At Sapan Inka, we deeply value the feedback our participants share on platforms like AyaAdvisors and Google. While the majority of our reviews are overwhelmingly positive—reflecting our commitment to ethical guidance, empathy, compassion, and professionalism—we humbly acknowledge that some speak of experiences that led to feelings of abandonment, a lack of empathy, coldness, or even humiliation. We sincerely regret if anyone's experience at Sapan Inka made them feel this way.
We understand these feelings often arise when a participant's expectations about the ceremony and retreat don't align with our core philosophy. Our approach, rooted in the ancestral shamanic tradition of Amazonian and mestizo healers, is based on a principle of minimal interference. This means:
The process is yours: The curandero or guide acts as a guardian of the sacred space. Their support is primarily energetic and spiritual—through chants, prayers, and protecting the space—with the intention that the power of the medicine and your own self-healing ability are the main drivers of your experience.
Autonomy is healing: We believe that the deepest healing happens when you are empowered to navigate your experience on your own. The absence of physical contact or constant conversation during the ceremony isn't a sign of indifference; it's an act of profound respect for your autonomy and the inherent power of your inner journey.
It's crucial to understand that our philosophy of minimal interference does not mean neglecting participants. While extended physical contact and lengthy conversations are avoided during ceremonies, this approach is far from abandonment.
Support is provided in a subtle and direct way, honoring the traditional shamanic style:
Intentional Physical Contact: Guides may offer brief, light physical contact, such as a pat on the back or a handshake, when they feel a person needs it to recenter.
Brief Words of Encouragement: Concise and direct words of encouragement are used to help participants regain balance and refocus on their inner work. The goal is to empower the person to continue their journey.
Energetic Containment: The true support in this work is primarily energetic. The guide contains the sacred space with their presence, chants, and rituals, allowing the participant to feel safe as they navigate their experience.
The profound psychological support and integration work happens the day after the ceremony, in private, dedicated conversations. This ensures participants receive the right support at the right time, respecting the flow of the ceremonial experience.
It is important to clarify: While our ceremonies last approximately three hours, once they are concluded, our guides check in with everyone. If someone is still immersed in their process, that person is accompanied by the guides in the temple for as long as needed until they have fully recovered. At Sapan Inka, the safety and care of our participants is our top priority.
We recognize that this form of support, while authentic and guided by the traditional use of Ayahuasca, may feel unfamiliar to those expecting a more modern, group-oriented approach. We are committed to being clearer in our pre-retreat communication so that all participants understand and feel more prepared for this way of working.
You can see reviews about ayahuaca experiences and ayahuasca retreats at Sapan Inka Retreat center in Cusco, Peru, in the following links:
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An opportunity to overcome existential conflicts and to solve psychological and emocional issues 
