Ayahuasca Foundation

The ancient science of plant spirit healing in the Amazon is called Curanderismo (also called shamanism). It has been practiced in the Amazon Region for over 10,000 years and is one of the oldest medical sciences still practiced today. Much more than herbalism or natural medicine, curanderismo focuses on communicating with the spirits of medicinal plants and other spiritual beings that exist in other dimensions. A central component of this science is the use of Ayahuasca, a medicinal brew that provides access to these spiritual dimensions…

As ayahuasca continues to spread around the world, with ceremonies happening in nearly every city of every country, curanderismo continues to be a mysterious and often misunderstood science of indigenous wisdom. So what does it mean to receive treatment from a curandero?

La Dieta is the name given to the particular diet followed during treatment as well as during learning experiences like the Ayahuasca Initiation Course offered by the Ayahuasca Foundation. The diet is usually free from all stimulation, allowing the participant to increase their sensitivity to light, sound, smells, feelings, and thoughts…

An Ayahuasca Healing Ceremony is an opportunity to take part in your own healing.  A ceremony involves meeting at around 7pm and finding a spot to sit and settle in. It is important to arrive before the ceremony begins, out of respect for the curandero. After some introductions if necessary and perhaps some small talk, [...]

I am often asked what drinking ayahuasca is like, not only by people who know very little about it but also by people who have read about it or have seen videos about it but have yet to try it. I usually respond that it is a lot like asking someone what sex is like [...]

A quarter century ago, doña Cotrina began studying with her grandparents, who were decendents of a long line of curanderos from the chayahuita tribe, in a small village called White Water, near Tarapoto. Her knowledge of the plants is extensive and, as she is a vegetalista, she works with many other plants besides Ayahuasca. Her [...]

Don Enrique is a Shipibo curandero originally from the San Fransisco community near Pucallpa.  He now lives in Iquitos and works with Carlos leading courses and retreats for the Ayahuasca Foundation.  Don Enrique comes from a long line of curanderos and began studying with his grandfather at the age of 11.  With over 30 years [...]

Ernesto was born in Iquitos, 1969. From the age of 9 he lived with his grandparents, but kept visiting his parents in the forest. His grandfather was also a curandero, from whom he learned about the healing properties of tree barks and roots. He kept meeting angels in his dreams, at the age of 12 [...]

Don Guillermo is probably the most famous of the curanderos in the Amazon, due to his appearance in the documentary ‘Altered States’ and the feature film ‘Renegade.’  Along with long-time apprentices, he currently directs the Espiritu de Anaconda Center for healing and a new jungle camp where he teaches apprentices. Kestembetsa, as he is known [...]

Don Lucho is a Cocama curandero who runs the Kapitari Research Center near the village of Manacamiri, a short boat ride across the Nanay river from Iquitos.  With over 30 years of experience, don Lucho has spent many years developing his center, and now works with the foundation in our Introductory Course.  In addition to [...]