Preguntas frecuentes

Internet WiFi está disponible de forma gratuita en el centro. Usamos conexión satelital básica STARLINK para internet. La cobertura de celular no está disponible justo en el centro, pero sí está disponible a unos 10 minutos caminando desde aquí.

Debido a la elevación de nuestro centro de retiros (unos 600 metros sobre el nivel del mar), tenemos muy pocos, casi inexistentes los mosquitos y la malaria son prácticamente inexistentes. Hay regiones de riesgo de malaria en Ecuador, situadas en las tierras bajas del Amazonas – nosotros no somos una de ellas. Debido a la toxicidad de las píldoras antipalúdicas, te sugerimos que lo pienses bien antes de tomar esta medicación en un área de bajo riesgo como nuestro centro.

El transporte privado desde Quito/aeropuerto está disponible por una tarifa adicional, la cual se especifica en el formulario de registro del evento, donde también puedes indicar si lo necesitas.

The maximum number of participants in a retreat and ceremony is 12 people. Groups are often smaller. Keeping the group limited allows the shaman and support team to give each participant individual attention throughout the retreat and during ceremonies.

Si no quieres tomar la bebida de ayahuasca, todavía eres muy bienvenido a participar en el retiro, ya que creemos que aún puedes beneficiarte enormemente de él. En la cultura kichwa, es común que la gente nativa participe en las ceremonias de sanación donde solo el chamán bebe ayahuasca. La mayoría de las personas no están aptas o preparadas para beberla. Las personas indígenas de la Amazonía creen que no es necesario que el paciente beba. El chamán bebe para ver a los espíritus y ayudar a la persona energéticamente realizando la “limpia” o ritual de purificación, o el ritual de curación. Incluso si no bebes Ayahuasca, aún puedes participar en la ceremonia de Ayahuasca, estar con nosotros en el templo, sentir la energía del círculo y recibir el ritual de limpieza individual del chamán.

Ofrecemos retiros de 10 días y ocasionalmente de 5 días únicamente. Esto se debe a que una ceremonia ha demostrado ser insuficiente para que la mayoría de las personas reciba los beneficios completos de la medicina y alcance niveles profundos de sanación. La ayahuasca afecta a cada persona de manera diferente. En la primera ceremonia, podemos observar tu reacción a la bebida y establecer una dosis óptima. El chamán también trabaja para preparar a cada persona energéticamente durante la primera ceremonia. La primera noche suele ser de limpieza. En tu segunda ceremonia, todos están más preparados, adaptados energéticamente, confiados y relajados para poder adentrarse completamente en el espacio de la medicina ayahuasca y recibir los resultados deseados. El número ideal es de 4 ceremonias.

No tenemos. Por favor, retire todo lo que necesite antes de su llegada al centro para pagar en efectivo. Por favor, asegúrese de solicitar a nuestro conductor que haga una parada para que pueda retirar dinero de un cajero automático. No hay cajeros automáticos en Santa Clara.

En caso de emergencia, nos toma aproximadamente 20 minutos para llevar a una persona al centro de atención médica más cercano en Santa Clara, o 45 minutos para llegar a lo moderno hospital en Tena  (recientemente renovado en 2019). Siempre hay un camión listo en la entrada del centro durante las ceremonias. No hemos tenido ninguna emergencia desde nuestra fundación en 2008. El centro también está equipado con botiquines de primeros auxilios y cuenta con una persona certificada en primeros auxilios básicos si es necesario.

Sananga es una poderosa medicina de la selva de la etnia Kichwa. Aplicada en los ojos, agudiza la visión y cura los senos paranasales, pero también aporta una sensación de profunda paz y tranquilidad al alma, creando una poderosa protección contra las energías negativas. Las gotas de esta medicina se elaboran a partir de la Tabernaemontana, que se encuentra a nuestro alrededor en la selva. Esto asegura su frescura y potencia. Lea más sobre las gotas de Sananga aquí.

No lo hacemos. El cactus de San Pedro es un planta poderosa que altera la mente y lo mejor es que lo tomes en un ocasión diferente. Trabajar con otro chamán y tomar San Pedro durante tu experiencia de Ayahuasca puede perturbar tu proceso con la Ayahuasca. Tanto la Ayahuasca como el San Pedro son medicamentos potentes que puede tener impacto muy positivo en nuestras vidas, pero nosotros honor y respeto a ellos dándoles a cada uno separar tiempo-espacio. Esto asegura que el proceso sea seguro y fundamentado. No queremos alterar tus energías rápidamente después de la ceremonia de Ayahuasca. Esto proporciona un efecto positivo duradero y te permite comprender e implementar adecuadamente todas las enseñanzas que recibes durante tu retiro de Ayahuasca.

A lo largo de la historia de Feather Crown, hemos trabajado con chamanes certificados y no certificados, incluidos los propios líderes de ASHIN (Asociación de Chamanes Indígenas de la Provincia del Napo) y CYRAE (Consejo Asesor de los Chamanes de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana), organismos que otorgan certificaciones a los chamanes de la Amazonía, ayudándolos a conseguir más trabajo y a proteger sus derechos indígenas. En la Amazonía, solo un pequeño porcentaje de chamanes, tal vez 5%, están certificados. Hay chamanes excelentes que no cuentan con ninguna licencia, y hay chamanes con licencia cuya conducta resulta perjudicial para los clientes. En resumen, una licencia no prueba nada y desaconsejamos confiar únicamente en un simple papel.

No requerimos que los chamanes tengan licencias formales. Requerimos que un chamán tenga una conducta ética y habilidad demostradas durante muchos años de trabajo. Los chamanes que trabajan en Feather Crown son seleccionados y probados. Pertenecen a una tradición indígena y han recibido la debida capacitación e instrucción de los ancianos. Forman parte de nuestra ayllu (término en kichwa, que significa “familia extendida”). Nos tomamos un buen tiempo para observar no solo sus habilidades ceremoniales, poder chamánico, y capacidad de liderar y guiar a las personas a través de intensas experiencias de Ayahuasca, sino también su amabilidad, franqueza, disposición a compartir y enseñar, explicar su trabajo, así como seriedad y confiabilidad.

Los chamanes de la Corona de Plumas son excelentes y uno de los más solicitados en Ecuador, no por su licencia, sino por sus habilidades probadas y comprobadas.

Harás felices a las personas llevando pilas recargables AAA y AA, linternas frontales y linternas resistentes al agua. Puedes hacer felices a los niños trayendo colores y libros para colorear, balones de fútbol, navajas de bolsillo, cuadernos, libros educativos/de cuentos/cómics en español, muñecas. Las mujeres aprecian los utensilios para la cocina. Por favor, no traigas cosas que no funcionen.

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.

Por favor, lea nuestra completa Requisitos de salud, medicación y seguridad antes de presentar la solicitud.

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.

Vea nuestra retreat center and transportation information y 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.

Nuestro Guía para principiantes sobre la ayahuasca 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 página.

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 Formulario de solicitud de retiro y evaluación médica. 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.

El depósito es no reembolsable, 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.

Vea nuestra current retreat dates and availability.

El 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.

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

Nuestro 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 nuestros retiro de 5 días y retiro de 10 días 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 Seguridad con la ayahuasca en Ecuador information and health requirements antes de presentar la solicitud.

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.

Nuestro Guía para principiantes sobre la ayahuasca 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 Cómo prepararse para una ceremonia de ayahuasca.

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 y 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 y centro de retiros página.

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 Centro de retiros Feather Crown en la Amazonía ecuatoriana..

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 centro de retiros página.

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 centro de retiros página.

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 retiro de 5 días y retiro de 10 días 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.

El 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 y 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.

Vea nuestra 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 Retiro de ayahuasca de 5 días en 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.

Yes. When the retreat schedule and the shaman’s availability allow it, an additional ceremony can be arranged on one of the days between the regular ceremonies.

The price depends on how many people take part: 1 person — $390 USD; 2 people — $250 USD per person; 3 people — $190 USD per person; 4 or more people — $140 USD per person.

An extra ceremony is always arranged individually and must fit safely into the overall retreat program.

Each retreat has one main shaman, according to the selected retreat date. The current dates page and registration information indicate who is leading each retreat.

When Maestro Sina is leading, he is accompanied by his son, who is also a shaman, and they work together during the ceremonial process.

You can read more about our healers and team on the Chamanes y Bastón página.

Yes. Translation is available on-site throughout the retreat. Jan Rostlinka and Baru Alegría both translate important conversations with the shaman, integration sessions and other situations where participants need language support.

Meet the full team on our Chamanes y Bastón página.

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.

Lea más sobre ¿Por qué la gente elige Feather Crown?, meet our Indigenous healers and retreat team, or read experiences from previous participants.