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Ayahuasca Healings Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Peru

Ayahuasca Healings is led by Trinity de Guzman, who began the organization after a life-changing ayahuasca experience in Peru in 2013 and now offers 9-day retreats in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The organization has been embroiled in significant controversy since attempting to operate as a legal ayahuasca church in Washington State from 2016 before being contacted by the DEA and moving operations to Peru.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Currently operates from Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering retreats in what they describe as a traditional Amazonian setting tailored for Western participants.
• Approach: Emphasizes a feminine approach to ayahuasca work, focusing on healing through love, light, and angelic beings rather than traditional shamanic methods, described as soft, gentle, and all-embracing.
• Suitable For: Individuals seeking serious inner healing who are willing to face difficult personal history and traumas, as the organization emphasizes this work is not easy.
• Costs: Suggested contribution range of $1,497-$1,997 for retreats, though they claim people can contribute any amount they wish as donations to their religious organization.
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: D grade (notable for extensive online controversy, concerning business practices, and questionable legal claims, with multiple red flags regarding founder credibility and operational transparency).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Limited verified guest reviews are available through mainstream platforms, with most feedback coming from the organization’s own testimonials. The lack of independent review sources is concerning, especially given the controversies surrounding the organization. Community discussions on forums and Reddit have raised questions about the organization’s legitimacy and business practices rather than focusing on retreat experiences.

We encourage sharing your perspective through our submission form to maintain current insights.

🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, significant safety and legitimacy concerns were found.

• Theft: Multiple reports found regarding people who paid for retreats at the Washington location but never received services, with complaints filed on RipoffReport and documented on cult education forums, though Trinity de Guzman has promised to provide refunds.
• Sexual Misconduct: No specific incidents of sexual misconduct found in available sources.
• Crime: DEA contacted the organization in March 2016 regarding their operations in Washington State, determining their ayahuasca services were not legally authorized despite claims of religious exemption through ONAC.

Trinity de Guzman has been described as being at the epicenter of major ayahuasca community controversy, with concerns raised by spiritual practitioners, researchers, and policy makers about safety and business practices.

New update as of March 2026: Operations continue in Peru with ongoing community concerns about transparency and business model.

🔍 Critical Notes

The organization positions itself as offering a unique approach to ayahuasca work specifically adapted for Western participants, claiming attention to detail across all aspects of the healing journey. However, significant concerns exist regarding the founder’s background and organizational practices. Critics have noted the lack of traditional shamanic training beyond brief periods in Peru, with questions raised about qualifications to safely administer ayahuasca. The founder’s previous background in internet marketing and statements about using marketing skills to promote ayahuasca work have raised concerns about commercialization of sacred medicine.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

The organization reports conducting in-depth applications with over a dozen questions covering medication history, mental health, physical health, and suicidal tendencies, followed by phone interviews with experienced staff. They state they do not allow people who have taken pharmaceutical medications within 30 days due to potential contraindications with ayahuasca. However, given the controversies surrounding the organization, prospective participants should thoroughly verify these claims and consult with healthcare providers before considering participation.

🧪 Brew Substance

The organization reports using traditional ayahuasca made from Chacruna leaves and Banisteriopsis Caapi vine, prepared by boiling over fire for many hours to create the ceremonial tea. No reports found indicating mislabeled or substitute substances, though the lack of independent oversight raises questions about brew preparation and quality control.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Peru: Located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering what they describe as an immersive Amazonian experience adapted for Western participants.
• Setting: Limited verified information available about current facilities and property details in Peru location.
• Style: Emphasis on feminine approach to healing through love and light rather than traditional Amazonian practices, described as gentle and compassionate.

Practical guidance: Prospective participants should exercise extreme caution and thoroughly research current operational status and legitimacy before making any commitments or travel arrangements.

Should You Book?

Given the extensive controversies, legal issues, and community concerns surrounding Ayahuasca Healings, potential participants should look elsewhere for ayahuasca experiences. The organization’s history of operational problems, questionable business practices, and lack of traditional credentials present significant red flags that outweigh any potential benefits. More established and transparent retreat centers would provide safer and more reliable experiences.

The Team & Story

Founded by Trinity de Guzman, who reports his calling began with a transformative ayahuasca experience in Peru in 2013. The team includes Marc ‘Kumooja’ Shackman, described as having 8 years experience with sacred plants and learning from various indigenous traditions, though concerns have been raised about the depth of their training. Trinity’s background includes internet marketing, reportedly earning five figures monthly by age 19.

Prep & Integration Tips

The organization emphasizes the importance of preparation and integration work, criticizing other retreat centers for focusing only on time in Peru and neglecting before and after support. They recommend avoiding bringing personal food as they provide energetically tuned meals for the ayahuasca experience.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Given the significant red flags and controversies, we cannot recommend booking with this organization. Potential participants should thoroughly research established, transparent retreat centers with verified credentials and community endorsement.