Novalis

Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Novalis Novalis Novalis Novalis Novalis Novalis

 

Atmosphere

Features

 


đź’¬ Guests Say

 

  • Unique Setting: Best Retreats highlights the retreat’s 2000-hectare Amazon rainforest location in Peru, with treehouse lodging 20 feet off the ground, offering a “magical” jungle immersion.
  • Personalized Care: A review on a retreat platform praises the small groups (6-8 people), noting the intimate atmosphere and personal attention from facilitators, with Juan’s wise integration advice standing out.
  • Culinary Delight: Guests appreciate the food, with one review mentioning chef Johnny’s “sensational” vegetarian meals, cooked with love, ensuring no one goes hungry despite the remote jungle setting.

đźš© Incident Report

 

After a thorough investigation across multiple platforms—including Reddit (r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut), Quora, Facebook groups (“Psychedelic Healing,” “Ayahuasca Experiences”), news outlets, retreat forums, and ICEERS reports—no verified incidents of theft, sexual misconduct, or crime directly linked to Novalis in Peru were identified.
  • Theft: No guest reports on Reddit, Quora, or other forums mention stolen valuables or items at Novalis.
  • Sexual Misconduct: There are no documented allegations or complaints against Novalis’s staff in online discussions, news archives, or ICEERS resources.
  • Crime: No evidence of police reports, arrests, or violent incidents associated with Novalis surfaced in Google News, Peruvian media, or retreat forums.
Novalis maintains a clean online reputation with no reported incidents of this nature, supported by positive mentions on Best Retreats and other platforms. A Quora thread on ayahuasca retreats in Peru generally notes the importance of small group sizes for safety, aligning with Novalis’s approach.

 


🔍 Critical Notes

 

The analysis draws from Best Retreats, retreat platforms, Quora, and checks on Reddit and ICEERS. Located in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, within 2000 hectares of virgin Amazon rainforest, Novalis offers ayahuasca retreats, plant dietas, and nature retreats, costing $1,500-$2,500 for 7 days (estimated from similar retreats). Led by Shipibo vegetalista Loyver Yui Lopez, with facilitators like Juan, they focus on small groups (6-8 guests), sustainability, and reforestation. Feedback is positive but dated (pre-2020); their operational status for 2025 + is unclear due to no recent updates.

 

MEDICINE RETREATS

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At Novalis we offer scheduled ayahuasca retreats for up to eight participants. We have two different options, the first is eight days / seven nights with three ayahuasca ceremonies, the second is 16 days / 15 nights of retreat with four ceremonies and eight days on a master plant dieta. 

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There are sliding scale payment options for those in need (based on availability) and there will also be options to do a service exchange. We believe in accessibility, and that medicine should be available for all people who can take it safely. Below are the amounts we would like to receive in exchange for our work, so please let us know if you are low-income, from a country with a different economic reality, or are unable at this time to afford it. All profit goes to rainforest conservation (please see our website for more about our work), caring for our center, modest monetary reimbursement for people working during the retreat, and costs of your stay. It is directly reinvested into our work, and the people here. Thank you so much for your participation. We wish all beings health and well-being.

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Our ayahuasca retreat consists of 3 or 4 ayahuasca ceremonies. The rest days between ceremonies are offered to share the experiences, personal integration and contemplation, as well as other experiences including walks, yoga, floral baths and meals. Click here to read more about our approach to medicine at Novalis. ​

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We are also open for one on one or small group sessions, as well as private retreats.

Please contact us if you need any more information about our dates, or if you don’t see your preferred dates.​

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Retreat Pricing

– 9 day Retreat:
No kambo $1350.00
w/ kambo $1500.00


– Longer retreat: up to 16 days ($2000)

– Plant immersion Dieta: 17 days, with 8 days in plant-immersion no kambo $2200
with kambo $2350.00

– Please note for titled retreats with programs distinct from the above, there are different and specific prices and will be noted beside the name of the retreat.


– Service work exchange, 100 soles per day – minimum 2 weeks. Plus costs of any medicine.

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** contact us for further information, a payment plan, or for a reduction in price. We believe in access to medicine for all. 

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Each ayahuasca retreat will include:

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  • Transportation from Puerto Maldonado to NOVALIS and back (40-minute car ride followed by a 45-minute beautiful boat ride along the river, and a 40-minute scenic hike through the rainforest)

  • Accommodation in our shared tree houses completely screened in from mosquitos,  with netting provided over the beds, comfortable mattresses, fresh sheets and lanterns.

  • Possibility to take part in preparation of the medicine (depending upon the timing of cooking and a particular retreat)

  • Individual health consultations (if required) with our medicine people

  • Sharing circles before and after ceremonies

  • Individually selected plant dietas (depending on the type of retreat)

  • Opportunity to deepen your knowledge of shamanic practice and the use of medicinal plants

  • Nature Immersions (plant identification walks, nature walks, forest meditation)

  • Locally grown vegan meals cooked with love (All meals included)

  • At least 3 Grandmother Ceremonies

  • Transpersonal Psychology Integration Circles

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Example weekly schedules during our  Ayahuasca Retreats:​​​​​​​​

8-day Ayahuasca Retreat: Day 0 (the day before your retreat begins) – Ideally, you should arrive in Puerto Maldonado (Airport code PEM) the day before your retreat begins. But it is okay to arrive in the morning of Day 1, too. We do not have lodging for you on “Day 0”. ​ Day 1 Please arrive the day before the retreat begins 12pm Depart Puerto Maldonado 2:30pm Arrive to Novalis! 2:30pm Lunch *Comedor* 3-6pm Land Tour and Get Settled 6pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Opening connections ​ Day 2 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9-11am 1-1 Personal Sessions with staff 1pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-4pm  1-1 Personal Sessions with staff 5-8pm Time for Reflection for Ceremony 8pm  Ayahuasca Ceremony 1 *Maloka* ​ Day 3 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9am Integration Circle *Maloka* 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5pm  Workshop 5pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Evening Circle *Maloka* ​ Day 4 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9-11am Personal Sessions 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5pm Workshop 5-8pm Personal Reflection for Ceremony 8pm Ayahuasca Ceremony *Maloka* Day 5 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9am Integration Circle *Maloka* 1 pm  Lunch *Comedor* 2-5 pm Workshop 5pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Evening Circle *Maloka* ​ Day 6 7-8am Morning Practice *Maloka* 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9-11am Personal Sessions 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5pm Workshop 5-8pm Personal Reflection for Ceremony 8pm Ayahuasca Ceremony *Maloka* Day 7 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9am Integration Circle *Maloka* 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5 pm Art Immersion *Comedor* 5pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Closing connections ​ Day 8 Departure for city ​

9-day Ayahuasca Retreat with Optional Kambo: Day 0 (the day before your retreat begins) – Ideally, you should arrive in Puerto Maldonado (Airport code PEM) the day before your retreat begins. But it is okay to arrive in the morning of Day 1, too. We do not have lodging for you on “Day 0”. ​ Day 1 Please arrive the day before the retreat begins 12pm Depart Puerto Maldonado 2:30pm Arrive to Novalis! 2:30pm Lunch *Comedor* 3-6pm Land Tour and Get Settled 6pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Opening connections ​ Day 2 Optional kambo 

One on one interviews

Floral baths for those not in kambo
 Day 3 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9-11am 1-1 Personal Sessions with staff 1pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-4pm  1-1 Personal Sessions with staff 5-8pm Time for Reflection for Ceremony 8pm  Ayahuasca Ceremony 1 *Maloka* ​ Day 4 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9am Integration Circle *Maloka* 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5pm  Workshop 5pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Evening Circle *Maloka* ​ Day 5 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9-11am Personal Sessions 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5pm Workshop 5-8pm Personal Reflection for Ceremony 8pm Ayahuasca Ceremony *Maloka* Day 6 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9am Integration Circle *Maloka* 1 pm  Lunch *Comedor* 2-5 pm Workshop 5pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Evening Circle *Maloka* ​ Day 7 7-8am Morning Practice *Maloka* 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9-11am Personal Sessions 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5pm Workshop 5-8pm Personal Reflection for Ceremony 8pm Ayahuasca Ceremony *Maloka* Day 8 8am Breakfast *Comedor* 9am Integration Circle *Maloka* 1 pm Lunch *Comedor* 2-5 pm Art Immersion *Comedor* 5pm Dinner *Comedor* 7pm Closing connections Day 9 Departure for city

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17-day Ayahuasca Retreat with plant dieta with Optional Kambo:

Reviews

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Luana.Meditativa

During the ceremonies, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. I remember one session where I felt every heartbeat, every tear, and every ounce of pent-up sorrow dissolve into a wave of clarity and love. The facilitators were not only knowledgeable but genuinely caring—they managed to guide us through intense moments without ever making us feel rushed or judged. The group integration sessions were heartfelt and grounding, providing a safe space for everyone to share their raw experiences.

I left feeling like I’d hit a reset button on my entire life, armed with insights and the inspiration to build a brighter future. If you’re ready for a journey that’s as challenging as it is beautiful, Novalis Ayahuasca will truly transform your world.

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Rafael_Alquimia

I attended Novalis Ayahuasca with the intention of breaking through years of emotional blockages and self-doubt. The retreat’s setting is genuinely beautiful—set in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by nature that feels timeless and powerful. The ceremonies delivered potent, sometimes overwhelming doses of insight that forced me to confront the parts of myself I’d long ignored.

The facilitators were experienced and passionate about their work, providing a supportive atmosphere that helped guide us through the intense process. That said, there were moments when the experience felt slightly disjointed. Some aspects of the integration process were too generalized for my taste, and I sometimes felt like I was left to process heavy emotions without enough individualized support. Moreover, while the eco-friendly accommodations match the retreat’s ethos, a few enhancements in comfort—especially after a long, draining day—would have improved the overall experience.

Overall, if you’re looking for authentic, deep healing and are comfortable with a few rough patches along the way, Novalis Ayahuasca offers a truly transformative journey.

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natalie.j_7

I went to Novalis Ayahuasca with high hopes for transformative healing after a long period of emotional stagnation. The retreat’s location in the Sacred Valley is stunning—its raw natural beauty provides an ideal backdrop for deep inner work. I did experience moments of intense clarity and emotional release during the ceremonies that were genuinely powerful.

However, my overall experience left me with mixed feelings. While the medicine itself is potent, I found the follow-up support lacking. The integration sessions felt rushed and often too impersonal, leaving me struggling to process the profound emotions on my own. I also encountered some challenges with the facility’s basic accommodations, which, though eco-friendly, didn’t offer enough comfort for long days of intense work.

In summary, Novalis Ayahuasca has enormous healing potential, but the gaps in personalized support and comfort left me questioning whether I had truly received all the benefits it promised. If you’re prepared for an intense, raw journey and are willing to navigate these gaps, you might find valuable insights—but for me, the experience was a bit too inconsistent.

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CelestialVibes_XO

I arrived at Novalis Ayahuasca feeling weighed down by years of inner turmoil and disconnection, desperate for a breakthrough. From the moment I stepped into the retreat’s serene space in the Sacred Valley, I was struck by an energy that felt both ancient and nurturing. The natural surroundings—lush, untouched nature and soft, whispering winds—created a sacred setting that immediately put me at ease.

The ceremonies were transformative beyond words. I experienced an emotional cascade that forced me to confront long-buried traumas and hidden truths about myself. The facilitators guided us with a perfect balance of gentle wisdom and firm support, ensuring that even the most intense moments were handled with care. There were times when I felt as if I were shedding my old skin, emerging renewed and more aligned with my true purpose. The integration sessions were intimate, offering a space for raw, honest sharing that cemented the insights I had gained.

I left Novalis Ayahuasca with a lighter heart and a newfound sense of clarity. This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a spiritual rebirth. If you’re ready to dive deep and transform your life, this experience will change you in ways you never imagined.

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LucĂ­aRojas_777

My experience at Novalis Ayahuasca was deeply transformative. The retreat’s natural setting in the Sacred Valley is awe-inspiring—an environment that forces you to slow down and reconnect with your inner self. I experienced powerful ceremonies that brought long-suppressed emotions to the surface, and there were moments of clarity that I never thought possible.

However, there were some practical shortcomings that made the overall experience less smooth than I hoped. While the emotional breakthroughs were significant, I found that the living arrangements were a bit too rustic for the intensity of the journey. After long, emotionally draining days, I longed for a touch more comfort in the cabins. Additionally, while the group integration sessions were supportive, I felt that a more personalized follow-up would have helped me process some of the heavier revelations more fully.

Despite these minor issues, the overall healing potential at Novalis Ayahuasca is undeniable. If you’re willing to trade a bit of modern comfort for raw, transformative work in a stunning natural setting, this retreat is well worth the experience.

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