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El Purguero

Ayahuasca Retreat & Healing Center

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Testimonials

Testimonials
5.0 rating based on 12,345 ratings
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 based on 35 reviews.

Gringo Shaman
★★★★★
“ Don Ron as the Gringo Shaman has jump over most of local possibilities. In the epoch of high attraction to spiritual development El Purguero is the place for real experience for thouse who like the extreme extension of their consciousness.”
- Kunyuka

Love and Energy
★★★★★
“ Ron is a wonderful person full of Love and Energy with the ability to let people heal and change into a better version. He is very professional and brews the best Ayahuasca! The Camp El Purguero is the perfect surrounding to let healing and change happen. I will go there again some day. Very recommendable!”
- Franziska

Amazing Journey, Seek it!
★★★★★
“ I encourage everyone to Heal "yourself", this a great place for it and Ron is a Great Benefit to all. Don Ron "The Gringo Shaman" is an amazing person and healer. His staff is very caring and attentive to your needs. The camp is very rustic making this a real jungle retreat, read outhouses and outdoor showers. The healing's happening here are real.”
- Jason

Gratitue
★★★★★
“ It's hard for me to review El Purguero objectively - this was my first experience with ayahuasca. What I can say is this week turned out to be pretty profound for me. I'm a closed book and emotionally disconnected. That was still the case after the second of three ceremonies - I had found the process interesting but wasn't convinced it was benefiting me. The so-called healing felt elusive and I was a little frustrated. I feel that taking San Pedro towards the end of the week opened my heart and made me more emotional. Then, with the final ayahuasca ceremony, I came to truly understand and appreciate the brew's healing power. For that alone, I'm truly grateful to Ron. He's a special man, a one of a kind and I feel lucky to have met him. Hopefully I'll see him again one day for another journey. Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream.”
- Voyage

Best Shaman
★★★★★
“ 5 Stars By distance for me best shaman. Drank with 6 different shamanen in Peru... no one can pass Ron the water. Aho”
- Marc Kettenbach

Great Healer/ Teacher/ Role Model
★★★★★
“ I visited Ron 5 years ago and his medicine has changed my life. Ron's Medicine is powerful. This is what I needed to go deep to the root cause of my illness. I have sat with other healers holding space and there medicine has been mild and less effective for me. Ron is an amazing soul with only the purest intentions for all. His medicine helped me to fully understand why I was suffering with depression/ social phobia and after my first sitting I was cured from all my illnesses. He has been a great role model for me in life. Some one I look up to and respect. God Bless”
- RedRossTiger

Powerful and authentic!
★★★★★
“ Ron is an amazing person and an incredible shaman. I have experienced ayahuasca many times and have always had the most profound experiences with Ron. His Icaros are unique, and you can tell he has a real passion and natural ability in his work. I highly recommend anyone looking for a reputable environment to go to El Purguero.”
- Jeanae White

Life Changing!
★★★★★
“ Ron is one of the best ayahuasqueros in Iquitos. His medicine is known to be very strong and many local retreats actually buy their ayahuasca from him. He is also a very powerful curandero (healer). I was lucky to attend a retreat with him, and as there was just a small group of us, we got to spend a lot of personal time with Ron and got to know him very well. Along with ayahuasca, he also gave me other plant medicines that help with my problems. The retreat was so good for my mind, body & soul that it would be an understatement to say that it changed my life. If you’re thinking about seeing Ron, I can only highly recommend.”
- Sassy

Incredibly beautiful experience!!
★★★★★
“ LOVE!! Coming back to El Purguero in less than six months is a true testament of the medicinal benefits of Ayahuasca. I came back this time with my daughter Stephanie, because of what she saw and heard from my first visit to Iquitos. She too is a dedicated Vipassana practitioner and at the tender age of 25 … she has now been given all the tools she needs to succeed in this ever-changing place I like to refer to as Mother Earth. I was real proud of her to take the steps she needed in life when she first went on a ten day Vipassana sit and then to go back within the year to be a server on another ten day. She felt that real change had to come from within and she has applied the teachings well. Coming to the jungle with me showed such braveness and strength and has given her another level of capability. Raising her on my own, we had sadly, become disconnected. After the first ceremony, as we sat on the clay floor side by side … we felt with 100% certainty that not only did we reconnect, we know that we will stay connected … what an incredibly beautiful experience!! Ayahuasca takes one to another echelon of healing. I often heard consuming ayahuasca is like a reset button for the mind. Ayahuasca doesn’t erase memories, but it gives one the insight to look at your life honestly/objectively and provides us with the tools to evolve properly here on Mother Earth. When Stephanie said, “Dad, I feel brand new” and “I feel cleansed” after our workshop; I knew she had received these teachings of ayahuasca. Since being back here in Toronto she has applied those teachings properly and is truly focused on evolving into the best Stephanie she can possibly be. Such a proud Dad I am. I am so grateful to have come into contact with this wonderful medicinal plant. As stated in my first testimony, I really believe in the marriage between Vipassana meditation and the spirit vine ayahuasca; both continue to teach and heal my mind. I truly feel a profound connection to Mother Earth and I’m excited for the future of mankind … because we are in an age of compassion and love. Ron Wheelock you’re a good man and wonderful healer. I thank you again for your kindness, friendship, knowledge and love. Dane A. Vemb, Toronto, August 7, 2014 (July workshop) LOVE!!”
- Dane A. Vemb

Reconnect with Spirit
★★★★★
“ I had tried several rehabs to help me with my heroin and crack addiction, and although I had managed to stay clean for a limited time after each I was always plagued by depression, anxiety, cravings, and insomnia. The detox at El Purguero was rough but after about 3 weeks I began to feel much better. I began sleeping the best I have in my adult life. The dietas were rough, but they seemed to help my body strip out all the toxins. The best thing of all was the ayahuasca. Through that I was able to visit my past (including a past life in one vision) and drop resentments I had held on to, forgive myself, and rediscover a lust for life I hadn't know for many years. It feels like I was able to rewire my brain and reconnect with spirit. These sessions are some of the most profound and beautiful experiences I have ever known. 5 months on from my detox (at the time of writing) and I am doing well. Not plagued by daily cravings, crippling anxiety, sleepless nights, depression as I would normally be in the past. This is what I wanted for over a decade and I was beginning to think I would never achieve it. No one can possibly know how much it means to me to be free of these addictions. Thanks so much for helping me to get myself back! Much love and respect, Rich”
- Rich

Nothing will ever be the same
★★★★★
“ This experience has changed my life. Never before have I experienced such insight & knowledge, or felt the love and power of the medicine. Each journey has re-forged my soul in fire I am so much stronger and more powerful now. I know this experience will change how I do my healing work. Nothing will ever be the same again. Thank you El Purguero for the best experience of my life. Lots of love. Gareth”
- Gareth Hughes

So glad I did it!
★★★★★
“ I faced my demons head on! I felt my fear & my families fear! I put myself back together again! The way mother aya intended. I hope I never have to go through this journey again, but I'm glad I did it. I felt so supported by Ron, Tracie, Mark & all the staff. Keep on keeping on Amen.”
- Rachel Warby

#1 Ayahuasca Healer
★★★★★
“ I visited at Ron Wheelock's camp El Purguero; 3 ceremonies and more happened than in the past 12 ceremonies. He is the best and the most powerful curandero (healer).”
- Villie M

Thank you!
★★★★★
“ If I leave aside the work in the maloca; the food was meant to be basic, it wasn't, it was wonderful, delicious, nutritious, served by wonderful attentive staff who reflected the gentle loving nature of all who worked here. They are attentive, loving and practical. The surroundings are intensely beautiful, the nature walks informative and the accommodation extremely comfortable and clean. There is nothing about the experience that could be improved upon, including the weather. Thank you for all that you are and all that you do and that includes las ninas!”
- Tara

Words are inadequate
★★★★★
“ Words are inadequate to describe the profound transformation I have experienced in this magical place, El Purguero. Ron is the most amazing human being/magician that I have ever had the privilege to meet. Mark & Tracie's strength and patience and support are invaluable, along with the staff, children & dogs (!) making this Workshop one of the most joyous ( though incredibly difficult) places on earth. I love you all, and always will.... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Annie”
- Annie Weary

Surpassed my expectations
★★★★★
“ I came to Peru 10 years ago & have wanted to come back ever since, but this time to the jungle. When this opportunity came up to visit the jungle and drink ayahuasca with Don Ron and it being the end of the Mayan calendar, I knew I had to be here. The place has surpassed my expectations. The setting is divine, as is the food, but what makes it so special is the beauty and generosity of all the staff. Special thanks to Tracie & Mark for their dedication above & beyond the call of duty, and for shopping for us! The ceremonies have been amazing and I have experienced things here and had teachings and visions that I have never had before in more than 10 ceremonies elsewhere, and for this I am deeply grateful to all who sang the extraordinary icaro's, to Don Ron for holding space so safely & for all the channeling - in fact, all who took part...Aho!”
- Chris Gooch

A new dawn
★★★★★
“ It's the morning after & we're all still here, which is wonderful. I hear birds more clearly this morning, I can't remember how they sounded yesterday, I can only hear what they say now. The trees seem more alive & there's calmness in the air. I don't know exactly what happened I only know that it has. I have only drunk ayahuasca 4 times, all here at El Purguero, with Ron. I've had lots of confusing messages & images & little makes sense at this time. That's ok, I've changed, I don't know how there seems no rhyme or reason, I just have. I've often wondered whether the thoughts I have while journeying are mine or messages from mother ayahuasca using my voice & my experience in order to communicate in a way I can understand. I don't think it matters, it's the results that count & I feel like a new person. This day is as predicted, the first day of a new dawn. A new beginning for us all, and for me a time to "be the change I wish to see in the world". Love, gratitude and utmost respect to Ron, Tracie & Mark for being such wonderful hosts & beautiful people. A special thanks to Ron who is wonderful, kind, sensitive, attentive, advanced soul. Thank you to all the staff who have been amazing and looked after us magnificently. To you all "I love you" Aho!”
- Rober DJamil

August Moon Retreat
★★★★★
“ Dear Ron & Victoria, I feel like I need so many more words for what I have to say. Sending him to do ayahuasca in the jungle was life or death for August, (As I imagine it is for so many that make their way to the jungle). Nothing we could do or say could alleviate his suffering. I worried for his personal safety, gut wrenchingly all day, EVERY SINGLE DAY. I knew my beautiful boys soul well, but I couldn’t convince him of that. Hearing his voice upon his return to Iquitos was SO completely different, than the child that left us. “Thank you” is so ridiculously inadequate, He loves himself, he heart is wide open, He trusts life again, (even after some big disappointment Upon his return to our valley.) Eternal gratitude for your beautiful work Ron, And for Joel for helping us to make the connection, For our son August for being so brave to confront so much, Deep appreciation always, coco & Rickie Jones”
- Coco and Rickie

Ron is a true shaman and now a good friend
★★★★★
“ The fact that the shaman Ron speaks English was a huge plus for me when I had questions about the country of Peru, the facility, or the ceremonies and my experiences. He is a down to earth guy that is honest with himself and others. Watching him do his life's passion is a true blessing to witness. Not to mention his brew is extremely potent. Overall the experience was amazing and unforgettable. When the medicine calls my name in the future, there's no doubt in my mind I'll be going back to El Purguero. I would recommend this retreat to anyone looking for an authentic Ayahuasca retreat in the jungle.”
- Ddacadd

Highly Recommend
★★★★★
“ My stay at El Purguero truly surpassed all of my expectations. Although, I knew before attending that it would be a powerful experience. I had a strong intuition about Ron after hearing about him in a podcast and seeing him in a news clip. Ron Wheelock is entertaining and unapologetically himself. Very devoted to his work. Very wise, which comes from a colorful past that he shares enthusiastically. It is evident that he truly cares for his guests. He made himself available to help where needed. The fact that he is a native English speaker is also a huge benefit. The property is beautiful, secluded in nature. The perfect setting for this type of experience. Walls are painted with visions and quotes of past visitors which mean more with every ceremony. Hens, roosters, and chicks roam the property, alongside a mama cat, her two kittens, two precious puppies, and a parrot. So comforting to have. The bed was amazing, the food was AMAZING. I loved everything I ate. I didn't know simple, natural food could taste so good. Big portions. We spent time in the hammock shelter chatting with our group and Ron, reading, writing. We went on walks through the jungle. I really enjoyed when we picked wambisa leaves and prepared Ayahuasca as a group. Our post ceremony group chats were always very productive. I couldn't ask for more. Highly recommended!”
- Morena Pryor

A shaman of the highest order
★★★★★
“ Just spent two fantastic weeks at El Purguero. This was my third trip to the jungle around Iquitos to work with plant medicines, and it was the best so far. I've had the pleasure of being hosted by Tracie Thornberry and her brother Mark before. First and foremost, they are just fine human beings. It doesn't take long to see that for them, it's about healing, not making money. Tracie is also a highly skilled counselor who saw me through some very challenging episodes during my first visit to Peru. She inevitably gives me a lot to think about, and my time with the medicine is always richer because of this. New to me this time was the honor of sitting in ceremony with Ron Wheelock. He is both a kind man and a shaman of the highest order. He pours 100% of his energy into every ceremony, and this creates a VERY powerful experience. I said, only half joking, that the name of the center should be changed from "El Purguero" to "Thank You". But then, "El Purgeuro" does have a nice ring...”
- Jason

Breathtaking Icaros!
★★★★★
“ I've dreamt of this day for a very long time, and dreamt also of coming here to receive healing from Ron. I know several people who have come to him over the years and heard all about their life changing experiences with this medicine of Ron's, and Ron's amazing strength and healing abilities. I have now had 3 ceremonies with the master shaman, Ron Wheelock, and have witnessed first hand his other-worldly power and courage. Every ceremony has been completely unique, and I can say with my hand on my heart, that these last 10 days have changed my life forever. My prayers have been answered. It's now my intention to return in 10 days or so to start the dieta. Mother ayahuasca has accepted me and I've been blessed with incredible visions and very deep healing. I feel completely at home here. Everyone has been amazing - all members of the familia, and the staff - delicious and excellent food by the way. I have had the honor of drinking this sacred medicine with persons of commendable strength and I thank everyone. Intense journeys were had but Ron always brought us back into the light. To Ron, Tracie, Mark, Medado I wish love and respect and I shall see you again soon. Aho! P.S. Breathtaking icaro's!!”
- Iwan

The perfect place for anyone to do Ayahuasca.
★★★★★
“ This is an Ayahuasca retreat run by Gringo shaman Ron Wheelock. He is the perfect shaman and host, very helpful and compassionate. I've spent 12 days both this year and last at Ron's camp and enjoyed every minute. The Ayahuasca is strong and healing, plus the peaceful jungle location gives you ample time to reflect and grow. I recommend El Puergero to anyone wanting to experience Ayahuasca.”
- Alex Orange

A true ayahuasca experience.
★★★★★
“ Ron is very experienced, well respected amongst his peers, and is an amazing shaman. His down to earth attitude is perfect. The facilities are very basic and one should not expect many amenities. But the experience I had was the best by far and unmatched compared to the several other retreats I have experienced. His plant knowledge is fantastic. His Ayahausca knowledge and ceremonies and icarus were amazing and the fact that english is his first language really helped me understand my experiences and so much about the plant medicine. I highly recommend him .”
- Paul D

Doorstep into the natural world
★★★★★
“ It's very hard to put any personal experience in words.. it was a breathtaking awakening! The family who lives on the property is warm and very welcoming. They cook amazing nice food. Do your laundry and maintain the place. The owner and Ayahuasquero, Ron Wheelock, is a very humble person who is doing a fantastic job out of passion and a lot of knowledge. He really understands and knows what he is practicing, which gave a 100% safety feeling on opening up to him and in the group. Besides that he is very humane in a way that he is himself to the fullest, but strictly disciplined when it comes to the real work! Also the integration-talks are very rich and it's one of the few place where you can really connect to the Ayahuasquero, because of Ron's background. He speaks English and shares his personal experiences with the group! ^^ There is a astounding jungle surrounding the property with basic accommodations (personal tambo and dorms), no flush toilets, an basic shower. That was totally fine for me. "Back to nature"-like feeling. A nice plus point for me personally where the animals. It's lovely to have them around during these healing periode in the rainforest. Ron's lover also has a nice souvenir shop where you can get some nice reminders of your stay. I found the place for me to be, this is definitely a see you later alligator! 😀 Thank you for this magical week to the whole team!!”
- Keybergh N

First Ayahuasca Experience
★★★★★
“ Ron‘s reputation was completely justified and I had a wonderful week full of insights, healing and just overall peace. Like one participant of my group said: „This week felt like more than ten years of therapy“. I could not agree more with that and the next time Ayahuasca calls my name I‘ll return to the place where we met for the first time. As some other reviews said there are more comfortable camps, I wanted to share the philosophy of „El Purguero”. This place is about working on your self and is not a holiday by any means. Getting to know things you try to hide or forget is not always pleasant and as such this retreat focuses on the workshop, not on the pleasure or comfort like some other retreats. Thank you so much for everything Ron, your work with plant allies is just amazing. You are a great healer and that shows during your ceremonies with those very powerful Ikaros. Daniel.”
- Daniel B

No Doubt!
★★★★★
“ Ron is the Man!!! He is a true Ayahuascero and a divine instrument of compassionate universal energy that will heal you if you commit! I am forever indebted to El Purguero and Don Ron Wheelock for what I have gained which is incomprehensible freedom in areas I was not even aware of. Good choice & God Bless.”
- Brendan B

Ron Wheelock is "The Shaman" you have to see!!!
★★★★★
“ I just got back with another Group from Ron Wheelocks Camp El Purguero. It was my 4th time to Peru and I have seen in these years different shaman, included some of Ron's teachers. And to me, none of them can hold up to "the Gringo shaman" Ron Wheelock. A down to earth, loving and honest person. That knows how to brew a very strong Ayahuasca and is able to deliver a ceremony that will change you for ever. If you are the type of person, that really wants to change, than Ron is a perfect match for you. If you think, that among all the "Drugs" you did, that you want to know Ayahuasca as well, since its is on your bucked list... stay away, as far as you can. Than it will tear you apart. Ayahuasca is not a party drug nor something on the list, you want to scratch of. It is serious work with oneself on all levels. Mental, physical and emotional. Make sure, you respect that.”
- Anon

6 Reason
★★★★★
“ - Don Ron is an excellent man who can tell you a lot not only about ayawaska, but also many other things. He also has a great experience of a shaman (over 20 years old) and a very cheerful person))) - camp El Purguero is located in the jungle, but not very far from Iquitos (the journey takes only 1-1.5 hours by car or bus). Convenient to get from and to the airport. - communication takes place in English, which is very important for understanding the subtleties of the process and getting answers to questions. - the cost is 30-50% lower than in other camps !!! - it is believed that ayawaska Don Ron is one of the most powerful and powerful medicine in Peru - you can get other treatments like Cambo and San Pedro ATTENTION! El Purguero is not a 5 star hotel, not a restaurant with exquisite dishes and not a place for relaxation. You must understand that you need to go here to WORK, not to rest.”
- Andrei F

Fantastic Work
★★★★★
“ Ron is the most most and competent shaman I've ever met. It combines the hardness necessary for this work with a boundless love and openness. Its special ayahuasca recipe is unique and allows each individual to develop its full potential from a point that is so deep in a self-hidden, that it is not possible to hold the existence of this point Would have. I don't think I've ever really met without Ron Whee's medicine ayahuasca. - my deepest, sincere thanks, Ron, for your fantastic work!”
- Hartmut Schafer

Unique and Powerful
★★★★★
“ Ron is unique, he is a wonderful person and very professional and great shaman. He loves his work like his life... for me this trip was a wonderful experience to myself. Really everyone should have been to Ron once in life.”
- Cynthia Schneider

Medicine for the Soul
★★★★★
“ I did not come with a vacation mindset. I did not come to this retreat to make friends. I came here to work and work I did. I am forever grateful to Ron for his guidance, his stories, his lessons and unconditional care. Ron Wheelock is a true healer and I am so fortunate to have faced my shadows under his tutelage and abundant love. I trust Ron and I will come again for more healing, no doubt. As for the company I kept, it was as if the Universe picked 10 perfect people all over the globe and placed us together. We were all meant to be go on this journey. I am humbled by all the souls there, from fellow seekers to the incredible staff. The wholesome, nutritious food was soulful and energy restoring. This past week I saw heaven and hell, I faced my greatest fears and slayed some inner beasts. I could not have asked for a better experience overall. Thank you Ron and my beautiful Aya crew.”
- Georgette Todd

The real deal.
★★★★★
“ If you want an authentic experience from a real shaman, serving real medicine - look no further. Ron is the real deal. I went when I was 19, (am 25 now). Nervous kid from UK. Met some lovely people from around the world at his retreat, tried some Kambo, stayed in huts. Great experience. Learned many lessons. Actually ended up falling in love when I got back to London, and through that a lot of my spiritual awakening took place. I didn't really have any of the traditional visuals or the standard "psychedelic" experience while on the medicine, Ron's brew was fine but I made the mistake of drinking a bit of alcohol on one of the planes - I'm quite certain that was what altered or maybe "lessened" certain aspects of the experience. Regardless, I still learned, grew and ultimately experienced life changing shifts. It was an incredible, life changing event. Truly grateful and humbled.”
- Christopher Strongman

1 week of a lifetime
★★★★★
“ Ron, El Purgero, Peru, I thank you. This experience was filled with authenticity, purity and reality. What a sanctuary where bells and whistles are replaced by the simplicity of truth. I found exactly what I had come for and so much more. Ron is a stunning human being. He strips life of all its nonsense. It was an honor and a miracle to have been part of the world he created. I am most grateful.”
- Mimi Farhat

1st and best Ayahuasca experience
★★★★★
“ We will never forget our first Ayahuasca retreat, it was 12 day retreat with 5 Ayahuasca ceremonies, Oje, Kambo, San Pedro! Very powerful ceremonies, very deep and very healing. We left from it glowing and it changed our lives. Thanks and with a feeling of gratitude in our hearts forever. Hope to come back to Ron’s at some point. Recommend!”
- Mila N.