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

El Purguero is an Ayahuasca Camp situated 23 km from the jungle city of Iquitos, Peru. It is owned and operated by Ayahuasquero Ronald Joe Wheelock, affectionally known as The Gringo Shaman of the Amazon. Originally from Independence, Kansas, Ron was one of the first Westerners to arrive in the Amazon in the 1990s. Don Ron arrived in the Peruvian Amazon in the 1990s and quickly immersed himself in the local shamanic traditions.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: The accommodations are intentionally rustic, with guests staying in simple wooden jungle huts equipped with a bed, mosquito net, and a small table. This minimalist setting encourages a deeper connection to the natural world, free from the distractions of modern life.
• Approach: Ron prefers to refer to the events at ‘El Purguero as ‘ayahuasca workshops’ rather than ayahuasca retreats because he feels a workshop more accurately describes the ayahuasca experience, which is characterized by deep inner work – often challenging but always rewarding. Unlike other ayahuasca retreats that have 30 plus participants and a team of shamans, Don Ron takes small groups and guides all the ceremonies himself without an assistant.
• Suitable For: Serious seekers committed to deep inner work and transformation. Participants looking for authentic indigenous-style ceremonies rather than luxury amenities.
• Costs: $1400 | 8 Day / 7 Night / 3 Ceremonies Ayahuasca Retreat
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: A- (notable for authentic shamanic training and extremely strong medicine, minor flag for lack of medical screening information).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Reviews consistently praise Ron Wheelock as an exceptionally skilled and powerful shaman whose medicine is renowned for its strength. Participants frequently describe life-changing experiences, with several noting that his ceremonies produced more healing than years of therapy or multiple other ayahuasca sessions elsewhere. Many emphasize his unique position as a Western-born shaman who bridges cultures effectively, speaking fluent English while maintaining deep indigenous traditions. The camp’s intentionally basic accommodations are viewed positively by those seeking authentic jungle experiences, though some acknowledge more comfortable facilities exist elsewhere. Long-term visitors consistently return, with some attending for nearly a decade, indicating strong satisfaction and trust. Reviewers particularly highlight his powerful icaros, personal attention to small groups, and ethical conduct. The overall sentiment reflects profound gratitude and transformation, with participants describing the experience as challenging but deeply rewarding inner work rather than a comfortable retreat.

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🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no incidents were found regarding theft, sexual misconduct, or criminal activities.

• Theft: No reports of theft or financial impropriety found across any platforms searched.
• Sexual Misconduct: No reports of sexual misconduct found. Reviews specifically note Ron’s respectful conduct with both men and women.
• Crime: No criminal incidents or legal issues found in public records or discussion forums.

Ron Wheelock’s background includes past legal issues with marijuana trafficking in the 1990s, which he openly discusses as part of his transformation story. This led to his spiritual journey to Peru.

New update as of March 2026: No new safety incidents reported.

🔍 Critical Notes

El Purguero stands out for its authentic approach and Ron Wheelock’s exceptional reputation within the ayahuasca community. His medicine is reportedly so potent that other retreat centers purchase their ayahuasca from him. The small group format allows for intensive personal attention and deeper healing work. However, the retreat lacks visible medical screening protocols on their website, which is concerning given the powerful nature of the medicine served. The rustic accommodations and basic facilities may not suit everyone, particularly those with mobility issues or comfort preferences. The retreat operates in a region with limited medical infrastructure, though this is common for authentic jungle centers. The lack of assistant shamans means all ceremony management falls on Ron alone, which could be a limitation during challenging sessions.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

The website does not provide detailed information about medical or psychological screening procedures. Given the intensity of Ron’s medicine and the challenging nature of the work, prospective participants should expect some form of health questionnaire, though specific protocols are not publicly outlined. As with all ayahuasca experiences, individuals with mental health conditions, particularly those involving psychosis or severe psychiatric medications, should consult with qualified healthcare providers before attending.

🧪 Brew Substance

Like indigenous shamans have been doing for centuries, Don Ron prepares his ayahuasca by harvesting the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and then boiling it for several days. After continual praying over the mixture, the ayahuasca is ready to be used in a ceremony. El Purguero’s Ayahuasca Retreats – the 1st ceremony uses Ayahuasquero Don Ron’s medicine which is prepared using ayahuasca and Huambisa (charlipanga); the 2nd ceremony uses ayahuasca and huambisa with chirisanango, tobacco and sometimes flowers of bobinsana. For the 3rd ceremony, the group prepares ayahuasca. The retreat uses authentic ayahuasca with traditional additives rather than synthetic alternatives.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Peru: Located in the Loreto region of Peru, near Iquitos – considered the ayahuasca capital of the world. The area is known for its rich indigenous shamanic traditions and biodiversity.
• Setting: The camp is set in lush jungle with natural streams and an abundance of fruit and medicinal plants. Accommodation is provided in a communal bunkhouse or jungle huts that sleep one or two.
• Style: Participants engage in ceremony preparation, jungle walks, group discussions, and plant medicine education. The focus is on inner work rather than recreational activities.

Practical guidance: Iquitos is accessible by air from Lima. The camp is 23km from Iquitos city center. Booking requires advance deposits which are non-refundable but transferable to future dates.

Should You Book?

El Purguero is ideal for serious practitioners seeking authentic, powerful ayahuasca experiences with a highly respected shaman. Ron’s unique background as a Western-trained indigenous practitioner makes this particularly suitable for English-speaking participants ready for challenging inner work. However, those seeking luxury accommodations, extensive medical support, or gentle introductory experiences should consider other options. The powerful nature of Ron’s medicine and the rustic setting require genuine commitment to the healing process.

The Team & Story

Ron Wheelock was born in Independence, Kansas in 1955. He began working in the underground, and then illegal, marijuana industry. Eventually, this led to multiple arrests and in 1995 he was sentanced to 5 months in the state Prison. Years prior, he had seen an ad in a local magazine called ‘Shaman’s Drum’ about the Peruvian Amazon and he deceided that as soon as he was out of prison, he was going to find a spiritual teacher deep in the jungle. Ron kept his commitment to himself and in 1996, he travelled to Iquitos, Peru. He trained under two of the most well-known shamans in the region, Don Agustin Rivas Vasquez and Don Jose Coral Mori, both of whom are highly respected for their knowledge and abilities. His connection to the local community is also evident in the fact that he has a Peruvian partner, a Peruvian child, and employs all Peruvians from his community.

Prep & Integration Tips

Participants follow traditional dieta protocols, avoiding processed foods, sugars, salt, spices, alcohol, and sexual activity before ceremonies. The retreat includes group preparation sessions and post-ceremony integration discussions. Specific pre-arrival dietary guidelines and aftercare support details should be confirmed during booking.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

$1400 | 8 Day / 7 Night / 3 Ceremonies Ayahuasca Retreat includes 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies with Don Ron Wheelock, Circle meetings with Don Ron Wheelock, Lodging & Meals, An Oje purge, and Plant Baths. Booking through the official website with non-refundable deposits that can be transferred to future dates.