Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Why is Life’s Journey Tours Different?
First, our mission is to maintain the sanctity and respect of the indigenous culture/ceremonies we work with without exploitation or colonialism. Next, we work with the Amazon’s most experienced and capable Curanderos, who guide you through the self-awareness, transformation, and healing gifts of plant medicines. Lastly, we only have small group experiences facilitating the integration of plant medicines in a healing environment.
What is the location of the retreat?
Situated in the Ecuadorian Highlands, Peguche and San Pablo del Lago are nestled in the spine of the Andes Mountains. Both villages are located less than 90 minutes northwest of Quito. The Highlands are known for their distinct beauty. Aya Huma (“The Human”) is located at the base of the Imbabura Volcano in the quaint little village of Peguche. Jambina Huasi (“Healing House”), surrounded by four ancient volcanoes, is located near San Pablo del Lago, also at the base of the Imbabura Volcano.
Why not a retreat stateside?
We believe that these healing plant medicines are best appreciated within the confines of the ceremony, celebrated under the auspices of experienced and capable Curanderos. Experience, location, and tradition determine the definitive difference; the set and setting of the use of these plant medicines are critical for optimizing the healing benefits. The Andean and Amazonian traditions provide the ultimate combination of location, environment, and integration necessary for the transformational and healing experience.
What are the benefits of attending a spiritual retreat?
Although this answer will likely differ for each attendee, expected benefits might include the following:
- An enhanced experience of love.
- A greater sense of gratitude.
- A new paradigm of consciousness and cosmic vision.
- A re-evaluation of the context of time and space.
- An appreciation of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Nature in general.
Plant medicines allow you to live life more consciously, remembering that every second of our lives is a miracle. In addition, the ceremonies and rituals you participate in are powerful portals of discovery, healing, transformation, and self-realization.
How do you choose the people you work with and what is their experience?
Experience, integrity, and safety are vital to a successful plant medicine journey. Money saved by cutting corners on your encounter may look appealing, but in the end, it could risk your health and well-being. Our program is vetted and established using only trusted, respected, professional, and traditionally trained healers, facilitators, and drivers. Choose your plant medicine experience wisely.
What if I don’t want to do some of the plant medicines?
Your decision to participate in any activity is up to you! We will delightfully accommodate your needs and choices.
Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
Yes! We have a professionally trained culinary staff that will be happy to meet individual dietary needs.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport or visa to travel to Ecuador?
Yes. A passport is needed for travel to Ecuador. Ecuadorian Immigration requires the expiration date on your passport must not be less than six months.
What are the vaccination requirements for travel?
Currently, there are no vaccination requirements.
Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?
Trave to Ecuador is extremely safe. The State Department considers Ecuador a Level II safety risk: Exercise increased caution. This advisory is due to isolated trouble spots in coastal areas and border regions. The vast majority of Ecuador is safe and inviting. As with any travel, common sense precatuions are necessary for your safety.
What airport do I fly into?
Flights to Ecuador are to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO). This is a lovely, clean, and modern facility that accommodates travelers from around the world.
What’s the weather like?
The Ecuadorian Highlands sits atop the equator, resulting in year-long stable high and low temperatures. You can expect daytime highs in the mid-70s and evenings in the low-50s. Expect rain at some point in the day during the rainy season. Because you are at the equator, sunscreen is always recommended.
What should I bring?
Fashion is always secondary to function. Wear COMFORTABLE layers of clothing (think sweatpants and sweatshirts). Packing rain gear and waterproof footwear is a must. Be aware that you may be at altitudes approaching 10,000 ft/asl on specific ceremonial walks. Temperatures could be in the high-30s at those heights. Wool socks, moisture-wicking base layers, wool sweaters, and rain jackets (waterproof poncho) are highly suggested. We can provide limited raingear. Because we offer daily laundry services, you can pack lighter.
What is the local currency?
All currency is denominated in US dollars. We recommend traveling with small bills, $5 or $10 notes ($20s are hard to change, and $50-$100 notes are nearly impossible to exchange, even at local banks). We offer shopping excursions and have the work of local artisans available for purchase at Aya Huma (Textiles, jewelry, drums, crystals, flutes, and local hand-made crafts).
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend that you drink only bottled and filtered water. We provide filtered water in your rooms and at the restaurant for your convienence. Bottled water is very inexpensive in Ecuador. It is also suggested that you brush your teeth with filtered water and rinse with mouthwash. The water is generally quite safe in Peguche, but we give you these recommendations as a cautious health advisory.
PLANT MEDICINE QUESTIONS
Will there be a doctor available 24/7?
Yes, Dr. O’Connor is available 24/7. If there is a need for offsite medical services, the local medical care is quite professional. It is suggested to contact your health insurance provider for details of foreign travel coverage. We also suggest travel insurance to cover unexpected health needs that could arise overseas. We do not endorse any travel companies, but here are a couple companies of interest:
Will I need a health screening before I go?
Yes. You will receive a free consultation with Dr. O’Connor prior to signing up for the tour. There are only a few reasons you might not benefit from a plant medicine experience, but they are essential to know before you spend your hard-earned money.
Are there any contraindications to Ayahuasca, Wachuma (San Pedro cactus) or Psilocybin?
Yes, the two most notable are a history of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder.
A history of a previous reaction to plant medicines is much less likely, but knowing about complications is still essential.
Uncontrolled medical conditions that include, but are not limited to, uncontrolled heart disease (you will be at altitudes over 8000 ft ASL and hiking uneven terrain), brittle Type I DM, COPD or severe asthma (altitude), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a condition that would require complex medical treatment.
Can I take Ayahuasca, Wachuma, or Psilocybin if I’m taking SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs anti-depressants?
Using SSRIs/SNRIs/NDRIs/TCAs antidepressants can be a potential issue if using Ayahuasca, wachuma, or psilocybin. A slow taper off the medications (stopping them a minimum of 2-4 weeks before the plant medicines) is essential before using Ayahuasca, wachuma, or psilocybin.
MAOI medications need to be stopped 4-6 weeks before.
Are there any other medications, OTC medications, or Supplements I shouldn't take before a plant medicine ceremony?
Numerous over-the-counter (OTC) prescription medications need to be stopped 48 hours prior to ceremonies:
Many supplements should also be halted 48 hours before ingesting ceremonial plant medicines.
Before submitting your payment, please disclose all medications and supplements to Life’s Journey Tours.
Do I need to do anything to prepare to work with these plant medicines?
Yes, plant medicines work best if you follow these recommendations and avoid the following for several days to two weeks before your ceremonies.
- Avoid sexual activity. Abstention is to avoid confusing spiritual attachments before the ceremony or distracting you from the focus of your spiritual energy.
- Simplify your diet. Eliminate processed foods, synthetic food colorings, and preservatives. Avoid red and fatty cuts of meat. Avoid pork. Avoid salty, sugary, and unusually spicy foods.
- Stop addictive substances: alcohol and tobacco.
- Cessation of OTC and prescription medications. See the sections on medications and precautions.
- Spiritual Preparation. Look at areas where you can improve your lifestyle, reduce negative energy, connect with nature, meditate, determine your intentions, and hold prayer for your higher self and higher good.
We will help you prepare in the weeks leading up to your trip and journey by holding Zoom meetings and having group chats for those interested.
What should I expect after taking Ayahuasca? Wachuma? Psilocybin?
Because each of us is unique, how we respond to the plant medicine spirits will differ. You are contemplating this experience because you are curious about how these ceremonies, led by the gifted Curanderos, can help you achieve greater self-awareness, healing, and spiritual guidance. What can you expect? An opportunity to have a life-changing and transformational week.
What kind of support is available during and after the retreat?
One of the reasons why Life’s Journey Tours is different from other plant medicine ceremony programs is that we believe integration is critical to your healing. Therefore, we provide Curanderos that are experienced and respected in the Andean and Amazonian plant medicine traditions, thus allowing you to have the most life-changing opportunity. These gifted facilitators will guide you through your ceremonies and support your understanding and integration of what the plants teach you. We allow a day between the ceremonies to help you integrate your understanding. It is our belief that having time and supportive facilitators is essential for incorporating the plant teachings.
Additionally, we contact our clients after the retreat to follow up on their progress and how the plant energies have integrated into their life. We also note that most clients stay connected and discuss the experience as a group even after they have left Ecuador. Many find that the benefits of the plant medicine journey continue to unfold months after the ceremony.
What if I have a bad reaction to one of these plant medicines?
Most reactions to the plant medicines in the ceremony are minor if any. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are the most common reactions. Allergic reactions are infrequent. Medical reactions are even rarer. However, there is risk in any venture, undertaking, or experience. To reduce your potential risk, you must understand those medications, supplements, lifestyle choices, or other activities that could affect your journey.
Are any of these plant medicines addictive?
No, thousands of years of experience with these ceremonial plant compounds have proven that these are not addictive. The three plant medicines do not trigger the receptors or neural pathways in a way characteristic of addictive substances.
Will Ayahuasca make me throw up?
No, not everyone who drinks Ayahuasca experiences vomiting. In many ceremonies, vomiting is integral to the plant healing experience. Purging is a part of Mother Ayahuasca’s way of helping you to clear physical, emotional, and spiritual toxins. Let it happen, let go of the control, and the purging becomes an essential aspect of your spiritual journey.
Those who have experienced this purging, and understand its role in healing, are not distressed by the act of vomiting, but embrace the purge
Can I continue taking my supplements? CBD? Other plant tinctures?
We recommend, but do not require, stopping all supplements 48 hours before your plant medicine ceremonies. Adjusting your supplements is a general suggestion to keep your body as pure and clean as possible. Some Curanderos will provide a diet specific to your needs, and those supplements, herbs, or teas are acceptable for consumption.
What if I’m menstruating during the retreat?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. Depending on the Yachak or Healer you’re in ceremony with, their beliefs from their lineage and experience determine how the situation is handled. Where you are on your cycle can also affect the energies. A woman on her moon cycle is very powerful and grounding. That grounding power may counter the energetic flow to the divine, or upward energy. This is where the intuition of the woman and the guidance of the facilitators can prepare her for those issues. Please advise your guides if you are menstruating at the time of your ceremony.
LOGISTICS
What is the cost of the retreat?
Contact us for more information.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
We will refund 50% of your Life’s Journey Tours Fee up to 30 calendar days prior to your trip. We do recommend purchasing an individual trip insurance policy.
Where will I stay?
Your stay will be at the Aya Huma boutique hotel in Peguche, Ecuador. Peguche is located outside of the historically important trading center of Otavalo. This quaint hotel is ideally located and suited for your unique experience. The setting is natural and rainforest-like. All rooms (2022-2023) have been updated and feature an ensuite bathroom. Each room is clean, cozy, and outfitted for comfort and needs. Fresh filtered water, organic soaps, and a space heater are available in your room. Fresh flowers and housekeeping services are yours daily. We even provide free laundry service for your convenience. The restaurant is conveniently located just a short walk from the hotel, with bottled water and a coffee maker available for your comfort.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, all meals (except for lunch on the shopping day in Cotacachi) are provided and professionally prepared for your specific dietary needs. Food is organic and farm-to-table.
What is your maximum group size?
We limit groups to 15 clients to ensure that we provide an intimate experience. Our facilitator-to-client ratio is at most 3:1 (often 2:1). There is a minimum group size of 6 persons.
What is the age requirement?
Minimum age is 18.
Will I have hot water?
Yes, each room at Aya Huma has been upgraded to Western standards. Hot water is plentyful.