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 (58)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • jase48
    jase48
    March 2, 2024 at 7:29 am

    In English:
    I had been looking for a spiritual retreat center in Peru for a year. I didn’t want a center where the owner was from the USA or Europe and hired a pseudo Shaman to put on the show. So I wanted a serious center far from the hippie entertainment like many pills in this area of the country. One tired day I asked my guides to give me a sign and help me find the ideal center for me and me alone. I then opened my laptop and actually typed “Best Shaman in Peru 2024” into Google. I know it sounds very unserious but that’s what I did. I came across Yosi Ocha’s website. This is a place run by a Shipibo family and whose Curandero reputation was well established. I found the website to be super well done with only five star reviews. This seemed a bit odd to me, so I checked his comments on Reddit to see if they were true. And indeed all the comments have been confirmed. So I decided to take the step and booked three weeks on this site. When I arrived at the airport, Jerry came to pick me up and drop me off at this camp in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. Strange fact when I arrived at the gates of the site an eagle was waiting for me to welcome me (spoiling alert, this was a good omen since the eagle will become my arcana). I met people from the four corners of the planet, they welcomed me like a brother. I spent three of the most impactful weeks of my life, I worked on my demons like never before. It’s as if I had had a 12-year psychoanalysis with Freud, Lacan and Jung.
    Maestro Heberto and his family have been kind to his name. They allowed me to heal and reconnect with my heart and my inner shaman. I pass on to you all my mystical experiences. I arrived like a junkie and left like a Jedi.

    There was everything in this center, the bungalows were great. The food nothing to say about chef Ruben. Thanks Starlink for the wifi connection. And thank you to the different medicines and the energy of the forest for this legendary reset.
    I repeat it again and again, I arrived the first day and met wonderful people and when I left I left behind brothers and sisters. I will come back to continue My path towards shamanism (even if I am currently doing it here in Belgium). It is clear that I will now consider Yosi Ocha my Mecca, a place of pilgrimage.
    A big thank you to Maestro Heberto and the whole team for this live changing experience. Ahh!!!!

    Original text:
    Cela faisait un an que je cherchais un centre de retraite spirituelle au Pérou. Je ne voulais pas d’un centre où le propriétaire serait d’origine Des USA ou d’Europe et qu’il engage un pseudo Shaman pour faire le show. Je voulais donc un centre sérieux loin des divertissements hippies comme beaucoup de pilules dans cette zone du pays. Un jour fatigué j’ai demandé à mes guides de me donner un signe et de m’aider à trouver le centre idéal pour moi et moi seul. J’ai alors ouvert mon laptop et véridique j’ai tapé dans le Google « Best Shaman in Pérou 2024 ». Je sais ça a l’air très peu sérieux mais c’est ce que j’ai fait. Je suis tombé sur le site Web d’Yosi Ocha. Voilà un endroit tenu par une famille de Shipibo et dont la réputation du Curandero n’était plus à faire. J’ai trouvé le site web super bien fait avec que des commentaires cinq étoiles. Cela m’a paru un peu bizarre, j’ai donc vérifié la véracité de ses commentaires sur Reddit. Et effectivement tous les commentaires ont été confirmé. J’ai donc décidé de faire le pas et j’ai réservé trois semaines sur ce site. À mon arrivée à l’aéroport Jerry est venu me chercher pour me déposer dans ce camp en plein milieu de la forêt amazonienne. Fait étrange à mon arrivée aux portes du site un aigle m’attendait pour me souhaiter le bienvenu (spoiling alert, cela était de bonne augure puisque l’aigle deviendra mon arcana). J’ai rencontré des personnes venant des quatre coins de la planète, ils m’ont accueilli comme un frère. J’ai passé trois semaines les plus impactantes de ma vie, j’y ai travaillé sur mes démons comme jamais. C’est comme si j’avais eu une psychanalyse de 12 ans avec Freud, Lacan et Jung.
    Maestro Heberto et sa famille ont été d’une bienveillance son nom. Ils m’ont permis de guérir et de me reconnecter à mon cœur et à mon shaman intérieur. Je vous passe toutes mes expériences mystiques. Je suis arrivé comme un junkie et je suis reparti comme un Jedi.

    Il y avait tout dans ce centre, les bungalows étaient top. La nourriture rien à dire sur le chef Ruben. Merci Starlink pour la connexion wi-fi. Et merci aux différentes médecines et à l’énergie de la forêt pour ce reset légendaire.
    Je le répète et le répéter encore je suis arrivé le premier jour et ai rencontré des gens magnifiques et lorsque je suis reparti j’y ai laissé des frères et des sœurs. Je reviendrai continuer Mon chemin vers le chamanisme (même si actuellement je le fais ici en Belgique). C’est clair que considérerai dorénavant Yosi Ocha comme ma Mecque, un endroit de pèlerinage.
    Un tout tout tout grand merci à Maestro Heberto et à toute l’équipe pour cette live changing expérience. Aoh!!!!

  • Nahinai
    Nahinai
    January 28, 2024 at 11:08 am

    I came here because I had worked with Maestro Heberto remotely, and in a very short period, he literally saved my life. So, I decided to complete my healing here. Everything exceeded my expectations. The center transcends the three-dimensional world; there are protective fairy spirits everywhere. I felt safe and guided by the profound knowledge and magic of Maestro Heberto and the warm feminine radiance of Maestra Eunice. I arrived limping in pain and left as a healthy person. I am grateful that my heart was open to receive all the healing, love, and care offered. The sacredness of this place also attracted beautiful people, so all the participants held the space for magic to happen. When the time comes, I will be back.

  • Chaotican
    Chaotican
    January 16, 2024 at 3:18 pm

    Yosi Ocha is the perfect balance of support, healing, and space for you to deepen your relationship with the medicine, yourself, and the amazing people you’ll be around. I only spent a week there (single mom and high-stress job), but the gift of being there is eternal.

    I can describe my stay and show pictures of gathering leaves and flowers for my daily plant bath in the idyllic stream, healing mud by the swimming lake, paths to take you to the master trees, and the dinning room where you meet with your retreat family, but none of it does the experience justice. I felt at home and part of something so beautiful and meaningful. I didn’t know anyone there, yet by San Pedro day, it was like being in a roaming slumber party in the jungle with the most wonderful people who all showed up as exactly who they really are. On the first day, a late-comer apologized for being awkward and I said that we’re all wonderful misfits otherwise we wouldn’t have ended up here. And it’s true. You’ll be around your people. Yet, you can also decide that you need silence and spend a full day without eye contact or social interaction if you choose, without being judged at all.

    The medicine was exactly what I needed, at every juncture. I’d been nervous about so many ceremonies; I usually like a month or so between journeys. It all worked out fine and Maestro Heberto already knew when I’d like to go lighter or plunge more deeply. Every ceremony was deep and connecting.

    The proof of the healing came after leaving. I was on the plane out when the pilot announced we had to get off the plane. That should have been disastrous for me, but I felt a deep sense of peace. In line to get a hotel, the man behind me had just come from another retreat and was complaining and angry. I felt badly for him and wished he’d gone to Yosi Ocha! Since leaving, my life feels like it is truly in harmony and I am happy.

    If you feel called, you are. Come home and recharge.

  • Guive
    Guive
    January 14, 2024 at 2:27 pm

    A year ago I had the chance to spend two weeks at Yosi Ocha. It was beyond expectations; although amenities were limited (As well as the water in the pound), people were perfect, as well my hut. Herberto and her assistant are truly amazing people. This was my first experience, and I can say that not only I had the opportunity to do a deep inner journey, but in the same time learned so much about the cultural and spiritual aspects of Aya. The very vast majority of other people who joined were also very interesting; and food was simple, but fresh and varied; so all good, The only negative point was the noise of some construction machine during the day (but that was last year) as they were doing some work on the property to enlarge it. As I leave in Europe, it is a bit far for me to go easily, but if I could would definitely go again!

  • nabilmc
    nabilmc
    January 7, 2024 at 1:03 am

    Yosi Ocha is amazing. Firstly, Maestro Herberto is a real master – you really feel his layers of protection during the ceremony. The staff and volunteers are beautiful, kind and patient – and the setting is magical.

  • ss
    ss
    December 14, 2023 at 1:33 pm

    Yosi Ocha is a simple, rustic retreat that feels remote — it’s in the Amazon jungle — but is only an hour or so from the city of Iquitos. The accommodations are comfortable, the food is healthy, and the overall sense of the place is one of peacefulness and ease. Meditation, walks in the jungle, flower baths, and swims in the natural pools are all encouraged, as is increasing one’s knowledge of various master plants and trees. Most importantly, Maestro Herberto is a powerful healer, and he and his family are incredibly warm, hard-working and kind. In all, a safe, authentic experience not soon to be forgotten.

  • yambelcrinde
    yambelcrinde
    November 25, 2023 at 10:27 am

    In English:
    Yosi Ocha is a retreat center specialized in the use of ayahuasca and other Amazonian plants following the Shipibo tradition.
    Although in addition (and in this it differs from other shamanic retreat centers in the area) it also facilitates San Pedro-Huachuma ceremonies, which in my opinion significantly enriches the experience there.

    I have been in Yosi Ocha for two weeks. My goal was to achieve greater self-knowledge and improve my health. I think it has been worth it. I feel like my energy is cleaner than before I went.
    Making contact with the Master Plants implies being willing to sometimes confront parts of oneself that are not necessarily pleasant, but that by becoming aware of them can be healed or transformed. For me it has been a hard process at times. Although for other passengers I know that the process has been easier.

    The shamanic work of Master Heberto and his sister Eunice goes far beyond providing a visionary plant.
    I have come to the conclusion that there are dimensions beyond our ordinary perception in the West and that good shamans like them can access and handle it with confidence and clarity. They do not spare you bitter lessons but they ensure that they are given in a protective and loving environment. And that you come out better than how you entered.

    Accommodation is in bungalows for individual use or for couples, with their own shower and clean clothes, in an elegant and pleasant environment. The food is simple but well prepared, within the dietary limits required for a job of this type.

    There were fewer mosquitoes than I expected, an issue that can be a small or big annoyance (depending on how you take it) in other Amazonian areas.

    The price, in my opinion, is a little expensive depending on the economy. But the truth is that Yosi Ocha is about more than just spending a few weeks entertaining, but rather connecting with a spiritual tradition that can change your life. In that sense, it’s worth it.

    Original text:
    Yosi Ocha es un centro de retiros especializado en el uso de la ayahuasca y otras plantas amazónicas siguiendo la tradición shipiba.
    Aunque además (y en esto difiere de otros centros de retiros chamánicos de la zona) también facilita ceremonias de San Pedro-Huachuma, lo que a mi modo de ver enriquece notablemente la experiencia allí.

    He estado dos semanas en Yosi Ocha. Mi objetivo era conseguir un mayor autoconocimiento y mejorar mi salud. Creo que ha valido la pena. Siento que mi energía es más limpia que antes de ir.
    Tomar contacto con las Plantas Maestras implica estar dispuesto a enfrentarse a veces con partes de uno mismo que no son necesariamente agradables, pero que al tomar conciencia de ellas pueden ser curadas o transformadas. Para mí ha sido un proceso duro en algunos momentos. Aunque para otros pasajeros me consta que el proceso ha sido más fácil.

    El trabajo chamánico del Maestro Heberto y de su hermana Eunice va mucho más allá de suministrar una planta visionaria.
    He llegado a la conclusión de que hay dimensiones más allá de nuestra percepción ordinaria en Occidente y de que los buenos chamanes como ellos pueden acceder a ella y manejarla con seguridad y claridad. No te ahorran amargas lecciones pero cuidan de que se den en un entorno protector y cariñoso. Y de que salgas mejor de cómo entraste.

    La acomodación es en bungalows de uso individual o por parejas, con ducha propia y ropa limpia, en un entorno elegante y agradable. La comida es sencilla pero bien elaborada, dentro de los límites dietéticos que exige un trabajo de este tipo.

    Había menos mosquitos de los que me esperaba, tema que puede ser una pequeña o gran molestia (según cómo te lo tomes) en otras zonas amazónicas.

    El precio a mi modo de ver es un poco caro para según qué economías. Pero la verdad es que en Yosi Ocha se trata de algo más que de pasar unas semanas entretenidas, sino de conectar con una tradición espiritual que puede cambiar la vida. En ese sentido, vale la pena.

  • NK
    NK
    October 29, 2023 at 10:41 pm

    Excellent place for AYAretreat seekers.
    I and most of the visitors of the week from October 9-15, 2023 had a positive experience. I can definitely recommend a visit.
    There is nothing to compare with, but here’s what’s worth knowing:
    the food is good and of high quality, the rooms are simple,
    the basics are there, it’s not 5 stars.
    There is no electricity in the rooms, it gets dark at 6pm.
    Wifi is available upon arrival and towards the end of the retreat.
    So that people focus on themselves and nature.
    The people around are very friendly.
    Do not forget that this is a deep jungle far from civilization
    and small midges and insects sometimes penetrate inside.
    I didn’t see any snakes, but there were lizards, frogs, birds,
    parrots, a puppy and monkeys.
    The maestro works well, I had no questions about the quality of his work.
    Payment by PayPal, everything is fair and transparent.
    I highly recommend performing the San Pedro procedure
    in the water near the lake where wifi is located.
    Water is very helpful in relieving distracting discomfort.
    Everyone liked this format.
    There arent fish in the lake, living creatures or algae.

    I would recommend going to people who really want to work on themselves and become cleaner and better internally. I’m not sure that this is a place for fun and new experiences. This is a difficult path to your soul. If you are ready for this, then welcome.

  • Ada
    Ada
    July 13, 2023 at 2:08 am

    I have recently stayed at Yosi Ocha for 4 weeks. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had different conventional treatments, but still felt that those were not enough for me, as I read more and more about importance of holistic approach which includes body-mind-spiritual healing, diet change, energy healing and trauma/suppressed emotions resolving.

    My search brought me to Yosi Ocha. And I must say It has exceeded all my expectations. It’s a magical place, like heaven on earth, in the middle of the greenest jungle, with beautiful trees, flowers and plants, the peaceful sandy pond, and nature sounds – all in harmony and itself therapeutic…I had definitely deeper connection with nature. I was staying in a cute, clean and cosy bungalow in the middle of green, so peaceful. The fresh cooked food served 3 times a day was very healthy and delicious!

    Maestro Heberto is a very powerful shaman, a person with the biggest heart full of love ❤️. His main focus is healing people, both during the stay and during ceremonies. He carefully programmed customised treatment for me. He confirmed my suspicion and said that even if tumor was gone there is still cancer energy. So, in my case I definitely needed to stay at least 4 weeks so that he could do all the treatments he wanted to do. And I am glad I chose to stay 4 weeks, longer would be even better actually. And during my treatment I was getting special medicines and therapies. The Yosi Ocha team was very caring and helping.

    I met many amazing people there, all so kind and lovely, we had genuine and deep connection. The healing was not an easy process, but everyone was supporting each other in a beautiful compassionate way!

    My birthday was during my stay and the Yosi Ocha team surprised me with birthday cake and celebration with tree planting by me in the garden, it was an amazing day, so much love and fun ❤️. I felt reborn and transformed in so many different ways!

    I had a very positive, life-changing experience at Yosi Ocha. Big thanks to Maestro Heberto, and to the whole Yosi Ocha team. I’ll definitely come back ❤️!!

  • SFG
    SFG
    April 30, 2023 at 8:56 am

    Love, respect and power!!! Real magical place and people. Perfection in trauma healing and spiritual growth.

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