Frequently askED questions

Ayahuasca, a potent drink, is a traditional medicine first formulated by indigenous South Americans of the Amazon basin thousands of years ago. It is made from two plants — the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the leaf of the Chakruna plant (Psychotria viridis).

Ayahuasca works uniquely with each individual, depending on the healing they seek, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Due to the variability of individual circumstances, predicting the depth and intensity of any Ayahuasca experience is impossible. Apu Healing Center does not make specific claims regarding its efficacy in treating any particular medical condition or emotional/spiritual state. Any medical concerns should be evaluated by a qualified professional. There are no guarantees of achieving a certain level of healing or curing a condition. However, many individuals have reported using Ayahuasca to aid in overcoming addiction to harmful substances or even battling cancer. Most people describe experiencing profound emotional and spiritual healing, including addressing traumatic events, PTSD, and heartbreak. Ayahuasca may promote forgiveness, compassion, a sense of connectedness, and love.

We recommend following an Ayahuasca-approved diet for 3 weeks to a month. For optimal results, a duration of 6 weeks is recommended. If you engage in recreational drug use, additional time may be necessary, along with gradually reducing or discontinuing any recreational or prescribed drugs. It is advisable to consult a medical professional for guidance on the recommended timeframe in such cases.

Ayahuasca is generally safe when used alone. However, in very rare instances, combining prescribed medications or recreational drugs with plant medicines like Ayahuasca can potentially cause physical or emotional harm.

Different plant medicines have specific contraindications. It is essential to consult a medical professional regarding your individual contraindications. For instance, certain prescribed medications such as SSRIs may have fatal interactions when combined with Ayahuasca. Apu Healing Center conducts thorough medical screenings before administering any medicine, and individuals who may be at risk are turned away. Participants at Apu Healing Center take plant medications at their own risk.

Each personal experience is unique, and at times, it might be challenging to articulate. You may or may not experience 'purging' in the form of vomiting or diarrhea. Visions or internal dialogue may occur, and you might feel enlightened or connected to a greater understanding of life and truth. However, a pleasant experience is not guaranteed; you may also be confronted with uncomfortable memories. In such instances, a support team and the curandera are available to guide and assist you. Your experience may last several hours.

The process of drinking Ayahuasca can be uncomfortable, so it's important to prepare yourself as much as possible with the support of an Integration Specialist before consuming the medicine.

When you drink the tea, you may experience:

- High blood pressure

- Dizziness

- Nausea and vomiting

- Increased heart rate

- Agitation

There is currently limited information suggesting that repeated use of Ayahuasca leads to any long-term physical or mental health issues, but research on the medicine remains scarce.

Tolerance, addiction, and dependence do not seem to develop with Ayahuasca or DMT in general."

Various tribes have different protocols regarding drinking Ayahuasca during the menstrual cycle or while on the moon cycle. In some tribes, it is even forbidden. However, here at Apu Healing Center, we allow it with specific protocols to be followed.

You can attend both retreats. In fact, attending both entitles you to a discount. Please inquire about this during the consultation call.

Sacred Tobacco, or Mapacho, is predominantly used with reverence among indigenous and native peoples worldwide and has been integral to ancient traditions. This plant is revered as a great grandfather plant with both healing properties and addictive potential if abused; thus, it should always be approached with respect, honor, and care.

This master plant serves as a natural remedy and facilitates communication with the spirit world. It is known as a great protector and cleanser of ceremonial spaces, purging them of "bad spirits" or negative energies. Sacred Tobacco also aids in connecting with the plant and spirit realms.

Mapacho is utilized in various forms, such as a natural insect repellent and fertilizer. In its powdered form, known as Rapé, it can alter senses and foster deep connections with nature, as we will explore later. It is also available in liquid form to facilitate purging and prepare the physical body for natural healing.

Common in the Amazonian jungle, Mapacho is one of the most potent plant allies in traditional "curanderismo" healing practices.

Unfortunately, this remarkable plant has been perverted from a remedy into a poison. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Like any potent plant medicine that is disrespected and misused, Mapacho has the potential for abuse and addiction.

Therefore, its use should always be approached with the utmost reverence, caution, and respect."

Rapé (pronounced Ha-peh), also known as the breath of life, is a plant medicine from the jungle crafted by tribes in Brazil and Peru. It is a powder resembling ash, made from tobacco leaves and other herbs native to the jungle. This sacred tobacco, known as "Mapacho," embodies the spirit of the grandfather, bringing protection, connection, the removal of blockages, and healing.

We have specific and detailed itineraries for each retreat available in the “SERVICES” section of the website.

Comfortable clothing. A bathing suit. Hiking attire. Ceremonial clothing. Layers, as it gets cold at night. A portable charger. A flashlight. A raincoat. Comfortable shoes for hiking. Altar pieces.

We provide transportation from the Plaza de Armas (main square Plaza) in Cusco (15 minutes away from the Cusco airport) to the retreat center.

Dress in whatever way feels comfortable for you. We recommend white, or any other traditional ceremonial clothing from yours or any culture.

Apu Healing Center prides itself on providing intimate ceremonies. There can be between 4-10 participants for each ceremony along with 3-5 co-facilitators/space-holders."

Prescribed and/or non-prescribed medication is not encouraged or recommended in most cases unless directed by a medical professional.

Of course, you can attend the retreat with family or friends; however, we strongly encourage you to maintain your own process throughout the retreat and during ceremonies.

Yes, please contact us for more information.

We do have some discounted opportunities on a case by case basis. Please contact us for more information.