Ayahuasca Shamanism Magical Journeys

 Amazon Plant Spirit Medicine, Ayahuasca Experience, Shamanic Apprenticeship and Jungle Adventures

Testimonials From El Mundo Magico Participants

<< This was our second visit to Onanyan Shobo. The first time here was great but the second time was much better. We want to thank all the people here who made our time here unforgettable. 3 years left since our last visit and things have changed: many buildings are grown up and the people put lots of work here. Our special thanks go to our translator, Clever, who had always open ears for us. Also, the shaman Don Alfredo showed us another view of the world. Now we know the important things to be happy. And we thank you Ninfa for the very good food you prepared. Of course, all the other people did everything they could [for us] to have a good time. We are sure to come back as soon as possible. Hope to see u all soon. Warmest Regards. >>

Julia Koopman & Rene' Beining, GERMANY

<< This entire experience was in a word magic. It is so rare these days that people welcome other into their families. We (my new wife and I), will forever treasure the hospitality, generosity and sheer warmth of Jose' and his magnificent family. It is our hope that all your desires manifest in the most wonderful way possible. Muchas gracias mi nuevo familia. >>

Daniel Bothma & Lizette van Niekerk, SOUTH AFRICA

<< I spent an incredible time at Onanyan Shobo and came back with a huge shift in consciousness. Ayahuasca is such a powerful way to get into depth of yourself but also outside of yourself and feel truly connected. Even though It wasn’t always an easy ride and I had to face my fears and weaknesses, I saw the worlds of infinite beauty, freedom and creativity. [...]  Read more >>

 Valentina, LONDON, U.K.

<< Primeramente, les agradezco su gentil acogida. Han sido todos todos todos muy buenos conmigo y han hecho que esta visita sea menos difícil. Dietar por 3 semanas ha sido una de las cosas mas difíciles de mi vida (aparte de dar a luz y criar 2 hijos). Ayahuasca es una maestra de gran fiereza y gran ternura. Nunca se compromete y su honestidad es brutal. Aprendi' cosas bellas, muy muy bellas e importantes para mi vida. Me voy alentada  y con nuevo proposito para esta etapa de mi vida. Gracias a todos. Maestro Alfredo, Claudia, Ines y Jose', sus hijos Eunice, Ester, Eusaria y las nietas Doris, Jennifer, Daniela (con el pan en el horno), Gilberto e Isaac, Ines, fuertemente laborosos, David un caballero siempre, el cocinero que se fue', Clever, los demas pasajeros y tambien todas las criaturas de Onanyan Shobo y su plantas magicas. Se las agradezco mucho, gracias de todo corazon. >>

 Angela Ravines de Muser, Lima, Peru / U.S.A.

(Peruvian expatriate in the US)

<< I came to Onanyan Shobo hoping to find peace and healing and at least few good experiences with Ayahuasca. I turned out much more than what I'd expected. [...]  Read more >>
 

Dubravko Harapin, CROATIA

<< Thank you for this truly unique experience. Since returning home I am conscious of the clarity and change within myself. Others have noticed and leaves me wondering what I was like before I arrived at Onanyan Shobo! It was and, still is an experience I wont forget. Ayahuasca has much to teach.  [...]  Read more >>
 

Adam, Sydney, AUSTRALIA

<<Our experience was absolutely amazing. Clever is a great translator and more than that, he has a real reverence and vast knowledge of the Shipibo culture, the Jungle and seemed to be able to answer any question Malinda or I could think of. He is a huge asset to Onanyan Shobo. Plus he has a great sense of humour, and a very easy going manner. We were welcomed as family by all at the Shobo. Everyone was more than willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. [...] Read more >>

Greg "Rocky" Bentley & Malinda Starr, Sarasota, Florida, USA

<< My husband and my experience with ayahuasca was beyond profound. We ventured to Peru for healing and left with clarity of direction, happiness and a unity of spirit that promises eternal happiness. Ayahuasca gently guided and healed parts of my body and life I had long forgotten were hurt. The gifts given by this sacred plant were peace, true beauty, love, power and gratitude to name just a few. [...] Read more >>

Vanessa and Efrem, Sydney, AUSTRALIA

<< Peter an and I had a great experience in Peru. The ayahuaska trip opened up new possibilities for us personally and in the relationship. We saw each other, others and the universe as whole and complete creations, having the power of choice to create our reality in each and every moment. It was a very empowering experience.  It was very nice to meet you and Ignazia. Your energy works well together to create harmony around you. We are lucky to have met. Thanks again for the Shipibo family as well, and all the best for David. We hope to talk to you soon on any occasion, maybe due to repeat visit, or another excursion. >>

Katalin Podor and Peter Powers, CANADA

<< Months have passed since my visit to the Onanyan Shobo in January of 2009, but the positive experience has been everlasting. From the moment I had inquired via email for more information about the retreat, to the night I had first arrived in Iquitos, through the week-long retreat, and finally on my departure, I felt safe and cared for in every way. I was welcomed with open arms and hearts. The retreat is a true departure from the distractions, traps, and stress of the modern world. I often miss the peace, simplicity, and beauty of nature I had enjoyed during my stay. From my experience with Ayahuasca, I would say that the vine shows you "who you are" on a subconscious level. For me, it was in subtle ways with images, emotions, sounds, & smells. When you know yourself, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge you can heal and grow. Now at home far from the Amazon, when I go to bed, sometimes I try to recapture the echo of Shaman Walter's singing.  Faint images/visions return to my mind's eye as I drift to sleep. Anyone considering the El Mundo Magico Ayahuasca retreat should do it. It's a once in a lifetime experience that stays with you long after you have left. >>
 

Angela Trinh, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
 

<< Thank you, beyond gratitude, the magic we have shared will forever live within my being. Infinito Amor y Infinita Gracias. Infinite Love & Infinite Gratitude. Hasta la Proxima, Con Amor >>

Mimilia Morales, Puerto Rico, USA

<< AS I PEER into the unforgettable window of time, all is Revealed to me. The mist clears and a most magical enchanted world lies before me. A place where all is possible and infinite dreams play themselves out. This world exists within us all. This spirit of these lands and the spirit of Ayahuasca will forever be rooted in my Being. I feel a deep sense of Gratitude for the spirits of these lands and the gentle Shipibo folk who tend the soils of time. In my darkest hours I feel a warm light, a cradle of protection and nourishment. I will forever Be one with the mystical Being, entwined together throughout time. Blessings to the keepers of these lands. One light. >>

Ryan H., Artist, USA

Click here to read the full testimonial-article:

''My encounter with the Master Teacher Ayahuasca or the preliminary death experience''

by Andrey Emelyanov

<< [...] With no logic involved I clearly saw that my ethereal being was witnessing the last preparation for the Great the Battle of Armageddon! [...] I knew it from the beginning – I was the Dark Lord. But why??! […] The angels approach me, joyfully embrace me and, melted with their love, I faint… […] the angels turned into sages of austere countenances. […] Astonished by my own bravery as much as one could be in these circumstances, I started furiously bargaining with the sages for my life. […] ‘Do you realize that staying in this imperfect body you will be tortured by many physical, psychological and mental troubles’ – they replied sadly in chorus – ‘and you sentence yourself to life full of sorrows and unrealized ambitions? What’s more, the divinely outlined task of your being might be not fulfilled should you choose to save this form. Do you still insist on your choice?’ ‘Yes, I do’, – I say. […] I find myself in a pristine forest of medieval pre-Christian Russia with the task to build a new religion from a scratch. […] never in my wildest dreams had I had imagined that I would have gone through the unequalled spiritual experience in a magical ceremony! [...]  Read more >>

Andrey Emelyanov, Technical Manager, Moscow, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

<< I arrived in Onanyan Shobo with an exhausted spirit and a worn out mind. I had vague expectations and mixed feelings on what I was supposed to get out of the whole experience: Maybe clarity, maybe a good idea, like an epiphany. Maybe one of those spirits that people talk about so much would come and whisper all the answers in my ear. Maybe I would hate it so much, I would have to come right back home. Maybe I would be so scared I would have to call a friend from home to come and join me. Well, the mixed feelings were no longer after having spent my first night there and having met my Onanyan (Shaman, Doctor), Don Walter. [...]  Read more >>

Maria S., Artist, New York, USA

<< How grateful and blessed I feel I had the opportunity to stay a week in Onanyan Shobo! I'll be most grateful to Shaman Don Walter [maestro Chono Tsoma] for the rest of my life, because he made me feel born again. He did a great job and I respect him for that. He changed my life forever. I never felt so blessed. Thanks to the cook Ruben who prepared delicious and healthy fresh food. Thanks to Jose' who was always there to make sure I had everything I wanted, he has warm eyes full of love. And very special thanks to Clever. He was always there to make me feel safe, to do everything to make me feel comfortable. He is much more than ''the translator''. He is a very warm person with a very good heart. He will always have a special place in my heart, together with Don Walter. Thank you very much out of my heart and soul! >>

Carine Bensch, BELGIUM

<< I want to thank all you people working at Onanyan Shobo. Without you guys I wouldn't have been able to have this wonderful experience. I will recommend this place to all my friends in Belgium! >>

Dorien Raeymaekers, Price and Market Analyst, BELGIUM

Click here to download the full Article-Testimonial: Spirit Journey by Julie Ragolia

Courtesy Julie Ragolia © Julie Ragolia - ''City Magazine'', New York, USA

<< Something in the air, my life, the art world....something strong was compelling me to the spirit journey. And if it was of such interest to me, I knew it would be to my readers. There were many choices I could make as a journalist, in terms of where to take this journey, but I just felt that Onanyan Shobo was the right one. I had an amazing experience filled with warmth and spirit. I learned things about nature, grace, and myself that I never imagined. This experience remains close to my heart still, and I look forward to visiting again soon. >>

Julie Ragolia, Fashion Director, New York, USA

<< Words cannot really express what I have experiences here [in Onanyan Shobo] in the last 3 months [of shamanic plant diet] - So much, so much!! So much beauty, not just in the surroundings, the land, which feeds the eye and the senses until they are overflowing but, also, in the individual plants that I have come to know and to love. The plants that just give themselves in beauty so that we can be healed and remember how we can also open ourselves like flowers and offer our beauty to each other as a precious gift [...] Read more >>

Willa Harlatt, Shamanic Practioner, U.K. 

<< Such a beautiful experience! Thank you for the constant love, support and care you have shown us. We feel blessed to be a part of your family. Love always. >>

Stephanie and Jesse, USA 

<< I came here for a month, hoping to get a healing. Whether healed or not

(time will show...) I had a wonderful time here! Thank you all for your caring:

. Don Alfredo for the many treatments he gave me
. Heberto para su organisation perfecta y mucho mas
. Eunice para su excellentes massages
. Ruben para su comidas deliciosas
. Toda la familia for their caring
. A Jose' for his help
. A las plantas para su guida
Un fuerte abrazo >>

Ulrike, GERMANY   

<< This experience has been one that I will forever cherish. It's been as enlightening and helpful as anything I have ever been through. To the Shipibo family, Jose', Ines, Heberto, Mariano and Alfredo...All my love and respect. >>

Vincent Skeltis, Photographer, USA 

<< Thank you! A fantastic and profoundly moving experience. I'll be recommending this place to whoever I met. A beautiful family. I feel nurtured, loved and renewed. Thank you! >>

Tracie Thornberry, Norfolk Island, Australia  

<< To all my dear jungle friends. Thank you for your loving support. I arrived very sick and unhappy and leave now strong, happy and peaceful. Many, may thanks from the depths of my heart. >>

Alex, U.K.  

<< Thank you for your welcome with open arms. Thank you so much for helping me find my heart and soul. >>

Simon, Gibraltar   
 

<< I will not presume I have been cured....but from small acorns might oaks may grow! Love and understanding, peace and light & happiness! One Penny XXX >>

Penelope, U.K.   

<< We achieved beyond what we expected...The spirits are beautiful (well the good ones are)!!! Don't take this lightly, a truly powerful experience...So much love to Don Alfredo, Claudia, Mr. C and all the crew. >>

Ursula and Phil, Brighton, U.K.  

<< It has been a such great journey! Not only the visions which helped me to find my inner self but also everything around here - the simplicity of living and happiness, to understand how little we really need for soul and spirit! >>

Kati, ESTONIA   

<< Nothing is impossible, everything is permitted''. Onanyan Shobo is The Real McCoy. Found by chance in the internet, it was everything I expected and more. A true indigenous retreat, owned and operated by a lovely Shipibo family that catered to our every whim. Be sure to try the local delicacies like suri, cara chupa and majas on yucca, thanks to the great skill of Juanita. Enjoyed the whole experience a lot and was very grateful to the careful attention of Señor Puma. An experience I will always remember. Farewell, until my visit to the Ucayale basin, to the last of the Shipibos. Good luck and may the good spirits be with you always. Un fuerte abrazo. >>

J. B., Santo Domingo

<<When I landed in Iquitos I had the first realization that what I was going to see and experience was going to be something completely new and far beyond my imagination. The simple view of an airport surrounded by trees and dense vegetation was something quite impressive for me, coming from London and having mainly only travelled through Europe and USA. The journey from the airport to Onanyan Shobo, the village run by the Shipibo family who was hosting me, took about a hour or more and despite the skills of the boy who was riding the motor-bike taxi, the road and the mud gave me their special welcome.

On the way I saw a lot of poverty, villages inhabited by people and kids who struggle to survive and suddenly the thought that I was there to seek a mystical experience made me feel uncomfortable. This feeling changed when I reached Onanyan Shobo. [...]  Read more >>
 

Gennaro Ambrosino, Interaction Designer, U.K. http://urbanmystics.blogspot.com/

<< How do I convey a lifetime’s experience in two weeks? I arrived at Onanyan Shobo without my baggage, still in New York. Though this did mar things a little, from the outset I knew that this was the place where – perhaps this would be asking for too much - I could be healed and purged of a lifetime’s depression and self doubt. It was like paradise, but with mosquitoes. [...]  Read more >>

David Maggs, Psychologist, LONDON, U.K.

Eleanor Niblock, Journalist (''Green Events Magazine''), London, U.K.

Click here to read the full testimonial-article:

"Ayahuasca. The Journey to Me" 

by Anthony O' Reilly

<< Where it begins and where it ends it's in two different places. The present journey started with a trip to the Amazon, to an Ayahuasca healing retreat. The journey began way back in September of 2005, and resulted in the reconnection of me to my self. The account below is a little piece of that journey to my reconnection to my self, described below is the trip to the Amazon, with thoughts, the ceremony’s that took place and the visions that I saw during that time. Also included is some of the wisdom shown to me during my time there. [...] >>.

Anthony J. O'Reilly, Shamanic Practioner, U.K.

<< I have to say that the experience of the people and the place has had a profound effect upon me, in the positive I hasten to add. Strange as it may appear, I have brought a little piece of the selva home here to Scotland, thank you for the opportunity, and to Peru and it's people for their kindness, understanding and knowledge. Regarding my one week in Onanyan Shobo I could not have dreamt of having such a relaxed, insightful and wonderful time and experience. On my arrival at Iquitos airport I was met by Heberto the eldest son and taken to the Shipibo lodgings. On arrival I was given a beautiful wooden bungalow for the duration of my stay, I felt very lucky to have such a fine place to stay, the Shipibo family were grace personified [...]  Read more >>

Roger Green, Fund Manager, U.K.

<< What I learned at Onanyan Shobo:

Expect magic.

Just be present, it works.

Respect magic

Never ever is anything the same.

Believe in apparent connections and relationships.

& listen to the whole.

When talking, speak to heal.

Let yourself be transformed towards wholeness,

Through presence, laughter and love.

Let yourself be lifted by air, water, forest and stars.

And be carried around by warm hearts of people.

By animals, spirits and earth

Don´t be afraid.

Be courageous.

Carry in yourself

The power to heal

& Your experiences are real.

Let's  sit together

In a graceful afternoon

At Onanyan Shobo:

It´s drawing to dusk

And light

Of dawn >>

Torkel Lundberg, Filmmaker, SWEDEN

<< How is it possible? This transformation? Anyway, it is possible. I know that now, after spending some time at Onanyan Shobo, with shaman don Rosendo and the loving Shipibo family Garcia Ramirez. I came like a stumbling, kind of depressed, half living, pale person, not able to laugh in a relaxed way, only worrying about my future, punishing myself with disrespect. But this medicine, the deeply bitter brew - Ayahuasca, knows everything, finds each and every difficulty and dissolves it. [...]  Read more >>

Gunilla, Journalist, Shiatsu and Reiki Therapist, SWEDEN

<< We spent 7 days on a jungle expedition from Iquitos up the Yanayaku river with a little group. We used the few days we had most intensely - we went on walking tours to see typical wildlife and experience the jungle atmosphere, visited local villages, undertook night expeditions in search for alligators, organized canoe trips to fish for Piranhas and see the pink dolphins. Everybody in our little group of hosts and guides was most welcoming and enthusiastic - eager to show us everything possible that the jungle has to offer.

It was amazing to see how well Adriano, our guide, knew all the different wildlife species and was able to point them out for us with his 'jungle trained' eyes  - half of it we surely would have missed otherwise!  Teddy - our cook prepared the most fantastic and authentic meals with delicious ingredients we had never heard of before. We saw birds, butterflies, fish and monkeys of all shapes and sizes and went on several night expeditions to see alligators. We loved the little jungle camps where  we pitched our tents at night before putting up a fire for dinner and sitting down for a relaxing meal and chat with our hosts. The village people of Arequipa, where we stayed for two nights were warm, friendly and welcoming and it was a pleasure to see and be part of the village life. >>

Marco Belcastro, Architect, U.K. & Katja Ackermann, U.K.

<< In the middle of a thousand choices and charlatans, I can only recommend El Mundo Magico's lead to those interested in exploring Amazonian shamanism.  I spent 3 weeks in Onanyan Shobo with Don Leoncio and had the chance of doing ceremonies with him in a space so full of spiritual light that there was simply no space left for insecurities, fears and doubts - something most welcome when dealing with the powers of ayahuasca. In such a safe space it was easy to fly and receive the blessings and healings of this teacher plant. >>

Javier Regueiro, Shamanic Facilitator, PERU

<< How Lucky to be me and part of a Shipibo family.

My arrival to Iquitos was nothing but the unknown

I thought I was going to be alone but little did I know.

Nestled away in the Amazon Jungle

Lived a Shaman, his family the Shipibos, and the magical spirits who look after.

The mornings we passed cooking bananas over the fire.

If we had fish nothing in the world could matter.

We all worked together breaking many sweats.

Jumping in the swimming holes never felt so great.

The afternoons were filled with great conversations and laughter.

To be around the Shipibos there could never be a disaster.

Living the life of simplicity

I should feel so honoured to be me.

As the sunset went down we sat around the fire.

Sipping on fresh pineapple tea,

always surrounded by the family.

Upon my departure there was a ceremony for me:

I was given a Shipibo name along with a new godmother.

I was covered in beads and bright colored clothes.

The name I was granted was “Sangun Chonon”

The Beautiful Golondrina!

So now the time has come.

This beautiful Golondrina “BIRD” must go.

I will fly away until the next time

I can be me and live in the natural world

Barefooted with my Shipibo family. >>

Christina Perez, Postgraduate Ethnobotany Student, USA

<< ...L'esperienza di Onanyan Shobo ci è rimasta nel cuore e in poche righe cercheremo di dire perchè. La famiglia allargata di Don Leoncio...è l'elemento di calore che accoglie, rasserena e ti riporta al sapore vero ed autentico delle cose. Ester è una ragazza dolcissima, che aggrega e distende. Clever si è sempre mostrato disponibile e vicino a tutti, e ha svolto il suo ruolo di traduttore con tatto e riservatezza. Un + anche a Roberto, per la sua dieta (ci ha consentito di perdere 3  kg in una settimana!), ma anche molto per il suo lato umano, dolce e  disponibile - ben aldilà del suo ruolo di "cocinero". E anche tutti i personaggi che ruotavano nella famiglia allargata, si  sono sempre mostrati delicati e vicini. E don Leoncio?  Un uomo semplice ma profondo, che tanto ci ha dato -  dal punto di vista umano, che non potremo mai dimenticare. Le cerimonie di purificazione di fumo e ayahuasca sono state  esperienze uniche, che ci hanno svelato aspetti misteriosi della natura nella sua essenza. La correttezza che emergeva in queste persone era evidente ed era  avvalorata dalla loro capacità di comunicare la stessa lingua senza tante parole. Indubbiamente, l'aspetto determinante e vero di questa esperienza è stato il valore umano delle persone incontrate. Esperienza, quindi, davvero positiva, che speriamo di ripetere quanto prima - e che suggeriremo agli amici più cari. >>

Sonia Battistutta, Manager & Marco Cestari, Freelance, ITALY

<< Six months after my experiments with Ayahuasca, the sacred brew of the Peruvian Amazon, I feel the need to write about it in order to clarify my thoughts and share them  with others. I knew that the first encounter with Ayahuasca could be very demanding and puzzling, so I wanted to prepare myself the best I could. Therefore I am very grateful to El Mundo Magico to have eased my access to this Peruvian shamanism. Indeed, when you feel that the outer practical details of your trip are very well taken care of and in a very personalized way, then some of your fears may diminish and you can concentrate on the inner preparation...>>

Cyril Lanier, Artist and Film Director, SWITZERLAND