Spirit Plant Journeys

Peru

Spirit Plant Journeys is a safe, experienced and transformative Ayahuasca Retreat nestled in the Peruvian Andes, created to help you open your heart, look within, and awaken to a new way. We offer intimate retreats with small groups in which we closely guide you through your journey within. We provide a healing space for you to acknowledge your truth; to feel, express, allow and transform.

Ayahuasca is a powerful tool that can help us uplift ourselves, heal our wounds, and let go of anything that no longer serves us. In working with plant consciousness, we become open and sensitive to everything that we are in relationship with, and in this, gain awareness, perspective, and wisdom.

Our highly-trained, experienced facilitators will closely guide you as you immerse yourself in this process. We believe that true healing is a beautiful process of opening up and awakening, and we feel strongly that this process can and should happen in a nurturing, loving way. As facilitators between cultures, and bridges between worlds, we provide a safe, open space in which we honor and respect every human being’s process in a gentle and kind way.

Every element of our retreat is designed to sustain real transformation. With a down to earth, heart-centered approach and kindred family spirit, we provide the opportunity for a life-changing healing experience. Our programs are held in the Sacred Valley, a safe haven from the noise of the city and the dangers of the jungle, and we limit our group size to a maximum of 12 people, allowing our Facilitators and Maestros to give you close, personalized guidance during your time with us. We are blessed to be working with a team of powerful Shipibo Maestros, the oldest lineage of Ayahuaqueros in South America, and we bring in both men and women maestros on retreat to strike a crucial balance between the energies of the Divine Masculine and Feminine.

Our experienced and trained facilitators serve as a cultural bridge on your journey, providing a link between cultures and plant medicine realms. They walk alongside you on this journey, guiding and empowering you with the tools to truly engage with your healing process. We specialize in providing support through pre-retreat intention sessions, sharing circles and self-inquiry on site, and post-integration sessions.

The healing process truly begins to take root when our guests go home, and as such, we believe strongly in checking in and providing support after the retreat. These are the keys to real transformation, to embody your healing experience in your daily life, enabling you to bring lasting change and growth into your life. After your last ceremony ends, the ceremony of life truly begins.

Reviews (88)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • Apifias
    Apifias
    October 14, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    The 5/5 ratings are accurate. This place is wonderful, and exactly what I wanted in a retreat. I went there alone as a single woman in 2013 and felt completely safe there.I would go back again if I had the money. I realized that I didn’t even know what love was before doing Ayahuasca, this place really changed my life in so many good ways, even my friends noticed a difference. If I had any critique for this place it would be that I didn’t like using the same cup in the San Pedro ceremony, I am just a little germaphobic. Other than that it was amazing and I recommend this retreat.

  • Zandereastman
    Zandereastman
    March 2, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    I spent a week with Spirit Plant Journeys (SPJ) as they guided, and held space for my meeting with Mother Aya. The level of integrity, for-thought, expertise and authenticity that SPJ embodied during my time with them was of the very highest standard. Having had one of the most intense, challenging, beautiful and powerful metaphysical and physical experiences of my entire life during my time in Peru with SPJ and the Mother. I came away feeling immensely grateful to have had the privilege of taking this solo journey under the stewardship of the SPJ team. The level of reverence and respect they have for the medicine is paramount, and had it not been held in the way it was, I would not have had anything like the level of depth of experience.

    One of the vital aspects of working with a medicine as profound and powerful as Aya is being able to feel a level of safety and security in the material that allows you to let go into the immaterial. This is the most vulnerable state you may ever find yourself in. Had it not been for the heart of service, the diligence and experience of this team. I would not have had anything like the level of transformation I was blessed with.

    If you are considering working with this ancient, sacred medicine. I would strongly advice that you show it, and yourself the level of respect you both deserve. The integrity of the team that you choose to go on this journey with is of the utmost importance. Added to that, having the journey conducted by a true Shipibo Maestra is not a luxury it is a necessity. You wouldn’t perform your own surgery even if you had access to the technology. Ayahuasca is the technology, the Maestra is the surgeon. If I am going to have surgery on my spirit, then I don’t know about you. But I would like a surgeon that has worked with their tools and comes from a long lineage of surgeons working with those same tools. Beware, there are MANY have-a-go-hacks out there performing “open spirit surgery” that are jumping on the bandwagon of this beautiful and sacred medicine.

    This is one of the biggest self discovery journey you can take, and it is a journey that starts with you and ends with you. However, having the right structures around you to facilitate and then integrate your experience is essential.

    If you are being courageous enough to take yourself on with this medicine, I commend you and thank you for being a warrior of light. I would urge you to use a trusted carriage in-and-out of the unknown, SPJ are most certainly one of these carriages. And to them I am truly, and eternally grateful.

  • ronsimm1
    ronsimm1
    January 19, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    I attended Spirit Plant Journeys New Years Retreat as my first venture into ayahuasca. The location and facilities were stunning and I found the staff to be top notch in terms of their understanding of the ayahuasca process as well as highly tuned-in spiritually. The biggest challenge for me as a first timer was deciding whether to go to a place in Peru or elsewhere. I chose Peru for the authentic experience but shad to decide whether to choose the jungle or the sacred Valley. Of course I read everything I could about other people’s experiences in both venues and because i am in my 60s i chose the sacred Valley above the jungle for reasons including cleanliness, comfort level, climate, lack of insects and also for being closer to other interesting sites such as Machu Picchu and Cusco the center of the Inca empire. I read so much about the commercialization of ayahuasca my concern was that this could be a watered down experience but I can assure you that Spirit Plant Journeys is the real deal. The owners, Ryan and Sarah are experienced from a jungle background and offer the type of loving support that I was looking for to quell my anxieties. The program was first class in every respect and mixed in meditation, yoga, sound healing, massage therapy, and a sweat lodge while still offering true strictly ayahuasca plant medicine ceremonies with an authentic Shipibo Shamanista. (female shaman). They all are a big happy family and I was very comfortable in joining them on this once in a lifetime experience. In fact I signed up for additional ceremonies at another retreat from Spirit Plant when my week ended and was extremely impressed with that facility and staff as well. I plan to further my seeking and healing with ayahuasca and will definitely be choosing to spend my time with Ryan, Sarah, Orfalinda and staff. Thanks for the awakening!

  • paul crichton
    paul crichton
    January 12, 2020 at 5:27 pm

    My retreat with Spirit Plant Journeys was amazing, and indescribable on so many levels , but i will try and convey some of the highlights . The centre is wonderful , staff so caring , like family ! I was the oldest in the group of 8 , I consciously did not go with any burning issues , physical , mental ,or otherwise, just a deep immersion into That which i am . Each medicine took me deeper into the great MYSTERY ,guided by Mother Ayahuasca and our beloved Shaman , Orfelinda .who is so amazing ! The first ceremony took me deep into the complex world of vision , energy and phenomena dancing in such freedom ! Eyes open or closed , it was such a full experience . Second ceremony I asked Mother Ayahuasca to please slow every thing down a little , so that I could enjoy and be with what was appearing , as it was so complex and multi layered . This she did , so perfectly . the second night it felt like old buried issues came to the surface to be looked at, and worked on . Each ceremony took me deeper and the 4th to new levels . I asked for the experience of a fully open heart , not knowing what that may look like or require from me . I might add hear that each night I only had a small amount of medicine .As I entered the ayahuasca world my body felt like butter on a hot day ,wanting to take me into a liquid state , and mind flowing into neverland . But immediately Mother Ayahuaska said clearly to me , remember what you asked for ? ” Know this , The radiant Heart never sleeps ! don’t go unconscious ! ” This was to be the theme of this magical night. For the next 5 hrs I stayed fully aware and conscious , sitting up for most of the night , eyes open, many great Masters visited me , and if I drifted for even a few seconds they would remind me of my intent, and speak the words ” the radiant heart never sleeps “. This is what its like to have a fully open heart. To not be side tracked , to not wander with the meanderings of the mind. Life happens anyway , practical mind does its job . stay close the Heart , this is your home . This was my journey and understandings { changes } have stayed with me. I would most certainly go back . Paul

  • johnvaughan
    January 12, 2020 at 11:09 am

    I did the 9 day heroic Ayahuasca retreat December 1st to December 9th 2019 with Spirit Plant Journeys. And I am still integrating the the healing and wisdom and lessons and beautiful experience I had there. What an incredible and authentic experience which I couldn’t begin to explain in a couple of paragraphs.

    If you are reading this you are probably thinking about taking the plunge. I spent literally years reading reviews and watching youtube videos and doing my research. Because I really wanted to do it…knew I had to do it, but was terrified of taking that leap of faith. The medicine called me until it was my time and everything fell into place and I ended up booking this retreat with SPJ. I had a couple of phone conversations with Sarah and knew this was the right place for me. And I am so happy that I did.

    I really wanted a gentle nurturing authentic healing retreat with a small group with a Shipibo shaman in the medicine’s true environment. I got this and so much more. I am so grateful to SPJ and Maestra Orfelinda. It was an intense and eye opening experience full of love, support and healing on all levels, i came back a changed man, a better man I think. The plant gave me the healing and transformation I asked for and I needed. It took a little while but over the course of the 9 days I connected and grew to love everyone there, particularly the facilitators Anjelica and Ryan, who genuinely cared about everyone of us and the deep commitment they’ve taken with this medicine and the process.

    The location and setting in the sacred valley outside Cuzco is breath taking. Its a magical spiritual and healing place. The Tambo grounds are beautiful and it allows you to experience nature in it`s purest form. And the Delicious healthy food, and the yoga, and the sharing circles and sound healings were designed perfectly to give the group what we needed at any given moment. We were looked after with such compassion and gentle guidance.

    Everything I’ve mentioned contributed to a beautiful, deeply personal, healing and life changing experience.

  • MilaLuana
    MilaLuana
    July 18, 2019 at 7:48 am

    Wow, still digesting my experience and will have to return as it all unfolds….

    As I learned after our 5 ceremonies, Ayahuasca is a process. It takes patience, trust and lots of hard work.

    My experience was near perfect at Spirit Plant Journey thanks to the amazing team from my first call with Sarah who patiently answered all my questions for over an hour on the phone.

    What made me chose SPJ was that from day one there was a legitimacy and honor to the work and plant medicine. Everyone was extremely professional, passionate about their work and their foremost concern is our safety and experience. They have years of work and study background, and this is shown through the care and attention to every single part of our journey in the retreat.

    Being my first experience with Ayahuasca, I was very concerned of centers that had too large of groups, the attention and experience of the facilitators and the background story of the maestra/maestros.

    Safah (facilitator) is one of the most passionate and dedicated people I have met. She is consistently learning and working towards her development with medicine plants with the Shipibo over many years. Her openness and experience is shared by providing so much support with love and care that I always felt safe. Orfelinda (Maestra) has a contagious laugh. My respect for her work and tradition goes beyond words. She is a powerful strong woman, who among the machismo culture continues to learn and share what her family has been doing for generations. Both of these beautiful women create on our ceremonies a light, positive and caring space where we can trust to let go and allow the medicine to work on our bodies and minds.

    The retreat itself was beautiful, the days spent surrounded by the mountains and under the stars was purely magical. Rooms were spacious, full of light and surrounded by flowers and an incredible staff. Food was carefully prepared for our diet, and absolutely delicious even with all the dietary restrains.

    SPJ has provided to me the space and opportunity to learn so much about myself, making it clear there is no magical pill for change, there is no miracle. My experience taught me that I have all the tools to make my life and the world better and now I am learning how to use them. Patience and hard work.

    Most importantly, Ayuhasca is not for everyone,it is to be taken VERY seriously and SPJ makes this clear by their respect to the tradition, the plant and my own health and safety. I am grateful it took me over an year to prepare myself for this journey, and it is now, slowly changing my path in life. I left my retreat with a full heart and a new family. One of the most important chapters of my life.

  • neil-uk
    neil-uk
    June 13, 2019 at 9:51 am

    Before you can even book the process started with an in depth phone call with Sarah, from this call I new this was the place for me. Then from the moment Ryan greeted us we knew were were in safe hands. Safah, the facilitator, made the whole experience so easy, she was always on hand, guiding us through the the 10 day process and helping with our intentions to make sure we got what we needed out of the ceremonies. Orthalinda, the maestro, totally focused on us the whole time. As well as the 5 Ayahuasca Ceremonies we took part in yoga, meditation, massages and were given flower baths – extras which some retreats do not offer.

    During the ceremonies our safety was their number one priority, even well before the retreat this was the case. All medicine we are taking/had been taking were thoroughly checked/vetted to ensure there would be no clash with the plant medicine.

    The retreat was set in a beautiful location, the rooms were very comfortable though freezing cold, and the food was excellent.

    It was a truly life changing experience, I got to the route of my problems (though they were not deep rooted), and I have come out a different person – living more healthily and taking care of myself. The added bonus was our group (9 of us in total) were an amazing bunch and I feel lucky to have spent the 10 days with them. Alas the friend I journeyed with wasn’t so lucky, it wasn’t life changing for her, but her problems are much more deep rooted. That said she did have an amazing time.

    If you are thinking of embarking on an Ayahuasca journey then I would definitely recommend Spirit Plant Journeys.

  • taddsoffice
    taddsoffice
    May 1, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    My experience with Spirt Plant Journeys was wonderful!
    From the moment I arrived until the day I left was everything that I could have hoped it would be. The facilitators and the Maestra were caring and handled all of our small group with respect, understanding and the individual attention that was wanted.
    The accommodations were very comfortable and well maintained. The food was very good as was the overall service level provided by the entire staff of the retreat facility.
    All of the ceremonies were were conducted in a spacious, safe and comfortable environment. Truly an exceptional experience that has made an indelible impact on me!
    I do not hesitate to recommend Spirt Plant Journeys to anyone who is interested in plant medicine as means to start profound changes in life.

  • purelifeanne
    purelifeanne
    March 23, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    I went on my retreat with Spirit Plant Journeys over New Years 2019. I’ve taken a while to write this review because I find it hard to put into words just how powerful and amazing this experience was for me. Drinking Ayahuasca can be a very intense experience, as such, you want to be in a supportive and safe environment where you feel loved and cared for by those around you. My Ayahuasca journey was difficult because I had years of addiction and self harm that I was trying to let go of. Sarah, Ryan, Safah and Maestra Orphelinda could not have been more helpful. Sarah is there to support and help you when deciding whether or not to make the journey to Peru. She listened to my concerns and was never pushy. During the retreat she provided much needed comic relief! She is a true gem. The lodge, the food, everything was beautiful. When I had some dark nights during ceremony, Safah and Ryan and Orphelinda stayed with me, never leaving me for a second and helping to guide me on my journey with the medicine. Safah stayed with me one night until 4am and the following night Maestra Orphelinda slept in the Maloka to stay with me. During the days, they help you to understand what you are processing with the help of Ayahuasca. The massage, yoga, meditation and integration sessions were amazing. On the night of our last ceremony Orphelinda sang to me twice, and I literally felt her pull this ball of black energy out of me, freeing me from the weight of my past. This is a retreat center that is truly heart-centered. They all care about the guests and everyone is dedicated to caring for you and helping you get the most from your journey. There were 10 guests on my retreat and I saw EVERY SINGLE PERSON get what they needed from the retreat. Since coming home, I honestly feel free, open and happy for the first time in my life. Its like I was re-born into the person I have always wanted to be. I am so grateful to the team at Spirit Plant Journeys and I will probably go back this year. If you truly have some healing that you want to do, this is the place. I recommend SPJ 1000% and would never consider drinking Ayahuasca with anyone else.

  • kmredpath
    kmredpath
    February 12, 2019 at 2:11 pm

    WHERE DO I BEGIN WITH THIS PLACE?!?! I’ll start off with the reason of my visit.

    The last half of 2018 was one of the hardest eras of my life. With going through a heavy breakup, being lost in my career path and needing my late mother more than ever before, I was completely broken. I was at the rockiest bottom I’d ever encountered. I didn’t know who I was or what purpose I had. I needed help! Early December a friend that I hadn’t heard from in almost a year messaged me, telling me about this Ayahuasca retreat she wanted to go to with Spirit Plant Journeys. I’d never heard of Ayahuasca before, but after doing some research on the company and medicine, I was so eager to go. It sounded like exactly what I needed at the time. Putting all my faith into the universe and ignoring my fears, I signed up. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE!!! Minutes after arriving, I felt at home. The location of the retreat is heavenly. A beautiful, quaint setting – surrounded by organic veggie and fruit gardens and vegetation of all sorts. All within panoramic mountain views. Each day was filled with lovely activities; meditations, yoga, one-on-one chats with Pauline (the facilitator who is absolutely amazing), hikes, flower baths, and sharing circles (which I wasn’t a fan of in the beginning considering I didn’t like talking about my feelings… but after like a day, everyone was family and I didn’t mind the vulnerability). We also had daily free time to rest, journal, go for walks or simply just be with yourself – which was much needed after the ceremonies! Each ceremony was different and served its own purpose. My main goal after undergoing the 4 ceremonies was to rid of the negative energies that had been consuming my body for years. I’d grown tired of my negative thought patterns that had been belittling me and deteriorating my self worth and love.
    It’s been a month now since the retreat, and I’m so happy to say I’m a completely different person!! My heart is filled to the brim with love. Those evil, negative energies no longer occupy my body. Situations that caused me pain, resentment and anger in the past now don’t phase me. My reactions to people and unideal situations have changed immensely. I feel so much lighter and free. My life now feels like it has purpose. I wake up every morning feeling happiness, optimism and gratitude. Of course there are still moments where I feel defeat and sorrow, but I’m now able to handle these experiences better and release the associated feelings quickly. I couldn’t have felt this amazing without the help of Ayahuasca, Maestra Orfelinda and all of the beautiful souls I met during my retreat. We all began this journey as strangers and left as family. I would recommend this retreat a million times over for people who want to heal past wounds or gain enlightenment towards their life’s purpose. If you have the opportunity to work with Sarah and Ryan, jump on it!!! You won’t regret it.

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