Pre-Retreat Preparation
DIET
During your Ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador, we provide vegetarian meals that are compatible with the medicines. A pre-retreat diet is the beginning of the physical preparation for the retreat. Keeping your body clean helps to facilitate the healing process during your time here.
It is recommended to adhere to the diet for two weeks prior to drinking the medicine. One week is also good. The 4 or 5 days before is very important to be on this diet.
The major premise of the diet is eating as clean and fresh as possible.
Cut out/reduce the consumption of saturated fats
Cut out/reduce the consumption of sugar
Cut out/reduce anything with colorants and or preservatives
No processed food
No pork or foods that contain it, like sausage
No beef. Chicken and fish are fine in small amounts
No alcohol
Drugs
Absolutely no chemical drugs or narcotic substances (including marijuana) for the two weeks prior to the retreat. Do not take sleeping pills or narcotic pain relievers. If you have any medical conditions and/or are taking any medications, especially psychiatric or antidepressant medication, please notify us prior to your booking.
You will be asked more about this during your booking process. Please email us directly if you have questions about any medication that you may be taking.
WHAT TO BRING
Clothing
The weather can range from ~82°F (28°C) during the day and go down to ~59°F (15°C) at night. We recommend bringing layers so you can take things on and off as needed.
Long pants and shorts if you wish. Pants are more necessary sometimes because of the bugs.
Shirts - Long and short sleeve
Swimsuit for the Temazcal (Sweat Lodge) and we have a swimming hole as well. Women may wish to wear a light dress for the Temazcal.
Light rain coat (there is some rain at times)
Boots or light hiking shoes
Flip flops
Other
Sun protection
Bug spray/repellent (natural sprays are best or DEET if you prefer)
Flashlight
Binoculars for bird watching
Vitamins and supplements to support your immunity
Notebook/journal/pens (it is important to keep a journal of your ceremonies and experiences)
Earplugs and/or sleep mask (this ensures you rest well in shared rooms)
Ceremonial offerings. These can be given as gifts to the Shaman. This is not required though. (Rolling tobacco, sage, sweet herb, rosemary, essential oils, precious stones etc)
Spending money if you want to stop in Mindo or Quito for some shopping. There are ATM's that you can use as well. (Note: Bills larger than $20 notes are difficult to change, especially at the markets)
TRAVEL
You will book a flight to Quito, Ecuador. We pick you up from the Quito Airport and bring you to Hayulima for your Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador. The drive is 2.5 hours from the Airport. And for those already in Ecuador, we have an additional pick-up point in the north of Quito. We will be in contact to confirm your pick-up times and locations.
It is necessary that you have more than 6 months before the expiration on your passport. Less than 6 months left on your passport means that they won't let you board your plane to Ecuador. This is strictly enforced. Check your expiration date on your passport.
For travelers visiting the Mindo and Tocachi region in Ecuador, vaccination against malaria or yellow fever is generally not required.
About the Region
Mindo is located in Ecuador’s cloud forest region at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) above sea level. Thanks to its mountain and cloud forest environment, the climate is mild, humid, and much cooler than tropical lowland or Amazon regions.
Yellow Fever
The areas around Mindo and Tocachi are not considered high-risk zones for yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccine is usually recommended only for travelers visiting parts of the Amazon rainforest or certain tropical lowland regions in eastern Ecuador.
Most travelers coming only to Mindo, Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, or other Andean/cloud forest regions do not need this vaccine.
Malaria
Malaria risk in Mindo and nearby mountain/cloud forest areas is considered very low to nonexistent, so malaria medication is typically not recommended for these destinations.
What Is Recommended
For travel to these regions, it is generally more important to:
Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and insects.
Wear layered clothing for humid days and cooler evenings.
Stay hydrated, especially if arriving from lower altitudes or after spending time in Quito.
Keep routine vaccinations up to date (such as tetanus and hepatitis A), as recommended for general travel.
If your trip also includes the Ecuadorian Amazon, coastal tropical areas, or neighboring countries with different health requirements, it is always a good idea to consult a travel clinic before your trip.