Originally from Puno in the Peruvian highlands, Don Gino Chaka-Runa brings many years of experience working with Master Plants from both the Peruvian Amazon and the Andes. His approach is deeply rooted in ancient shamanic tradition, carrying a raw and powerful presence that has left a lasting impact on many of those who have taken part in his ceremonies.
His grandfather was a Yatiri from the Inca lineage, the highest rank for a Curandero, or healer. He spoke only Quechua and lived to be 100 years old. At the age of 15, he initiated Don Gino into the shamanic path and gave him the name Chaka-Runa, meaning “The Bridge Man” in Quechua. Through this initiation, Don Gino was introduced to Andean cosmovision, shamanism, and the use of sacred medicine plants. As he continued along the path of ancient Andean knowledge, he felt a strong call to the Amazon and began undertaking Plant Medicine and Master Plants dietas at Munay Retreat Center in Pucallpa, Peru, under the guidance of Don José Campos, who further trained him. Don Gino belongs to the Mestizo Maestros lineage, which begins with Don Solon Tello, Don Guillermo Hojanama, and Don José Campos, the first two of whom have already passed away. He also embraced the Shipibo lineage, learning its practices and icaros.
Don Gino Chaka-Runa works in the Peruvian Amazon and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where he facilitates Plant Medicine and Master Plants dietas. His shamanic work, grounded in ancient wisdom, includes the use of Plant Medicine, Master Plants, mapacho, rapé, kambo, and sananga. He also works with powerful Shipibo, Quechua, and Spanish icaros to create a distinctive healing vibration during ceremonies, helping bridge participants to the spiritual realm. Above all, safety is his first priority. He believes that only in a safe space can people truly relax, trust the Plant Medicine, surrender, and go deep into the awakening process.
Don Gino’s sincere and conscious healing work is widely respected in Peru for its distinctive style, which blends Shipibo, Mestizo, and Andean shamanic knowledge. When leading dietas, he honors different cultures and connects with people on a deep level, giving him a clear understanding of what participants from the Western world bring into ceremony and allowing him to adapt the experience to different cultural backgrounds. He speaks fluent Spanish, English, and Italian, which helps him relate directly to participants and build the trust needed for them to soften, open, and surrender. His work is carried out with honesty, passion, deep love, and humility, guided by a strong wish to help each person heal and reconnect with their true inner being. Most importantly, he welcomes everyone with an open heart and is always ready to personally answer questions or concerns along the way.