NEAR TARAPOTO, PERU
Chaka Runa Retreat Center In the Peruvian Amazon
The Chaka Runa Retreat Center is a comfortable and beautiful place in the Peruvian Amazon, where we hold our Master Plant Dietas and Ayahuasca ceremonies. With private Tambos, a spacious Maloca and secluded waterfalls, it offers space to step away from everyday life and spend time with the plants and yourself.
Our Location
The Chaka Runa Retreat Center is located near Shamboyaku, in the San Martín region of northern Peru, around three hours by road from Tarapoto.
Set in the foothills of the Andes, the grounds lie between approximately 700 and 1,000 metres above sea level. Native rainforest surrounds the center, with mountain views from the higher parts of the land.
THE MALOCA
A sacred space at the heart of the retreat center
The Maloca is the ceremonial and communal heart of the Chaka Runa Retreat Center. Here, participants gather for Ayahuasca ceremonies, workshops, music and shared practices throughout the Dieta.
Open to the forest
Built with Quinilla hardwood and a woven Palmiche palm-leaf roof, the Maloca combines traditional materials with spacious, carefully crafted architecture. Its open sides keep the surrounding rainforest in view and allow air to circulate through the space.
Comfort during ceremonies
The spacious Maloca provides room to gather comfortably. Six flushing toilets, two showers and two sinks are located immediately beside it.
PRIVATE TAMBOS
Your own space in the rainforest
Each Tambo at the Chaka Runa Retreat Center offers a private place to rest, reflect and spend quiet time during the Dieta. Approximately 6 × 4 metres in size, the Tambos sit on elevated wooden platforms, with mosquito-net walls that let you feel immersed in the surrounding forest.
Privacy and room to settle in
The Tambos are generously spaced and positioned to provide privacy from the paths. Each has its own private access and a veranda overlooking the forest.
Comforts in every Tambo
A comfortable bed with mosquito netting
A table and chair, an armchair and a wardrobe
A hanging chair or hammock
A private bathroom with a warm shower supplied by solar-heated water, flushing toilet and sink
USB rechargeable lamps for evening light
There is no conventional electricity inside the Tambos.
THE RAINFOREST
Surrounded by living forest
The Chaka Runa Retreat Center sits within the Chaka Runa Ecovillage’s more than 40 hectares of mostly native rainforest, home to a rich diversity of trees, medicinal plants and wildlife.
Three creeks run through the land, feeding approximately ten waterfalls and natural pools. Forest trails and wooden bridges lead to places where you can pause, listen to the water and spend quiet time in nature.
THE MEDICINAL PLANT GARDEN
A Medical Plant Garden beneath the rainforest canopy
Growing with the forest
Chacruna grows in the shade, while trees provide natural support for climbing Ayahuasca vines. The garden forms part of the Chaka Runa Ecovillage’s commitment to cultivating and preserving Amazonian medicinal plants.
CARE & WELLBEING
Support throughout your stay
On-site care
A medical professional is on site throughout the retreat, including at night. A dedicated pavilion holds first-aid supplies.
Massage & bodywork
Massage and bodywork take place in a dedicated pavilion. One massage session is included in our Amazon Dietas. Additional sessions can be arranged for a fee.
COMFORT & PRACTICALITIES
Practical comforts in the heart of the rainforest
From your arrival at reception to daily meals and moving around the grounds, the Chaka Runa Retreat Center provides practical comforts that support your stay.
Moving around the center
Gravel paths, stairs and wooden bridges connect the Tambos, Maloca and shared facilities. These maintained routes make walking around the grounds more comfortable, particularly during the rainy season.
Mosquitoes
There are remarkably few mosquitoes at the Chaka Runa Retreat Center. The Tambos also have mosquito-net walls and netting around the beds.
Meals and drinking water
During the Dieta, meals are delivered to your Tambo, allowing you to eat in privacy and maintain the quiet rhythm of the process. Opening and closing meals are shared in the dining area. Safe drinking water is supplied in large 20-litre bottles.
Laundry and connectivity
Laundry is available during your stay. Wi-Fi is reserved for emergencies, giving you space to disconnect from everyday life.
More of the retreat center
Where the Chaka Runa Retreat Center is located
The Chaka Runa Retreat Center is located near Shamboyaku, in the San Martín region of northern Peru, around three hours by road from Tarapoto.
Set in the foothills of the Andes, the grounds extend between approximately 700 and 1,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by native rainforest, with views toward the mountains from the higher parts of the land.
Travel & Logistics →
Explore the Chaka Runa Retreat Center
The Chaka Runa Retreat Center brings together private spaces for rest and shared spaces for ceremony, meals and care, all within the rainforest. Watch this five-minute tour to discover the Maloca, Tambos, medicinal plant garden and facilities.
Discover the Amazon Dieta →
THE MALOCA
A sacred space at the heart of the retreat center
The Maloca is the ceremonial and communal heart of the Chaka Runa Retreat Center. Here, participants gather for Ayahuasca ceremonies, workshops, music and shared practices throughout the Dieta.
Open to the forest
Built with Quinilla hardwood and a woven Palmiche palm-leaf roof, the Maloca combines traditional materials with spacious, carefully crafted architecture. Its open sides keep the surrounding rainforest in view and allow air to circulate through the space.
Comfort during ceremonies
The spacious Maloca provides room to gather comfortably. Immediately adjacent are six flushing toilets, two showers and two sinks.
Inside the Maloca
The Maloca from outside
Traditional craftsmanship
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PRIVATE TAMBOS
Your own space in the rainforest
Each Tambo at the Chaka Runa Retreat Center offers a private place to rest, reflect and spend quiet time during the Dieta. Approximately 6 × 4 metres in size, the Tambos sit on elevated wooden platforms, with mosquito-net walls that let you feel immersed in the surrounding forest.
Privacy and room to settle in
The Tambos are generously spaced and positioned to provide privacy from the paths. Each has its own private access and a veranda overlooking the forest.
Comforts in every Tambo
A comfortable bed with mosquito netting
A table and chair, an armchair and a wardrobe
A hanging chair or hammock
A private bathroom with a warm shower supplied by solar-heated water, flushing toilet and sink
USB rechargeable lamps for evening light
There is no conventional electricity inside the Tambos.
Exterior
Sleeping area
Private bathroom
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THE RAINFOREST
Surrounded by living forest
The Chaka Runa Retreat Center sits within the Chaka Runa Ecovillage’s more than 40 hectares of mostly native rainforest, home to a rich diversity of trees, medicinal plants and wildlife.
Three creeks run through the land, feeding approximately ten waterfalls and natural pools. Forest trails and wooden bridges lead to places where you can pause, listen to the water and spend quiet time in nature.
Explore the surrounding nature →
Waterfalls
Natural pools
Forest trails and bridges
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CARE & WELLBEING
Support throughout your stay
On-site care
A medical professional is on site throughout the retreat, including at night. A dedicated pavilion holds first-aid supplies.
Massage & bodywork
Massage and bodywork take place in a dedicated pavilion. One session is included in your Dieta, and additional sessions can be arranged for a fee.
COMFORT & PRACTICALITIES
Practical comforts in the heart of the rainforest
From your arrival at reception to daily meals and moving around the grounds, the Chaka Runa Retreat Center provides practical comforts that support your stay.
Moving around the center
Gravel paths, stairs and wooden bridges connect the Tambos, Maloca and shared facilities. These maintained routes make walking around the grounds more comfortable, particularly during the rainy season.
Meals and drinking water
During the Dieta, meals are delivered to your Tambo, allowing you to eat in privacy and maintain the quiet rhythm of the process. Opening and closing meals are shared in the dining area. Safe drinking water is supplied in large 20-litre bottles.
Mosquitoes
There are remarkably few mosquitoes at the Chaka Runa Retreat Center. The Tambos also have mosquito-net walls and netting around the beds.
Laundry and connectivity
Laundry is available during your stay. Wi-Fi is available for emergencies, while everyday life at the center offers space to disconnect.
THE MEDICINAL PLANT GARDEN
A living garden beneath the rainforest canopy
The medicinal plant garden is part of the Chaka Runa Ecovillage.
Growing with the forest
Chacruna grows in the shade, while trees provide natural support for climbing Ayahuasca vines. The garden forms part of the Chaka Runa Ecovillage’s commitment to cultivating and preserving Amazonian medicinal plants.
Encountering the living plants
For participants, the garden offers an opportunity to encounter some of the plants central to the Chaka Runa tradition, growing in the rainforest environment that sustains them.
Discover the Ecovillage Vision →
More of the retreat center
Reception
Dining area
Kitchen
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