Pisatahua is a plant-medicine ayahuasca-retreat, located in a remote area of the Bolivian Amazon. Found in the heart of the Aquicuana Lake Reserve, the 80 hectare center is situated in one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. This idyllic setting provides a comfortable environment for those seeking a responsible way to explore the Amazon, while safely working with traditional plant medicines.

Pisatahua’s healers are responsible and respected community members, dedicated to the shamanic path, with decades of experience. Our staff and facilitators are support specialists, providing guidance and personalized assistance throughout your journey. We organize small-group retreats to ensure that each individual receives the personal attention they require on their unique path of awakening and healing.

Reviews (66)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • Vera B
    Vera B
    March 4, 2024 at 1:07 pm

    A miraculous first experience

    This retreat definitely belongs to the most exceptional experiences of my life. When I embarked on this journey, I did not know what to expect. This being my first plant medicine retreat, I stepped into the adventure with an open heart and mind. Even before arrival, I already felt very safe. The communication with the hosts was really clear and welcoming from the start and I am incredibly thankful for the great care that has been provided by all facilitators of this retreat.

    Wara is an amazing and skilled healer, who knows how to mediate impressively well between the different dimensions of reality and has a most beautiful heart. Her soft, divine feminine energy and kindness provided the right space for me to heal a lot of themes regarding my own womanhood. Never did I know that so much transformation could occur in just 10 days. Thank you Pisatahua for offering these beautiful retreats and for protecting this stunning part of the Amazon. Wara, thank you for guiding me and Marlene thank you for your wonderful support. All of you are a true gift.

  • lbhphd
    lbhphd
    February 8, 2024 at 12:03 pm

    So grateful that I found this plant medicine retreat center. The healer, Wara Wara Puma, was definitely the highlight. She has such a depth of knowledge, wisdom and strength, yet has a kind, humble and approachable manner. She is incredibly skilled in facilitating both individual and group healing process. Her assistants, Mario, Sara and Cinthia, were also outstanding. The small group size made it possible to have more individual attention as well as the opportunity to bond as a group. The incredible jungle of setting of Aquicuana Lake Reserve definitely heightened the profundity of the experience. The ceremonial space—a gorgeous traditional “maloka” was perfect. The accommodations were pleasant, clean and comfortable: perfectly suited to the jungle setting—and the food, while medicinal, was always tasty and satisfying. Erik and Sasha (owners) are great with logistical details. They even went above and beyond for the better part of a day to help me navigate a lost passport situation. You will be very cared for here, and that level of care enables trust and deep work. I definitely got the experience that I hoped for—and beyond!

    Thank you Pisatahua!

  • Erin.
    Erin.
    February 6, 2024 at 12:06 pm

    I am SO happy that after months of research into plant medicine retreats that I eventually found Pisatahua. A truley authentic retreat center run by genuine, caring and kind people.

    It was the perfect place for me as I was searching for a center that was in Bolivia (of which there aren’t many) and in the Amazon Jungle, close to nature. I was not looking for anything fancy, no frills, just a comfortable and safe place to work with the plant medicines and with experienced healers and that’s what I found! Although, Pisatahua is MORE than comfortable, with gorgeous cabins, a huge Maloka with a special energy and food that is thoughtfully prepared. The Aquicuana Reserve is a beautiful and vibrant place full of life thanks to Erik, Sasha and all the others who work hard to protect it. It felt like an honour to live amongst it all for 10 days and I came away adamant to help in the fight to protect our natural spaces.

    Finally, the ceremonies were amongst the most profound experiences of my life thanks to the healer Wara Wara Puma and her assistants Mario and Sara. They held the ceremonies with such strength, confidence and compassion which allowed me to feel safe enough open up to a deep healing process.

    The people, the land and the wildlife at Pisatahua deserve the utmost respect for what they do for us on retreat (even the mosquitos!) . It is a gift of a place.

  • Nour el Huda
    Nour el Huda
    December 12, 2023 at 10:13 am

    Best experience of my life ! the place is a real heaven and the whole team is lovely! thank you Erik for all your support, you’re a real gentleman! Wara and Mar are my angels , they helped me achieve a real transformation in my life, put the past all behind my back and ready for my new life with excitements and a big smile ! thank you all again, i recommend this retreat for everyone who seeks a life changing in the very positive way xxx

  • Redsunset22
    Redsunset22
    November 28, 2022 at 10:36 am

    I attended Pisatahua for the first time in April 2022. We started with 12 participants and ended with 11; one person left after the first ceremony, as planned.
    I had a good overall experience. I felt taken care of. I felt I had the support I needed. Everything was more or less what I expected from the retreat and being in a remote area of Bolivia, in the jungle.

    Wara was a great shaman and facilitator. Kevin and Paula, the volunteers, they were there for support, which was beneficial. In general, I suggest having more patience with time management- What is told and asked of you is not the time that things will start.

    I really liked that a value of this retreat center was to host small groups for this type of work versus the very large groups in other places. It was something I specifically was looking for in my research. And I appreciated having a female Shaman who I can relate to. She has many years of experience and she communicates guidance very well. Her English is good, but it’s definitely great when she has support from someone with more fluency. Erik, co-founder, did a good enough job answering inquiries and preparing me on what to expect.

    A recommendation: I suggest for people to come to Riberalta at least 2 days prior to the start date of the retreat if flying into Santa Cruz.

    In April 2022, Ecojet was the only airline flying to Riberalta from Santa Cruz.
    Amaszonas used to fly to Riberalta as well, but now Ecojet has a monopoly and you’re at their mercy. And they kind of operate like an Uber Pool; there is unreliability.

    I felt there was some lack of transparency and communication prior to arrival.
    We lost 2 days of our retreat because of how Ecojet handled matters coming from Santa Cruz. Example, 6 of us arrived to the retreat a day late. 3 people were already stranded in Trinidad, flight cancelled prior day, and then cancelled again, so they arrived the day after us.
    All of us started the retreat together, 2 days later. And we had to do our 2nd and 3rd ceremony back-to-back, even with reduced medicine, physiologically, at least, many of us had anxiety and trepidation. We were meant to have at least 1 day of rest between ceremonies, but keeping to the schedule, there had to be a back-to-back day.

    My particular experience with Ecojet:
    I had been at the airport very early, 1:30 am, so I got a chance to watch the weather, flights, delays, etc. before our afternoon departure. It was raining hard intermittently, there were delays, but no airline cancelled their flight.

    We were delayed several times before they finally said, our flight was cancelled.
    I went to the counter, inquired in English and Spanish, they told me, flight was cancelled. I inquired about another flight the next day and next steps, they said, the only flight the next day was fully booked and that’s it.
    They gave no other information. We were essentially stranded. No hotel, no information, not even when would be the next flight. It turned out that 6 of us from the retreat were at the airport. It wasn’t until the local Bolivians got angry and started screaming at the Ecojet reps that they then told us, there was another flight the next day and they would give us food & hotel accommodations. And have a taxi take us to & from the airport. Apparently, the way Ecojet was operating had been a normal routine for at least the past 2 years, justified by the pandemic. This is what locals told us: Flight cancelled. No explanation. Show up the next day and maybe get your flight.
    Luckily, I bought a Bolivian sim card at the airport, so I was in contact with Erik on WhatsApp. It was reassuring to have that contact despite the nonsense at the airport. I highly recommend getting a Sim card, 1st floor, kiosk in the middle, I think “Entel.”

    In general, April is the end of rainy season, but be prepared for the humidity. Every night, I went to sleep in moist sheets. Not something I’m used to, so definitely something that took time to acclimate to. Luckily, we got to do laundry 1x while there during our 12 days. And the mosquitos are vicious. A participant found relief when she wore rain gear, the mosquitos didn’t penetrate then.
    I got my visa on arrival in Santa Cruz, that took about 2 hours. When you arrive, for me, it was not clearly explained, but luckily Erik relayed before, you need to enter your hotel information & a picture of it at a site within 2 hours of arrival. And keep updating the site while you move around Bolivia. If you do not or Customs decides to target you for inquiry & you don’t have a good enough answer, you have to pay a $35 USD penalty or something like that.
    There is a tax for leaving Riberalta airport, I think 10 bolivianos. Pay at designated window.
    Fyi, when I wanted to book the Riberalta flight in Feb 2022, I wasn’t able to do it online. There is an online glitch for that area on Ecojet’s site. Erik had to buy physical tickets from the airport and send me the picture. I reimbursed him.

    Overall, I had a good experience at Pisatahua. I appreciate having the opportunity to do the work, when I did, with Wara and all. What matters most to me is feeling supported, taken care of, clear communication, & being in a small group. And I got that there.
    In the future, I would love to see the option of a retreat that had at least 2 days between ceremonies. I don’t feel one day is enough of rest & processing, especially when each ceremony and the work you will do is different. Some ceremonies could be more taxing than others on the body/person.

  • zlatina.spasova@hotmail.com
    zlatina.spasova@hotmail.com
    July 4, 2022 at 10:22 am

    My first ever Ayahuasca experience couldn’t have been more perfect, eye-opening, unforgettable, life-changing and taken place in a better location and safer hands.

    I am so grateful to Erik, Sasha and the whole supporting team at Pisatahua for taking care and checking up on all of us throughout the retreat, catering for every need, and providing la dieta. The food was plain but nutritious to allow the plants to work their magic, and I never felt hungry. The dieta really helped me open my heart and surrender to the process.
    The cabins, simple yet comfortable, right by the lakeside, provided us with breath-taking views of the lake and a life soundtrack of the jungle. Pisatahua, excluding the mosquitos, is a paradise on earth. The tranquility and the way the site is organised, helped me to completely switch off from the outside world and focus on the process and internal work.

    I am beyond grateful to have had Wara Wara as the shaman/healer, taking us gently through the whole experience, making me feel supported and in safe hands throughout. Even when things got really difficult, I always knew I wasn’t alone and would come out stronger with Wara’s guidance. I realised that having a great healer was imperative during an ayahuasca retreat! Her coca leaf reading left me speechless. The cleansing tobacco ceremony on the first day helped me to process a lot of the pain I’ve been holding on and to deepen my intentions for the ayahuasca ceremonies.

    The retreat has been one of the most difficult, yet most beautiful and life-changing experiences of my life. I am so grateful for trusting Pisatahua and the Universe and going for it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  • maggadocious
    maggadocious
    January 7, 2022 at 2:13 pm

    My trip to Pisatahua was a life affirming and heart opening experience. I feel an enormity of gratitude for being able to spend 2 weeks in Bolivia, in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, while on a soul searching adventure. I couldn’t think of a better place to be disconnected from the world and technologically divorced! Although it seemed daunting at first, it really allowed me to practice self love and introspection as well as spend time meditating, reading and journaling. The cabins were simple and peaceful with gorgeous views of the lake and rainforest. I woke up every morning and fell asleep every night to a symphony of wildlife. Pure magic. Erik was a gracious host and made me feel at home immediately. He also shared so much wisdom and knowledge on life in Bolivia as well as plant medicines. He couldn’t have been more available for me and the other guests. Our healer, Franz, was such a gifted shaman and really made me feel safe, loved and guided through my ayahuasca ceremonies. I am pretty sure he is a wizard – I felt such a positive shift within me after my ceremonies, it felt nothing short of magic !
    I will always have a special place in my heart for Pisatahua for giving me a magical place to heal and connect with nature and myself. Thanks to my ayahuasca ceremonies, I have begun to become the best version of myself that I can be and will be forever thankful for this experience. I highly recommend a retreat at Pisatahua to anyone seeking inner peace, self exploration and healing.

  • mobelukie
    mobelukie
    November 26, 2021 at 11:25 am

    I am forever grateful to the guides at Pisatahua who curated a safe space and supported me through a profound, life changing experience. It’s been almost two months since I’ve stayed at the retreat in Riberalta, Bolivia, and the gifts keep unfolding. Since I’ve been home, there has been an immediate integration of the lessons I’ve learned and the awareness I’ve gained unlike any other medicine or therapy has ever gifted me in the past. My experience at Pisatahua has helped me gain a stronger sense of confidence. It affirmed me in my life path and heightened my understanding to the gifts I have to offer. There is a magic that has blossomed from my heart chakra, and it only continues to grow stronger by the second. The shift is palpable. Pisatahua is a sacred space, and the healers are wise beyond their years. The ceremonies are held to respect the ancestral tradition and sacredness of the plants. Pisatahua lives in harmony with Pachamama. The sanctuary of the cabanas are a most restorative and reflective space… Swinging on the hammock and overlooking to Acquicana Reserve, I spent many hours journaling about the experiences flowing through these newly opened channels. Investing the time and energy to arrive to Pisatahua is absolutely an investment in oneself… You will be greeted with an abundance of grace, respect and guidance the moment you choose this journey… You will never be alone in the process, and the effect of the love and joy you feel from the space around you will lift you to a higher vibration like never felt before! I have so many thanks to Pisatahua, and can’t wait to return.

  • ydoucette
    ydoucette
    September 21, 2021 at 6:14 pm

    Living in the fast paced, overcrowded, technological city life, you tend to forget how life can be. Pisatahua is a place of peace and happiness. A place where you discover the meaning of life again. How it should be. Calm, relaxing, and peaceful.

    My fiancé and I had a custom visit of 6 days and 2 ceremonies and were the only ones there. “VIP” as our healer Franz called it. It was mainly because we couldn’t make the 10-day retreat work with our family visit/ vacation time in Bolivia. Though after our experience we would’ve been more than happy to do 10 days. This was our first time taking Ayahuasca and we couldn’t have asked for a better place. From the landscape to the care takers, everything made you feel as if you were in the right place. Good. Safe.

    Our healer was Franz, and his assistant Aneshka. They were both wonderful and very caring throughout our time. I found out from Franz that most Shamans prefer to be called “Curandero” (Healer), because that’s what they are and that’s what they do. They heal. They both ensured our time with mother Ayahuasca was comforting and meaningful. I can say this plant medicine is no joke. She is powerful and can slap some sense back into you. My personal experience with her was more physical and more on the grounds of how she works. I could feel I needed more time with her after the 2 ceremonies, and Franz confirmed it. Hence why I plan to return and do a full 10-day, 4 ceremony experience. My fiancé’s experience on the other hand was more emotional, and she was able to let things go and forgive. It was beautiful for her, and I couldn’t have been happier. The conversations you have with the Curanderos after each ceremony are very meaningful and bonding, and we are truly grateful for those.

    While there you’re served a specific diet. No added salt or sugar. Very clean. Which was surprisingly tasty. We had a tour of the jungle seeing the many plants that grow amongst each other. There are some massive trees who protect the Amazon and connect with Shamans. Also, a nice boat ride on the river to see more wildlife and amazing views of the Amazon. There were many times I found myself laying down and gazing into the sky. Mind clear of thoughts and peace with oneself which is an amazing feeling.

    I can’t thank the team at Pisatahua enough for their kindness, hospitality, and the time and effort that they put into this place to make it a place that brings peace back into your life. Thank you so much to Erik, Sasha, Franz, Aneshka, and the caretakers. You are all wonderful individuals, and the world needs more of you.

  • Ausspoon
    Ausspoon
    April 20, 2020 at 10:51 am

    In a time when the entire world essentially shut down because of the coronavirus, the team here in Riberalta has gone above and beyond to accommodate our group of five. Even now, about a month since our final ceremony, we are still being taken care of, due to the extended quarantine. This speaks volumes about the character and values of Pisatahua, and I could not be more thankful.
    It’s tough to put into words how positively transformational the 10 day retreat was for me. I was warned right from the get-go that this was going to be a very difficult experience, and yeah, they weren’t kidding. It certainly pushed me to my limits, but the overall result has exceeded my expectations. With the guidance from our healers(Wara and Franz), I have been able to integrate what I’ve learned from the Ayahuasca into my daily life. Although I am much more grateful for life itself and optimistic about the future, I’m also aware that not every day will go the way I want. There will still be tough times, but one thing Wara said to us that I repeat to myself every day, goes like this, “It’s better to suffer for 4 hours, than it is to suffer for the rest of your life.”
    As far as accommodation, food, and overall hospitality in the jungle goes, I have zero complaints. This type of experience is not supposed to be a “vacation”, but the team here made our lives as easy and comfortable as possible. I know I will be called back to the medicine sometime in the future, and there truly is no place I’d rather go to than Pisatahua. I won’t find any place more affordable with more personable people than I’ve found here.

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