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This retreat changed my life in ways I’m still unraveling. I came in carrying layers of grief, trauma, and a soul-level exhaustion and left feeling like I had reclaimed parts of myself I thought were gone forever. The space was sacred, the facilitators were deeply intuitive and present, and every ceremony was held with integrity and care.
I felt safe enough to fully surrender to the medicine, and that’s not something I say lightly. The food, the energy, the land- it all worked together to support deep healing. And while I wouldn't change a thing about the spiritual container, I would add a few extra pillows to the beds and some ice for the water #firstworldproblems
This place is more than a retreat center, it’s a portal. If you’re ready to meet yourself at the root, this is where you go. Cannot wait to come back! 🌿✨️🙏🏼
It’s been 6 months since I returned from Paojilhuasca, and the experiences, learnings and perspectives have transformed every aspect of my life for the better.
From the moment I arrived I felt safe, with Fabrizio taking the time to explain many things about the retreat and the medicine to me. Before arriving, there are questionnaires and evaluations to ensure it is safe for you to partake, and this level of care doesn’t feel like a tick box, but genuine concern for people looking to attend the retreat. Fabrizio shared information documents to learn more before attending, which was a great addition.
Between Fabrizio, Caterina and 2 Shamans, the whole experience could not have been any more perfect. You create such a bond with everyone at the centre, and there is so much wisdom between all the facilitators. I had so many questions about my experiences here, as well as subjects I had brought with me to unpack, and everything was listened to with great patience and care, to help tailor treatments towards my goals, and provide me with perspectives that have helped me so much since returning.
Another big reason for me choosing Pao was the integration work mentioned online. There are scheduled group sessions after ceremonies, but just being in the Maloka and conversing with these amazing people really helped me with mechanisms for returning to my life. Post retreat, there are whatsapp groups and regular video calls to ensure integration is going well, and this care has been just as important as the retreat, and is a wonderful example of the commitment the Pao team give to care.
There is a wide array of activities to participate in every day, each one serving a purpose on the healing journey, and they are all completely voluntary. The retreat is small enough that you always feel included, but large enough that you can spend time in solitude and work on yourself when needed.
The food is so fresh, and prepared in a wonderful kitchen environment. I only wish I spent the time to learn more Spanish before arriving. Fabrizio and Caterina were always on hand to translate between myself and staff, but it would have been great to have a conversation with these wonderful people.
The huts are everything you need, with cold showers and non flush toilets, and several have a beautiful open wall so you look straight out over the jungle when you wake. There are tables for journaling and hammocks to lie in and gaze over the river Ittaya, marvelling at this incredible location and well thought out design.
My time in Pao gave me a completely new lease on life. It helped me heal, understand, grow personally and open myself to a new community and lifestyle. I was taught so many things that have helped me transform into a much stronger and better person, and I will be forever grateful to everyone who helped me on the journey.
Looking forward to when I can return!
I’ve been to a few Ayahuasca retreat centers now, and this one is by far my favorite. Paojilhuasca Amazonian Medicine Center offers some of the deepest healing I’ve ever experienced. The center itself, the shamans, and Fabrizio are all rooted in love, integrity, and true understanding. They are not driven by money. They are fully committed to healing the world one group at a time.
This center uses real, locally harvested medicines grown and prepared on site. The land is powerful, the location is clean and beautiful, and the experience feels authentic in every way. When you compare the cost to a place like Costa Rica, the difference is massive. You would easily spend three thousand dollars or more in Costa Rica and receive a fraction of the healing you’ll get here.
One of my favorite parts is that during ceremony you are actually allowed to express yourself fully. Your body and soul are free to release whatever needs to come through, without being silenced or removed like many centers do. That in itself creates a healing atmosphere that is rare and deeply needed.
I was honored to lead my own Breathwork sessions at this center and will be collaborating closely with Paojilhuasca and Fabrizio on future retreats. The calling here was deep and real. I am excited to continue this work in a place that feels aligned with truth and healing.
The shamans are incredibly experienced and energetically precise. They knew exactly what each person needed the moment we arrived. Everyone in our group had powerful, life-changing breakthroughs that continue to ripple out in their lives.
I am truly proud of the work happening here. Their compassion, their openness, and their heart-centered approach make this center something very special.
Tomi Massey
Breathwork Evolution.
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Man this place really changed my life for the better. I asked to be healed spiritual they did that. I asked them to clean my body of toxins they did that. I even asked them to help me be a better man. They definitely exceeded that. They have really made me see that I was destined for great things. I felt safe with them and they dont judge they allowed me to express feelings and never judge me they treated me like family. If I could give this 10 stars I would
Ein wirklich lebensveränderndes und sehr besonderes Erlebnis. Ich war eine Woche dort und muss sagen, dass es eine unglaublich intensive und schöne Woche war. Wir waren eine wirklich tolle Gruppe und ich habe mich sofort wohl und willkommen gefühlt. Es war authentisch und sehr familiär, was mir besonders gut gefallen hat. Die Zeremonien waren eine besondere Erfahrung und sehr gut gestaltet. Und das Essen war unglaublich lecker!!! Alles in Allem hat es mir sehr gut gefallen und ich kann den Aufenthalt bei Paojilhuasca nur weiterempfehlen. Das Center liegt direkt am Fluss. Die Natur ist wunderschön und man kann Wanderungen und Bootsausflüge unternehmen.
It was exactly the experience I was expecting. It was rustic and down to earth. It was an intimate experience that allowed connection between everyone there including the owner, shamans, and other guests. Fabrizio is always available to talk and answer questions and is a great guide through every day. Both shamans bring much needed different energies and are very caring and protective. The only thing I would improve is the protection from mosquitos in the area where ceremonies take place. It’s the jungle and I expected to be exposed to bugs but I did hope at least the ceremony space was protected which it was only protected by anti bug incense which only helped a little. I learned to accept it throughout my stay and it didn’t ruin my experience.
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Such a special experience. I spent one week at Paojilhuasca and wish I had time to stay longer. First of all: it's not for everyone (but everyone should go if they have the chance). You will be eaten alive by mosquitoes, you will be uncomfortable and disgusting but ultimately, what you get out of the community that you meet there makes all the physical discomforts worthwhile. It's such a supportive environment and I can honestly say that I experienced a deep soul bond with people that, in any other context, I probably would not even have been friends with. Late night cheesy garlic bread and fried bananas forever <3 Came with no expectations and left with vital lessons learnt
What a truly profound and transformative experience one I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone feeling called to reconnect with their inner being.
From the moment I arrived, I felt held. The staff radiated warmth, compassion, and presence. They supported me through every question, every moment of uncertainty, with such grace. The food was nourishing in every sense prepared with care and intention.
During the ayahuasca ceremony, I was guided home to a place of deep inner peace and remembrance. Though I came unprepared in many ways, the spirit of the center and the guardians of the space embraced me fully.
Gardale, with his gentle strength and authenticity, offered sacred guidance during the Kambo process. His teachings were rooted in truth, and his presence was a gift. I’m know certified.
Catrina, one of the instructors, carries both a gentle goddess essence and a grounded masculine presence an embodiment of balance. She guides with quiet strength, deep wisdom, and unwavering compassion.
I stayed six days, and yet it felt like only the beginning. I now know: for those who feel the call, two weeks or more would allow for even deeper integration and healing.
My heart longs for the center still for the land, the energy, and the beautiful souls who hold it all with such integrity. I am already planning my return next year. This sacred place will forever be etched in my spirit.
I loved the place and feel deeply transformed after a 4 week stay. The program is well structured and all its elements support a deepening of the healing work with the plant medicine. It was great to have a male and a female shaman because of the different energies they provided during the ceremonies. The staff in general is amazing, the food is top notch and the founder Fabrizio is a mad genius. The rooms are pretty simple but if you are not looking for a luxury retreat this should be just the place you were looking for.
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Life-Changing Experience at Paojilhuasca!
Visiting Paojilhuasca was the best decision I made! I initially planned for a week but extended to four. The Ayahuasca and Kambo ceremonies were profound—Kambo, especially, was fresh and locally sourced. I even joined the shaman, Gardel, to find the frog!
Why Paojilhuasca?
I chose it for the small group setting and holistic integration work—breathwork before ceremonies, daily Chi Gong, post-ceremony HIIT, Chinese therapy, local tours, and access to Amazonian medicines like Sananga, Rapé, and Mambe.
Staff & Shamanic Guidance:
The team was wonderful, approachable, and compassionate. The shamans, Maestla and Gardel, don’t speak English, but Fabricio and Caterina helped with translations, and I also used an app.
Food & Facilities:
Meals were fresh, nutritious, and delicious, prepared by Maestla—I’m even continuing her healthy style back home! The eco-friendly facilities include composting toilets, cold showers (perfect in the heat), and free laundry service. Rooms are clean, with WiFi available in the internet room and some nearby rooms.
Village & Adventures:
Swimming in the nearby river twice a day was refreshing! Gardel led amazing jungle adventures, and the friendly village felt very safe. A small store had essentials like toothpaste and snacks.
Tips for Future Visitors:
- Bring extra mosquito spray—mine ran out after extending my stay.
- Sarongs—quick-drying, great as towels and wraps after swimming.
- Thai pants—perfect for mosquito protection without being too hot.
Overall, this place was grounding, powerful, and life-changing. Highly recommend!
This experience was unique and authentic. I immediately felt that I could trust the people working there and was transported into a different world : the one of the jungle. I learned a lot about myself and about amazonian medicines. Don’t expect big comfort tho: the beds are mostly bad, it’s also dry toilets and cold showers. But that just fits the place and the experience itself.
Paojilhuasca Medicine Centre es auténtico! Es selva, medicina de plantas y ranas, curanderos honestos, chamana maestra de las plantas, es comunidad, familia, limpieza profunda, amor profundo, respeto por el proceso, es real, foco en la cura, simpleza, incomodidad, entrega y corazón, familia intercultural, contacto local, comidas de la abuela que alimentan el alma, escucha y silencio, conocimiento hondo empírico, ícaros de conducción. Eternas gracias. Eternas como las experiencias que allí viví. Eternas como el gran espíritu.
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