Novalis

Amazon treehouse retreats, deep nature connection.

Peru Puerto Maldonado paid

Novalis offers a truly immersive experience deep within the Peruvian Amazon, focusing on small group retreats that emphasize personal attention. This unique center is dedicated to the protection of 2000 hectares of virgin rainforest, operating as an open laboratory for human-nature interaction. Guests stay in charming treehouses, completely screened against mosquitos, allowing for a profound reconnection with the natural world. Beyond plant medicine ceremonies, Novalis hosts nature retreats and artist residencies, all while maintaining an intimate, family-like atmosphere. The commitment to sustainability is evident in their locally sourced, vegetarian meals and accommodation built with salvaged wood. It's a place where ancient traditions meet ecological preservation, offering a powerful journey for those seeking deep engagement with the Amazon.

Highlights

Stay in unique, mosquito-proof treehouse lodging
Intimate retreats with only 6-8 guests for personalized attention
Located within 2000 hectares of protected Amazon rainforest
Offers plant medicine, nature retreats, and artist residencies
Vegetarian meals prepared with locally grown ingredients

Good for

nature loversplant medicine practitionerssmall group retreatsartiststhose seeking deep immersion

Setting

Novalis is situated 4km from the riverside, completely enveloped by primary rainforest in the South East Peruvian Amazon. The environment is rich with wildlife and birds, offering a profound sense of immersion in nature. Over 30km of walking trails wind through active Brazil Nut harvested forest, providing ample opportunity for exploration and quiet contemplation amidst the vibrant ecosystem.

The practice

Novalis offers plant medicine retreats, primarily focusing on Ayahuasca ceremonies guided by Loyver Yui Lopez, a Shipibo vegetalista with a lineage of rainforest plant medicine knowledge. Retreats include pre- and post-ceremony sharing circles, individual health consultations, and optional flower baths and cleanses. The practice aims for deep personal insight and connection with nature through traditional Amazonian healing.

A typical day

While the daily structure varies by retreat type, guests can expect a rhythm that balances ceremonial work with time for reflection and nature immersion. Days often include jungle walks, individually selected plant dietas, and opportunities for personal consultations. Meals feature locally grown vegetarian food, fostering a connection to the land and supporting the retreat's intentions.

Accommodation

Guests at Novalis can choose between unique shared treehouses, fully screened from mosquitos and equipped with netting over the beds, or a ground-level 4-bedroom house. All accommodations are built with locally sourced, often salvaged, lumber, prioritizing simplicity, sustainability, and functionality. The center can host between 6 and 12 people at a time, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.

What to bring

Given the Amazon rainforest climate, pack light, breathable clothing suitable for warm, humid conditions. Insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, and sturdy walking shoes for jungle trails are highly recommended.

Website novalis.org

Address Puerto Maldonado, Peru

How to get there

Novalis is located outside of Puerto Maldonado in the South East Peruvian Amazon. Guests typically fly into Puerto Maldonado and are then provided with transportation to the center.

Nearest airport: Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) (5 km)

Transportation from Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) in Puerto Maldonado, approximately 5 km from the center, to Novalis is included in the retreat package.

Nearest city: Puerto Maldonado

Languages

EnglishSpanish

Pricing

Novalis offers flexible pricing for its Ayahuasca retreats, shamanic plant dietas, and work exchange opportunities.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Novalis website

Climate

Climate Zone: Subtropical

Best Months: Jul, Aug, Sep

Avoid: Jan, Dec, Feb

Puerto Maldonado experiences a tropical climate with an annual average temperature of 24.8°C. The warmest months are September, February, and November, while July, June, and August are slightly cooler. The driest period is from July to September, with the wettest months being January, December, and February, so plan accordingly for potential rain.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What kind of accommodation can I expect at Novalis?

Novalis offers unique shared treehouse lodging, fully screened against mosquitos and with mosquito netting over the beds. There is also a ground-level 4-bedroom house. All accommodations are built with locally sourced, sustainable materials.

How small are the retreat groups?

Novalis keeps retreat groups exceptionally small, typically between 6 to 8 people. This allows for personalized attention and maintains an intimate, family-like atmosphere in the deep forest.

What kind of food is served?

Novalis serves locally grown vegetarian food. They can also cater to various dietary needs and food intolerances, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets.

What is included in a typical retreat?

Each retreat generally includes transportation from Puerto Maldonado to Novalis, accommodation, Ayahuasca ceremonies (number varies by retreat), individual health consultations if needed, flower baths/cleanses (optional), individually selected plant dietas, pre- and post-ceremony sharing circles, jungle walks, and locally grown vegetarian food. Translation from Spanish to English is also provided.

Who guides the plant medicine ceremonies?

The ceremonies at Novalis are conducted by Loyver Yui Lopez, a Shipibo vegetalista from the Alto Ucayali community of San Francisco. He learned to work with rainforest plant medicines from his mother, who inherited the knowledge from her family lineage.