Foire aux questions

Une connexion Wi-Fi est disponible gratuitement au centre. Nous utilisons une connexion satellitaire STARLINK basique pour l'internet. La couverture cellulaire n'est pas disponible en plein centre, mais elle est disponible à environ 10 minutes à pied de chez nous.

En raison de l'altitude de notre centre de retraite (environ 600 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer), nous avons très peu, voire pratiquement aucun Les moustiques et le paludisme sont pratiquement inexistants. Il existe en Équateur des régions à risque de paludisme, situées dans les plaines amazoniennes – la nôtre n'en fait pas partie. En raison de la toxicité des comprimés antipaludiques, nous vous recommandons de bien réfléchir avant de prendre ce médicament dans une zone à faible risque comme notre centre.

Le transport privé depuis Quito/l'aéroport est disponible moyennant des frais supplémentaires, précisés sur le formulaire d'inscription à l'événement, où vous pouvez également indiquer si vous en avez besoin.

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 vous ne voulez pas boire la potion ayahuasca, vous êtes toujours les bienvenus si vous souhaitez participer lors de cette retraite, car nous pensons que vous pouvez encore en tirer un grand bénéfice. Dans la culture kichwa, il est courant que les autochtones participent à des cérémonies de guérison au cours desquelles seul le chaman boit de l’ayahuasca. La plupart des gens ne sont ni en état ni prêts à en boire. Les peuples autochtones de l’Amazonie estiment qu’il n’est pas nécessaire que le patient en boive. Le chaman en boit pour voir les esprits et pour aider la personne sur le plan énergétique en accomplissant la “ limpia ”, ou rituel de purification, ou la “ curación ”, rituel de guérison. Même si vous ne buvez pas d’ayahuasca, vous pouvez tout de même participer à la cérémonie d’ayahuasca, être avec nous dans le temple, ressentir l’énergie du cercle et bénéficier du rituel de purification individuel dispensé par le chaman.

Nous organisons exclusivement des retraites de 10 jours, et parfois de 5 jours. En effet, il s’est avéré qu’une seule cérémonie ne suffisait pas à la plupart des personnes pour tirer pleinement parti des bienfaits de la plante médicinale et atteindre des niveaux profonds de guérison. L’ayahuasca agit différemment selon les individus. Lors de la première cérémonie, nous pouvons observer votre réaction à la décoction et déterminer la dose optimale. Le chaman s’attache également à préparer chaque personne sur le plan énergétique lors de la première cérémonie. La première nuit est souvent consacrée à la purification. Lors de la deuxième cérémonie, tout le monde est mieux préparé, en harmonie sur le plan énergétique, en confiance et détendu, ce qui permet d’entrer pleinement dans l’espace de guérison de l’ayahuasca et d’obtenir les résultats escomptés. Le nombre idéal est de 4 cérémonies.

Nous non plus. Veuillez retirer tout l'argent dont vous aurez besoin avant votre arrivée au centre afin de pouvoir payer en espèces. N'oubliez pas de demander à notre chauffeur de s'arrêter pour que vous puissiez retirer de l'argent à un distributeur. Il n'y a pas de distributeur à Santa Clara.

En cas d'urgence, il nous faut environ 20 minutes pour transporter une personne vers le centre médical le plus proche à Santa Clara, ou 45 minutes pour accéder à la version moderne Hôpital à Tena  (récemment rénové en 2019). Un camion est toujours prêt à l'entrée du centre pendant les cérémonies. Nous n'avons eu aucune urgence depuis notre création en 2008. Le centre est également équipé de trousses de premiers secours et dispose d'une personne certifiée en premiers secours de base si nécessaire.

Le Sananga est un remède puissant issu de la forêt tropicale, issu de la tradition du peuple Kichwa. Appliqué sur les yeux, il affine la vision et soigne les sinus, mais il apporte également un sentiment de paix et de tranquillité profondes à l’âme, créant ainsi une puissante protection contre les énergies négatives. Les gouttes de ce remède sont élaborées à partir de Tabernaemontana, une plante que l'on trouve tout autour de nous dans la jungle. Cela garantit sa fraîcheur et son efficacité. En savoir plus sur les gouttes de Sananga ici.

Nous ne le faisons pas. Le cactus San Pedro est un plante puissante qui altère l'esprit et c'est mieux si vous le prenez sur un une autre occasion. Travailler avec un autre chaman et prendre du San Pedro pendant votre expérience à l'ayahuasca peut perturber votre processus avec l'ayahuasca. L'ayahuasca et le San Pedro sont tous deux médicaments puissants qui peut avoir un un impact très positif sur nos vies, mais nous honneur et respect en leur donnant à chacun un espace-temps distinct. Cela garantit la sécurité et l'ancrage du processus. Nous ne souhaitons pas perturber vos énergies trop rapidement après la cérémonie d'ayahuasca. Cela permet d'obtenir un effet positif durable et vous donne la possibilité de comprendre et de mettre correctement en pratique tous les enseignements que vous recevrez au cours de votre retraite d'ayahuasca.

Tout au long de l'histoire de Feather Crown, nous avons collaboré avec des chamans certifiés et non certifiés, y compris les dirigeants mêmes de l'ASHIN (Association des chamans autochtones de la province de Napo) et du CYRAE (Conseil consultatif des chamans de l’Amazonie équatorienne), des organismes qui délivrent des certifications aux chamans de l’Amazonie afin de les aider à trouver davantage de travail et à protéger leurs droits autochtones. En Amazonie, seul un faible pourcentage de chamans, peut-être 5%, est certifié. Il existe d’excellents chamans qui ne possèdent aucune licence, et il existe des chamans certifiés dont le comportement est préjudiciable à leurs clients. En bref, une licence ne prouve rien et nous déconseillons de se fier uniquement à un simple bout de papier.

Nous n'exigeons pas de licence officielle pour exercer en tant que chaman. Nous exigeons qu'un chaman ait fait preuve d'une conduite éthique et de compétences au cours de nombreuses années de pratique. Les chamans qui travaillent à Feather Crown sont sélectionnés avec soin et ont fait leurs preuves. Ils appartiennent à une tradition indigène et ont reçu une formation et des instructions appropriées de la part des anciens. Ils font partie de notre ayllu (terme en kichwa, qui signifie “ famille élargie ”). Nous avons pris le temps d'observer non seulement leurs compétences cérémonielles, leur pouvoir chamanique, et leur capacité à diriger et guider les gens à travers des expériences intenses d'Ayahuasca, mais aussi leur gentillesse, leur ouverture, leur volonté de partager et d'enseigner, d'expliquer leur travail ainsi que leur sérieux et leur fiabilité.

Les chamans de la Couronne de plumes sont excellents et parmi les plus recherchés en Équateur, non pas en raison de leur licence, mais de leurs capacités éprouvées et testées.

Vous rendrez les gens heureux en leur apportant des piles rechargeables AAA et AA, des lampes frontales et des lampes de poche étanches. Vous pouvez rendre les enfants heureux en apportant des couleurs et des livres de coloriage, des ballons de football, des couteaux de poche, des cahiers, des livres éducatifs / d'histoires / de bandes dessinées en espagnol, des poupées. Les femmes apprécient les ustensiles de cuisine. S'il vous plaît, n'apportez pas d'objets non fonctionnels.

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.

Veuillez lire notre texte intégral exigences en matière de santé, de médicaments et de sécurité avant de postuler.

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.

Consultez notre retreat center and transportation information et 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.

Notre Guide de l'ayahuasca pour les débutants 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 Formulaire de demande de retraite et de dépistage médical. 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.

Le dépôt est non remboursable, 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.

Consultez notre current retreat dates and availability.

Le 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.

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

Notre 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.

Comparez nos Retraite de 5 jours et Retraite de 10 jours 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 Sécurité de l'ayahuasca en Équateur information and health requirements avant de postuler.

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.

Notre Guide de l'ayahuasca pour les débutants 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 comment se préparer à une cérémonie d'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 et 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 et page du centre de retraite.

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 Centre de retraite Feather Crown en Amazonie équatorienne.

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 page du centre de retraite.

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 page du centre de retraite.

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 Retraite de 5 jours et Retraite de 10 jours 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.

Le 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 et 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.

Consultez notre 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 Retraite d'ayahuasca de 5 jours en Équateur, 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 Chamans et bâtons page.

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 Chamans et bâtons page.

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.

En savoir plus Pourquoi les gens choisissent Feather Crown ?, meet our Indigenous healers and retreat team, or read experiences from previous participants.