Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Iquitos, Peru

If you are considering ayahuasca in Peru, Kawsay operated as a healing center near Iquitos facilitating plant medicine sessions with Shipibo shamans Don Romulo and Don Winister until transitioning away from ceremonies around 2023. The center previously emphasized traditional healing in a jungle lodge setting, supporting participants with immersive experiences for personal growth. Offerings once ranged from $1500 for seven-day retreats including multiple ceremonies to longer programs, but as of August 2025, Kawsay focuses solely on non-psychedelic jungle adventures and eco-tours, with no ayahuasca sessions available; recent searches confirm this shift, indicating a lack of public information on any return to plant medicine.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: A handcrafted eco-lodge deep in the Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos, Peru, accessible by speedboat with jungle surroundings for nature connection.
• Approach: Formerly traditional Shipibo, using ayahuasca brew in small groups of 5 to 6, enhanced by icaros and optional master plant diets; now non-psychedelic with guided hikes and cultural visits.
• Suitable For: Those seeking authentic Amazon experiences in Peru or previously trauma healing, though feedback notes integration challenges; current tours suit adventure seekers.
• Costs: Previously $1500 for seven-day ayahuasca programs in Iquitos; now $345 for two-day jungle escapes to $945 for six-day tours, covering excursions, meals, and lodging.
• Overall Assessment: Reliable on past healing depth and current eco-focus, with potential for clarified transitions.

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Participants in Kawsay ayahuasca sessions in Iquitos, Peru, often described the ceremonies as profound, with one 2024 review on Retreat Guru—a commercial review site where centers pay to play—noting breakthroughs outpacing other retreats for deep insights. The caring shamans Don Romulo and Don Winister were praised for their 100+ years combined experience, creating a safe nurturing space as in Tripadvisor entries. Experiences varied, with some highlighting spiritual depth and others feeling integration support weaker than promised, leading to post-retreat struggles. Aggregated from over 160 Tripadvisor entries averaging 4/5 stars: Strong on transformative outcomes and shaman empathy, varied on follow-up. Recent 2024 testimonials include one guest calling it the most amazing life experience with incredible shamans and another appreciating the profound healing in a beautiful setting. A May 2024 Reddit account shares it was absolutely amazing and 100% life-transformative. No 2025 guest feedback on past ceremonies located, as focus shifted; 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 and r/Psychonaut, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no confirmed cases of theft, sexual misconduct, or criminal activity directly connected to Kawsay ayahuasca retreats in Iquitos, Peru, have emerged.

• Theft: Public forums, ICEERS data, and news searches reveal no accounts of stolen belongings or valuables at Kawsay plant medicine ceremonies.
• Sexual Misconduct: Searches across Reddit, Facebook, news databases, and ICEERS show no complaints, allegations, or legal issues involving Kawsay staff or guides in ayahuasca sessions.
• Crime: No arrests, police involvement, or violence linked to Kawsay appears in Google News, Peruvian media, retreat forums, or ICEERS documentation.

That said, a 2023 Reddit post flags charlatans in Iquitos retreats generally without naming Kawsay. Kawsay’s reputation remains clean online, alongside broader ayahuasca hazards like psychological strain in unregulated environments noted in ICEERS studies. No publicly available reports of incidents exist as of August 2025; searches returned no confirmed events.

🔍 Critical Notes

Kawsay’s former ayahuasca programs in Iquitos, Peru, sought to provide meaningful transformation through Shipibo frameworks and dieta support. Positive aspects included personalized icaros assisting in emotional release. However, considerations included integration gaps potentially leaving participants unsupported, and small groups limiting attention during peaks. Regulatory contexts: Peru permits cultural applications with variable oversight. Following the shift to eco-tours around 2023, monitor for any return; direct confirmation of current offerings is advisable, given dated reviews.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

For past Kawsay ayahuasca retreats in Iquitos, Peru, screening involved participant-provided disclosures, though detailed processes lack public information. Preparation encompassed dietary readiness, complemented by post-session discussions. Reports indicate variability in rigor from broader ayahuasca contexts, such as undisclosed conditions leading to difficulties. Research suggests approximately 55 percent of ayahuasca participants encounter transient challenges like heightened anxiety, particularly without groundwork. For trauma, benefits may include reconnection, yet avoidance is recommended for those on medications due to risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential prior to any plant medicine; no screening for current tours as they are non-psychedelic.

🧪 Brew Substance

Kawsay formerly employed Psychotria viridis as the DMT component and Banisteriopsis caapi as the MAOI, forming traditional Shipibo preparations. Participants reported profound introspection with physical effects. Supplementary elements like icaros aided healing. Alignment with preferences was key for plant medicine in Peru. No brew used in 2025 as ceremonies ceased.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Peru: Situated deep in the Amazon near Iquitos, the venue provides comfortable lodges with screened rooms conducive to reflection, suitable for adventures.
• Style: Now emphasizes eco-elements with inclusions like guided hikes, cultural visits, and shared meals focused on nutrition. Group interactions promote connection, without ceremonial practices.

Practical guidance: Arrive via Iquitos airport with speedboat transport included; advance reservations suggested for 2025 tours like 3-day at $495.

Should You Book?

Kawsay presents a viable option for jungle adventures in Iquitos, Peru, particularly for those valuing Amazon immersion over psychedelics. With high ratings on experiences from testimonials, it suits exploration. Nevertheless, if ayahuasca or recent feedback are priorities, the shift warrants review. The eco-focus merits observation, with no changes as of August 2025. Should interests align, it may prove beneficial; thorough evaluation recommended.

The Team & Story

Initiated by William Menech, Kawsay originated from a commitment to Amazonian healing in Peru. Formerly partnering with shamans Don Romulo and Don Winister, the narrative centered on wholeness through plants. Now focused on tours with local guides. No team changes detailed in recent searches.

Prep & Integration Tips

Prior to participation: Pack lightweight clothing, insect repellent, and essentials for jungle; disclose dietary needs. Bring reusable bottle and comfortable attire. Following: Document reflections, engage in nature for grounding. Effective sustenance maintains benefits; avoid overexertion post-tour.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings are managed through Kawsay’s platform; consult their schedule for details. Peru options: 3-day at $495 or 6-day at $945, encompassing excursions, nutrition, lodging, and activities. No plant medicine; 2025 dates available for tours, no specific promotions found.