Testimonials
See what our guests say about us
”I have been actively recommending Anna and Peter to others looking for an Ayahuasca experience. Only within the last couple years had I started to research psychedelics as a medicine for someone close to me and the more I learned the more I realized I may be able to benefit as much. As a middle-aged woman with no drug/plant medicine experience recreational, medicinal or otherwise, I was cautious for my first experience and had many concerns. Anna addressed each of my concerns with sensitivity and without judgement. I have been living with a low-level depression for most of my adult life. My career had brought me to a point of extreme burnout. The months I had taken off work to recover were not really helping. I was feeling overwhelmed at the slightest bit of stress. Knowing that traditional western medicine would have me facing a lifetime of antidepressants with horrible side effects, seeing an alternative was relieving. I started my search for a place that would be truly therapeutic, safe, and considerate of my specific concerns. Anna explained the process, the accommodations and her professional background as a researcher and counselor, Peter's training with the Ayahuasca. They also didn't sell Ayahuasca as a cure-all and that there are some physical ailments that this is not the right medicine for. All of this made me confident that I had chosen the right place and not fallen into a tourist trap. It was an amazing experience. When I left I felt like a huge weight had lifted off my shoulders. While certain stressors still exist in my life, I am not overwhelmed by them. I still have family members that are dealing with severe life threatening illness but I am dealing with it with positivity and without breaking down as I had previously. I am back to work and being productive without feeling burned out. 10 days at the retreat and 4 sessions with ayahuasca. I am not perfect and I am still me but I am definitely a better version of me. I would recommend Anna and Peter everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.
Please keep in mind I gave 10 starts for facility, this is an off grid facility. They are in the middle of the jungle. You will be communing with nature. Anna and Peter were very upfront about what to expect.”
- Erica, United States
”Oh my, how blessed I am to have had this experience with Peter and Anna. I was introduced to them through a dear friend and I had been wanting to come to the jungle for a proper traditional isolation diet for some time. Speaking with them beforehand they were very caring and good listeners to help me select a well aligned plant to diet. Ultimately we came to the selection of Chuchuhuasi. I was so lucky to be the first one to stay alone in the new home they’d been building for for many months prior to my arrival. It’s a beautiful secluded site with incredible natural beauty. All the people in their village seem kind. I saw monkeys, lizards and all kinds of birds and butterflies. They were sweet, kind and gentle hosts. Eating on the floor with them and their dog Bisquit, in their tambo beforehand, I felt like a dear friend or family member. After I started my diet, Peter would visit me once a day and bring my simple food. He’s the perfect balance of engaging but offering you the privacy you want for your experience. He’s a wise, gentle soul who’s lived an amazing life. One of the best parts was getting to share life stories late into the night with them both after a ceremony. Peter’s ceremonies are heartfelt and beautifully simple. We did three. He knows who he is and he offers himself so genuinely through his sweet singing. The way he sang to me offering in the spirit of Chuchuhuasi will remain in my mind and heart forever. I’ve felt incredible afterward. It’s not an easy experience. The solitude can be hard for some. But if you feel the call, then know that these angels will keep you safe and supported all the way. I intend to come back. But Peter would tell me not to plan the future too much and just focus on today. Good advice. ????”
- James, United States
”Peter and Anna are absolutely amazing. Heartfelt and very accommodating. Peter and Anna’s knowledge of the plants is such a gift. They hold incredible space for transformation and lend a guiding hand along the way. Their land is poetically beautiful. It is a wonderful, safe beautiful container for this incredible work. I highly recommend it to anyone that feels called to the jungle and this work with the plants. ”
- Martha, United States
***
”Peter and Anna are kind, personable, loving and clear. They have a beautiful relationship with the jungle and an extensive knowledge of diets and plants as well. Anna is great at organizing the travel to and from the retreat. I felt so supported and held throughout my time there. The accommodations are simple and perfect. Peter and Anna are more like family by the end of the retreat. I highly recommend this place to anyone searching to go deeper with the plants and be held by heartfelt friends along the way.”
- Sofia, United States
***
”I gave top ratings in all categories because the care, forest location , facility, and expertise made my stay incredible.
As a London based psychotherapist my interests were in experiencing the insight and personal healing that can be achieved working with plant medicines.
From the preparations of master plant, food according to the diet, and the conducting of Ayahuasca ceremonies, Peter and Anna at the Mahavan Foundation were just brilliant. It’s a place you can fully trust and enrich your life from visiting.”
- George, United Kingdom
”During my several months in the Peruvian Rainforest, I connected with nature and found my true purpose. I built meaningful relationships with the plants as well as with Anna and Peter, gaining valuable insights. After attending my third plant diet at Mahavana, I felt inspired to share my amazing experience.
My 21-day plant diet at Mahavana, featuring Ayahuma, was a life-altering journey. Participating in these plant diets allows for self-discovery and is ideal for those seeking a transformative experience. Ayahuma is particularly known for fostering deep contemplation and introspection.
The Ayahuma journey challenged me with my deepest insecurities and toughest self-aspects. However, Anna and Peter's guidance helped me incorporate these experiences, emerging from the plant diet with heightened consciousness and a fresh sense of purpose. Focusing on integration sets Mahavana apart from other ayahuasca centers, as it's crucial to apply the gained lessons into daily life.
Anna effortlessly guides people through the intricacies of self-exploration. During my third diet at Mahavana, she eased the burden of addressing challenging subjects like childhood neglect. The plants helped me face and resolve this trauma during the ceremony. Ayahuasca and Ayahuma showed me how dissociation in response to trauma stunted my ability to retain vital information during my formative years, causing me to feel inadequate and struggle with socialization.
Mahavana Ayahuasca Retreat has been a life-changing adventure surpassing my expectations. I am truly thankful for this opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
If you're drawn to ayahuasca, you are aware that a world exists beyond our ordinary reality—a world that unlocks our full potential and helps us live purposeful lives. And I'm here to tell you at Mahavana, that it's possible.”
- Sarah, Canada
”I stayed at Mahāvana for a week retreat with plant diet and Ayahuasca ceremony. It's a beautiful journey to get there. From the moment I stepped onto the boat in the harbour of Iquitos to their place, I instantly felt connected to the authentic and pure nature of the Amazon. I was very lucky to be of the first to stay in their newly build house in the jungle. The place is really inspiring, with an incredible view and natural green surroundings.
The ceremony itself is led by Peter, who is a very knowledgable and experienced Shaman.
He knows exactly what you need at each moment and he will guide you with his beautiful singing throughout the whole experience.
I'm glad I chose him as a Shaman for my ayahuasca. He brings a very positive energy of trust and safety. I hope to come back soon, 100% recommended!”
- Belen, Spain
***
”I visited with Peter and Anna for one month in May 2022. I had an incredible experience that has impacted my life in such a positive way I cannot begin to explain. Over the month long stay I was able to physically, mentally and spiritually heal. It is almost one year now since I left Iquitos and looking back I am so grateful to Peter and Anna. I cannot recommend Peter and Anna enough..”
- Adolfo, U.S.
***
”The Mahāvana Foundation is an incredible space for healing and transformation. With the kindness and hospitality offered by Pran and Anna, as well as their humble guidance throughout the process, it’s a place to feel at home while working with master plants.
If life has led you to the point where you find yourself reading this, take it as a sign and do yourself a favour by booking in for a life-changing experience here - you’ll be so grateful you did.”
- Samantha, Australia
***
”I know Pran for few years now. He was always amazing, beautifully loving soul. He invited me to his new place which he created with Ana. Although I came for a visit as a friend and not for a diet I received so many blessings and nourishment from Peter and Ana that I'm forever grateful. Their presence and skills of active listening were like soothing balsamic medicine for me as I was in that time in little personal crisis. I'm impressed with Anna's therapeutical professionalism and opennes in receiving what I had to express and share about my personal process. She's very connected to plants as well which gives her perfect balance and tools to support the hard work for Dieteros. The space itself is tranquil. Medicine powerful and fresh. Ceremonies held with full integrity, purity and sense of security. Pran's songs are beautiful and so powerful. Everybody connected to medicine should hear and experience this mastery. I highly recommend Mahavana Foundation!”
- Tomek, Poland
***
”I recently dieted with Pran and Anna and found the experience very enlightening and healing. After over a decade living and working with medicines in the area, this is the first time I feel confident in giving a high recommendation to anyone. That is saying so much.”
- Diana, Peru (U.S.)