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Psychonauta is a word play, based on proximity of our home base to town called Nauta. It is older than Iquitos, first port in the region marked on naval maps. Word “nauta” itself is rooted in Latin and means navigator. So “psychonauta” is voyager into infinite depths of own soul, that mystics of humankind recognize as reflection of universe. They have known a great many of techniques and tools for undertaking this journey. In our case we are drawing from indigenous traditions of use of master plants. Teachers and healers from wider circle of life than our limited human world. We are based in Amazon, so our work is based on use of local plants, including most famous of them, ayahuasca. But we also do projects in the Andes and beyond South America, always guided by principle of intentions and right tools to achieve it.
Second part of our name, Foundation, does not only refer to legal or organizational structure, but suggests that to succesfully embark on the journey mentioned above, and most of all, return from it with rich bounty, we should be properly prepared, to avoid getting lost or drowned. To use metaphor from plant kingdom surrounding us, to grow in a stable way, to reach ever higher, stable foundation – deep roots, strong trunk, a network of connections – is simply a must. Plants show us there is no rush, that things should be done step by step, with patience. In current explosion of interest in psychedelics, including therapeutical use of psychoactive plants, this issue will be increasingly important, and we are doing our part by focusing of serious training of future psychonauts, as well as potential captains of their ships – psychedelic guides and healers.
Special maestro, a rare gem, 35 years of experience with medicine, having started dieting at the age of 13 he accumulated energy of many dietas like chullachaqui, huairacaspi, ayauma, camaloga estorasque, chumtaquiro, palo de sangre, bobinsana, chiric sanango, eucalipto, palo de rosa but his main ally and specialty is noya rao, which was given to him by his grandfather and now he offers this in form of special dieta by transmission of icaros, without drinking the tree, which, despite marketing tales of many centers is gone from the Amazon of Peru.
We have worked with many maestros, but energy and quality of Francisco icaros is something of a different realm.
20 years on a long and twisted path of exploration of magic, primordial beliefs, traditional cultures, shamanism and spirituality of the world. From Rastafarian camps in Jamaica, voodoo in Haiti and Africa, desert traditions of healing with trance, in Maghreb, Ethiopia, Pakistan, shamanism of Mongolia, Africa, Pakistan, mysticism of Indian subcontinent, transformative Sufi rites on three continents, Bwiti initiation in Cameroon, finally culminating in Amazon and Andes, years of learning its traditional medicine, sampling various sources of knowledge of the world and inspiration, understanding of self and bringing others safely through paths scouted before. Worked with shamans in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, gringos, mestizos and tribes : Shipibo, Siona, Cofan, Tsachilas, Kamsa, Achuar, Kichwa, Witoto.
Traveler, photographer, writer, guide, practitioner. Founder of headquarters of Psychonauta Foundation, medicinal camp in the jungle of northern Peru and a growing collective focused on therapeutic use of psychoactive plants.
Working on fringe area where medicine and art meet, thus reconnecting to primal, ancient shamanism reinterpreted through body, breath and own, unique experience for the moment of NOW, improvisation, techniques of trance, syncretism, song woven continually, rooted in ancient past and in various cultures with fruits here and for each case individually.
More on his blog : http://blog.swiatoslaw.com/
Psychologist, traveler, guardian and one of the creators of the base in the Amazon forest. Fascinated by the potential of plants with psychedelic properties in the transformation process. In his work he mainly helps to safely pass ayahuasca experience, supports the process with modern psychotherapy tools mainly from the narrative psychology branch, is a translator and guide in contact with local healers, conducts integration sessions.
Filmmaker and creative with London Real, director of "Reconnect" ayahuasca documentary, manager and facilitator with Psychonauta Foundation.
"My mission at Psychonauta Foundation is to create a safe space where our participants can experience Amazonian medicine in a way that is authentic and respectful. I´ve worked for years as a creative and film director in a well known media channel, where we collaborate with some of the brightest thinkers of the planet creating conscious and empowering content. But something was missing in my life, modern society was not giving me the answers I was looking for so I've decided to leave the industry and start a personal exploration of Amazonian shamanism. During my life I've collected a range of practices and tools from different angles like martial arts, dream-work, psychedelic explorations, philosophy, magick, yoga, the creative process, storytelling and the world of personal development, this tools were crucial on my path with plant medicine and I'm delighted to be in a position of share them with our participants. It will be an honor to be at your side while YOU do your own healing."
Maestro Miguel, a seasoned healer with over four decades of experience, began his unique path at 24 in the Amazon, learning from the forest and its plants. He became deeply knowledgeable in traditional healing methods and the creation of icaros. Miguel has formed special bonds with 42 plants, including Camalonga and Ayahuama, which he uses to aid those seeking healing. At 69, his expertise and icaros are a testament to his deep connection with nature and his unwavering commitment to helping others. Miguel's presence brings a rare and precious wisdom to all he meets, embodying the essence of true healing. Maturity, focus, sensitivity and commitment, these are the best words to describe him. You will be in good hands !
Bewa Beka, or maestra Lucy in Spanish, with a special voice and sensitivity, Shipibo ayahuasquera from Rio Pisqui region, trained in dietas by her family lineage from early age. She adds female warmth to balance powerful work of maestro Francisco.
I'm Sebastián from Lima, Peru. At 13, I embarked on a musical journey when my father gifted me a drum set.
Currently, my focus lies in creating healing music through singing, guitar, and percussion, exploring the profound world of medicine music. In 2014, my encounter with ayahuasca redirected my life towards a path of healing, service, and love. Since then, I've dedicated myself to sharing and expanding my musical knowledge, seeking new ways to heal and serve humanity.
In 2021, I delved into the Native American red path traditions, engaging in practices like vision quests, sweatlodges, and sundances. Working at the Psychonauta Foundation this year broadened my horizons, allowing me to facilitate ceremonies and plant diets, fostering growth and service.
My role involves nurturing participants during ceremonies, ensuring safety, and sharing healing music. Witnessing people leaving healthier and stronger after the process fills me with gratitude.
I'm eager to connect and share this healing journey with you. The time to embark on this path is now. Thank you for your life, your path, and your trust.
Trailblazing in ayahuasca retreat world since 2011, 10 years of experience in facilitating and managing retreats, pre and post retreat care, dedicated to psychology, neurobiology and anthropology. Trauma survivor, gentle, empathic soul and a mother of 9 year old girl who lives with us in the jungle.
Our headquarters is based in the jungle, 100 km and around 2 hours away from Iquitos in northern Peru. It is a quiet, off-grid settlement with permanent residents, including children, and private huts for guests coming to our retreats. The place is rustic, designed with intention of maximum immersion in nature, compromised with need for providing safety for humans.
We are based at around 25 ha of our private forest that we commited to keep as such forever. We realize our dream, living and working in the Amazon forest, near plants, close to nature, close to the local healers’ community.
We came to this piece of land in 2015, slowly and prudently built houses and infrastructure, so as to least interfere with the forest we found at the beginning. We designed the whole resort with the idea of deep work with plants during diets in the shipibo tradition.
All buildings are fully screened from mosquitoes and other insects. Mosquitoes are not a big nuisance here and malaria risk very low ( no cases ever reported among our guests ), so we do not recommend malaria medication.
We always pick our guests from Iquitos airport, and from that moment you do not have to worry about any logistics. There is no road access to the camp, final 20 minutes are done by walking.
We are about 30 minutes away from local clinic, in case of emergency, but it has never been needed in our history.
Some of our guests join our conservation efforts and decide to invest in buying more forest land to keep it in its natural state, and we can help in that process. Some have already settled with us for good.
There are small streams running through our property, and around 20 minutes walk away one of largest tributaries of Amazon called Maranon, where pink dolphins can be seen.
A few hours away on this river, Pacaya Samiria begins, second biggest protected natural area in Peru and one of the best spots for nature tourism lovers, so you may leave some days after your retreat for extra adventure.
