TARAPOTO · PERUVIAN AMAZON
10-Day Ayahuasca Retreat
& Master Plant Dieta
A traditional Mestizo Master Plant Dieta, gently guided by Don Gino in English and accompanied by traditional lineage Ikaros sung in Quechua, Spanish and Shipibo. Our comfortable retreat center near Tarapoto, surrounded by Amazonian rainforest, welcomes international guests. We provide careful screening before participation and personal support throughout the Dieta.
TRADITIONAL MESTIZO DIETA
Five Ayahuasca ceremonies and daily Master Plant tea
RIGOROUS SAFETY & MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical and psychological
screening and doctor on site
DIRECT GUIDANCE IN ENGLISH
Don Gino speaks fluent English, with no translator needed
COMFORT IN THE AMAZON
Private Tambo or Glamping accommodation
TRADITIONAL MESTIZO DIETA
Five Plant Medicine ceremonies and daily Master Plant tea
RIGOROUS SAFETY & MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical and psychological
screening and doctor on site
DIRECT GUIDANCE IN ENGLISH
Don Gino speaks fluent English, with no translator needed
COMFORT IN THE AMAZON
Private Tambo or Glamping accommodation
THE PRACTICE
More than an
Ayahuasca retreat
An Ayahuasca ceremony can be a powerful part of the experience. In our practice, it is held within a traditional Mestizo Master Plant Dieta.
During the Dieta, you step away from everyday life, drink your selected Master Plant tea daily and follow dietary and behavioural restrictions. Periods of quiet and isolation, together with Ayahuasca ceremonies guided by Don Gino and the Chaka Runa Team, create space for a deeper relationship with the plants, with Nature and with yourself.
The rainforest is part of the Dieta itself: the plants, the water, the silence and the living forest all become teachers.
Learning directly from the plants
UPCOMING AMAZON DIETAS
Choose your 10-Day Amazon Dieta
Explore the upcoming dates for your Master Plant Dieta in the Peruvian Amazon. Choose your session and stay in a private Tambo or Glamping accommodation at our retreat center near Tarapoto.
EARLY BIRD FROM
$2,900*
Amazon Dieta 1
17-27 February 2027
10 days . Tambo or Glamping
AVAILABLE
FULLY BOOKED
EARLY BIRD FROM
$2,900*
Amazon Dieta 4
28 June - 8 July 2027
10 days . Tambo or Glamping
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
FULLY BOOKED
Amazon Dieta 1
17-27 February 2027
10 days . Tambo or Glamping
EARLY BIRD FROM
$2,900*
SAVE ON YOUR DIETA
Early Bird 10%
Pay in full at least 90 days before start
Former Participant 5%
For returning Chaka Runa participants.
Back-to-Back 20%
Book two or more eligible programs back to back.
*Starting price shown is for Glamping with the 10% Early Bird discount.
Installment payments may be available by prior agreement with Chaka Runa.
SEE EVERYTHING THAT'S INCLUDED
*Starting price shown is for Glamping with the 10% Early Bird discount. Prices vary by accommodation and discount eligibility.
Installment payments may be available by prior agreement with Chaka Runa. You can request an installment arrangement during the reservation process.
SEE EVERYTHING THAT'S INCLUDED
WHY CHAKA-RUNA?
Traditional practice, held with exceptional care
A Master Plant Dieta asks for commitment and preparation. We support participants with experienced staff, direct guidance from Don Gino and a retreat center designed for the Dieta.
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DEDICATED SUPPORT THROUGHOUT
Don Gino and 6–8 experienced assistants support a group of around 20–25 participants throughout the Dieta.
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TRADITIONAL PRACTICE, PERSONAL GUIDANCE
We adapt the Dieta to the needs of international guests while remaining rooted in traditional Mestizo practice. Don Gino understands the perspectives and expectations people from different cultures bring and offers direct guidance in fluent English.
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GUIDED STEP BY STEP
First-time participants do not need prior experience with plant medicine. Before arrival, you receive practical preparation guidelines. During the Dieta, Don Gino and the team explain each stage and guide you through it, helping you build familiarity and confidence. An included group integration call supports you after returning home.
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A CENTER BUILT FOR THIS WORK
Private accommodation offers space for quiet and rest, the Maloca hosts ceremonies, and medicinal-plant areas, rainforest trails, creeks and waterfalls connect participants with the plants and surrounding forest.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Is this Dieta right for you?
A Master Plant Dieta is a profound experience, but it also asks for commitment, preparation and a willingness to step away from everyday life.
This may be for you if…
Seeking deeper personal growth
Wanting to learn traditional Mestizo healing / plant practices
Ready for a structured 10-day process
Value quiet/ introspection/ Nature
Willing to eat simple Dieta food
Open to Don Gino's guidance
Think carefully if ..
Looking for a quick fix
Primarily looking for an Ayahuasca holiday
Uncomfortable with remote rainforest
Needing constant phone/internet
Unwilling to give up everyday personal-care products
mainly looking for tourism /entertainment/resort comfort
THE MASTER PLANTS
Meet the Plants of the Dieta
The Master Plants are at the heart of the Dieta. We introduce the five plants and explain their traditional uses. Each participant then chooses either one plant or a blend of all five, drinking one litre of their chosen Master Plant tea each day.
On ceremony nights, we work with Ayahuasca, Chacruna, Chagropanga, Tobacco and Rapé as part of our traditional practices of cleansing and inner work.
MASTER PLANTS OF THE DAYTIME DIETA
THE PLANTS YOU DIET
Bobinsana
Calliandra angustifolia
Bobinsana embodies feminine energy and is associated with protection, intuition and sensitivity, bringing imagery to visions and dreams.
Chuchuwasi
Maytenus macrocarpa
Traditionally used for strengthening the body and easing rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain.
Uña de Gato
Uncaria tomentosa
Traditionally used for cleansing, purification and strengthening the body’s defences.
Tawari
Tabebuia serratifolia
Associated in our tradition with protection, and traditionally used for inflammation, pain and infections.
Renaquilla
Clusia sp.
Associated with sensitivity and intuition, and traditionally used for wounds, fractures, skin infections and rheumatism.
PLANTS OF THE CEREMONY
A DISTINCT ROLE IN THE CEREMONIES
Tobacco (Mapacho)
Nicotiana rustica
Sacred smoke used in our tradition to clear heavy energies and protect the ceremonial space.
Chacruna
Psychotria viridis
The DMT-containing leaves used in the Ayahuasca brew. In our tradition, the Chacruna paint the visions and show us the way.
Ayahuasca
Banisteriopsis caapi
Known in our tradition as the Mother Vine, Ayahuasca invites us to look inward, reflect on our lives and work with old wounds, fears and emotions
Bobinsana
Calliandra angustifolia
Bobinsana embodies feminine energy and is associated with protection, intuition and sensitivity, bringing imagery to visions and dreams.
Chuchuwasi
Maytenus macrocarpa
Traditionally used for strengthening the body and easing rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain.
Renaquilla
Clusia sp.
Associated with sensitivity and intuition, and traditionally used for wounds, fractures, skin infections and rheumatism.
Tawari
Tabebuia serratifolia
Associated in our tradition with protection, and traditionally used for inflammation, pain and infections.
Uña de Gato
Uncaria tomentosa
Traditionally used for cleansing, purification and strengthening the body’s defences.
PLANTS OF THE CEREMONY
A DISTINCT ROLE IN THE CEREMONIES
Tobacco (Mapacho)
Nicotiana rustica
Sacred smoke used in our tradition to clear heavy energies and protect the ceremonial space.
Chacruna
Psychotria viridis
The DMT-containing leaves used in the Ayahuasca brew. In our tradition, the Chacruna paint the visions and show us the way.
Ayahuasca
Banisteriopsis caapi
Known in our tradition as the Mother Vine, Ayahuasca invites us to look inward, reflect on our lives and work with old wounds, fears and emotions
THE 10 - DAY JOURNEY
From preparation to integration
Your Dieta begins before you reach the rainforest and continues beyond the final ceremony. Throughout the 10 days, plant work, ceremony, quiet, Nature and personal guidance create the rhythm of the experience.
01
PREPARE
Receive your Dieta, travel and safety guidelines and prepare your body and daily life for the process.
02
ARRIVE IN TARAPOTO
Meet Don Gino and the group in Tarapoto before travelling together to the Chaka Runa Healing & Retreat Center.
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ENTER THE DIETA
Settle into your Tambo or Glamping, receive orientation and meet individually with Don Gino before the Dieta opens.
04
OPEN & MEET THE PLANTS
Begin with the traditional floral and protection bath. After learning about the five Master Plants, choose one or a blend of all five, then take part in the first Ayahuasca ceremony.
05
LIVE THE DIETA
Drink your chosen Master Plant tea daily, take part in five Ayahuasca ceremonies, spend time in quiet and Nature, and receive ongoing guidance and support.
06
CLOSE & INTEGRATE
The final daytime ceremony brings the Dieta to a close. Don Gino traditionally closes the Dieta, a practice known as cutting the Dieta. You receive Post-Dieta Guidelines and an included group integration call after returning home.
Our aim is to make your arrival in Peru and preparation for the Dieta as smooth as possible. Before the program, we add you to a Dieta Signal group where you can access travel, preparation and safety guidelines.
Please arrive in Tarapoto no later than the day before your Dieta begins. On the first morning of the program, the group meets for a welcome breakfast at the designated meeting point. Don Gino will welcome you, explain the journey to the retreat center and go through the practical and safety information for the days ahead.On arrival at the Chaka Runa Healing and Retreat Center in Shamboyaku, you will be warmly welcomed by Don Gino and the Chaka Runa team and provided with rubber boots for use throughout the program.
After lunch, the group gathers in the Maloca, where Don Gino explains the Dieta process and answers your questions. You will meet the participants and staff who will accompany you during your stay before settling into your Tambo or Glamping accommodation.New participants have a one-to-one conversation with Don Gino to discuss their background, intentions and any questions or concerns. This helps establish a personal connection and gives each participant individual guidance before the Dieta begins.
Returning participants can also speak individually with Don Gino when needed.
The Dieta opens on the morning of the second day with a traditional floral and protection bath around the Maloca. Using selected plants and flowers, this practice marks the beginning of the Dieta and serves as a ritual of cleansing and protection.
The first Ayahuasca ceremony takes place that evening.
The Ayahuasca ceremonies continue every other day, with five ceremonies during the 10-day Dieta.
At the beginning, Don Gino introduces the five Master Plants and explains their traditional uses. Each participant then chooses one plant or a blend of all five.
Throughout the Dieta, each participant receives approximately one litre of their chosen Master Plant tea daily. In our tradition, drinking the tea, together with the dietary restrictions and periods of quiet, helps deepen the connection with the plant and opens space for its teachings and healing.
The fifth and final Ayahuasca ceremony takes place during the daytime, marking the closing stage of the Dieta.
At the end of the ceremony, Don Gino closes, or cuts, the Dieta with a traditional Mestizo recipe of salt, onion and lemon, bringing back the tastes of Mother Earth.
Later that day, the group gathers with Don Gino for Post-Dieta Instructions and Integration Guidelines, including practical guidance on what to do and avoid as you return home. After the Dieta, an included group integration call creates space to reflect, ask questions and receive guidance as the process continues in everyday life. Additional one-on-one integration sessions can be arranged separately at an additional cost.
TRADITION & GUIDANCE
Guided by Don Gino
Originally from Puno, Don Gino followed the Curandero path of his grandfather and carries forward a living Mestizo healing tradition connected to the lineage of Don Solón.
Before dedicating himself fully to this work, Don Gino trained and worked as an architect. Together with years of guiding international participants, this helps him bridge traditional Amazonian practice and modern Western life. He understands the perspectives, expectations and everyday challenges Western participants bring with them, and adapts his guidance to each person’s background.
Don Gino is serious when the work requires it, but also warm, humorous and deeply passionate about what he does. He remains personally involved throughout the Dieta.
English • Spanish • Italian
SAFETY & SUPPORT
Safety begins before you arrive
Our safety approach begins before participation is confirmed and continues throughout the Dieta
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
First-aid and emergency medical supplies are kept on site, with road access available for evacuation if required.
SCREENING BEFORE
ACCEPTANCE
Medical and psychological screening takes place before participation is confirmed.
EXPERIENCED SUPPORT
Around 20–25 participants are supported by 6-8 experienced assistants plus Don Gino.
DOCTOR ON SITE
A doctor is present at the retreat center during the program.
HOW PARTICIPATION IS CONFIRMED
A clear and careful process
Your reservation is confirmed after we review and approve your application. Here is how the process works.
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SCREENING BEFORE
ACCEPTANCE
Medical and psychological screening takes place before participation is confirmed.
03
REVIEW
We review each application individually. If anything needs clarification, we may ask for additional information or arrange a personal call before making a decision.
04
CONFIRMATION
Once your application is approved, participation is confirmed and the deposit becomes non-refundable. If your application is not approved, the deposit is refunded in full.
01
RESERVATION & DEPOSIT
Choose your Dieta, submit your reservation details and pay the required deposit. Chaka Runa reviews the application only after the deposit has been received.
THE PLACE
Deep in the Amazon, surrounded by living rainforest
Chaka Runa Ecovillage and Retreat Center sits within 44 hectares of pristine Amazon rainforest near Shamboyaku in San Martín, Peru, around three hours from Tarapoto. A spacious ceremonial Maloca, private accommodation and forest trails provide a home for your Dieta, surrounded by creeks, waterfalls and medicinal plants.
44 HECTARES OF AMAZON RAINFOREST
Trails • Creeks • Waterfalls • Maloca • Plant Areas
EXPERIENCE THE LAND
The rainforest is part of the Dieta
Visit the Medicinal Plant Garden
Discover the medicinal plants and learn about their traditional uses with Don Gino and a botanist.
Walk the Land with Don Gino
Explore rainforest trails and the wider property while learning directly from Don Gino.
Learn About the Ecology of the Amazon
Discover the ecology of the Amazon rainforest and the relationships between its plants, animals and their environment.
Creeks & Waterfalls
Spend time at the natural creeks, waterfalls and pools within the property.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Comfort, immersed in the rainforest
Both options are private and fully furnished, offering a high level of comfort for a remote Amazon retreat while keeping guests closely connected to Nature.
No regular internet
Flushing Toilet
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Private bathroom
Solar-heated Water
Private Shower
AMENITIES INCLUDED
WITH BOTH OPTIONS
No regular internet
AMENITIES INCLUDED WITH BOTH OPTIONS
Private Shower
Private bathroom
Solar-heated Water
Flushing Toilet
Glamping
MORE SHELTERED
A more enclosed option that still keeps you immersed in Nature.
More enclosed sleeping space
Private deck
Still immersed in Nature
Tambo
MOST OPEN TO THE RAINFOREST
An open-air structure with a see-through mosquito net between you and the surrounding forest.
Open-air design
Balcony + hammock
Maximum forest immersion
Inside a Chaka Runa Tambo
A furnished private space with its own bathroom, balcony and forest views.
Tambo
MOST OPEN TO THE RAINFOREST
Open-air accommodation with the strongest sense of sleeping within the forest.
Open-air design
Balcony + hammock
Maximum forest immersion
Inside a Chaka Runa Tambo
A furnished private space with real bathroom facilities, balcony and forest views.
Glamping
MORE SHELTERED
A more enclosed option that still keeps you immersed in Nature.
More enclosed sleeping space
Private deck
Still immersed in Nature
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything included in your 10-Day Dieta
The core of your stay is the Master Plant Dieta itself: daily work with the plants, five Plant Medicine ceremonies, personal guidance, and the opening and closing practices that structure the ten days.
THE CORE OF YOUR DIETA
Daily Master Plant Tea
Drink your selected Master Plant tea each day as part of the Dieta.
Five Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Five ceremonies held in the Maloca as part of the 10-day program.
Opening Flower Bath
Begin the Dieta with the traditional opening flower bath for your protection.
Brewing the Medicine
Help pound the Ayahuasca vine and arrange the plants in the pot for brewing.
Visit the Medicinal Garden
See the medicinal plants growing in the garden and learn about their traditional uses.
Personal Guidance & Arkana
One-to-one guidance, cleansings, a personal Arkana (protection ritual) and group sharing support you throughout the Dieta.
Daily Master Plant Tea
Drink your selected Master Plant tea each day as part of the Dieta.
Five Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Five ceremonies held in the Maloca as part of the 10-day program.
Opening Flower Bath
Begin the Dieta with the traditional opening flower bath for your protection.
Brewing the Medicine
Help pound the Ayahuasca vine and arrange the plants in the pot for brewing.
Visit the Medicinal Garden
See the medicinal plants growing in the garden and learn about their traditional uses.
Personal Guidance & Arkana
One-to-one guidance, cleansings, a personal Arkana (protection ritual) and group sharing support you throughout the Dieta.
ALSO INCLUDED AROUND THE DIETA
Shamanic Drumming
Each participant receives a drum for the session and learns the basics of shamanic drumming.
Morning Movement
Three sessions of movement and Chi Kung to loosen the joints. ‘Awakening the Warrior,’ to connect with your inner strength.
Artisanal Market
Browse clothing and textiles with traditional Shipibo embroidery, rattles and Chaka Runa merchandise.
Workshops
The first session of each workshop is included, so you can try visionary painting, charango, flute and guitar.
Therapeutic Massage
One massage session is included.
Taster Sessions
The first session of each workshop is included, so you can try visionary painting, charango, flute and guitar.
Artisanal Market
Browse clothing and textiles with traditional Shipibo embroidery, rattles and Chaka Runa merchandise.
Morning Movement
Three sessions of movement and Chi Kung to loosen the joints. ‘Awakening the Warrior,’ a ritual to connect with your inner strength.
Shamanic Drumming
Shamanic Drumming
“Each participant receives a drum for the session and learns the basics of shamanic drumming.
Therapeutic Massage
One massage session is included.
Kambo, Rapé & Sananga
$250 per ceremony
In our tradition, Kambo is a cleansing ritual associated with releasing emotional heaviness and inviting strength and renewal. Rapé and Sananga also form part of this optional ritual.
Visionary Painting
4 additional 1-hour sessions • $200
Give expression to the visions of your journey through drawing and painting, supporting the integration of your experiences.
Charango / Flute / Guitar
4 additional 1-hour sessions • $200
Learn four to five of our medicine songs with Ali, bringing some of the music from your Dieta into your own hands.
Additional Massage
$60 per session
Additional drumming or movement sessions: by donation.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to book one.
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Chaka Runa Welcome Bag
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Welcome breakfast in Tarapoto on the first morning
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Round-trip group transport between Tarapoto and the Chaka Runa Retreat Center
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Private Tambo or Glamping accommodation for the full Dieta
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Preparation and arrival information, including access to the Dieta Signal group
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Post-Dieta and integration guidelines, plus the included group integration call
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Breakfast and lunch each day during the Dieta
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Drinking water throughout the program
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Rubber boots for use during your stay
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Rechargeable light
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Bedding, blanket and towels
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Flights to and from Peru
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Flights to and from Tarapoto
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Accommodation before and after the program
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Meals outside the program
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Travel insurance
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Personal healthcare expenses if required
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Visa or other legal expenses if required
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Personal tourism and excursions
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Additional expenses resulting from leaving the program early, including transport, accommodation, food or changed flights
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PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCES
In their own words
Every Dieta is different. Hear directly from participants about their experience at Chaka Runa.
Susan, 72
"It was just absolutely stunning."
USA
Marcela, 55
"It helped me with my Relationships"
USA
Adam, 39
"I was able to drop my guard. I felt held, I felt safe."
UK
WHEN YOU FEEL READY
Ready to begin your Dieta?
If you feel ready to join us, send your reservation request. If you still have questions, doubts or concerns, contact us. Don Gino is happy to speak with you personally and help you understand whether the Dieta is right for you.
Breathe - Surrender - Do your Work