Just booked thanks to this review and one other on your channel. I've really been enjoying your videos. I was a psychonaut back around 1991-1994 but the web didn't exist back then so it was difficult to connect to others without having to be part of the "drug scene", which isn't who I am. So, I drifted away and have never been back. Finally returning to this, something I've always wanted. Hope it goes well.
This is the best review of Arkana Sacred Valley I have seen, so thank you for taking the time to make this video. I am actually booked to go there next month, so while my anxiety of doing ayahuasca for the first time is a bit high, I'm grateful to know that it seems like I've picked a perfect place to (it seems).
You're clearly a realist and I can tell that you really do give an honest and unfiltered opinion on your reviews. As someone that is still searching for my first aya retreat, i appreciate you taking the time to make these videos
I went for the 1 week new Year's retreat and ended staying for a second week, best decision I could of made. The staff were amazing, the food was incedible and the whole experience was just the best I could of wished for. If you're looking to try plant medicines in comfort and in safe hands then this is the place. I can't say enough good things about it
MAN i can't express into words have much I appreciate this review! I was so anxious about booking with this retreat as i thought it seemed a bit suspicious and a scam butyou cleared my doubts and now I'm going to book for November!!! This is going to be my first time leaving my country of Australia and I'm going solo and I'm only 20 so I hope that this experience is going to be profound and get me to the point where I not only find direction in my life but also feel connected to something larger than myself
Thanks! I try to separate out the medicine experience from the bricks and mortar experience, because an "amazing" ayahuasca ceremony doesn't tell anyone if the place is a palace or a shithole - and that's what I would want to know.
Thank you very much for your time offered to the community to present and clean doubts . That will be my first retreat. First ayahuasca ceremony. 2 weeks for heavy work. next month .After consistent researches , thank to you , you make me feel confident enough to book the retreat. I ll try as well the Sapo Toad. :):)
I would like to offer my sister and brother a deep healing retreat. They are scared to death in the idea to jump in an aéroplane.. They both live in South of France ( but they do not eat frogs or toads 🙃) Would you recommend a center close by France , in Europe ? Sincerely, Pierre.
Et pourtant Elle tourne Hi Pierre, I would reccomend this center which is based in Europe. They mostly do retreats in Spain but also a few other European countries th-cam.com/video/prGy8feFaak/w-d-xo.html France itself is probably a no go as ayahuasca is considered a schedule 1 substance there, so legally its the same as heroin or cocaine.
Thank you so much, this review is very helpful and honest. I’m already booked for March and very excited. I’ve done a jungle Ayahuasca retreat already at Nimea Kaya in Pucallpa. Was a beautiful transcendent enlightening experience. What attracted me to Arkana Sacred Valley is their unique offering: 3 Aya 1 Huachuma and an optional Sapo, and because having already had the jungle experience, was ready for the mountains this time around. I believe this is the perfect number and sequence of these amazing physical, mental and spiritual ancestral medicines. Should be an intense profound spiritual journey.
I'm actually heading to Pucallpa myself sometime next year, most likely going to Ayahuasca Spirit Healing Center. Enjoy your retreat in the Sacred Valley!
Adeptus Psychonautica , Thank you so much again! I highly recommend the Nimea Kaya Healing Center in Pucallpa. Truly a magical place with wonderful people, facilitators and shamans. The food is amazing. Totally worth the visit, for first timers and veteran warriors of Mother Ayahuasca.
@@aleksal9132 , no comparison, Nimea Kaya the far superior retreat. Not even close. The ceremonies and the ceremony temple in Arkana Sacred Valley leave a lot to be desired. I’ll be going back to Nimea Kaya in Pucallpa sometime in the near future.
@@FREETHINKER-05 thanks for responding. What is the toilet situation in Nimea Kaya? Are there any rooms with toilets? If not, how is it organised from a hygenic view point?
I was there a month and a half ago. I think its great for ayahuasca beginners. Very appetizing food and comfortable facilities. The place also offers safe sapo.. which was great. When I skipped the third aya ceremony because I felt bad for causing my neighbors shock with my bad trip, the owner offered a free second sapo ceremony for me which was amazing. Btw, great review! I hope you check out Shamanic Vida one day. It has such an intimate family business setting with incredible freedom at a budget price. And the stars are amazing on the ayahuasca afterglow there.
Yeah the phrase that I heard a few times about this center was "its like ayahuasca with training wheels" I don't mean that in any kind of derogatory way, its just that this center is so much more comfortable than the jungle, and as you say the food is SO MUCH better :). I had a similar experience to you which I alluded to in the video. For unforseen personal reasons i had to miss one of the ayahuasca cermeonies, and I was gutted, so they arranged a fourth private ceremony just three of us - now that is some impressive customer service! I will take a look at Shamanic Vida, thanks for the tip!
Thank you for the review I believe I will opt for Sacred Valley first. The Jungle might be too much for me bc when I was in the mountains, the bugs, lizards, and creepy crawlers scared me. I’m too girly to be tripping in the woods unless I have more money to have a more private experience with special accommodations.
I just recently became aware of Ayahuasca. Haven't gone on retreat, but I feel a calling toward it to open me up to my future calling. Not sure how to go about it, never been out of USA, except to Canada and Virgin islands when I was a child. So, what advice do you have regarding planning ahead for a trip, where should I go, and most importantly do I need more than a passport? Thanks for your videos. P/S My husband and I live in Colorado and I have heard of a place in Kentucky that might be closer, but I have reservations about his Shamanistic style and Skills.
I would always advise that if possible do it at a traditional center in Peru. Firstly because then you are getting the true cultural experience, and secondly because seeing the Amazon or the Sacred Valley is the trip of a lifetime - its incredible, and you just arent going to get that in Kentucky. Apart from clothes there isnt much else you need to bring. You might need a couple of jabs from your doctor depending on what you have already had. The best thing is to go with a center like Arkana, because they will pretty much do everything for you. All you have to di is get to a meeting point in Peru and then they will transport you, feed you, do all the translations for you, show you all the awesome stuff, heal you, and get you back to the airport - easy peasy 🙂
This is exactly what I’m looking for. I’m for sure wanting to choose one of the three retreat centers and trying to decide as I’m going to pay this week. Which would you recommend
It depends what you are looking for mate. Watch this video where me and the mrs breakdown the differences between the locations - th-cam.com/video/F1EsWT5co8I/w-d-xo.html
im planning on visiting here with my wife, but i plan on visiting machu picchu too. what made you decide to go there outside of the retreat program? whats the best plan for a couple that wants a comfortable ayahuasca retreat and excursions to historical sites?
this purely comes down to personal preference, but to try and sandwich Machu Pichu into one day is too much in my opinion. You will be spending about 6-7 hours travelling, you will be there at the busiest time of day, and you will be on tight deadlines. By the time you get back you will be absolutely shattered, and thats not what I want on a retreat. Much better to go after the retreat, take an extra couple of days to wind down, stay overnight at Aguas Calientes, visit the hot springs, do it all on your own schedule, and get the chance to see the sunrise over Machu Pichu BEFORE all the big tourist groups appear.
Hey Rob, I have been binge watching all of your videos, thanks for the amazing info! I have booked my trip to Sacred valley this September 4th! I have 2 questions, if you have time to answer? Can I Take OTC medicines for altitude sickness, and still take ayahuasca safely, and should I signup for the 400$ Machu Pichu excursion do a lot of people from the retreat sign up for that as well or I am better of going alone? Thanks, appreciate all you do
I can't really comment on the altitude sickness medication, I think you would be best emailing Arkana with the name of the medication and ask them to advise you on it as they have someone who handles medical queries like this. In regard to the Machu Pichu trip then I personally would recommend putting a few days aside either before or after your retreat, and doing Machu Pichu as a separate event. The reason being is that it takes about 4 hours to travel there (and back), it gets very busy, you want as much time there as possible, and you will be very tired afterwards. So option 1 is to try and fit all of this into one day, the night after drinking ayahuasca. You will have a 5am start, you will have a long morning of travel, you will arrive at Machu Pichu at its busiest time, you will have limited time there, you will have a fixed deadline of when you must leave, and then you have a long trip back where you will arrive late at night, absolutely tired beyond belief, and then you will be drinking ayahuasca the next night. I think this is not very optimal for getting the best out of the experience. Option 2 is to finish your retreat, then travel to Aguas Calientes (the town where Machu Pichu is). Stay overnight, get the chance to explore and have a good meal, get a good nights sleep in one of the hotels. Wake up around 7am the next day, take the 10 minute bus up to Machu Pichu, be one of the first people there before all the crowds arrive, have all day to explore. Once you are done you can go get a meal and a massage, stay overnight again, and then catch the train back to Cusco the next day. I'll let you decide which one of those sounds like a better fit for you 🙂
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Thank you for the nice and time put reply! I think Arakana shifted their Machu Picchu expedition after the end of the retreat on Saturday! We go there on Saturday morning and come back on Saturday night, though staying there sounds fun; I booked tickets back to Lima on Sunday night, so thought would have some time to visit a few Cathedrals in Cusco on Sunday! It's probably gonna be packed, but it is what it is! Appreciate your help!
I would say that if ayahuasca is the main reason you are going on retreat then go to the jungle. If you are looking for more of an Inca adventure with sightseeing and other medicines like San Pedro then go for the Sacred Valley. Hope that helps!
Are there as many animal experiences in Sacred Valley? I prefer comfort as in sacred valley but would brave the jungle to be more able to interact with animals.
Not really. You will see the occasional alpaca, and some interesting birds flying overhead, but there isn't much interaction. In the jungle the wildlife is all around you with parrots, monkeys, snakes, tarantulas, dolphins in the river... its nuts 😀
love your channel, your insights and the straight way you present them. looking foreward to my first ayahuasca experiance as soon as possible. but i'm torn between this or the jungle retreat ...i would rly love the jungle retreat...the spiders and the heat doesen't scare me, cause I'm thai and i love the authenticness of it all, but i also like the comfort of this place and i do want to see these ancient structures, but i can imagine my girlfriend is definetly going to prefer this. what would you or anyone in the comment section recommend? i don't have the budget to do the combi 14 day trip
My personal preference is for the jungle, but in terms of comfort there is no comparison, so if that is your priority - definitely go to the Sacred Valley. Either place is completely spectacular so wherever you go you will have an amazing trip, but for me the experience of the jungle is something else.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica jeah i can imagine, I'm also leaning towards the jungle experiance, cause in my mind this is the perfect setting for such an adventure. i guess i have to do both some time, cause there is no way I'm getting my GF to sleep in the jungle:) thanks for the reply. and thanks for the informative videos. best rewievs i've seen so far. thx a lot and cheers man.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica also...if you ever go to thailand and need some recommendations for trippy places or good food, or a place to stay, just pm me;)
Is there enough toilets to accommodate everyone on this ayahuasca retreat for the “back door purge” off of the main ceremony room? I’m very interested in doing a retreat & this looks comfortable for first timers but would loathe getting cut short as it were!
I think there were two toilets off the main ceremony room which was fine for the number of people. I don't recall there ever being a queue or anything. Each bedroom also had its own bathroom & toilet.
Thanks for the detailed and objective review! Can you tell me how many people are there on an average retreat there? Is the ceremonial tent going to be packed with people?
Leon S. Average group size is about 15 people, with max at 20 I think. There is plenty of room for each person so its not one of these places were you are shoulder to shoulder.
Thanks for the review, I'm looking for a new retreat center to go later this year since the one where I was supposed to go closed the doors forever this week (they gave me all my money back). Do you suggest Arkana Sacred Valley, Arkana Amazon or something else? This is my first retreat btw.
Hi Mauro. Both centers are great and I would recommend either for a first time, it just comes down to your preference of do you want the wide open lush jungles or the epic mountain views. For me personally, my preference is for the jungle - there was something about it that i just loved. The Sacred Valley is definitely more comfortable, and less of a culture shock. If you can afford it then Arkana offer the option to do 1 week in each center back to back - that way you get the best of both worlds.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thanks for the quick response! The place where I was supposed to go in October was in the jungle, and I think I'm more inclined to go to the Amazon, do both back to back is a little too expensive and probably too much for the first time, thanks again!
Do you know roughly the elevation of where you were at? I am very sensitive to elevation and that would be the single element that influenced my decision on whether to go to Sacred Valley or not. 😊
Hello,thanks for sharing your experience. Do you have any thoughts on Soulquest Church in Orlando? I did a bit of research,they seem to be doing good recently but still not sure if go because of the amout of people(around 50-70 will drink ayahuasca) and the assistance I doubt how good could it be. Thanks alot.
I have heard mixed reviews about them, again with most of the negatives focusing on the large group size. It definitely sounds like much too big of a group which would put me off, but that's more because of my personal tastes rather than it being inherently wrong to have such a big group. So yeah... I'm not sure. If that is your only option then I would say its worth exploring, but if you have the chance for doing a retreat in South America then I would choose that.
Thanks! The main benefit for me was learning how to manage my stress levels, which sounds incredibly basic but it was something that was dominating my life. Stress was giving me anxiety attacks, anxiety attacks would trigger my epilepsy, fear of epilepsy increased my stress - and so I was stuck in a vicious circle. In addition its helped me come to terms with my mothers suicide which was something I had never really faced. And then there are things such as that I feel more creative, my diet is better, and Ive lost a shitload of weight, so its been good for me. I cover some of this in this video which you might like - th-cam.com/video/rpACKFkwy9I/w-d-xo.html
Adeptus Psychonautica -Not basic at all. I can relate. I’m terribly sorry for the loss of your mother. That in itself could cause Ptsd. Ever heard of Iboga? Thanks for the link... going to watch now.
Hello, French here. Thank you for your video. It helps a lot cause I'am a bit nervous I'm going there next month. First time for me so I choosed a safe place. No jungle fever for me because I have allergies and asthma. Do you know if it there were people with asthma during your retreats? thanks a lot
Any thoughts on one of the US retreats where they have a therapist, dr, etc for example just came across this place ayahuascachurches.org but understand that most recommend doing this medicine in the country it’s from just thought to get your opinion on these US based more structured places. Researching where to do this and as mentioned in my previous comment have spent a month in Peru traveling around with my partner so have been to sacred valley, cusco, etc but not for anything like this :)
Thank you for sharing this video. Can you travel from the states straight to Cusco or its more cost effective to travel to Lima, than, transfer from Lima to Cusco? Are you able to use us dollars in Peru or you were able to us credit card, or you have to us peru sols? Are there alot of english speaking people there?The place that you went to olotetumbo? is it 20min walking? or what is the walking distance? or taxi and what is the cost? Thanx
All international flights go through Lima. Yes Probably It depends, its a big place Ollantaytambo is 20 minutes by taxi from this center Its not walking distance Cost of what?
My go to place in Europe is Ayahuasca Spirit. I review their retreat here - th-cam.com/video/prGy8feFaak/w-d-xo.html Since i did that review they have lowered their prices too
@@AdeptusPsychonauticaDo you still recommend the centre? There have been some 'funny' cooment about the shaman in the Internet. Also, the link to the video doesn't seem to be working.
Have you been to Etnikas Ayahuasca Retreat in Cusco? If yes, which do you prefer Arkana Sacred Valley or Etnikas? I am planning a trip and am trying to decide between the two.
Adeptus Psychonautica Also how much did it cost for ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu (if doing Machu Picchu separate) and if you only had time for one which would you recommend ? And for the rooms, what time did you guys get there to make sure you had your own room? The website says $250 per person but it’s first come first serve and if no rooms are available by time we get there they will not refund you for the room. If we do get there and all the private rooms are taken, how many people would u have to stay with in the shared rooms?
Victoria its 2 people per room. I was traveling with my wife so it was just the two of us together without having to pay any additional costs. If you want a private room you pay for it in advance when you make the booking, and its “first come first served” in that there are only X amount of private rooms, its not that you have to hustle for them on the day you arrive. Ollantaytambo is a 20 minute taxi ride (approx $10) from Arkana and costs about $25 to get in. You can easily fit it into any of the downtime you get during the retreat, particularly the Wednesday. Machu Pichu is a much more expensive affair. Its possible to fit it into one day, and Arkana offer it as an add-on, but I think doing it in one day is too rushed. So if budget and time is an issue then go to ollantaytambo, if you have an extra day or two at the end of your retreat before you fly home then do machu pichu. Costs are train tickets to get there($110), hotel if you are staying over($50), bus ticket to get to the actual citadel ($10), and then entrance costs to get in ($70), plus whatever money for food. If possible I would do both. They are both “trip of a lifetime” experiences so either one is great, but its not like you get this opportunity every day so its worth pushing the boat out a little.
@@AdeptusPsychonauticaWould a trip from Arkana jungle to Machu Pichu be ok for a female solo traveler from safety perspective? Can one team up with someone to go to MP?
I think its way overpriced for what it is. They don’t have a shaman for it, they just play some music on a speaker and light the pipe for you. So to charge $150 for that seems a bit obscene, and for that reason I do not add it on to my retreat. That aside 5MEO is an amazing experience so if money is no problem then go for it.
Adeptus Psychonautica one more question. Did you do the Machu Picchu option? I’m wondering if it’s enough time to explore. Otherwise I would do it on my own after the retreat.
ceeloc I did my own trip to Machu Pichu once the retreat finished. If you do the trip with Arkana then its a very early start, big train ride, bus ride to the citadel, hang around for a few hours and then all the way back again - thats too much for one day IMO. We spent 3 days there, loads of time for food & shopping, and got to really tak it all in
How is it that they allow you to wander off whenever you want? Aren’t you supposed to be limited to “safe” areas due to your energies being open and more vulnerable during the retreat?
During ceremonies and at nights then sure, you stay within the compound, but during the day you can go out. In fact most days they have some kind of excursion to either an ancient site or one of the local villages, so its not like you are a prisoner forcthe duration. This is the same on all the retreats I have been on, during the day people go for walks or exploring. The only place that limits that is retreats in the Amazon where it would be dangerous to just walk off into the jungle.
Your review helped me a lot. Really well done, also thinking of getting the massage package. I heard also not to smoke the rape too much, is that true?
@@fatherkosh1631 I would say that the medicine in the jungle was stronger when I was there, but there is so much variation in these things between different batches that I wouldn't take that as an objective fact.
Are you suggesting they run some kind of prison which prevents you from leaving? Lets not be silly. Of course you can leave, I know because I went there and did it.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I was just there a week ago. I'm still in the area and friends with the peeps. They have a security guard. They lock it before and after we leave as a group.
Lots of places have security guards and locked doors, that doesn't stop you from leaving if you want to. The function of such things is to stop unwanted people getting IN, not to stop paying guests getting OUT. I don't doubt for a moment that you were there, I just think you are confused about the situation with the security guard.
This look really cool and beautiful place...but I'm just not into this kind of communal situation with strangers.......I wish there was a place with a little more privacy....not so crowded...no vegans.
Wow it was 1800 dollars and it is now 3000 ! If I want to go there with my wife I have to pay 6k ? It is sadly way too expensive for us 🥹 Is there good centers that cost way less than that ahah ? 🐸🙏
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Just booked thanks to this review and one other on your channel. I've really been enjoying your videos. I was a psychonaut back around 1991-1994 but the web didn't exist back then so it was difficult to connect to others without having to be part of the "drug scene", which isn't who I am. So, I drifted away and have never been back. Finally returning to this, something I've always wanted. Hope it goes well.
This is the best review of Arkana Sacred Valley I have seen, so thank you for taking the time to make this video. I am actually booked to go there next month, so while my anxiety of doing ayahuasca for the first time is a bit high, I'm grateful to know that it seems like I've picked a perfect place to (it seems).
Thanks and wishing you a good retreat 🙏
Howd it go?
How did it go?
You're clearly a realist and I can tell that you really do give an honest and unfiltered opinion on your reviews. As someone that is still searching for my first aya retreat, i appreciate you taking the time to make these videos
Thanks Daniel, glad you found it helpful
I went for the 1 week new Year's retreat and ended staying for a second week, best decision I could of made. The staff were amazing, the food was incedible and the whole experience was just the best I could of wished for. If you're looking to try plant medicines in comfort and in safe hands then this is the place. I can't say enough good things about it
Sounds like a perfect way to start the year 😀
Do they do mushrooms too? Only nushroom?
Heading there literally tomorrow! Thanks so much for your review
i'am going there in a month. Hope everything went well
Wishing you a productive retreat 😉
MAN i can't express into words have much I appreciate this review! I was so anxious about booking with this retreat as i thought it seemed a bit suspicious and a scam butyou cleared my doubts and now I'm going to book for November!!! This is going to be my first time leaving my country of Australia and I'm going solo and I'm only 20 so I hope that this experience is going to be profound and get me to the point where I not only find direction in my life but also feel connected to something larger than myself
Glad you found it useful! Its a great center and definitely not a scam :)
Good luck for your retreat!
Hey William :)
We might puke our demons together 😄. I am there for 2 weeks early November :)
Pierre
@@etpourtantelletourne9811Oh awesome! Can't wait to meet you :) I'm so anxious but excited at the same time!
@@FootyFrenzyHD Hey William :) When are you coming :) ?
So how did it go?
I love you channel man. Just discovered you 2 days ago and have been binge watching like crazy. Cheers from Indianapolis.
Awesome! Thank you!
I really like these down to earth reviews. Things tend to be a little bit too "amazing" in all those written reviews.
Thanks! I try to separate out the medicine experience from the bricks and mortar experience, because an "amazing" ayahuasca ceremony doesn't tell anyone if the place is a palace or a shithole - and that's what I would want to know.
Thank you so much. We’re going in 3 weeks. This helped a lot!!
How was it
Thank you very much for your time offered to the community to present and clean doubts .
That will be my first retreat. First ayahuasca ceremony. 2 weeks for heavy work. next month .After consistent researches , thank to you , you make me feel confident enough to book the retreat. I ll try as well the Sapo Toad.
:):)
Glad you found it useful!
I would like to offer my sister and brother a deep healing retreat.
They are scared to death in the idea to jump in an aéroplane..
They both live in South of France ( but they do not eat frogs or toads 🙃) Would you recommend a center close by France , in Europe ?
Sincerely, Pierre.
Et pourtant Elle tourne
Hi Pierre, I would reccomend this center which is based in Europe. They mostly do retreats in Spain but also a few other European countries
th-cam.com/video/prGy8feFaak/w-d-xo.html
France itself is probably a no go as ayahuasca is considered a schedule 1 substance there, so legally its the same as heroin or cocaine.
Was in the Sacred Valley 2 years ago, and visited an aya retreat. I agree, Ollantaytambo is a must see. 👍
Thank you so much, this review is very helpful and honest. I’m already booked for March and very excited. I’ve done a jungle Ayahuasca retreat already at Nimea Kaya in Pucallpa. Was a beautiful transcendent enlightening experience. What attracted me to Arkana Sacred Valley is their unique offering: 3 Aya 1 Huachuma and an optional Sapo, and because having already had the jungle experience, was ready for the mountains this time around. I believe this is the perfect number and sequence of these amazing physical, mental and spiritual ancestral medicines. Should be an intense profound spiritual journey.
I'm actually heading to Pucallpa myself sometime next year, most likely going to Ayahuasca Spirit Healing Center.
Enjoy your retreat in the Sacred Valley!
Adeptus Psychonautica , Thank you so much again! I highly recommend the Nimea Kaya Healing Center in Pucallpa. Truly a magical place with wonderful people, facilitators and shamans. The food is amazing. Totally worth the visit, for first timers and veteran warriors of Mother Ayahuasca.
Freethinker, how did your ceremony in Arkana go? How do Arkana and Nimea Kaya compare? Which one would you recommend for a first timer?
@@aleksal9132 , no comparison, Nimea Kaya the far superior retreat. Not even close. The ceremonies and the ceremony temple in Arkana Sacred Valley leave a lot to be desired. I’ll be going back to Nimea Kaya in Pucallpa sometime in the near future.
@@FREETHINKER-05 thanks for responding. What is the toilet situation in Nimea Kaya? Are there any rooms with toilets? If not, how is it organised from a hygenic view point?
I was there a month and a half ago. I think its great for ayahuasca beginners. Very appetizing food and comfortable facilities. The place also offers safe sapo.. which was great.
When I skipped the third aya ceremony because I felt bad for causing my neighbors shock with my bad trip, the owner offered a free second sapo ceremony for me which was amazing.
Btw, great review! I hope you check out Shamanic Vida one day. It has such an intimate family business setting with incredible freedom at a budget price. And the stars are amazing on the ayahuasca afterglow there.
Yeah the phrase that I heard a few times about this center was "its like ayahuasca with training wheels"
I don't mean that in any kind of derogatory way, its just that this center is so much more comfortable than the jungle, and as you say the food is SO MUCH better :).
I had a similar experience to you which I alluded to in the video. For unforseen personal reasons i had to miss one of the ayahuasca cermeonies, and I was gutted, so they arranged a fourth private ceremony just three of us - now that is some impressive customer service!
I will take a look at Shamanic Vida, thanks for the tip!
Do they offer mushrooms too? Like mushroom only?
Thats no. 1 at my bucket list man!
thank you for this, hope to see your review of Arkana Mexico soon!
Possibly next year! I’m actually heading back to Arkana in the jungle at the end of August, but for sure the Mexico center is on my list 🙂
Thanks for the review. It was very helpful
Glad you found it useful!
Can you put recommendations for master plant dieta centers?
Thank you for the review I believe I will opt for Sacred Valley first. The Jungle might be too much for me bc when I was in the mountains, the bugs, lizards, and creepy crawlers scared me. I’m too girly to be tripping in the woods unless I have more money to have a more private experience with special accommodations.
Yeah I wouldn’t want to share rooms with strangers. After Ayhuasca I’d like my alone time.
I just recently became aware of Ayahuasca. Haven't gone on retreat, but I feel a calling toward it to open me up to my future calling. Not sure how to go about it, never been out of USA, except to Canada and Virgin islands when I was a child. So, what advice do you have regarding planning ahead for a trip, where should I go, and most importantly do I need more than a passport? Thanks for your videos. P/S My husband and I live in Colorado and I have heard of a place in Kentucky that might be closer, but I have reservations about his Shamanistic style and Skills.
I would always advise that if possible do it at a traditional center in Peru. Firstly because then you are getting the true cultural experience, and secondly because seeing the Amazon or the Sacred Valley is the trip of a lifetime - its incredible, and you just arent going to get that in Kentucky.
Apart from clothes there isnt much else you need to bring. You might need a couple of jabs from your doctor depending on what you have already had. The best thing is to go with a center like Arkana, because they will pretty much do everything for you. All you have to di is get to a meeting point in Peru and then they will transport you, feed you, do all the translations for you, show you all the awesome stuff, heal you, and get you back to the airport - easy peasy 🙂
So did you ever go to Kentucky?
@@theosager2891 No, but it looked like fun. I was also told of some possibilities in Sedona, Arizona but never heard back from my contact there.
Have you ever heard of alonso del rio? I'll be going to do ceremonies with him and misky taki in sacred valley at ayllu ayhuasca
Just a heads up I just emailed them and it's 3000us for the 7 day retreat
With a 10% discount voucher when you book
😊
This is exactly what I’m looking for. I’m for sure wanting to choose one of the three retreat centers and trying to decide as I’m going to pay this week. Which would you recommend
It depends what you are looking for mate. Watch this video where me and the mrs breakdown the differences between the locations - th-cam.com/video/F1EsWT5co8I/w-d-xo.html
im planning on visiting here with my wife, but i plan on visiting machu picchu too. what made you decide to go there outside of the retreat program? whats the best plan for a couple that wants a comfortable ayahuasca retreat and excursions to historical sites?
this purely comes down to personal preference, but to try and sandwich Machu Pichu into one day is too much in my opinion. You will be spending about 6-7 hours travelling, you will be there at the busiest time of day, and you will be on tight deadlines. By the time you get back you will be absolutely shattered, and thats not what I want on a retreat.
Much better to go after the retreat, take an extra couple of days to wind down, stay overnight at Aguas Calientes, visit the hot springs, do it all on your own schedule, and get the chance to see the sunrise over Machu Pichu BEFORE all the big tourist groups appear.
Hey Rob, I have been binge watching all of your videos, thanks for the amazing info! I have booked my trip to Sacred valley this September 4th! I have 2 questions, if you have time to answer? Can I Take OTC medicines for altitude sickness, and still take ayahuasca safely, and should I signup for the 400$ Machu Pichu excursion do a lot of people from the retreat sign up for that as well or I am better of going alone? Thanks, appreciate all you do
I can't really comment on the altitude sickness medication, I think you would be best emailing Arkana with the name of the medication and ask them to advise you on it as they have someone who handles medical queries like this.
In regard to the Machu Pichu trip then I personally would recommend putting a few days aside either before or after your retreat, and doing Machu Pichu as a separate event. The reason being is that it takes about 4 hours to travel there (and back), it gets very busy, you want as much time there as possible, and you will be very tired afterwards.
So option 1 is to try and fit all of this into one day, the night after drinking ayahuasca. You will have a 5am start, you will have a long morning of travel, you will arrive at Machu Pichu at its busiest time, you will have limited time there, you will have a fixed deadline of when you must leave, and then you have a long trip back where you will arrive late at night, absolutely tired beyond belief, and then you will be drinking ayahuasca the next night. I think this is not very optimal for getting the best out of the experience.
Option 2 is to finish your retreat, then travel to Aguas Calientes (the town where Machu Pichu is). Stay overnight, get the chance to explore and have a good meal, get a good nights sleep in one of the hotels. Wake up around 7am the next day, take the 10 minute bus up to Machu Pichu, be one of the first people there before all the crowds arrive, have all day to explore. Once you are done you can go get a meal and a massage, stay overnight again, and then catch the train back to Cusco the next day.
I'll let you decide which one of those sounds like a better fit for you 🙂
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Thank you for the nice and time put reply! I think Arakana shifted their Machu Picchu expedition after the end of the retreat on Saturday! We go there on Saturday morning and come back on Saturday night, though staying there sounds fun; I booked tickets back to Lima on Sunday night, so thought would have some time to visit a few Cathedrals in Cusco on Sunday! It's probably gonna be packed, but it is what it is! Appreciate your help!
thank you for this thoughtful, thorough, and objective review but uggghhhhh now I can't decide between this and the amazon location 🤦♂😂
I would say that if ayahuasca is the main reason you are going on retreat then go to the jungle. If you are looking for more of an Inca adventure with sightseeing and other medicines like San Pedro then go for the Sacred Valley.
Hope that helps!
@@AdeptusPsychonautica helps a lot!! My primary focus is Aya so sounds like the jungle is calling. Thanks for your thoughts!! 🙏❤️
Are there as many animal experiences in Sacred Valley? I prefer comfort as in sacred valley but would brave the jungle to be more able to interact with animals.
Not really. You will see the occasional alpaca, and some interesting birds flying overhead, but there isn't much interaction. In the jungle the wildlife is all around you with parrots, monkeys, snakes, tarantulas, dolphins in the river... its nuts 😀
love your channel, your insights and the straight way you present them. looking foreward to my first ayahuasca experiance as soon as possible. but i'm torn between this or the jungle retreat ...i would rly love the jungle retreat...the spiders and the heat doesen't scare me, cause I'm thai and i love the authenticness of it all, but i also like the comfort of this place and i do want to see these ancient structures, but i can imagine my girlfriend is definetly going to prefer this. what would you or anyone in the comment section recommend? i don't have the budget to do the combi 14 day trip
My personal preference is for the jungle, but in terms of comfort there is no comparison, so if that is your priority - definitely go to the Sacred Valley.
Either place is completely spectacular so wherever you go you will have an amazing trip, but for me the experience of the jungle is something else.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica jeah i can imagine, I'm also leaning towards the jungle experiance, cause in my mind this is the perfect setting for such an adventure. i guess i have to do both some time, cause there is no way I'm getting my GF to sleep in the jungle:) thanks for the reply. and thanks for the informative videos. best rewievs i've seen so far. thx a lot and cheers man.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica also...if you ever go to thailand and need some recommendations for trippy places or good food, or a place to stay, just pm me;)
Is there enough toilets to accommodate everyone on this ayahuasca retreat for the “back door purge” off of the main ceremony room? I’m very interested in doing a retreat & this looks comfortable for first timers but would loathe getting cut short as it were!
I think there were two toilets off the main ceremony room which was fine for the number of people. I don't recall there ever being a queue or anything.
Each bedroom also had its own bathroom & toilet.
That’s great thank you for your reply. I like my home comforts & not pooping in front of people.
Thanks for the detailed and objective review! Can you tell me how many people are there on an average retreat there? Is the ceremonial tent going to be packed with people?
Leon S. Average group size is about 15 people, with max at 20 I think. There is plenty of room for each person so its not one of these places were you are shoulder to shoulder.
Thanks for the review, I'm looking for a new retreat center to go later this year since the one where I was supposed to go closed the doors forever this week (they gave me all my money back). Do you suggest Arkana Sacred Valley, Arkana Amazon or something else? This is my first retreat btw.
Hi Mauro. Both centers are great and I would recommend either for a first time, it just comes down to your preference of do you want the wide open lush jungles or the epic mountain views.
For me personally, my preference is for the jungle - there was something about it that i just loved.
The Sacred Valley is definitely more comfortable, and less of a culture shock.
If you can afford it then Arkana offer the option to do 1 week in each center back to back - that way you get the best of both worlds.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thanks for the quick response! The place where I was supposed to go in October was in the jungle, and I think I'm more inclined to go to the Amazon, do both back to back is a little too expensive and probably too much for the first time, thanks again!
Do you know roughly the elevation of where you were at? I am very sensitive to elevation and that would be the single element that influenced my decision on whether to go to Sacred Valley or not. 😊
Its just under 3000 meters. My wife is also very sensitive to altitude and she struggled for the first few days.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Noted, thanks for the reply and thanks for making these videos! As a woman traveling alone, this really helps to ensure safety!
Hello,thanks for sharing your experience. Do you have any thoughts on Soulquest Church in Orlando? I did a bit of research,they seem to be doing good recently but still not sure if go because of the amout of people(around 50-70 will drink ayahuasca) and the assistance I doubt how good could it be. Thanks alot.
I have heard mixed reviews about them, again with most of the negatives focusing on the large group size. It definitely sounds like much too big of a group which would put me off, but that's more because of my personal tastes rather than it being inherently wrong to have such a big group.
So yeah... I'm not sure. If that is your only option then I would say its worth exploring, but if you have the chance for doing a retreat in South America then I would choose that.
they've raised the price nearly 1k :(
I had no idea, that is quite the increase 😲
I mean its a great center but I am not sure I would pay that amount.
@@AdeptusPsychonauticawould you be able to recommend an alternative centre considering the increase in price. Where else would you go?
I like your candid reviews, thank you. With respect to your privacy, how has Ayahuasca helped you?
Thanks! The main benefit for me was learning how to manage my stress levels, which sounds incredibly basic but it was something that was dominating my life. Stress was giving me anxiety attacks, anxiety attacks would trigger my epilepsy, fear of epilepsy increased my stress - and so I was stuck in a vicious circle.
In addition its helped me come to terms with my mothers suicide which was something I had never really faced.
And then there are things such as that I feel more creative, my diet is better, and Ive lost a shitload of weight, so its been good for me.
I cover some of this in this video which you might like - th-cam.com/video/rpACKFkwy9I/w-d-xo.html
Adeptus Psychonautica -Not basic at all. I can relate. I’m terribly sorry for the loss of your mother. That in itself could cause Ptsd. Ever heard of Iboga? Thanks for the link... going to watch now.
Hello, French here. Thank you for your video. It helps a lot cause I'am a bit nervous I'm going there next month. First time for me so I choosed a safe place. No jungle fever for me because I have allergies and asthma. Do you know if it there were people with asthma during your retreats? thanks a lot
My wife has asthma, she was fine.
thanks. That was my biggest worry
Any thoughts on one of the US retreats where they have a therapist, dr, etc for example just came across this place ayahuascachurches.org but understand that most recommend doing this medicine in the country it’s from just thought to get your opinion on these US based more structured places. Researching where to do this and as mentioned in my previous comment have spent a month in Peru traveling around with my partner so have been to sacred valley, cusco, etc but not for anything like this :)
I've never really considered doing a retreat in the US so I cant say I've really looked into it i'm afraid.
Thank you for sharing this video. Can you travel from the states straight to Cusco or its more cost effective to travel to Lima, than, transfer from Lima to Cusco? Are you able to use us dollars in Peru or you were able to us credit card, or you have to us peru sols? Are there alot of english speaking people there?The place that you went to olotetumbo? is it 20min walking? or what is the walking distance? or taxi and what is the cost? Thanx
All international flights go through Lima.
Yes
Probably
It depends, its a big place
Ollantaytambo is 20 minutes by taxi from this center
Its not walking distance
Cost of what?
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Thank you for your response. I meant to say what is the cost of travel to that place by taxi? thank you
💙
Hey man, could you recommend a good retreat for a first timer from the uk, preferably I don't want travel too far.
My go to place in Europe is Ayahuasca Spirit. I review their retreat here - th-cam.com/video/prGy8feFaak/w-d-xo.html
Since i did that review they have lowered their prices too
@@AdeptusPsychonauticaDo you still recommend the centre? There have been some 'funny' cooment about the shaman in the Internet. Also, the link to the video doesn't seem to be working.
How is the best way to go about booking one of these retreats 🌌🧘♂️
Shane Hill you book it through their website - arkanasacredvalley.com/
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thank you 🧘♂️🌌
Have you been to Etnikas Ayahuasca Retreat in Cusco? If yes, which do you prefer Arkana Sacred Valley or Etnikas? I am planning a trip and am trying to decide between the two.
I haven’t been to Etnikas so I can’t really say much about it im afraid.
Adeptus Psychonautica
Also how much did it cost for ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu (if doing Machu Picchu separate) and if you only had time for one which would you recommend ?
And for the rooms, what time did you guys get there to make sure you had your own room? The website says $250 per person but it’s first come first serve and if no rooms are available by time we get there they will not refund you for the room. If we do get there and all the private rooms are taken, how many people would u have to stay with in the shared rooms?
Victoria its 2 people per room. I was traveling with my wife so it was just the two of us together without having to pay any additional costs.
If you want a private room you pay for it in advance when you make the booking, and its “first come first served” in that there are only X amount of private rooms, its not that you have to hustle for them on the day you arrive.
Ollantaytambo is a 20 minute taxi ride (approx $10) from Arkana and costs about $25 to get in. You can easily fit it into any of the downtime you get during the retreat, particularly the Wednesday.
Machu Pichu is a much more expensive affair. Its possible to fit it into one day, and Arkana offer it as an add-on, but I think doing it in one day is too rushed.
So if budget and time is an issue then go to ollantaytambo, if you have an extra day or two at the end of your retreat before you fly home then do machu pichu. Costs are train tickets to get there($110), hotel if you are staying over($50), bus ticket to get to the actual citadel ($10), and then entrance costs to get in ($70), plus whatever money for food.
If possible I would do both. They are both “trip of a lifetime” experiences so either one is great, but its not like you get this opportunity every day so its worth pushing the boat out a little.
@@AdeptusPsychonauticaWould a trip from Arkana jungle to Machu Pichu be ok for a female solo traveler from safety perspective? Can one team up with someone to go to MP?
do you recommend doing their 5 meo dmt option?
I think its way overpriced for what it is. They don’t have a shaman for it, they just play some music on a speaker and light the pipe for you. So to charge $150 for that seems a bit obscene, and for that reason I do not add it on to my retreat.
That aside 5MEO is an amazing experience so if money is no problem then go for it.
Adeptus Psychonautica ok thanks! I’m hoping to do my first retreat at Arkana soon!
ceeloc Its a great center so regardless of whether you decide to do the 5MEO or not im sure you will have an amazing time.
Good luck for your retreat!
Adeptus Psychonautica one more question. Did you do the Machu Picchu option? I’m wondering if it’s enough time to explore. Otherwise I would do it on my own after the retreat.
ceeloc I did my own trip to Machu Pichu once the retreat finished. If you do the trip with Arkana then its a very early start, big train ride, bus ride to the citadel, hang around for a few hours and then all the way back again - thats too much for one day IMO. We spent 3 days there, loads of time for food & shopping, and got to really tak it all in
How is it that they allow you to wander off whenever you want? Aren’t you supposed to be limited to “safe” areas due to your energies being open and more vulnerable during the retreat?
During ceremonies and at nights then sure, you stay within the compound, but during the day you can go out. In fact most days they have some kind of excursion to either an ancient site or one of the local villages, so its not like you are a prisoner forcthe duration.
This is the same on all the retreats I have been on, during the day people go for walks or exploring. The only place that limits that is retreats in the Amazon where it would be dangerous to just walk off into the jungle.
What a the ace you are tang abut?
Does the DMT cost extra?
The 5 MEO DMT is an optional add-on, I think they charge about $200 for it.
Your review helped me a lot. Really well done, also thinking of getting the massage package. I heard also not to smoke the rape too much, is that true?
@@AdeptusPsychonautica also is the ayahuasca a good quality here? Same as the other Akrana retreat?
@@fatherkosh1631 I would say that the medicine in the jungle was stronger when I was there, but there is so much variation in these things between different batches that I wouldn't take that as an objective fact.
Can you bring your own and have a shaman conduct the ceremony?
How many psychedelic ceremonies are there?
Each week there are 3 ayahuasca and 1 san pedro ceremony. Also included is 1 rapé ceremony and 1 sweat lodge.
Bufo is an optional add on.
TreDroidX Mobile im sure you can but you would be better to contact Arkana directly with such questions.
They do NOT let you just go off on your own. That is a rule . They don't want to be responsible if something happens to you. 🙏
Are you suggesting they run some kind of prison which prevents you from leaving?
Lets not be silly. Of course you can leave, I know because I went there and did it.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I was just there a week ago. I'm still in the area and friends with the peeps. They have a security guard. They lock it before and after we leave as a group.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica times change. And I stayed in the same room as you did.
I can send you pics if you want. I did the jungle and Sacred Valley 2wk package.
Lots of places have security guards and locked doors, that doesn't stop you from leaving if you want to. The function of such things is to stop unwanted people getting IN, not to stop paying guests getting OUT.
I don't doubt for a moment that you were there, I just think you are confused about the situation with the security guard.
Where are you from? You sound like a fella Yorkshire man
How dare you! Lancashire mate, originally from the Wigan area but spent most of my life around Manchester
ah I knew you were close, I can hear the manc in your accent now haha I'm from Leeds
It is now 1900
Wow that's quite an increase - I don't think I would pay that much for it
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I definitely am. Once at least
Sweat Lodge is no longer an option.
Are the Arcana retreats LGBTQ friendly?
Yes they are. I have been on several retreats there with people of various backgrounds, everyone gets treated equally.
This look really cool and beautiful place...but I'm just not into this kind of communal situation with strangers.......I wish there was a place with a little more privacy....not so crowded...no vegans.
There are places that cater to smaller groups or even private sessions, you just have to look for them.
Its way too expensive! Too corporate now
Yeah it has gone up quite a lot since I was last there. Next time I go to Peru im probably gonna be heading to Ayahuasca Spirit in Pucalpa
So did you fix all your problems lol
God no... that list is Loooooong 🙂
Doesn't look nearly as authentic as the Amazon.
Obviously ayahuasca grows in the jungle, but San Pedro grows in the highlands, so its more authentic in some ways and less in others.
Wow it was 1800 dollars and it is now 3000 !
If I want to go there with my wife I have to pay 6k ?
It is sadly way too expensive for us 🥹
Is there good centers that cost way less than that ahah ? 🐸🙏