Will I receive integration help after the retreat?

One month after your retreat we will schedule a free zoom call with you. This can also be done sooner if requested. Our aim is to aid you in your deepest healing and transformation, for you to feel supported and safe from start to end. Throughout the retreat we will aid you in practical tools to help with integration. We provide daily talking circles as well as a one on one session with our therapist and Taita Cesar.

How much money should I bring to the retreat?

We ask that you bring the 50% remaining balance in cash with you or alternatively you can send the remaining amount electronically before retreat start. If you bring cash you can bring US Dollars or Colombian Pesos however please check in with us first if bringing Pesos so we can provide you with the exact exchange rate. You can make purchases at our retreat shop paying with US Dollars or Colombian Pesos as well as Zelle or Venmo.

Is there a need for me to bring tips for the local staff?

If you feel that you would like to leave a tip for our local staff they will be very grateful. We divide the tips equally between staff members at the end of each retreat. You can tip in USD or Pesos or make a electronic transfer via Venmo or Zelle.

What’s the mosquito situation like?

We have very few mosquitos and conduct pest control on our property meaning we are not bothered by bugs that bite. We still recommend bringing a bug repellent for our excursions in the forest and an anti itch cream can come in handy if you do get bit. The jungle is always a bit unpredictable and some individuals are more prone to bug bites than others.

What’s the weather like?

The Putumayo jungle is a sub tropical climate. There is frequent to heavy rains with an overall comfortable temperature and high humidity. The nights can get cold due to the altitude and when the sun is out it can be quite hot. The rain season (winter) is from June - August.

What is the difference between Ayahuasca and Yagé?

Both Ayahuasca and Yagé are made from the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine which acts as the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI—which makes the DMT orally active). However, the source of N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) can vary, coming from the leaves of the chacruna (Psychotria viridis) or chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) plants (amongst others).

The secondary ingredient is what differs the two. Whilst Ayahuasca is brewed with the leaves of Chacruna (Psychotria viridis), Yagé is made with Chacrupanga/Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana).

Whilst you may have heard Ayahuasca being referred to as grandmother Ayahuasca or madre Ayahuasca, the Yagé brew is not considered masculine nor feminine but rather a combination of the two. This can be explained by its two main ingredients, Banisteriopsis Caapi with its feminine energies and the Chacrupanga/Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) being a masculine plant. Yagé also has traces of 5MeO DMT that is not found in Ayahuasca.

Can I take part in the retreat/ceremonies if I am on my menstrual bleed cycle?

The menstrual bleed is a very potent energy that affects the ceremony space and the Taita. To honor this sacred rhythm we kindly ask you not to plan your ceremony around the time of your bleed. If your bleed arrives during ceremony please let a facilitator know and we will provide a special waist scarf and tobacco to place on your womb to contain the powerful forces of this sacred medicine that is the woman’s bleed. For more information please feel free to reach out to us directly. 

Is it safe for a woman to travel to Colombia by herself?

You will fly into the capital city of Bogota and from there take a connecting flight to Villa Garzon. You will be picked up at the airport in Villa Garzon so you don’t have to worry about navigating unknown territory. 

Sometimes you will have to layover in Bogota for a night until the connecting flight the next day. In that case you can take an official taxi, please avoid accepting rides from anyone who offers you that and stick to the yellow cabs. We recommend you stay at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel or the the Holliday Inn located 8 minutes outside the airport. 

Once at the retreat center we guarantee that you will be safe as long as you follow instructions by the facilitators. There will be one or more female facilitators present so you can feel comfortable sharing anything you may not feel comfortable sharing with a male. 

You will be sharing a cabin with another participant of the same sex unless requesting otherwise. 

What does Taita mean?

The word “shaman” actually originated from Russian/Germanic cultures, in this region the shamans call themselves Taita and translated it means Father.

What clothing should I wear to the ceremonies and during the retreat?

As there is no specific dress code you are free the wear what you feel most comfortable in. Keep in mind that two ceremonies are during the night so long pants, layers and a sweatshirt are great. For the ceremony you will be provided with a bed, sheets, blanket and pillows. For our day time ceremony it can be hot if the sun is shining or also chilly if it is a rainy day. As humidity can be high it is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing and materials that are of natural fibers to allow for maximum airflow and comfort. Clothing that is tight fitting can be uncomfortable during ceremony.

Who will be conducting the ceremonies?

The Yagé ceremonies will be conducted by Taita Cesar, Abuela Fanny and assisted by Taita Cesar’s wife Cleo and different assistants depending on the size of the group. Throughout the week there will be various activities and rituals facilitated by the team.

What food can I expect?

There are three meals served per day except during ceremony days where we skip dinner . We have filtered water at the center and filled daily in your cabin. The drinking water at the retreat is fresh spring water. It is packed with minerals and we run it through a filter so it is 100% safe for you to drink.

Your meals will be fresh, local cuisine with fish and sometimes chicken from the Jungle Harmony farm. Please let us know if you have any food restrictions or allergies. Our kitchen is dairy free, gluten free and we serve no red meat.

Vaccines

Some travelers get vaccinated against yellow fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Since we have very little mosquitos, getting vaccinated is not necessary however if you feel that you would like to get vaccinated that is not a problem.

As of June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

Retreat Center Amenities

• Daily housekeeping

• Laundry for a small fee

• Free Wifi

• Towels

• Bedding

• Tea station

• River access