PREPARATIONS

DIET

During your Ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador, we provide vegetarian meals that are compatible with the medicines. A pre-retreat diet is the beginning of the physical preparation for the retreat. Keeping your body clean helps to facilitate the healing process during your time here.

It is recommended to adhere to the diet for two weeks prior to drinking the medicine. One week is also good. The 4 or 5 days before is very important to be on this diet. 

The major premise of the diet is eating as clean and fresh as possible. 

  • Cut out/reduce the consumption of saturated fats

  • Cut out/reduce the consumption of sugar

  • Cut out/reduce anything with colorants and or preservatives

  • No processed food

  • No pork or foods that contain it, like sausage

  • No beef. Chicken and fish are fine in small amounts

  • No alcohol 

​Drugs

Absolutely no chemical drugs or narcotic substances (including marijuana) for the two weeks prior to the retreat. Do not take sleeping pills or narcotic pain relievers. If you have any medical conditions and/or are taking any medications, especially psychiatric or antidepressant medication, please notify us prior to your booking.

You will be asked more about this during your booking process. Please email us directly if you have questions about any medication that you may be taking. 

WHAT TO BRING

Clothing

The weather can range from ~82°F (28°C) during the day and go down to ~59°F (15°C) at night. We recommend bringing layers so you can take things on and off as needed.

  • Long pants and shorts if you wish. Pants are more necessary sometimes because of the  bugs. 

  • Shirts - Long and short sleeve

  • Swimsuit for the Temazcal (Sweat Lodge) and we have a swimming hole as well. Women  may wish to wear a light dress for the Temazcal.  

  • Light rain coat (there is some rain at times)  

  • Boots or light hiking shoes  

  • Flip flops  

​Other

  • Sun protection

  • Bug spray/repellent (natural sprays are best or DEET if you prefer)  

  • Flashlight  

  • Binoculars for bird watching  

  • Vitamins and supplements to support your immunity  

  • Notebook/journal/pens (it is important to keep a journal of your ceremonies and  experiences)

  • Earplugs and/or sleep mask (this ensures you rest well in shared rooms)

  • Ceremonial offerings. These can be given as gifts to the Shaman. This is not required though. (Rolling tobacco, sage, sweet herb, rosemary, essential oils, precious stones etc)  

  • Spending money if you want to stop in Mindo or Quito for some shopping. There are  ATM's that you can use as well. (Note: Bills larger than $20 notes are difficult to change,  especially at the markets)

TRAVEL

You will book a flight to Quito, Ecuador. We pick you up from the Quito Airport and bring you to Hayulima for your Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador. The drive is 2.5 hours from the Airport. And for those already in Ecuador, we have an additional pick-up point in the north of Quito. We will be in contact to confirm your pick-up times and locations.

It is necessary that you have more than 6 months before the expiration on your passport. Less than 6 months left on your passport means that they won't let you board your plane to Ecuador. This is strictly enforced. Check your expiration date on your passport.

Regarding COVID

As of March 22, 2021, Ecuador now requires either a COVID Vaccination Passport OR a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Ecuador. If you don't have the vaccination passport just make sure to get a negative COVID test within 3 days of travel. 

Also, if you need a COVID test before leaving the retreat, we can assist you with this.