Deep in the lush jungle of the Peruvian Amazon, near Nauta and Iquitos, lies a retreat center that is more than just a physical space—it is a living, breathing extension of the rainforest itself. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Mundo, a former journalist who transformed his life to become a facilitator of ayahuasca and plant medicine work.
For more than a decade, Mundo has dedicated himself to building a space where seekers from around the world can come to reconnect with nature, explore their inner landscapes, and engage in powerful traditions rooted in Amazonian wisdom. What began as a simple stay in Peru turned into a lifelong commitment: clearing jungle land by hand, constructing ceremonial spaces, and growing an environment where transformation can unfold.
The Shipibo Tradition and the Power of Ceremony
Mundo shares his deep respect for the Shipibo tradition, one of the most renowned lineages of ayahuasca work. Known for its discipline, ceremonies held in darkness, and the sacred songs known as icaros, this tradition emphasizes facing the shadow and moving through difficult inner terrain. For Mundo, this path resonates because it is both challenging and profoundly healing.
Building the Maloca: A Temple for Transformation
One of the most striking aspects of the retreat is the maloca, or ceremonial temple. Mundo explains how the design—circular, grounded with sand, and open to the elements—was carefully chosen to reflect both tradition and his own vision. It is a space where sound, energy, and community flow naturally, creating the ideal container for healing ceremonies.
Dietas, Simplicity, and Plant Work
A central part of the work here is the dieta, a practice of strict dietary and lifestyle discipline that allows deeper connection with plant spirits. By simplifying food, reducing stimulation, and spending time in silence and isolation, participants open themselves to profound insights and healing. Mundo emphasizes that dieta is not only about ayahuasca—it is a way of entering into dialogue with other powerful plants of the Amazon.
Life in the Jungle
Beyond the ceremonies, the retreat is a place where nature leads the way. The houses are spread out to remain immersed in the forest, turtles live in the retreat’s ponds, and ayahuasca vines grow on the land itself. For Mundo, this integration with the ecosystem is not only practical but symbolic—he and his guests are learning to live in relationship with the land, rather than apart from it.
A Glimpse for Future Participants
This interview is more than a conversation—it is a window into what makes this retreat unique. For anyone considering a journey to the Amazon, it provides both inspiration and clarity about what to expect: an authentic experience rooted in tradition, guided by discipline, and held in harmony with nature.
Watch the full interview on YouTube to hear Mundo’s story in his own words and see the beauty of the retreat for yourself.
