Discover the traditional Shipibo approach to working with plants in sacred healing ceremonies in Peru, and learn how a master plant dieta can become part of a deeper journey with ayahuasca.
A master plant dieta is a long-established healing practice within the Shipibo tradition. It involves dieting a specific plant or tree over an extended period while following a Shipibo diet designed to support ayahuasca work. Bobinsana is one of the more commonly chosen Plant Spirit Medicines, though the right dieta depends on many personal factors.
Stronger plants and trees usually require 20+ days, while gentler ones may call for 10+ days. The process is not easy: the body becomes weaker, natural defenses are reduced, and the experience is meant to open the way for a deeper connection with spirit. When combined with ayahuasca, a dieta can offer a profoundly transformative path.
"What started as an intention to do a 5-day ayahuasca retreat ended in a 25-day dieta. I have cried, shouted, and been in doubt. By far, the most challenging yet transforming experience of my life. I´m eternally grateful to Olinda and her family for their love, wisdom, and support. If you want to try this type of dieta in a safe and authentic environment with natural and experienced shamans, then this is the place for you."
Daniel - Holland
Guest at the retreat
Our Shamans consider several elements before deciding which master plant dieta is appropriate for you, including your intention, previous experience, physical and mental condition, and the length of your stay.
"Some guests arrive knowing what they want to diet, and we often approve. But we also say no when we see it doesn´t align with their spirits and intentions. My advice is that you arrive with an open heart with a clear intention for your journey."
– Maestra Olinda
The day after the first ayahuasca ceremony, the Shamans gather the medicinal plants or tree bark needed for your master plant dieta, so it can be prepared back home. In the picture, Meastro Esteban is showing a guest the Palo Maestro selected for him.
"You can´t just pick a plant and think it will do you good. You have to ask it for permission, honor it, and surrender."
– Maestro Esteban
Once the plant medicine has been sourced, the preparation begins. In the picture, Maestra Olinda is preparing a Bobinsana dieta for one of our guests. Bobinsana is a medicinal plant known, among other qualities, for supporting the opening of the heart and encouraging self-love.
"We prepare all medicine at our retreat for everyone to witness."
– Maestra Olinda
During a Bobinsana dieta, you will have a ceremony with the plant every second day, for a total of three ceremonies. In the picture, Maestra Olinda is leading a plant ceremony with one of our guests.
"I have dieted for over 20 years with different plants and trees, and people always ask me, 'Maestra, what will happen to me when I diet this plant?' I can share the wisdom of the plant with you, but how it shows itself is for you to find out."
– Maestra Olinda
The Shamans prepare a blend of healing plants and let it soak for several hours so the water can absorb its properties. This flower bath helps cleanse toxins while also offering protection for your body and soul throughout your master plant dieta and ayahuasca ceremonies. You will receive three flower baths during the dieta.
The Shamans gather medicinal plants and trees, boil them in a large pot over an open fire, and then carry the pot to our hand-built sauna. There, you sit enclosed in the steam for 15-30 minutes. In the picture, Maestro Robert and Gladys are removing the cover as one of our guests finishes her session.
"The sauna assists in purifying your body for the dieta. A guest receives 3-6 sessions."
– Maestro Robert
After the sauna, the Shamans continue strengthening protection for the dieta and ayahuasca ceremonies. In the picture, you see Maestro Robert blowing mapacho, a medicinal tobacco grown in the jungle and used in all our ceremonies.
"Mapacho is like a bridge between worlds. Its spirits works with all other plant spirit medicine and we use it for both healing and protection."
– Maestro Robert
You will be served a diet that supports your dieta throughout the process. The traditional Shipibo meal plan is primarily vegetarian with fish, and excludes salt, sugar, spices, and green leafy vegetables. If you are strictly vegetarian or vegan, let us know and we will accommodate you as best we can.
"You might like the food, you might eat yourself full on every meal but you will still find yourself physically weak. That is for the dieta to lower your bodys defenses, opening it up and giving it space to heal."
– Maestro Robert
You have now been introduced to master plant dietas and the way we source Plant Spirit Medicine for our retreat in Peru. We have also shared why it is important to arrive with intention rather than choosing the plant you want to diet in advance.
If you would like to learn more about how we work with master plant dietas during our retreat, please book a discovery call or get in touch through the contact us page.
Biography Maestra Olinda, 59, was raised in a remote part of the Amazon, where medicinal plants were part of daily life from an early age. Her first teachings came through her mother, who served as the Curandera of their community and passed down a deep knowledge of traditional plant medicine. By the age of 16, Olinda was already working alongside her mother,...
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Biography Maestro Esteban, 62, was raised in a remote Amazonian community, where his path into plant medicine began at an early age. At 17, he was initiated to help lead ayahuasca ceremonies alongside his grandfather, who shared with him generations of ancestral knowledge and teachings passed down through his family. When his grandfather died, Esteban was 24, and he stepped fully...
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About Maestro Robert Born in the Shipibo village of Pahoyan, Maestro Robert began working with ayahuasca medicine at just 12 years old. Now 35, he continues to dedicate his life to traditional healing as one of the respected healers in his community. His deep-rooted connection to Shipibo lineage is reflected in the strength and presence he brings to each ceremony. Known for...
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About Gladys Gladys is 29 years old and was born in the Amazon, where her connection to ancestral medicine began early in life. As the daughter of Olinda, she carries forward a deep family tradition rooted in healing wisdom and plant knowledge. She started her formal training in medicine at the age of 20, building a path shaped by dedication, respect,...
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Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information