The Hummingbird Healing Center opened in 2010 with the intention to help people find healing, growth and transformation in their lives. Working with the medicine plants of both the Amazon and the Andes, for several years we were the only center that offered both ayahuasca and san pedro. We always work with curanderos that have a minimum of 25 years of healing experience. Experience does matter.
Our center has always focused on providing safe and supportive environment, friendly and respectful to women, and excellent care and support both in and out of ceremony. We are proud to say that serving over 1500 people since opening, we have never had a single medical issue related to the medicines.
The Hummingbird Spirit
The hummingbird teaches that even the smallest being can travel vast distances when it follows its inner direction. Though it appears fragile, it carries the medicine of endurance, faith, and the ability to find nourishment in unknown places.
Its journeys are often long and demanding, and by all appearances the hummingbird seems physically unsuited for such distances. Yet it goes. It trusts the movement within it, finding nectar in unfamiliar places and bringing beauty and joy to those fortunate enough to witness its flight.
Across many Native traditions, the hummingbird is associated with healing, wisdom, and endurance. It is often regarded as a sacred messenger—one sent from the spirit world to remind us of what is possible when we move in alignment with our true nature.
The hummingbird teaches that our world is larger than we imagine. It expands our sense of territory and helps us know when to move, when to rest, and when it is time to leave. It shows us that nourishment often comes from unexpected places, and reminds us that when we move with life rather than against it, the universe meets us with support.
If the hummingbird did not follow the inner direction guiding its flight, it would not survive. The same is true for us. When we ignore the quiet pull within, we lose vitality, meaning, and connection. We begin to dim.
At The Hummingbird Center, we invite people to embody the spirit of the hummingbird. The path may feel uncertain, and the journey may appear longer than we feel prepared for. Yet, like the hummingbird, we are far stronger than we seem. When we move forward with faith, humility, and commitment, life provides the nourishment we need—and through persistence, we arrive where we are meant to be.
What You Get When You Choose The Hummingbird
- A safe and intentional container Carefully held spaces that support deep inner work, emotional safety, and personal responsibility. Over 14 years of retreats with no medical incidents related to drinking ayahuasca.
- Guidance rooted in experience, not ideology Facilitation informed by humility, lived practice, and respect for tradition. The founder brings over 14 years of retreat facilitation, alongside Manain, our curandero, with more than 40 years of ceremonial experience.
- Depth of experience held in relationship Our work is grounded in long-standing collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility developed over many years of working together.
- A family-owned, Peruvian-rooted retreat center The Hummingbird is owned and operated by a Peruvian family. While the founder is originally from the United States, his wife Gina was born and raised in Iquitos. Her eldest son and his wife are part of the daily life and work of the center.
- A home, not a venue We live at the center year-round. This land is our home, not a rented location, allowing for continuity of care, deep familiarity with the space, and a consistent, grounded presence.
- A respectful relationship with the medicine An approach that honors the medicine as a teacher—not a shortcut—emphasizing preparation, presence, and integration.
- Support before, during, and after retreat Clear preparation guidance, attentive facilitation during ceremonies, and integration support as you return to daily life.
- Nature as an active participant A setting that encourages stillness, reflection, and deep listening. Our retreats emphasize quiet presence rather than structured activities.
- Permission to move at your own rhythm No pressure to perform or conform—only an invitation to trust your own inner wisdom above any external authority.
- A community of committed seekers Shared space with others who approach this work with sincerity, care, and respect.
The Hummingbird Spirit
Our aim is for you to relax while you process and integrate the work done during ayahuasca ceremony.
Healing with ayahuasca and san pedro can be difficult and challenging. To help make this process a little bit easier we have put a lot of attention into making our facilities as comfortable as possible. Arriving guests regularly comment on how beautiful and peaceful our center is, that it is much nicer than expected. They also remark on how good the energy feels as they walk through the gate.
Our center provides a safe, supportive environment for people to get the healing and spiritual expansion they seek. We foster an atmosphere of open communication that encourages dialog about the challenges of their past, and the insights and teachings received during ceremony. Putting everyone’s well being first, we begin the retreat with a very thorough introductory talk about the effects of ayahuasca and how to productively navigate your experience during ceremony. Our retreats are limited to no more than 12 people and there are multiple caretakers in each ayahuasca ceremony who are not partaking of the medicine.
We’ve created comfortable surroundings and amenities set in a beautiful tropical forest environment so that you can be physically content and at ease while doing this deep and often challenging work. Our aim is for you to relax while you process and integrate the work done during ayahuasca ceremony.
All guests get a private room, and our beds have high quality, very comfortable mattresses. Our common area has a number of couches and a porch with rocking chairs and hammocks. Most guests will stay in our guest house that has a nice long porch with hammocks, overlooking our swimming pond. Those on personalized retreats will stay in tambos back in the jungle. If space is available, 9 and 12 day retreat guest may choose to stay in one of the tambos. Regular laundry service is also included. See our All Inclusive Retreats web page for more details and pictures of our beautiful center.
