work with the Ayahuasca. I was able to begin to work through some deep seated trauma, to gain needed clarity, and to see a path forward for continued healing once I returned home. The staff (Peter, Alex) were also helpful in processing through as questions arose, and in providing guidance when needed. The community of fellow guests at Mai Niti were kind and supportive, and I found that to be invaluable during my stay, a true gift. The team that worked in the kitchen did an incredible job of using their creativity to prepare the food with love while adhering to the dieta restrictions (Lissy, Victoria, Esther-thank you). Demas took good care of the guests by preparing our daily plant baths and saunas as prescribed by Lucila-thank you Demas. The family of Lucila, as well as members of the Shipibo community were gracious in sharing their traditions, as well as teaching guests how to make Shipibo tapestries and jewelry. I’ll be forever grateful for my 3 week experience at Mai Niti, for the guidance to deeper healing I’d been seeking, and to have had the opportunity to experience the richness of the Shipibo culture.

  • willyb77
    willyb77
    May 14, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    I recently finished an amazing two month stay at Mai Niti. Maestra Lucila, her brothers, Maestro Leonardo, Peter, Alex and all the other volunteers and helpers were absolutely wonderful and made my experience life-changing, enjoyable and pleasurable. I came to Mai Niti hoping to address years of substance abuse and addiction and a lifelong battle with anxiety and other associated disorders and I truly have never felt better in my entire life. The center is rustic yet comfortable with great accomodations and plenty of space to spend time by yourself or socialize with other guests. I felt very safe and happy during my stay and enjoyed nearly every moment of my time here. The ceremonies are conducted well and Maestra Lucila and her helpers are readily available to help with any concern. I felt well attended to and cared for and feel that I addressed some serious issues that were creating a lot of problems for me in my life. The food is really excellent given the dieta restrictions, many thanks to the volunteers and kitchen staff for preparing such delicious meals. I would highly recommend Mai Niti to anyone looking to change their life through plant based healing.

  • mikebono
    mikebono
    May 9, 2022 at 9:23 pm

    My time at mai niti was very beneficial and a lot of healing was done and a lot more that still needs to be done. The head curandero Lucy works with her father and together they really knows how to work with you and know not to give you more than what you can handle. It’s not short easy work and it’s not the type of medicine that can be jam packed within a weekend and all your woes are fixed. For me it’s going to take months of work so I plan on returning for a longer stay. The place is affordable but not luxurious. It is not bad either and you adjust fairly easy to it. The food is amazing for a heavy restricted diet. The volunteers and staff are all caring and wonderful with what they do. The moloka is nice the animals are friendly and you get to meet and interact with Lucy’s family and the shipibo comunity. The whole center makes you feel like you’re part of a family. The whole environment is very safe. Keep your mind tranquil and trust that lucy knows exactly what to do for you and you will come away with a beneficial experience. It is not a place to come and get high and see what all the hype is about. We come to do the work. It’s not easy but it needs to be done. Cheers.

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