Question 1

What is covered by the trip cost?

Accepted Answer

Your trip cost includes:
 • 1 night lodging at the first-class Wyndham Costa del Sol, Lima Airport (first night of arrival)
 • Journey to the Amazon: 4 nights at the Heliconia Amazon River Lodge, in the Peruvian rainforest on the banks of the Amazon. Double and single occupancy options available.
 • Amazon Healing Intensive:  12  nights at the Heliconia Amazon River Lodge. Single occupancy ONLY
 • Journey to the Amazon: 4 evening Ayahuasca plant medicine ceremonies
 • Amazon Healing Intensive: 8 evening Ayahuasca plant medicine ceremonies
 • Meals while in the jungle per itinerary.
 • In-country ground and river transportation.
 • Guided jungle walks and day trips
NOTE: International airfare to and from Lima, and in-country flights between Lima and Iquitos are NOT included.

Question 2

What are the accommodations like? How rustic are they?

Accepted Answer

We stay at the beautiful Heliconia Amazon River Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Amazon River deep in the Peruvian Rainforest, about 80 km from the city of Iquitos.
The accommodations are simple, clean and comfortable.
Rooms feature queen size beds, en-suite bathrooms with warm running water, electrical outlets, clean towels daily, tile floors, ceiling fans, limited internet/wi-fi, screened-in windows and an exterior terrace with a hammock.
The Lodge has a full restaurant onsite that offers clean, fresh meals typical of the region, as well as meeting room where we hold our ceremonies, and a swimming pool.
You can learn more about the Lodge and see pictures on their website at: hwww.heliconialodge.com.pe(https://www.heliconialodge.com.pe)

Question 3

Can I get a private room?

Accepted Answer

Both Single and Double Occupancy rooms are available for the Journey to the Amazon. 
 
For the Amazon Healing Intensive, only single occupancy is available.
 
Requests for a single room must be made in advance at the time of booking. Please contact our travel manager, luzmoyer@gmail.com for additional information.

Question 4

Is there electricity, wi-fi or cell phone coverage?"

Accepted Answer

Electric supply in Peru is 220 volts AC, 60Hz. Twin flat blade (as used in the US) and twin round pin plugs (as used in Europe) are both standard here. HOWEVER: Electricity at the Lodge is produced by generator (220 watts) and hours are limited.
Cell Service: Sporadic cellular is available at the Lodge, but limited to times that electricity is available. Service is provided by Movistar Peru; please check with your carrier to determine your individual international service cost and compatibility.
WiFi: There is limited wi-fi service available at the Lodge. Turning off Roaming on your phone is recommended to avoid excess charges.

Question 5

Is the water safe to drink?

Accepted Answer

Water: Running water in the jungle is not safe to drink; we recommend using bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Please be conscious to keep water out of your mouth while showering. The Lodge offers safe water for drinking. Please bring a water bottle.

Question 6

Can the Lodge accommodate special diets?

Accepted Answer

The meals at the Lodge are fresh and clean, and offer a wide variety of local options, including an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables.
 
There are generally enough options to accomodate the needs of most special diets and food allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy free.
 
The meals at the Lodge are also compliant with the recommended pre-Ayahuasca dietary protocols.

Question 7

What is the weather like?

Accepted Answer

It’s hot and humid. 
Weather in the Amazon Rainforest is characterized by consistent daily high temperatures (upper 90°s during the day and low 70°s in the evenings) and extreme humidity. Although it is the dry season in the jungle in August, it does rain frequently and without much notice.

Question 8

What about bugs?

Accepted Answer

It’s the jungle, so bugs – particularly mosquitos – are part of the experience. The Lodge’s indoor spaces are protected by screens, and mosquito nets are available in sleeping rooms by request.
Light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants can help protect you in the outdoors, as will copious use of bug/mosquito repellent.

Question 9

What airport do I fly into?

Accepted Answer

You are responsible for booking your own international flights to Lima, Peru.
You should plan to make your flight reservations to arrive into Lima, Peru (airport code LIM) on the first scheduled day of the trip. Double-occupancy lodging that night at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel (Lima Airport) is included in your trip fees.
If you arrive prior to the starting date of the trip, you will be responsible for your own lodging and/or transportation to the group meeting location.
You are also responsible for booking your own domestic in-country flights to and from Lima and Iquitos.
We are requesting that everyone in the group travel on the same domestic flights from Lima to Iquitos and back, and will provide the recommended flights upon registration.

Question 10

Is it physically strenuous?

Accepted Answer

No. Not at all. All of our activities take place within or around the Lodge. There are optional daily jungle walks through mostly flat terrain, and a short boat trips to a neighboring village or sites. It is very hot and humid, however, which some people may find taxing.

Question 11

Is Ayahuasca safe? Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Ayahuasca has been used for centuries by traditional healers as a sacred plant medicine and in religious ceremonies.
While the decision to take any drug is a personal one and should be made thoughtfully,
working with Ayahuasca in a small group under the guidance of a skilled and experienced shaman using high quality plant medicine and held in the sacred can be a profound and transformative experience that can facilitate deep healing on all levels of your being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
I have been working with our shaman, Don Guido, a respected Ayahuascaro of the Shipibo Tribe, for many years and trust him implicitly. His brew is gentle but powerful. Each evening ceremony begins with Don Guido checking the energy and taking your pulse, before determining the amount of plant medicine that's right for you.
Although physical effects such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and rapid heartbeat can occur in some individuals, these effects can be mitigated by properly preparing mentally and physically, and following a strict dietary protocol prior to and during the trip.
Some pharmaceutical drugs and medications (including over the counter drugs) and herbal supplements are contraindicated when taking Ayahuasca. We offer some guidelines here,(javascript:void(0)) but It is your responsibility to consult with your medical practitioner if you are taking certain medications, particularly several types of anti-depressants. (It is recommended that you stop taking all anti-depressant medication at least 6 weeks prior to the trip, but you should only do so in consultation with your physician.)

Question 12

Does Ayahuasca require a special diet?

Accepted Answer

Beginning at least a week before the trip, you should begin eating a healthy, plant-based diet, as close to the source as possible. The lighter and less processed, the better.
 
Begin to reduce – or eliminate if you can – your intake of alcohol, caffeine, salt, sugar and red meat especially one week prior to your first ceremony.
 
Stop ALL herbs, supplements and over-the-counter medications at least 3 days before travel. (If you are using prescription medication please coordinate with Luz ASAP to insure there are no contraindications with plant medicine).
 
The basic guidelines are:
 • NO red/heavy meats (beef, pork, lamb, etc.) at least 1 week before
 • NO alcohol, beer, wine at least 1 week before
 • Limit your consumption of caffeine or eliminate it altogether at least 1 week before
 • NO spicy foods (chilis, peppers, etc.)  3 days before
 • NO fermented food (pickles, lox, herring, anchovies, Kombucha, miso, yogurt, sauerkraut, etc. – 3 days before
 • Limit your consumption of salt and sugars (including honey and sugar substitutes) – 3 days before
On the days of evening ceremonies:
 • Avoid dairy and gluten if possible
 • No food after 3:00 pm (or least 5 hours prior the session).
 • NO caffeine – avoid coffee, black or green tea  
 • Drink only water or your favorite herbal tea after lunch

If you are not sure what to eat, a universal recommendation for diet prior to any plant medicine ceremony is raw fruits and cooked vegetables. There will be an abundance of fresh, healthy compliant meals at the Lodge during your stay.

Question 13

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to work with you on setting up a flexible payment plan. Please contact our travel manager Luz Moyer (mailto:luzmoyer@gmail.com?subject=Payment Plan question)to discuss. 
 
Please note that all trip costs must be paid in full 30 days prior to the commencement of travel.
 
The $1000 deposit is non-negotiable.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand unforeseen situations can arise. However, due to the limited number of spaces available for each expedition, we have a strict cancellation policy.
 
Required deposit is $1000 ($500 non-refundable). Credit for fees paid can be applied to a future expedition. Credit is good for one year from the time of cancellation.
 
Requests for cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to linda@lindalfitch.com, with a cc to luzmoyer@gmail.com

TEACHER | SHAMAN | COACH

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon Healing Journey

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