Ayahuasca Retreat Ecuador
A Genuine Healing Journey Guided by Indigenous Elders
Since 2008, Feather Crown has been offering responsibly guided sacred plant medicine retreats with respected indigenous shamans in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our Ayahuasca Retreat Ecuador programs are grounded in safety, responsibility, ethics, and deep respect for indigenous traditions—far from tourism and rooted in authentic practice. We create a space for genuine healing, learning, and inner transformation, where guests can reconnect with nature, gain clarity, and experience meaningful spiritual growth.
FEATHER CROWN PROGRAMS
Choose Your Retreat
Three ways to experience traditional plant medicine work in the Ecuadorian Amazon, each with a different depth and rhythm.
SHORTER INTRODUCTION
5-day Ayahuasca Retreat
✓ 5 days / 4 nights
✓ 2 ceremonies with an Indigenous elder
✓ Individual cleansing in each ceremony
✓ 2 translated integration circles
✓ Private accommodation
✓ Jungle and Kichwa cultural activities
FULL RETREAT EXPERIENCE
10-day Ayahuasca Retreat
✓ 10 days / 9 nights
✓ 4 ceremonies with an Indigenous elder
✓ Individual cleansing in each ceremony
✓ 4 translated integration circles
✓ Private accommodation
✓ Jungle, waterfall and Kichwa activities
DEEP TRADITIONAL PROCESS
One-month Shipibo Dieta
✓ One month of protected traditional work
✓ Private opening ceremony with Maestro Sina
✓ Piñon colorado master plant process
✓ Solitude and private accommodation
✓ Personal consultations with translation
✓ Closing ceremonies as individually guided
ELDER INDIGENOUS SHAMAN
Led by an elder indigenous shaman with decades of experience, trained within ancestral traditions. His work is grounded, precise, and guided by deep knowledge passed down through generations.
SAFE & GROUNDED
Established in 2008, with proven safety protocols, experienced facilitators, and a structured ceremonial environment. Suitable for both first-time and experienced participants.
SUPPORTIVE
Compassionate elder healers, English-speaking translators, and a dedicated team of facilitators. Preparation before the ceremony, guidance throughout, and integration support afterward.
BEAUTIFUL SETTING
Join us in the mountain jungle of Ecuador, where the Andes meet the Amazon. Our serene center is surrounded by lush forest and a crystalline river for swimming and connection with nature.
DELICIOUS CUISINE
Healthy and nourishing meals aligned with the plant medicine, including vegetarian and vegan options, fresh fruits, juices, and local specialties prepared with love.
COMFORTABLE AND SERENE
Enjoy the jungle while staying comfortable. Private rooms with views, hot showers, purified water, WiFi, and a peaceful atmosphere supported by the altitude.
RECIPROCITY
A portion of our profits supports rainforest conservation, the protection of sacred sites, Indigenous organizations, and the cultural rejuvenation of Indigenous peoples.
AUTHENTIC & NON-COMMERCIAL
This is not a tourist experience. We work in a traditional and respectful way, focused on genuine healing rather than commercialization or superficial experiences.
DEEP & TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS
A complete journey including preparation, ceremonies, and integration — allowing for deep inner work, clarity, and lasting personal transformation.
Google Reviews“If you’re looking for a really authentic place to learn about the traditional medicine of Amazonian cultures … this is definitely the place. The atmosphere is super open, safe and friendly, and the whole retreat feels very real and grounded.”
“This experience was the most profound I have ever felt in my entire life. The location was beautiful, with high vibrations, next to a healing river. Even after almost nine months, I still feel that energy, and it is still working inside me.”
“I felt my entire nervous system relax when I arrived. They take safety super seriously and really honor doing the experience in a gentle way, with plenty of time for rest and being with nature to integrate what you learn. Feather Crown is the real deal.”
Why Choose an Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers a rare combination of living Indigenous traditions and direct access to the Amazon rainforest, where ayahuasca has been used ceremonially for generations. Feather Crown is located in Pastaza, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, surrounded by forest and close to the Piatúa River.
Our ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador are guided by experienced Indigenous healers from Kichwa and Shipibo traditions, with small groups, careful preparation, sober support during ceremonies, and time for integration afterward.
For many guests, traveling to the Amazon is not simply about attending an ayahuasca ceremony. It is about experiencing the medicine in the cultural and natural environment from which these traditions come, with enough time, support, and structure to approach the process responsibly.
Feather Crown Guides
Explore Ayahuasca
Grounded guidance for understanding ayahuasca, preparing responsibly, and approaching ceremony with clarity and respect.
What Is Ayahuasca?
Learn about its Amazonian origins, traditional preparation, effects, risks, and the importance of experienced guidance.
Read the guide →
First Time with Ayahuasca
GUIDE 02
A reassuring first-timer’s guide to readiness, safety, choosing a retreat, and what you may encounter.
Start here →
How to Prepare for a Ceremony
GUIDE 03
Understand diet, medications, emotional preparation, practical planning, and the days before your ceremony.
Prepare responsibly →
What Happens in a Ceremony
Follow the night step by step—from opening and serving the medicine to healing work, support, and integration.
See how it unfolds →
Why Travel to the Amazon?
Discover how living traditions, the rainforest, and direct relationship with the land deepen the experience.
Explore the Amazon →
Reciprocity
See how your retreat supports Kichwa families, Indigenous communities, rainforest protection, and the Piatúa River.
How we give back →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Choosing Your Retreat
What makes Feather Crown different from other ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador?
Feather Crown has organized responsibly guided retreats in the Ecuadorian Amazon since 2008. Our work is grounded in Indigenous Kichwa and Shipibo traditions, careful health screening, small groups and personal attention.
Retreats take place within a 23-hectare private rainforest reserve beside the Piatúa River. Ceremonies are supported by an experienced sober team, English translation and integration after every ceremonial night.
Learn more about
why people choose Feather Crown.
Is Feather Crown suitable for someone experiencing ayahuasca for the first time?
Yes. Many participants come without previous experience. First-time participants receive detailed preparation information, an explanatory meeting before the ceremony and attentive support throughout the night.
We begin carefully, and no one is pressured to drink ayahuasca or take a larger amount. Read our complete
First-Timer’s Ayahuasca Guide.
Should I choose a 5-day or 10-day ayahuasca retreat?
The 5-day retreat includes two ceremonies and is suitable for people with limited time. The 10-day retreat includes four ceremonies and allows the process to unfold more gradually, with additional time for rest and integration.
For most first-time participants travelling a long distance, the 10-day format offers a more complete and balanced experience.
Compare our
5-day retreats,
10-day retreats
and
30-day Shipibo master plant dieta.
Who leads the ayahuasca ceremonies?
Depending on the selected date, ceremonies are led by either Don Carlos Landázuri, an elder Kichwa yachak from Ecuador, or Maestro Sina, an elder Shipibo healer from Ucayali, Peru.
Both work according to their respective ancestral traditions and provide individual attention during the ceremonies. The healer leading each program is shown on our
dates, availability and prices page.
How large are the groups, and is English translation available?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 participants. This allows the healer and support team to provide personal attention throughout the retreat.
Important instructions, consultations and integration conversations are translated into English. Traditional icaros and ceremonial songs are received in their original form.
Ceremonies and Safety
Is ayahuasca safe for everyone?
No. Ayahuasca is not suitable for everyone, and no responsible retreat can guarantee a completely risk-free experience.
Every applicant must complete a physical and psychological health screening. Certain heart conditions, psychiatric conditions, medications and other health concerns may make drinking ayahuasca unsafe.
Please read our complete
health, medication and safety requirements
before applying.
Can I continue taking medication or supplements?
Do not assume that any prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, supplement or natural remedy is compatible with ayahuasca. Everything must be disclosed during your application.
Feather Crown follows a strict no-medication and no-supplement policy unless an exception has been approved in writing. Never stop or reduce prescribed medication simply to attend a retreat without consulting the qualified clinician who prescribed it.
Do I have to drink ayahuasca during the ceremonies?
No. Drinking ayahuasca is always voluntary. You may decline a serving, remain with an introductory amount, decide not to drink again or attend a ceremony without drinking.
We may also decide that a participant should not drink when necessary for safety. You can still participate in appropriate retreat activities and receive traditional cleansing or healing work from the shaman.
What happens if I become frightened or overwhelmed?
Four to five sober helpers remain present throughout the ceremony, and at least one team member stays awake and available until morning.
You can request reassurance, water, a blanket, help changing position or accompaniment to the bathroom at any time. Before the first ceremony, we explain how to ask for help and what to do if the experience becomes intense.
Read more in our article about
ayahuasca and fear.
What happens during an ayahuasca ceremony?
Ceremonies take place at night in our purpose-built circular temple. Each participant has an individual mattress and space for their personal process.
The healer works throughout the night with traditional songs, instruments and plant-based techniques. Each participant is also invited to receive an individual limpia or cleansing session.
Learn more about
what to expect during an ayahuasca ceremony.
What is in the ayahuasca brew?
Our ayahuasca is prepared traditionally over a fire using
Banisteriopsis caapi vine and either
Diplopterys cabrerana, known as chalipanga, or
Psychotria viridis, known as chakruna.
We do not use toé, synthetic substances or undisclosed admixtures. Learn more about our
regenerative ayahuasca cultivation.
Accommodation, Travel and Booking
What accommodation and facilities are available?
Guests stay in simple, clean bamboo cabins with private rooms for one person, a couple or a family. Strangers are never placed together in the same room.
Rooms have orthopedic mattresses, thermal blankets, mosquito nets, electricity and jungle views. The center also has hot-water showers, purified water and reliable Wi-Fi.
Explore our
retreat center and accommodation.
What food is served during the retreat?
Meals are nourishing and adapted to ceremonial work. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and meals may also include freshwater fish or organic chicken.
Please disclose genuine allergies and dietary requirements before arrival. Outside food, supplements and natural remedies should not be brought or used without approval.
Where is Feather Crown, and how do I reach the center?
Feather Crown is near Santa Clara in Pastaza province, in the Ecuadorian Amazon between Tena and Puyo. The center is approximately four hours by road from Quito and about one hour from Tena or Puyo.
International participants should arrive in Quito at least one day before the retreat begins. We can help arrange private transportation to the center for an additional fee.
Review our
Ecuador and Santa Clara travel information
before booking your journey.
What is included in the retreat price?
The price includes private-room accommodation, meals and drinks at the center, traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, individual cleansings with the healer, plant baths, integration sessions and the activities described in your chosen program.
International flights, transportation between Quito and the center, purchases and optional additional treatments are not included. See the exact inclusions on your selected retreat page.
How do I reserve a place, and is the deposit refundable?
Begin by completing the
retreat application and health-screening form.
After your application has been reviewed and accepted, a $200 deposit secures your place, and the remaining balance can be paid later.
The deposit is non-refundable. It can be transferred to another retreat date when requested at least 30 days before the original retreat begins, or transferred to another person at any time. We recommend travel insurance and refundable or changeable airfare.
What integration support is available after the ceremonies?
A translated integration circle takes place after every ceremony. Participants can share what arose, ask the healer questions and receive guidance for the following days.
Private conversations are available when more personal support is needed. Participants may also contact us after returning home when they need clarification about their retreat process.
Traditional Amazonian Plants
What is Mapacho?
Mapacho is the name commonly used in the Amazon for traditional strong tobacco that has been cultivated and worked with by Indigenous peoples for generations. Unlike commercial cigarettes, Mapacho has an important place in ancestral Amazonian traditions, where tobacco is approached with respect and used in ceremony, cleansing, prayer and traditional healing.
At Feather Crown, Mapacho is part of the ancestral tradition in which we work. During the retreat it is available, for those who are interested, in several traditional forms — for smoking, traditional liquid nasal applications and as rapé. Its use is always optional.
Participants who become interested in continuing to learn about and work with this plant after returning home can obtain
traditional Ecuadorian Mapacho tobacco rolls
from Ritual Items, sourced directly from Kichwa families in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
What is Sananga?
Sananga is a traditional Amazonian plant preparation applied as eye drops. Different Indigenous peoples have their own traditions surrounding Sananga and related plants. In the Ecuadorian Kichwa tradition, the Sananga we work with is prepared from Tabernaemontana sananho, locally known as Uchu Sanango.
Sananga is traditionally associated with cleansing, grounding, focus and preparation for other forms of traditional plant work. Application produces a strong but temporary burning sensation in the eyes.
Sananga may be available during Feather Crown retreats as an optional traditional practice for participants who are interested in experiencing and learning about it. It is separate from ayahuasca, and nobody is required to use it.
Those who later wish to continue working with this traditional Amazonian preparation can obtain
fresh Ecuadorian Sananga drops
from Ritual Items, sourced and prepared in cooperation with Kichwa families in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
REQUEST A CALL
We will contact you via WhatsApp or email to guide you and ensure this retreat is safe and appropriate for you. You can also click here to begin a chat with us on WhatsApp directly.
