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Power of Somatic Intelligence Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Peru

Power of Somatic Intelligence offers ayahuasca retreats led by Chen Lizra, a TED speaker and somatic coach with over 30 years of experience. The retreats combine traditional Shipibo plant medicine with modern somatic healing techniques in the Peruvian Amazon.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Located in the Amazon rainforest near Nauta, in the Iquitos area of Peru, guests stay at the Inca Shipibo healing center surrounded by jungle, animals, and a traditional Shipibo healing family.
• Approach: Intimate 10-person retreats combining ayahuasca ceremonies with plant dietas, led by Maestra Matilde (60s, nearly 50 years experience) and supported by Chen Lizra’s somatic coaching methods. Multiple integration sessions during and after retreat.
• Suitable For: High-achieving individuals seeking trauma healing through body-based approaches, particularly those drawn to combining traditional shamanic work with modern therapeutic frameworks.
• Costs: Pricing not publicly listed on website, estimated range $6,500-$9,000 based on 7-night all-inclusive retreat with extensive integration support.
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: B+ (notable for unique somatic integration approach and experienced facilitators, flagged for limited public pricing transparency).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Reviews from Chen Lizra’s personal blog posts describe profound healing experiences with participants noting the center’s personalized attention and family-like atmosphere. Guests report feeling deeply held and supported throughout their journey, with particular praise for the preparation and integration support. One participant described the retreat as life-changing, emphasizing Chen’s presence as a ‘safe anchor’ and the comprehensive care provided by the Shipibo family. The retreat appears to attract clients seeking intensive emotional healing, with several testimonials mentioning breakthrough experiences with childhood trauma and relationship patterns. Participants consistently highlight the combination of traditional plant medicine with Chen’s somatic coaching as uniquely effective for processing deep emotional blocks.

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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 related to Power of Somatic Intelligence retreats.

• Theft: No reports of theft found across sources checked including Reddit discussions and retreat review platforms.
• Sexual Misconduct: No allegations of sexual misconduct found in searches of Reddit communities, news outlets, and public safety reports.
• Crime: No criminal incidents, arrests, or legal issues found associated with Chen Lizra or Power of Somatic Intelligence operations.

Chen Lizra maintains an active online presence with regular blog posts documenting her own ayahuasca experiences and retreat developments. The operation appears to be well-documented through podcast appearances and professional media coverage.

New update as of March 2026: No new incidents or safety concerns identified.

🔍 Critical Notes

Chen Lizra brings significant credibility through her established career as a somatic coach, TED speaker, and author with over 30 years of experience. Her transparent sharing of personal healing journeys and documented expertise in trauma work suggests a thoughtful approach to plant medicine facilitation. The partnership with Maestra Matilde, who has nearly 50 years of experience with ayahuasca and extensive knowledge of Shipibo traditions, provides strong traditional grounding. However, pricing transparency is limited on their website, and the retreat appears to be relatively new as a formal offering. The small group size and extensive integration support are positive safety factors, though potential participants should verify medical screening protocols and emergency procedures given the remote Amazon location.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

The website mentions preparation support and working with Chen Lizra before the retreat to set intentions, suggesting some screening process exists. However, specific medical screening protocols, contraindications, or mental health assessments are not detailed on the public website. Given Chen’s background in trauma work, there appears to be awareness of psychological safety considerations. Potential participants should directly inquire about medical screening procedures and consult with healthcare providers familiar with ayahuasca contraindications, particularly regarding psychiatric medications and mental health conditions.

🧪 Brew Substance

The retreat uses traditional ayahuasca with guests experiencing ceremonies led by Maestra Matilde and her Shipibo family in the Peruvian Amazon. Participants are also assigned plant dietas with master plant guides as part of the healing process. Specific plant dietas mentioned include sigueme sigueme for abundance and love, and ajosache for cleansing. The operation appears to follow traditional Shipibo practices rather than using synthetic alternatives, though specific brew preparation details are not publicly documented.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Peru: Peru’s Amazon region near Iquitos offers one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and is considered the traditional homeland of ayahuasca. The area around Nauta provides authentic jungle immersion while maintaining accessibility.
• Setting: The center is located in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru, near the small town of Nauta, in the Iquitos area. Guests feel at home surrounded by children, animals, and the jungle environment. Accommodation includes 7 nights at the Shipibo healing center with 2-3 meals daily.
• Style: A typical schedule includes morning Mapacho tobacco purge or Kambo cleansing, introduction to master plant diets, and evening ceremonies that can last until morning. Participants spend a week unplugged in nature with plenty of time for reflection.

Practical guidance: Flights arrive at Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT) in Iquitos, followed by a 2-hour drive to Nauta and transport via tuk-tuks into the Amazon. Airport transfers are included in the package.

Should You Book?

This retreat suits individuals seeking a sophisticated blend of traditional shamanic healing with modern therapeutic integration, particularly those with trauma backgrounds who resonate with somatic approaches. Chen Lizra’s extensive credentials and transparent communication style appeal to professionals and high-achievers. However, those seeking budget-friendly options or purely traditional experiences without Western therapeutic frameworks may want to look elsewhere. The intimate group size and comprehensive support make it appropriate for first-time ayahuasca participants, though the remote location requires physical capability for jungle travel.

The Team & Story

Maestra Matilde leads the center from the Contamana community along the Ucayali river, with nearly 50 years of experience with ayahuasca and plant medicines, evidenced by the countless Icaros she sings during ceremonies. Chen Lizra brings over 30 years of experience blending embodiment, somatics, and shamanic wisdom, guiding clients toward inner alignment and authentic expression. Chen’s journey began at age 20 following childhood trauma from growing up with a mentally ill mother, leading her to develop the Power of Somatic Intelligence methodology.

Prep & Integration Tips

Integration includes 3 sessions during the retreat with center facilitators plus extra support from Chen Lizra, and 3 one-on-one sessions with Chen after the retreat. Preparation involves a strict cleansing diet to prepare body and spirit. Participants receive 1-year access to the Somatic Intelligence Wisdom Academy as a bonus.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Booking information is not clearly detailed on the public website. A reservation requires 100% deposit of total price. Interested participants should contact Chen Lizra directly through the Power of Somatic Intelligence website for availability and pricing details.