Deep in Selva
History of Amazon Jungle Retreat
Our sacred journey began decades ago in the heart of the selva, when Don Ramón Arahuanaza, a revered Achuar shaman, answered the call of the jungle’s spirits. In the village of Jerusalén, near the biodiverse Tamshiyacu Tahuayo National Reserve, he wove healing through sacred plant medicines and icaros, offering solace to those who sought renewal. His humble gatherings under the moonlit canopy drew souls from nearby villages, then distant lands, as the jungle’s whispers carried his wisdom afar.
In 2012, a fateful encounter unfolded near the Tahuayo River, where Hector Vezirian, the passionate naturalist and owner of Amazon Explorer, met Sergio, Don Ramón’s son, during a journey into the Amazon’s depths. Hector, a seasoned adventurer with over three decades of exploring remote jungles, was drawn to Jerusalén by tales of Don Ramón’s healing legacy. Under the glow of a crescent moon, Hector and Sergio connected over their shared reverence for the selva’s wisdom and the transformative power of its medicines. Sergio’s icaros, resonating with the jungle’s spirit, and Hector’s dedication to preserving the Amazon’s biodiversity sparked a vision to create a sanctuary that would honor Achuar traditions while welcoming global seekers.
This meeting laid the foundation for Amazon Jungle Retreat, born in 2015 under the radiant glow of a full moon as a sacred space near the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo National Reserve, rooted in Achuar traditions yet open to the world. The moon, eternal and luminous, became our guiding emblem, a bridge between the selva’s heart and the soul’s infinite sky. Here, under her watchful light, we invite you to sit in ceremony, hear the jungle’s sacred songs, and embrace the healing that awaits. Learn more about Hector Vezirian and Amazon Explorer.
Lodge Video
Walking the Sacred Path
At Amazon Jungle Retreat, near the sacred Tamshiyacu Tahuayo National Reserve, you are welcomed as family into a circle of profound transformation. Far from Iquitos, our sanctuary offers an intimate communion with the Amazon’s spirit, guided by Sergio’s ceremonies and the wisdom of Jerusalén. Our retreats include multiple Ayahuasca and Kambô ceremonies, sacred floral baths, personalized plant remedies, nourishing dieta meals, and integration support to weave the medicine’s wisdom into your life. With rigorous health screenings and a high healer-to-guest ratio, we ensure your journey is held with the utmost reverence and care. Under the moonlit selva, you will sit in ceremony, hear the jungle’s sacred songs, and meet the spirit of the medicines. This is a path of healing, awakening, and unity with the divine.
Ceremonial Maloca
The ceremonial room is the sacred heart of our retreat, where transformative Ayahuasca and Kambô ceremonies unfold under the guidance of shaman and the jungle’s spirits. Crafted from local hardwoods and thatched with palm leaves, this open-air maloca is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding selva. Its circular layout fosters a sense of unity, with soft lighting from solar-powered lanterns casting a gentle glow during nighttime ceremonies. Cushioned mats and blankets create a comfortable space for introspection, while the open walls allow the jungle’s symphony—birdsong, rustling leaves, and distant calls—to weave into the experience. This sacred space holds the energy of countless healings, offering a serene and powerful environment for your spiritual journey.
Malocas
Our malocas, or bungalows, are individual sanctuaries designed for rest and reflection, blending rustic charm with modern comfort. Each maloca is constructed from sustainable local materials, with a thatched roof and elevated wooden floors to protect against the jungle’s humidity. Inside, you’ll find a cozy bed draped with mosquito netting, a private bathroom with a shower and eco-friendly toiletries, and a small veranda for quiet contemplation amidst the jungle’s chorus. The malocas are spaced to ensure privacy, allowing you to immerse yourself in the selva’s tranquility while remaining connected to the retreat’s communal energy.
Common Space
The dining room, our communal gathering space, is where guests come together to share nourishing dieta meals crafted from fresh, on-site ingredients. This open-air structure, built with sturdy jungle timber and a high thatched roof, offers sweeping views of the surrounding forest. Long wooden tables encourage connection and storytelling, while solar-powered lighting creates a warm ambiance for evening meals. The space also serves as a hub for integration sessions and group activities, fostering a sense of community under the selva’s watchful canopy.
Join us under the moonlit selva near Tamshiyacu Tahuayo National Reserve, in sacred harmony with Jerusalén, to awaken your soul’s divine truth.