Atmosphere

Features

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

Tiwaz Awakening combines a unique set of modalities, bridging the gap between the physical body and the spiritual body, offering ayahuasca retreats in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Tiwaz is the Germanic rune representing Justice, Honor, Sacrifice, and the Warrior Spirit. With a focus on the Heroes’ Journey their retreats offer a unique blend of Ayahuasca ceremonies, martial arts, hiking, and adventure.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: They operate in Peru’s Sacred Valley, honoring the physical realm through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, archery, and hiking to sacred sites like the remote mountain Apu Ausangate. The retreat offers accommodation and activities across various locations in Peru’s Sacred Valley region.
• Approach: They provide each guest with pre and post-experience QEEG brain map. This allows guests to see that the changes they experience are not merely a psychological or spiritual event but also physical event that we can observe in the brain. Spiritual neurofeedback (brain training) and acupuncture deepen the realm of therapeutic possibilities. Combining the movement of subtle energies through acupuncture, an ancient practice, with cutting edge applied neuroscience, book ends the evolution of the healing experience.
• Suitable For: Veterans are a primary focus with their veteran outreach and scholarship project. Whether seeking spiritual awakening, emotional healing, or personal development, participants benefit from their unique blend of physical and spiritual practices.
• Costs: Pricing information was not found on their website or booking pages during research.
• Overall Assessment: A unique veteran-focused retreat combining ayahuasca with neurofeedback technology and physical activities. Directory evaluation: C+ (notable for innovative neurofeedback integration but limited transparency on basic retreat details).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

One veteran participant loved the holistic approach Tiwaz Awakening took, describing it as profoundly spiritual and transformative. The participant expressed plans to return and praised the entire staff and experience, feeling like they were family. The energy healing received on a mountain in Peru’s Sacred Valley was described as more effective for PTSD than anything else they had tried.

The retreat appears to create deep emotional experiences, with participants reporting breakthrough moments around trauma processing. The founder Luke was praised for his explanation of the program, with participants choosing Tiwaz over larger veteran retreats like Heroic Hearts for a smaller, more personal experience. However, comprehensive review data from major platforms was not found during research, suggesting limited public feedback availability.

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, no incidents involving Tiwaz Awakening were found.

• Theft: No reports of theft or financial misconduct were found across the platforms checked.
• Sexual Misconduct: No reports of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior were found across the platforms checked.
• Crime: No criminal charges, arrests, or legal actions involving Tiwaz Awakening were found across the platforms checked.

The retreat appears to be relatively new with limited online presence beyond their website and a single detailed veteran testimonial.

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

🔍 Critical Notes

The retreat’s integration of QEEG brain mapping technology to show physical brain changes from ayahuasca is innovative, representing a unique approach in the retreat space. Founder Luke Jensen served in the Marine Corps and National Guard, deploying to Afghanistan, before transitioning to plant medicine work in South America starting in 2014.

However, several transparency concerns emerge from the research. The website lacks basic information like pricing, retreat schedules, medical screening protocols, and detailed safety procedures. Team member Bryce studied under curandero Wiler Noriega Rodrigues, but the retreat’s specific shamanic lineage and training credentials are not clearly documented. Operating in Peru, ayahuasca retreats exist in a legal grey area with limited regulatory oversight.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

The website does not provide clear information about their medical screening process or mental health assessment protocols. While they work with neurofeedback technology and brain mapping, specific contraindications, psychiatric medication interactions, or screening procedures are not detailed on their public-facing materials. Anyone considering this retreat should thoroughly discuss their medical history, current medications, and mental health status with qualified healthcare providers before participation.

🧪 Brew Substance

The retreat serves traditional ayahuasca, though specific details about their brew preparation, sourcing, or shamanic lineage are not detailed on their website. Team member Bryce has been a full-time student of Amazonian plant medicine shamanism for 6 years and chose to dedicate himself to an apprenticeship to understand shamanic techniques. They also incorporate other plant medicines but do not specify which ones or provide detailed information about their traditional preparation methods.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Peru: Peru’s Sacred Valley offers a stunning high-altitude setting between Cusco and Machu Picchu, known for its spiritual significance and dramatic Andean landscapes.
• Setting: The retreat utilizes various locations including hiking to sacred sites like the remote mountain Apu Ausangate. They incorporate outdoor activities and adventures as part of their holistic approach.
• Style: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is integrated as a practice that brings people back into their bodies and forces one to become comfortable in the uncomfortable. Hiking provides a grounding experience that complements plant medicines while allowing guests to immerse themselves in local culture.

Practical guidance: Contact details are provided via email and social media, but specific booking procedures, arrival instructions, or practical logistics are not detailed on their website.

Should You Book?

Tiwaz Awakening may appeal to veterans or those seeking a physically adventurous approach to plant medicine work, particularly those interested in the neurofeedback technology integration. However, prospective participants should be prepared for limited transparency around basic retreat logistics, pricing, and safety protocols. Those preferring established retreats with clear medical screening processes, detailed safety information, and extensive public reviews should consider other options. The retreat appears best suited for adventurous individuals comfortable with a more experimental approach to plant medicine integration.

The Team & Story

Founder Luke Jensen served in the Marine Corps and National Guard, deploying to Afghanistan, before transitioning to plant medicine work. He has been living off and on in Peru for the last five years, involved in brain research with plant medicines and shamanism. Team member Cinzia was born in Peru, grew up in Miami, and returned to Peru eleven years ago. She’s fascinated with the mind-body connection, especially regarding physical peak performance. Bryce has been studying Amazonian plant medicine shamanism full-time for 6 years and studied under renowned curandero Wiler Noriega Rodrigues.

Prep & Integration Tips

The retreat emphasizes pre and post-experience support through their neurofeedback technology and brain mapping. However, specific preparation guidelines, dietary requirements, or integration protocols are not detailed on their website. They appear to focus on embodying plant medicine lessons through physical practices and continued neurofeedback work.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Contact Tiwaz Awakening through their website email or social media channels for booking inquiries. Specific retreat dates, pricing, and booking procedures are not publicly listed and must be obtained through direct contact.