ARCHIVE – Ayahuasca Retreat Center in Peru

Ayahuasca Retreats at the Hummingbird Center

With no more than ten guests, each retreat is an intimate circle guided by our Peruvian curandero, rooted in generations of Amazonian plant medicine. In this safe, nurturing space, you’ll receive personal care and attention to explore deep energetic and subconscious layers, release limiting beliefs, and remember your true self.

Since 2010, ayahuasca retreats at the Hummingbird offers more than ceremony — it’s an invitation to restore balance to body, mind, and spirit, cleanse and renew, and step into greater clarity, peace, and wholeness.

More about our Ayahuasca Retreats →

Transform Your Life at an Ayahuasca Retreat

The Hummingbird Center is an ayahuasca retreat center dedicated to helping people make life better. Founded in 2010, Hummingbird offers ayahuasca and san pedro healing retreats that stay true to this ancient plant-medicine tradition. Our curandero Manain is a 4th generation ayahuasquero with over 45 years of experience, and has mastered the subtleties of this plant-spirit medicine world.

The doctor spirits penetrate to the very roots of what ails us, bringing harmony and balance back to our energetic and spiritual bodies. Ayahuasca has the ability to show us the contents of our subconscious minds, so we clearly see patterns and beliefs that have kept us limited. This beautiful medicine helps us make new choices, helps us shift our default mode of being, so we more naturally live in alignment with our desires.

Group of people relaxing next to a pond with a curandero after a walk through the jungle.

Our holistic approach encompasses the physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual aspects of healing, as well as changing negative patterns in our thoughts and belief systems. In the shamanic view of illness, physical and psychological problems have their source in negative thought forms, a reflection of one's spiritual state of consciousness. Illness is an effect of these distorted thoughts. Unfavorable thoughts arise in the conscious mind and are then held in the subconscious, from which they can be transferred into the physical body. Because of this, true healing always has to begin at the spiritual level.

Working With Highly Skilled Healers

It takes many years of training to develop good relationships with the medicine spirits and skill working with subtle spiritual energies to effect lasting healing. True mastery requires decades of experience, and Manain has been working with ayahuasca since he was 16 years old. Our lead facilitator has been guiding people through this healing process since 2010, and has facilitated over 1400 ayahuasca ceremonies.

At the Hummingbird you are under the care of highly experienced, caring, and compassionate practitioners dedicated to helping people heal and transform their lives. The depth of growth and change achieved has many saying they feel as though they have been reborn.

More about our Healers →

Curandero doing energy work on a woman at the Hummingbird ayahuasca retreat center

Ayahuasca Empowers People

The ultimate goal of the Hummingbird is to empower people. To not only receive deep healing, growth and transformation, but to acquire skill in managing our own emotional and energetic state. To take charge of our thoughts and emotions, and therefore our lives. To realize the power, love and joy that is an inherent part of our nature. Ayahuasca and san pedro accelerate this change.

We emphasize taking personal responsibility for our lives. To become mindful. To start paying attention to our inner world. Our thoughts, our emotions, our body, and the interplay between them. To accept ourselves exactly as we are in the moment, knowing we have the power to change, if we choose to exercise that power. Choice. We have Choice.

Joy after a fire ceremony to leave behind that which no longer serves us.

Closeup of a bobinsana flower from the amazon jungle

Ayahuasca Retreat Lengths to Fit Your Needs

7 DAY AYAHUASCA RETREAT– $2000
9 DAY AYAHUASCA RETREAT– $2400
12 DAY AYAHUASCA RETREAT– $2800

7 DAYS WITH SHAMANIC TEACHER & HEALER STACY KEAST– $2000

All our retreats have one San Pedro Cactus → ceremony

Compare Our Retreats

Prepare for your Ayahuasca Retreat

Good preparation is essential for maximizing the benefits of your time in ayahuasca ceremony. The cleaner our bodies and the clearer our minds when we arrive, the sooner ayahuasca can get to the root level of our troubles, the sooner she can begin imparting wisdom and insights that can transform our lives.

The body, mind and spirit all benefit from simple, time-proven practices that promote health, harmony and vitality. These practices are simply clean, healthy living, and one’s life would be better if they were always practiced. An ayahuasca retreat is a significant investment of your resources and energy. Get the most from this investment by arriving well prepared.

More about Preparation →

An Ayahuasquero doing healing work on a group at the Hummingbird ayahuasca retreat center

Integrating What is Learned

Integrating the lessons learned in ayahuasca ceremony is what brings about lasting healing and transformation. Integration is about changing our behavior about showing up in life in more healthy, loving and effective ways. This is a simple and natural process. We learn something new and decide we want to incorporate it into our lives. After a period of attention, intention, and effort, it becomes a natural part of how we respond to life. It becomes integrated.

Taking conscious and focused action to anchor new ways of being into our lives accelerates the integration process. The Hummingbird includes a pre and post integration session with a professional as part of the retreat price. We also have a private integration group, and detailed information on how to help develop these new habits in your life.

More about Integration →

Heliconia flower, aka Bird of Paradise in the Amazon jungle at the Hummingbird Center

My heart is filled with immense gratitude for the sacred space the Hummingbird held for me in their beautiful center. Thank you for your wisdom, for being vessels of knowledge, and for sharing your light so generously

Joanne R

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What to Expect

Ayahuasca has the ability to open us to spiritual realms and other dimensions. A fascinating aspect of this medicine is everyone has a unique experience and is taken through an individualized process of healing. There is incredible variety of experience, and it is best to set aside all expectations. Your process will almost certainly be different than what you have read.

Ayahuasca Healing

Ayahuasca is a powerful medicine and teacher plant that brings deep multi-level level healing physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. While a very large number of issues may be addressed with ayahuasca and other medicine plants, it is not a cure all or magic bullet. Understanding the possibilities of what you may experience in an ayahuasca retreat allows one to relax into their journey.

Responsible Ceremonies

Ayahuasca ceremonies at the Hummingbird are led by Don Manain who has over 45 years of experience, a true master plant spirit medicine. The owner is the lead facilitator and has been guiding people through the medicine plant process since 2010. Our priority is to provide a safe and sacred space for healing where you can relax into the experience knowing you will be well cared for.

12 Day Ayahuasca Retreat

Experience the deep healing and teaching of Peru’s two visionary medicine plants on a 12-day ayahuasca retreat. Guided by a skilled curandero with over 45 years of experience, this retreat includes six ayahuasca ceremonies, one huachuma ceremony. Step into a safe container for deep healing and quiet inner reflection and allow these medicine plants to guide you into your authentic self.

$2800

► 6 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
► 1 San Pedro Ceremony
► Vapor and Mud Baths
► Meditation and Breath Work
► Talks on Changing Belief Systems
► Plant Baths Every Afternoon

12 Day Retreat Details →

9 Day Ayahuasca Retreat

Our 9 day retreat is an introduction to the magic of ayahuasca and the san pedro visionary cactus, with 5 total ceremonies. This retreat is a great choice for those looking for clarity of purpose, relief from minor emotional struggles, and a deeper understanding and acceptance of themselves. Many receive what need from fewer ceremonies. You may always extend if you want more time with the medicine.

$2400

► 4 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
► 1 San Pedro Ceremony
► Vapor and Mud Baths
► Meditation and Breath Work
► Healing on Days Without Ceremony
► Plant Baths Every Afternoon

9 Day Retreat Details →

Immersion Ayahuasca Retreat

Our 3–4 week immersion retreat is for those seeking deep, lasting transformation or whose condition requires a longer treatment. With up to 12 ayahuasca ceremonies and multiple San Pedro ceremonies. Immersion retreats include at least one 8 day dieta with a master medicine plant. Ideal for those with chronic conditions or spiritual callings, the retreat takes place in a nurturing jungle setting near Iquitos, Peru.

$4000 -$4900

► 3 or 4 Week Stays
► 8 -12 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
► 2 -3 San Pedro Ceremonies
► Master Plant Dietas
► Private Consultations With Shaman
► All Features of the 12 Day Retreat

Immersion Retreat Details →

Grandfather Huachuma (San Pedro)

Our ayahuasca retreats include a ceremony with huachuma, the visonary cactus of the Andes. Huachuma is a peer of ayahuasca in its ability to teach and heal, using a gentle touch in its approach. Considered a heart opening medicine, huachuma drops the filters through which we view the world, so we have a direct experience of reality. A truly beautiful medicine, people often say it was the most wonderful experience of their lives.

Huachuma brings clarity, revealing the mental games we play with ourselves that keep us small, and opens access to universal consciousness, our true spiritual nature. "San Pedro" is simply Spanish for Saint Peter. It is a name given by a Spanish priest because he said "it opens the gates of heaven".

More About Huachuma

Huachuma cactus, aka san pedro, the visionary cactus of the Andes

Included in Our Ayahuasca Retreats

Ayahuasca Retreat Programs

Our retreats begin on the 1st and 15th of most months. Choose between a 9-day or 12-day stay, both of which include at least one San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremony. For deeper healing, our 3- or 4-week Immersion Retreats offer extended, transformative experiences.

Starts: 1st & 15th 9-Day 12-Day 3–4 Week Immersions Includes Huachuma

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

Our 9 Day Retreat has four ayahuasca ceremonie, and the 12 Day Retrea has six. All of our retreats have one Huachuma ceremony (San Pedro). Immersion Retreats depends on timing, with guests often choosing to rest and integrate by sitting out one or more sessions.

9-Day: 4 Aya + 1 Huachuma 12-Day: 6 Aya Immersion: Varies

Maestro Curandero Leadership

All ceremonies are led by Don Manain Amacifen, a 4th-generation curandero with over 45 years of experience working with ayahuasca. Trained by his father and grandfather, Don Manain brings deep ancestral wisdom and powerful healing to each ceremony.

Additional Plant Treatments

Each retreat includes energetic plant baths before every ayahuasca ceremony. Daily plant baths use aromatic herbs for cleansing and revitalization. A traditional vapor bath before the third ceremony initiates deeper transformation—many guests report their healing begins here.

Individual Healing in Ceremony

In the first ceremony, Don Manain spiritually examines each guest. In subsequent ceremonies he performs individual healings using icaros and prayer. As an oracionista (prayer healer), he holds your hands, sings for your unique needs, and helps release energetic blocks.

Ayahuasca Integration Circles

Integration is a fundamental component of a safe, effective, and powerful healing journey. Each morning after ceremony, a guided integration circle supports sharing, insight, and meaning-making with the curandero and facilitators.

Changing Our Perception

Two group talks explore the subconscious, limiting beliefs, and practical ways to reprogram patterns—learning to shift thoughts to transform your life.

Other Activities

Mud bath, jungle walk with plant teachings from Don Hector, a fire ceremony for release, and an introduction to shamanic journeying—meet power animals and spirit guides.

Private Tambo Accommodations

Each guest enjoys a private jungle hut with full-size bed, toilet, hammock, writing desk, and shelving—nestled along forest trails or beside a peaceful pond.

Ayahuasca-Friendly Meals

Delicious, healing meals throughout your stay. Mostly vegetarian, with fresh fish or chicken every other day, tropical juices at breakfast, and fruit refrescos with lunch.

Your Safety Comes First

Since opening in 2010 the Hummingbird has never had a medical problem related to the consumption of ayahuasca. Our thorough screening process and careful monitoring during and after ceremony ensure people are not putting themselves at risk by working with ayahuasca.

We begin with conservative doses to determine how a person responds to and copes with the effects of this medicine. The individual then gets to decide whether or not to increase their dose. We quickly and responsibly increase the dose until you have an experience at a level of intensity you desire. Through the retreat, the staff regularly talks to people about thier dose and make recommendations based on a person's intentions, prior experiences, and willingness to step into a possibly difficult experience to achieve deeper healing.

More about Ayahuasca Safety →

Ayahuasca retreat clients at the Hummingbird Center

Reviews

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As soon as I got to the retreat, I felt safe and comfortable with the retreat and all the people there, and I knew I made the right choice, which was such a relief! You're in good hands with Jim and Don Manain. I had quite a life changing experience on this retreat and words can not say how grateful I am chose this facility. Read full review

Lauren Quigley, Australia

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I had an incredible experience at the Hummingbird Center. The facilitators are so caring and knowledgeable. The location is stunning beyond words. Read full review

Natasha P, Germany

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This experience changed my life. The key with this medicine is to find the right setting, the right healers to guide you, and have the right intentions. Humming bird takes care of the first two and helps you take care of the third. Read full review

Tristan H, Australia

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Hummingbird is an extraordinary place... This place sings with love and is here to teach you a lot about yourself and your journey. There is a possibility for great positive change for life through this experience. Read full review

Helena A, United Kingdom

Traditional Ayahuasca Retreat Center in Peru

Ayahuasca Retreats at the Hummingbird Center

Transform Your Life at an Ayahuasca Retreat

Working With Highly Skilled Healers

Ayahuasca Empowers People

Prepare for your Ayahuasca Retreat

Integrating What is Learned

What to Expect

Ayahuasca Healing

Responsible Ceremonies

12 Day Ayahuasca Retreat

$2800

9 Day Ayahuasca Retreat

$2400

Immersion Ayahuasca Retreat

$4000 -$4900

Grandfather Huachuma (San Pedro)

Included in Our Ayahuasca Retreats

Ayahuasca Retreat Programs

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

Maestro Curandero Leadership

Additional Plant Treatments

Individual Healing in Ceremony

Ayahuasca Integration Circles

Changing Our Perception

Other Activities

Private Tambo Accommodations

Ayahuasca-Friendly Meals

Your Safety Comes First

Reviews

Questions? Ready to go?