How do I get to the center?
Niwe Rama is located in a Shipibo community named Vencedor located deep in the Amazon Rainforest. The closest city and airport is located in Pucallpa, Peru. From there you will take a mototaxi or normal taxi to a hotel. If you would like a private, pre-planned taxi driver, this can be scheduled once booked. On the day the retreat starts, we will meet you at the hotel and will handle all logistics from there. From Pucallpa, we take a 4-8 hour boat ride to the center depending on the flow of the river.
Our medicines?
All of our medicines are grown at the center or in very close proximity to the center. This ensures the medicine is pure, properly grown, and properly used. We do buy mapacho and agua de florida from a trusted source near Pucallpa. During our 1 and 2 week long retreats, Ayahuasce, hape(tobacco cleansing), and pinon negro (vomitivo) are our 3 primary medicines used. If a guest would like a longer term dieta, the plant will vary based on the individuals needs.
Pre / post retreat?
What happens before and after taking Ayahuasca is arguably more important than the actual ceremonies. We have a pre-retreat diet and general lifestyle that we inform guests of once booked. This is highly recommended to be followed to get the most out of the experience. Post-retreat, you will have the option, free of cost, to speak with a facilitator whenever needed, to help integrate the experience or answer any questions.
Our center?
We are located right across the river from the Shipibo community of Vencedor. The shamans, facilitators, and workers all live here and are available whenever needed. The center is on a large island surrounded by water. Nearly all the medicinal plants and foods come from the island or the community. The center has a maloca, multiples houses, kitchen, dining room, and 2 main hangout spots with hammocks. The center is consistenly being improved to make the guest experience better.
Guests are free to swim in the river, eat fruit and walk around the island whenever they would like. We will also visit the Shipibo community at least once. Anything the guests are interested in or like to do, we will find a way to make it happen.
Who is Ayahuasca for?
The medicine is for everyone and Niwe Rama is happy to share the ancestral wisdom. With that said, we do screen to ensure guests are not on anti-depressants or other medications that may interfere with the medicine in a negative manner. We welcome any race, religion, ethnicity, from anywhere in the world to experience the Shipibo culture.
Food?
Our food is straight from mother nature. Fish, chicken or eggs are our main source of protein. Along side this we have yuca and rice for carbs. Plantains, naranja, mango, papaya, and other fruits that the island consists of are readily available as well. On days of ceremony, we will serve breakfast and lunch. On days without ceremonies, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served. If you have specific restrictions, please let us know before hand and we can accomodate for you.
Do I need to know Spanish?
While Spanish is always recommended to better interact with the locals, Spanish is not needed. We have a facilitator to help translate and bridge the 2 worlds throughout the entire stay.
Our Shamans?
Our 2 lead shamans have both dieted and worked with the medicines for nearly 20 years. They have been trained by their ancestors, with whom the wisdom has been past down for generations. Proper training is very important to become a shaman and we take this very seriously. The shamans are available to speak with guests at any given moment throughout the retreat. Whether it be private talks, group share, or education, the shamans are here to help in whatever way the guests need.
Money?
Money can be a difficult topic when trying to blend the worlds. Here at Niwe Rama, we want to be very open with this subject. We do have costs for transporation and supplies that are included in the total cost. Any extra money we use to improve the centers infrastructure, grow more plants, or any project that we have to help improve the center. The money is not used to live a luxery lifestyle or buy unnecessary things. We believe the medicine should be availble to everyone, so if money is an issues, please reach out and we can find a way to accomodate.
After booking?
After booking, a email will be sent once approved. This email will come within 1-5 days of booking and will consist of all information needed for travel, what to bring, pre-retreat recommendations, and more. Guests will also be added to a GroupMe chat where to connect with other guests that are coming and will have the option to ask any questions in there as well.