the otorongo retreat
A jungle crossing to stillness
The journey to Otorongo is part of the retreat: a private longboat ride upriver, a moto-taxi crossing, then a final approach on foot through open land and jungle. On an island near Iquitos, the center sits on Perez family land held for more than three generations. The family established it as a sustainable alternative to the logging activity around them, and has connected visitors with Peruvian curanderas for over a decade. Plant medicine is the focus, with the surrounding forest lending the stay a strong sense of place. Meals are vegetarian and gluten-free, follow the ayahuasca diet, and are prepared without salt or sugar; breakfast brings fresh, locally sourced organic fruit. The center’s roots and food make it a distinctive setting for a retreat, though practical details such as ceremony timing are best confirmed directly before you travel.
Highlights
- A private longboat journey followed by a moto-taxi crossing and jungle approach
- More than three generations of Perez family stewardship of the land
- A retreat founded as a sustainable alternative to nearby logging
- Vegetarian, gluten-free meals prepared without salt or sugar, with fresh local organic fruit at breakfast
Good for
Setting
The center occupies an island setting shaped by river, open land and jungle. Reaching it involves a short upriver boat ride, a moto-taxi trip and a final walk or vehicle route through the landscape. Forest sounds and a sense of separation from the city mark the arrival.
The practice
Plant medicine is the center’s focus, and visitors have been connected with Peruvian curanderas here for more than a decade. The retreat is associated with the ayahuasca diet, but the format and timing of ceremonies can vary. If you are new to this work, ask the center what a session involves, how guides support participants and what preparation is expected.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat, so confirm it with the center. Meals follow the ayahuasca diet, with fresh fruit at breakfast, but ceremony times, daytime activities and rest periods depend on the retreat. Ask about the rhythm of your specific stay before booking.
Accommodation
Lodging details are not described. Ask the center directly about room types and sleeping arrangements before booking.
What to bring
The retreat focuses on plant medicine and follows an ayahuasca diet, so ask the center about preparation requirements. Iquitos is warm year-round, averaging 25°C, with wetter months including February, March and October; bring breathable clothing and rain protection for the jungle approach.
How to get there
From central Iquitos, travel about 20 minutes upriver by private longboat, continue by moto-taxi, then take the cleared route or walk through open land and jungle to the center.
Nearest airport: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT) (8 km)
Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport (YMS), near Yurimaguas, is approximately 63 km from the center. Confirm the onward route and any pickup arrangements with the retreat before travelling.
Nearest city: Iquitos
Prices start at USD 780. Confirm the current rate and what your stay includes directly with the center.
Climate
Climate Zone: Tropical
Best Months: Jul, Sep, Aug
Avoid: Feb, May, Mar
Expect warm conditions year-round, with an annual average of 25°C. February, March and October are among the wetter months, while July, August and January are comparatively dry.
Location
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach the retreat from central Iquitos?
The route includes a 20-minute upriver ride on a private longboat, a moto-taxi crossing and then either a walk through the jungle or a vehicle-accessible path.
Can a first-time visitor attend?
Visitors have been connected with curanderas at the center for more than a decade. Ask the center directly about its requirements and support for beginners.
What food is served during a stay?
Meals are vegetarian and gluten-free, follow the ayahuasca diet and are served without salt or sugar. Breakfast includes fresh, locally sourced organic fruit.
What is the daily schedule?
The daily rhythm varies by retreat. Ask the center about ceremony timing, activities and meal arrangements for your dates.
How do I reserve, and what does a stay cost?
Pricing starts at USD 780. Contact the center directly to confirm availability, what is included and how to reserve.
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Melanie Benitez
A donation-supported retreat contact in Lima, with dates and visit details arranged directly with Melanie Benitez.