Frequently asked questions

WiFi internet is available for free at the center. We use basic STARLINK satelital connection for internet. Cellphone coverage is not available right in the center, but it is available approximately 10 minutes walk from us.

Because of the elevation of our retreat center (about 600 meters above sea), ve have very few, almost non-existent mosquitoes and malaria is practically non-existent. There are malaria-risk regions in Ecuador, situated in the lowlands of the Amazon – we are not one of them. Because of the toxicity of the anti-malaria pills, we suggest you think well before taking this medication in a low-risk area such our center.

The private transport from Quito/airport and is available for an additional fee, that is specified in the event registration form, where you can also specify whether you need it.

The maximum number of participants in the retreat and ceremony is 12 people. The usual group size is 6 people. We make sure the retreat is highly individual and everybody receives personal attention from the shaman, including a private cleansing session lasting 15-30 minutes, and sharing session the next day, with all questions answered. If needed, an English-speaking trained facilitator is available to you both before and after a ceremony.

If you don’t want to drink the ayahuasca brew, you are still much welcome to participate in the retreat, as we believe you can still greatly benefit from it. In the kichwa culture, it is common that the native people participate in the healing ceremonies where only shaman drinks ayahuasca. Most people are not fit or ready to drink it. The indigenous people of the Amazon believe that it is not necessary for the patient to drink. The shaman drinks to see the spirits and to help the person energetically by performing the “limpia” or cleansing ritual, or “curación” healing ritual. Even if you don’t drink Ayahuasca, you can still participate in the Ayahuasca ceremony, be with us in the temple, feel the energy of the circle and receive the individual cleansing ritual from the shaman.

We host 10-day and ocassionally 5-day retreats only. It is because one ceremony has proven to be not enough for most people to receive the full benefits of the medicine and reach deep levels of healing. Ayahuasca affects each person differently. In the first ceremony, we can observe your reaction to the brew and establish an optimal dose. The shaman also works to prepare each person energetically during the first ceremony. The first night is often a cleansing one. In your second ceremony, everybody is more prepared, energetically adjusted, trusting and relaxed to be able to enter fully into the Ayahuasca medicine space and receive the desired results. The ideal number is 4 ceremonies.

We don’t. Please withdraw everything you need prior to your arrival at the center to pay in cash. Please make sure you request that our driver make a stop for you to withdraw money from a cash machine. There is no cash machine in Santa Clara.

In case of any emergency, it takes us approximately 20 minutes to get a person to the nearest medical attention center in Santa Clara, or 45 minutes to get to the modern hospital in Tena  (recently upgraded in 2019). There is always a truck ready at the entrance to the center during ceremonies. We have not had any emergency since our foundation in 2008. The center is also equipped with first aid kits and has a person certificated in providing basic first aid if necessary.

Sananga is a powerful rainforest medicine of the Kichwa people. Applied to one’s eyes, it sharpens the vision and heals the sinuses, but it also brings a sense of deep peace and tranquility into one’s soul, creating a powerful protection from negative energies. Drops of this medicine are made from Tabernaemontana, which is found around us in the jungle. This assures its freshness and strength. Read more about the Sananga drops here.

We do not. San Pedro cactus is a powerful mind-altering plant and its best if you take it on a different occasion. Working with another shaman and taking San Pedro during your Ayahuasca experience may disturb your process with Ayahuasca. Both Ayahuasca and San Pedro are powerful medicines that can have a very positive impact on our lives, but we honor and respect them by giving each of them a separate time-space. This ensures the process is safe and grounded. We do not want to alter your energies quickly after the Ayahuasca ceremony. This provides a long-lasting positive effect and allows you to understand and properly implement all teachings you receive during your Ayahuasca retreat.

During the history of Feather Crown, we have been working with certified and non-certified shamans, including the very leaders of ASHIN (Association of Indigenous Shamans of Napo Province) and CYRAE (Advisory Board of the Shamans of the Ecuadorian Amazon), bodies who provide certifications to shamans of the Amazon helping them to find more work and protect their indigenous rights. In the Amazon, only a small percentage of shamans, perhaps 5%, are certified. There are excellent shamans who do not have any licenses, and there are licensed shamans whose conduct is harmful to clients. In short, a license does not prove anything and we dissuade from relying solely on some piece of paper.

We do not require shamans to have formal licenses. We require that a shaman has proven ethical conduct and skill during many years of work. Shamans who work at Feather Crown are hand-picked and proven. They belong to an indigenous tradition and have received proper training and instruction from elders. They are a part of our ayllu (term in kichwa, which means “extended family”). We took a good time to observe not only their ceremonial skills, shamanic power, and ability to lead and guide people through intense Ayahuasca experiences but also their kindness, openness, willingness to share and teach, explain their work as well as seriousness and reliability.

Feather Crown shamans are excellent and one of the most sought in Ecuador, not because of their license, but because of their tested and proven abilities.

You will make people happy by bringing them some AAA and AA rechargeable batteries, headlamps, and waterproof flashlights. You can make children happy by bringing colors and coloring books, footballs, pocket knives, notebooks, Spanish educational / stories / comic books, dolls. Women appreciate utensils for the kitchen. Please do not bring nonfunctional things.

Possibly, but it depends on the condition, the medication and your individual situation. Ayahuasca is not appropriate for everyone, and some medical or psychological conditions and some medications can make drinking ayahuasca unsafe.

Every participant must disclose all medical conditions, prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, natural remedies and recent substance use in the application. We review each application individually and may ask for additional information before confirming participation.

Never stop or reduce prescribed medication simply to attend a retreat without consulting the qualified clinician who prescribed it. In some cases, a person may still be able to participate in the retreat without drinking ayahuasca.

Please read our complete health, medication and safety requirements before applying.

There is no single withdrawal period that is safe for every medication. All medications, supplements, natural remedies and substances used during at least the 30 days before the retreat must be disclosed to us.

Cannabis and other recreational or psychoactive substances must be stopped at least one week before the retreat, while alcohol must be avoided for at least three days. Some prescription medications require a much longer discontinuation period. Antidepressants, for example, may require at least 30 days when discontinuation has been medically approved.

During the retreat we follow a no-medication and no-supplement policy unless a specific exception has been approved in writing. Never discontinue prescription medication abruptly on your own.

See the full ayahuasca health and medication requirements and our guide to preparing for an ayahuasca ceremony.

Feather Crown is near Santa Clara in Pastaza province, approximately four hours by road from Quito and Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

For scheduled retreat dates, we can organize transportation from Quito, the airport or the nearby town of Tababela. When a shared retreat transfer is available, the usual cost is $50 USD per person each way. A private taxi directly to the center costs approximately $130 USD per vehicle, so it may be economical when several people travel together.

Public transport is also possible, but most first-time international guests find organized transportation simpler.

See our retreat center and transportation information and Ecuador travel guide.

We strongly recommend arriving in the Quito area at least one day before your retreat begins. This gives you time to recover from international travel and protects you against missed connections or flight delays.

On the final day, transportation leaves the Amazon and the journey back to Quito or the airport takes approximately four hours. If you plan to fly home that same day, choose a late-afternoon or evening flight and confirm your itinerary with us before booking it. Staying one additional night near the airport is an even more relaxed option.

Our First-Timer’s Ayahuasca Guide explains how to plan the journey before and after your retreat.

For most participants who are simply arriving before the retreat, Tababela is the easiest option. It is a quiet town immediately beside Quito International Airport, so you avoid travelling into Quito and back out again the following morning.

If you want to explore Quito, staying in the city can make sense, but allow additional travel time and use normal city safety precautions.

Whichever option you choose, we can arrange retreat transportation from Quito, Tababela or the airport. See our Ecuador travel information for more practical advice.

Current availability is shown on our Ayahuasca Retreat Dates & Prices page.

Our groups are intentionally small, with a maximum of 12 participants, and some dates fill considerably earlier than others. We therefore recommend applying as soon as you know which dates work for you rather than waiting until shortly before departure.

Please do not purchase non-refundable international flights until your application has been reviewed and your participation confirmed.

The first step is to complete our retreat application and health-screening form. We review your health information, medications, previous experience and other relevant details. If necessary, we may ask additional questions before accepting the application.

Once your application is approved, you will receive payment instructions. Your place becomes secured when we receive the $200 USD deposit.

The health screening is an important part of the retreat rather than a formality, so please answer all questions openly and completely.

The deposit for our regular 5-day and 10-day retreats is $200 USD. Payment instructions are provided once your application has been approved.

The deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to another available retreat date when the change is requested at least 30 days before the original retreat begins. It may also be transferred to another person at any time, subject to that person completing and passing our health screening.

If Feather Crown cancels a retreat, payments made to us are refunded in full.

You can see the current terms together with retreat dates and prices here.

After the $200 deposit has secured your place, the remaining balance is due on the first day of the retreat.

The exact balance depends on the program and price confirmed when you register. Current prices are listed on our retreat dates and prices page.

Payment instructions are provided after your application has been accepted so that you know exactly how much remains to be paid and which payment options are available.

Yes, in many cases we can move your reservation to another available date.

If you request the change at least 30 days before your original retreat, your $200 deposit can normally be transferred to the new date. Changes requested closer to the retreat are not covered by this transfer policy and depend on the circumstances and availability.

For this reason, we recommend refundable or changeable airfare and appropriate travel insurance whenever possible.

See our current retreat dates and availability.

The 5-day ayahuasca retreat includes two ceremonies, while the 10-day ayahuasca retreat includes four ceremonies.

The 5-day retreat is a meaningful shorter introduction for people who have limited time. However, the process is more concentrated.

If your health and schedule allow it, we generally recommend the 10-day retreat for a first experience. Four ceremonies give the process more time to unfold gradually. There is more time to rest, discuss your experiences with the healer and our team, adjust your approach from one ceremony to another and integrate what has already happened.

The longer retreat also reduces the feeling that everything needs to happen during one or two nights.

Our First-Timer’s Guide to Ayahuasca in Ecuador explains this difference in greater detail.

Our 5-day retreat includes two ayahuasca ceremonies, while our 10-day retreat includes four ceremonies.

Each ceremony is accompanied by individual traditional healing work, and each is followed by an integration session. The longer retreat therefore does not simply add more nights—it creates a more gradual sequence of ceremonial work, rest and integration.

Compare our 5-day retreat and 10-day retreat programs.

No. Drinking ayahuasca is always voluntary.

You may decide not to drink during a particular ceremony, remain with a smaller amount or attend the ceremonial space without drinking. We may also recommend that someone does not drink or takes less if we believe that is the safer or more appropriate choice.

No participant is pressured to drink ayahuasca or to take a stronger dose. Especially with first-time participants, we prefer to begin carefully and observe how the person responds.

You can read more about what happens during an ayahuasca ceremony.

Yes. Many Feather Crown participants come to us for their first experience with ayahuasca.

Previous experience is not required. What matters much more is medical eligibility, honest preparation, a sincere reason for coming and willingness to follow the retreat guidelines.

For medically eligible first-time participants who have enough time, we generally prefer the 10-day format, because four ceremonies allow the process to develop gradually rather than placing too much expectation on one or two nights.

We created a complete First-Timer’s Guide to Ayahuasca in Ecuador specifically for people considering their first retreat.

Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive traditional medicine and cannot honestly be described as risk-free. Safety depends on medical eligibility, medications, preparation, the ceremonial environment and the people responsible for the participant.

At Feather Crown, safety begins before arrival with detailed medical and psychological screening. Retreat groups are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, and four to five sober helpers are normally present during ceremonies. First-time participants begin cautiously rather than being pushed toward a strong dose.

A sober team remains available throughout the night, and at least one person stays awake until morning. We also maintain transport access to outside medical care; a local medical post is approximately 15 minutes away and a hospital approximately 40 minutes away.

Please read our detailed Ayahuasca Safety in Ecuador information and health requirements before applying.

You do not have to manage a difficult experience alone.

Several sober team members remain present throughout the ceremony. If you feel afraid, confused or overwhelmed, you can call a helper at any time. Someone can sit with you, help you orient yourself, bring water or a blanket, help you change position or accompany you to the bathroom.

Before the first ceremony we explain how to ask for assistance and what to do if the effects become intense. No one is expected to suffer silently, and you will never be pressured to take another serving.

The experience of the first ceremony also helps us decide together whether the amount should remain the same, be reduced or—in appropriate cases—be increased at the next ceremony.

Our First-Timer’s Ayahuasca Guide explains in more detail how we support participants through fear and difficult moments.

Before the ceremony we hold a preparation meeting and explain the practical and safety aspects of the night. Participants also receive a traditional plant bath before entering the ceremonial space.

Ayahuasca is offered in the evening, but drinking is voluntary. Participants then remain at their individual places in our ceremonial temple while the Indigenous healer guides the work through traditional songs or icaros, instruments, prayer and other practices from his tradition.

During the night, each participant also receives individual traditional healing work or a limpia from the healer.

At the same time, our sober support team takes care of practical needs—helping participants move safely, assisting with purging, providing water or blankets, accompanying people to the bathroom and supporting anyone going through a difficult moment.

Our complete guide explains what happens during an ayahuasca ceremony in Ecuador from beginning to end.

Integration takes place after every ceremony and is an important part of the retreat.

The following day, participants have space to describe the most important parts of their experience and ask questions. English translation is provided. The Indigenous healer can offer the perspective of his tradition, while the ceremony organizer can help discuss the response to the medicine, dosing and the broader retreat process. When appropriate, psychological or emotional aspects can also be considered from a psychologically informed perspective.

We do not believe that integration means simply telling your story and having a shaman declare what your vision “means.” Different perspectives can be useful, and you remain the person who ultimately gives meaning to your own experience.

Private conversations are available for subjects that are too personal or complex for the group circle.

Read our detailed explanation of ayahuasca integration after a ceremony.

We recommend a simple, clean and practical preparation diet rather than extreme fasting.

During the days before the retreat, reduce heavy, fatty and very salty foods and avoid pork and alcohol. Light meals, vegetables, fruit and good hydration are appropriate. On ceremony days, we serve lighter food earlier in the day so that participants enter the ceremony comfortable rather than completely exhausted from fasting.

Preparation also includes reducing unnecessary stimulation, getting enough rest and avoiding sexual activity for at least three days before the retreat.

Medication and substance restrictions are a separate safety issue and may require much longer preparation.

See our complete guide on how to prepare for an ayahuasca ceremony.

Alcohol should be avoided for at least three days before the retreat.

Cannabis and other recreational or psychoactive substances must be avoided for at least one week beforehand. Longer abstinence is welcome and may make the transition into retreat easier.

Prescription medications are different and should never be treated according to these general timelines. Some require much longer medically supervised discontinuation, while others should not be stopped at all.

Please review our health and safety requirements and preparation guide before travelling.

Bring practical, comfortable clothing rather than a large amount of luggage.

We recommend lightweight long-sleeved clothes, comfortable clothing for ceremonies, a light sweater or fleece, rain protection, sandals, secure walking shoes, swimwear and a flashlight or headlamp. A small backpack, reusable water bottle and waterproof protection for electronics are also useful.

Rubber boots can be borrowed at the center, so you normally do not need to travel internationally with your own pair. Mosquito nets are also provided.

Avoid strongly perfumed toiletries and chemical insect repellents. More detailed packing information is available in our ayahuasca preparation guide.

Our center is in the Amazon rainforest, so expect warm, humid conditions and rain at any time of year. Evenings can occasionally feel cool after rain or during ceremonies, so a light sweater or fleece is useful.

Bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho and clothes that dry easily. Rubber boots are available to borrow at the center for muddy forest walks.

Mosquito pressure at our elevation is relatively low, but lightweight long sleeves are still useful. If you bring insect repellent, choose a natural product rather than a strong chemical repellent, which is not permitted during the retreat.

For more information about the region, see our Ecuador travel guide and retreat center page.

Participants stay in simple, comfortable bamboo cabins surrounded by rainforest.

Our rooms are private for one person, a couple, friends travelling together or a family. We do not place strangers together in the same room.

Rooms include orthopedic mattresses, mosquito nets, thermal blankets, electricity, lighting, electrical outlets and jungle views. The purpose is not luxury resort accommodation, but privacy, cleanliness and enough comfort to rest properly between ceremonies.

See photos and details of our Feather Crown retreat center in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Yes.

Couples, friends and family members can request a private room together. When completing your retreat registration, simply tell us who you would like to share with.

We never require participants who do not know one another to share a bedroom.

You can see more about the cabins and facilities on our retreat center page.

Yes. Although Feather Crown is surrounded by rainforest, the center has hot showers, electricity, lighting, electrical outlets and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi in the accommodation area.

Mobile phone coverage is not available directly at the center, although cellular reception can normally be found approximately a ten-minute walk away. For communication during your stay, Wi-Fi is therefore much more reliable than the mobile network.

You can read more about the infrastructure and accommodation on our retreat center page.

All regular meals and drinks at the center are included in the retreat price.

Meals are fresh, nourishing and adapted to ceremonial work. Vegetarian and vegan diets are available, and depending on the program meals may also include freshwater fish or organic chicken.

Please tell us about genuine allergies and important dietary requirements during registration so that we can prepare appropriately. Participants should not bring or use outside foods, supplements or natural remedies during the retreat without prior approval.

The meal and accommodation arrangements are described in our 5-day retreat and 10-day retreat programs.

Both retreat formats include private accommodation, meals and drinks at the center, ayahuasca ceremonies, individual traditional cleansing sessions, plant baths, integration with translation and the scheduled rainforest and cultural activities.

The 5-day retreat includes two ceremonies and four nights of accommodation, while the 10-day retreat includes four ceremonies and nine nights, together with a broader program of activities.

International airfare is not included. Transportation between Quito/airport and Feather Crown is normally charged separately, as are optional extra nights, meals outside the scheduled retreat, personal purchases, additional activities or individually arranged treatments.

You can see the exact inclusions for the 5-day ayahuasca retreat and 10-day ayahuasca retreat.

Sometimes, yes, but it must always be arranged with us in advance.

Feather Crown is a private retreat center rather than a public hotel, so additional stays depend on the retreat schedule, staff and room availability. When available, additional accommodation is currently $25 USD per person per night, with additional meals charged separately.

Some participants also prefer spending time in Tena, Puyo or Baños before or after the retreat. This can provide a gentle transition into the retreat or some quiet integration time afterward.

See our Ecuador travel information for ideas, or contact us before making additional accommodation plans.

We do not normally offer isolated, stand-alone ayahuasca ceremonies to visitors outside our scheduled retreats.

We believe that preparation, health screening, getting to know the participant, support during the experience and integration afterward are important parts of responsible ayahuasca work. For this reason, the shortest regular option we offer is our 5-day ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador, which includes two ceremonies.

This is different from deciding not to drink at every ceremony once you are already participating in a retreat. Drinking ayahuasca is always voluntary, so a registered participant may choose to sit in a ceremony without drinking.

There are many ayahuasca retreats, and we do not believe that one center is automatically right for everyone. We encourage people to compare who actually leads the ceremonies, how participants are screened, how large the groups are, what happens when someone needs help at night, whether integration is provided and what relationship the center has with Indigenous traditions and local communities.

Feather Crown has been welcoming participants to the Ecuadorian Amazon since 2008. Our ceremonies are guided by experienced Indigenous elders from Kichwa and Shipibo traditions, while groups are intentionally kept small—normally between 6 and 12 participants.

Every participant goes through health screening before acceptance. Four to five sober helpers normally support the ceremonial nights, English translation is provided for important conversations and integration follows every ceremony.

The retreat takes place at our own center beside the Piatúa River, surrounded by 23 hectares of protected rainforest. Participants stay in private rooms rather than sharing with strangers.

We also believe that working with ayahuasca creates responsibilities toward the Amazon and the people whose traditions make this work possible. Feather Crown provides employment for local Kichwa families, works with Indigenous communities, protects rainforest around the center and supports the defense of the Piatúa River.

We do not promise miraculous cures or try to create the strongest possible experience. Our priority is serious, traditional work in a small group with preparation, safety, personal attention and integration.

Read more about why people choose Feather Crown, meet our Indigenous healers and retreat team, or read experiences from previous participants.