Ayahuasca Frecuently asqued Questions
Can somebody come with me to my retreat without participating in the retreat ceremony?
The Ayaterra center is nestled in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, an hour and 30 minutes away by car from the main square of Cusco. In a fertile valley located at 2980m/9776ft, within reach of major facilities in the city of Urubamba. The Sacred Valley of the Inca provides the participant a better place to aclimate to the altitude, warm nice weather for most of the year, with plenty of space to make nature walking, meditate, and explore the area while you are staying with us. The Ayaterra center is surrounded by lush mountains, natural creeks, forest and rolling hills – the perfect place to stay away from the hustle of the city. As for our facilities, actually, there is a Maloka where we perform the Ayahuasca ceremonies, a kitchen area, shower with hot water, a lobby area, and for lodging, we have rooms for twin accommodation and shared rooms for more than three people available.
What is the difference between Ayahuasca and San Pedro?
The difference between these 2 master plants, is that with Ayahuasca you will be working what you have inside you, is very common during this ceremony work your emotions and review the different aspects of your life, giving you a new perspective and a better direction in your path life and during the San Pedro ceremony the work that you are going to have is more outside you, is about work everything what you have around you like the elements of the nature for example, that is why we perform this during ceremony during the day time walking in the middle of sacred valleys in Cusco where you will be surrounded by holy nature. This ceremony is a great opportunity to reconnect with the Mother Earth. The Ayahuasca ceremonies are held in the quiteness of the evening indoors.
Can I participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony followed by a San Pedro ceremony on the same day?
We strongly recommend not to do this, and take day to rest between each medicinal plant, so you will have one-day to relax and process all information and reflections received through the mother Ayahuasca first without any rush, and just the next day you can then start fresh and relaxed for your San Pedro retreat ceremony the next day in the morning.
How will I feel after the Ayahuasca ceremony?
Each participant’s experience with the medicine Ayahuasca will be unique and specific to them, and how they will feel after a ceremony, some feel very energized and some can feel tired. So, we cannot tell you specifically how your physical condition will react after your Ayahuasca ceremony. Many of our participants spend the final day of their retreat with us resting upon their return to Cusco that day and then the following morning they continue with their matters. Others are taken on the final day of their retreat directly, to the airport or bus station to continue on with the next leg of their journey immediately.
Do you have any experience working with participants trying to overcome their personal issues?
We have worked with participants with various issues and specific histories, such as severe anxiety disorders, sexual abuse, depression, drug or alcoholic problems, and also with patients who are already on the right path without any major issues but merely wish to meet the medicine for insight and further spiritual development.
Can I take medication for the altitude sickness prior my retreat?
prohibited during your pre preparation diet, and acetazolamide would also need to be completely cleared from the system. There are many natural remedies for altitude sickness you could consider instead which have no contraindications with the medicine Ayahuasca: taking muña, coca leaf and chamomile teas, chewing coca leaves or raw ginger, or drinking on an empty stomach before breakfast one glass of warm water mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking soda (which you can purchase at most drugstores as bicarbonato de sodio). Hydration and rest are of course also very important in reducing the effects of altitude sickness.
How many participants should I expect to find during my retreat?
We love to work with a small number of participants during our ceremonies and the number of participants is maximum 6 people per ceremony. When we have more than 6 participants we double all the staff members.