Held by the Vine

Held by the Vine is an intimate journey into the Peruvian Amazon, created for those who feel called to deepen their relationship with themselves, the natural world, and the medicine of Ayahuasca.

Together, we will travel outside of Iquitos to a simple, rustic, and authentic Indigenous woman-owned retreat center. Our time in the jungle begins with a Vine Introduction Ceremony and a non-psychoactive brew of the Ayahuasca vine, followed by three traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies. There will also be daily integration, rest, reflection, and plenty of time to simply be with the jungle. Hapé may be offered by Kate and Leo, and an optional Kambo ceremony will also be available. Each person will be supported in listening to their body and honoring their own process.

Juanita, an experienced Shipibo curandera, leads the Ayahuasca ceremonies and holds the traditional medicine space through her relationship with the plants, prayer, and the icaros she has carried since childhood. This center is the unfolding of her vision, allowing her to share the medicine on her own land while keeping the traditions, leadership, and financial support with the Indigenous people who carry this work.

Leo is Juanita’s student, as well as one of Kate’s teachers. He works alongside Juanita, supports the ceremonial space, offers translation, and helps bridge the language, teachings, and traditions being shared with our group. Leo and Kate may also facilitate hapé during our time together.

Kate holds the larger container for the journey. She supports participants through preparation before the retreat, care and connection throughout the experience, and integration both during the journey and after returning home. She also offers group reflection and facilitates the optional Kambo ceremony, while making space for Juanita and Leo to lead the traditional work they carry.

We will begin at an Airbnb in Iquitos, giving everyone time to land, settle in, and connect before entering the jungle. The Airbnb will remain available throughout the journey as a cozier place to land if needed. We will return there after our time at the center for additional rest and integration before traveling home.

The retreat center itself is not a luxury experience. It is an opportunity to step away from the distractions of everyday life, stay in traditional jungle tambos, sit in ceremony within the maloca, and meet the medicine in the place where it grows. Held by the Vine is an invitation into remembrance, connection, and a deeper knowing of yourself.