Hi Emma,
Yes, there are a lot of places (especially in the jungle) that offer medicine retreats, and not all are created equal – by any stretch. I chose Sachamama because it’s run by the teacher of my teacher (I’m studying to become a medicine woman myself). So I guess the more appropriate question for me to answer is how I chose the ayahuascero who eventually became my teacher (in the Sacred Valley) – and I did so via word of mouth and personal recommendations.
So in terms of word of mouth and personal recommendations, I can highly recommend my teacher in the Sacred Valley (Javier at http://www.ayaruna.com) or if you want to go to the jungle, don Francisco at Sachamama! (You can email me for his contact info).
Hope this helps!

I’ve been considering an ayahuasca retreat for a while now and have a question. From my research it seems that there are now hundreds of places offering retreats…would you have any advice on how to go about choosing the right one? Is it better to get to Peru before choosing a location? What made you choose sachamama? I’d also be interested in the cost of your stay there, but I understand if you’d rather keep that private x

go on then – I’ve been called worse…

Izy: Agreed! I’m going back for more next year!

DOUBLE-Eek! Glad you caught it early….but can I still call you elephant-man? 😉

Eek indeed – I’ve been diagnosed with a filarial worm – the one that causes elephantiasis. John Merrick look out… Luckily it’s very early stage and treatable.

Hi Cory,
Yep. The jungle isn’t the most hospitable environment in the world, but (despite the sardonic tone of this post), I’m thrilled to have been there. So don’t let it scare you off going….just bring DEET! 😉

Hey Jo!
Ooh – I look forward to learning about your own Colombian ayahuasca experience….when we meet up in Peru in October!