Perhaps the most famous attraction in Iquitos is the spiritual journeys and mystical tourism. Many people go to Iquitos to experience ayahuasca with a shaman. There are dozens of companies that organize ayahuasca retreats. If you are interested in this, ask around at several places to get information before deciding on one place.

If possible, ask to meet the shaman before you sign up or pay for a ceremony. I recommend visiting retreat centers and meeting shamans after you get to Iquitos, rather than online.

Ayahuasca is not something you can schedule for one day in a week-long itinerary. It is an intense experience that requires considerable time and preparation. Many shamans will give clients a strict diet to follow for several days or up to a week before the ceremony.

I know many people who have done ayahuasca and the personal connection to the shaman was key for each of them. It’s a life-changing experience for many people, but not a positive experience for everybody. Do your research before you sign up for an ayahuasca retreat.

Practical Info

Being under the influence of ayahuasca puts you in a very vulnerable state. Do not take ayahuasca unless you feel completely comfortable with the people around you. Read this BBC article about an assault at an ayahuasca retreat. Trust your intuition: if it feels unsafe, call off the ceremony.