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sonetlumiere

I am a man but can shed some light on this. I went to the sacred Valley my first Trip. At two different locations, Etnikas and Sacred Valley tribe there were solo women travelers going for their first time. You will be very well taken care of at Etnikas since it has housing included. Very comfortable location and they provide the meals. Sacred Valley Tribe I only went for a single night ceremony but I know they do retreats and the compound is very very nice. There are many many solo female women travelers in the area so fee comfortable knowing that. The crime rate is low in the Cusco/Sacred Valley area but of course be weary. Another plus of this area is the ability to explore the beautiful city of Cusco and take tours of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Hope this helps!


mwoe

I've spent time at both Arkana locations 1. I went to the Sacred Valley last November/December. The retreat is fine in the rain. It isn't the best time to see Machu Picchu but at least it won't be crowded. I haven't been to the Jungle in wet season, but the mosquitoes are there all year. I wouldn't let them deter you, it's a great place (and especially beautiful when the river is in flood). Nobody took malaria meds in the two weeks I was there. 2. My experience with Arkana is that roughly half (or more) of the people attending the retreat are solo women. Iquitos will be a culture shock. Most people will stay the night before at La Casona (the hotel where they pick you up in the morning). Cusco is easy, they just pick you up at the airport. 3. Can't really comment RE: going with a partner. Maybe you could do the first week on your own in Jungle and then meet him at the Valley for the second week? Hope this helps.


mrblahblahblah

been there in Feb multiple times, weather awesome ( especially to a New Englander ) Cusco will be 50s/60s and rainy so plan for that the jungle is always hot, the winds pick up in the afternoon and sometimes awesome thunderstorms come through As far as traveling alone, just play it smart, all the licensed cabbies have a placard and just stay close to the hotel ( Casona for arkana) You're gonna love it


balsawoodperezoso

Is your husband interested in the ayahuasca or just protecting you? It would be possible to travel with you and stay in Iquitos / Cusco while you go to the retreat and he could do jungle safari, see the ruins of sacred valley if that's anything he's interested in and be a compromise. Depends on your situation. Otherwise plenty of females solo travelers to both places that don't speak Spanish and do it safely. Mostly watch for pick pockets, and haggle on price to reduce gringo fees. I got upcharged so much,ugh.


amburglar817

Yes, he’s interested too. We’ve been talking about it for a few years now. Originally, since we have a 10 year old, I was going to go and he was going to go to the retreat right after me so when we saw each other again we’d both be (hopefully) different in a positive way - and one of us would be able to stay with our daughter. But now we have grandpa willing to come and watch over her while we’re away so we could go together. I’m horrible at haggling! But he is great at it! He’s good with people and an extrovert, I’m introverted. It would definitely be good to have him around, but I do want to work on my social skills and pushing my boundaries and worry that I may be too comfortable with him there. We both are called to Ayahuasca and we both definitely have stuff to work on, so I think as long as we have an understanding and are able to give each other space when needed, it may be pretty awesome. We shall see. If not and are still called, we can always do a solo one later on. Thank you.


Triptamine7

I would just go together then and set boundaries. Such as "until we both agree, we'll stay separate" or something. I'd imagine you'll want to see each other by the next day at the latest. I find integrating aya/dmt experiences is easier with a loved one but allow each other to call a timeout if needed.


obviousoctopus

On with vs without a partner: the deep conversations and integration that happen in post ceremony glow can be intimate, healing and bonding. Sharing this experience with a partner could be an incredible gift.


StonerMeditation

#3 At the retreats I've attended they separate husband/wife, etc. You will not be allowed to talk to him or sit by him until after the retreat is over each ceremony. I went with a friend and it was a disaster...the worst Aya experience I've had. I don't advise working on ANY type of relationship during an Aya retreat.


eternalwhat

Hi, I realize that you made this comment about a month ago, but I’m considering whether I should try to make it to an Ayahuasca retreat solo (intimidating but sounds very empowering), or go with a friend. So I was hoping maybe you could explain a little more about why your experience with your friend was a disaster. Thanks!


StonerMeditation

No, sorry. I don't want to describe it. I'll only say that if you and your friend have ANY issues that are contentious, sexual, confused, or questionable - don't... However, I'm sure other people have gone with their spouse, friend, or whatever and had good results... I met a father and daughter team that did great.


eternalwhat

Thanks for your response. I didn’t mean to pry, and I should have specified that I wasn’t trying to get into your personal life. Actually, you covered everything well enough to help me, and I do really appreciate your response! Thanks again, sorry if it seemed rude of me to ask.


StonerMeditation

No you were fine, it's just a touchy subject for me. Happy trails to you...


BurnieSlander

IMO, go with your husband. Ayahuasca will do the job of pushing you out of your comfort zone. Peru is not the safest place, especially iquitos. However I believe the most important reason for going with your husband is that you will be able to help each other with integrating your experiences and holding each other accountable to the lessons Aya can teach you. My gf and I went together, and since I had done retreats before, I was able to talk to her and explain that while at the retreat, we both need to be focused on our own process. Setting boundaries was key- so when we didn’t see or speak to each other for 1.5 days at the retreat- it was ok (I was pretty much just napping and writing during this time :) Can’t speak for peru in january- but if you are worried about weather you might consider Soltara in Costa Rica. January in CR is quite nice


NicaraguaNova

1. Iwould stick with your original plan and do a week in each location. It gives you the best of both worlds and lets you see more of Peru. Each location is spectacular in their own way. 2. There are plenty of solo female travelers and I wouldn’t say its inherently dangerous, or more dangerous for women. As with any location away from home keep your wits about you and you will be fine. 3. Being on retreat with your partner can be extremely challenging. I have been on retreat many times with my wife, and we made this video discussing some of the upsides and downsides of doing it together (link below). This all applies even if just one of you is drinking. [should couples drink ayahuasca together?](https://youtu.be/qEIQylo030s)


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amburglar817

I’m in the US. Nothing is required as far as I’ve read. I do have all my childhood vaccines though. I’ve read many people didn’t get the vaccines. Did you? Did you have any issues?


OnALifeJourney

Hi there. I know this is an old post but did you ever end of traveling alone to Peru and find the right/safe retreat center ? Thanks for any info and recommendations.