Ayahuasca Retreat Iquitos: Experience Transformation with Don Ron Wheelock at El Purguero
Discover a unique and life changing experience at El Purguero, a legacy ayahuasca retreat in Iquitos, Peru. El Purguero with Don Ron Wheelock, also known as "The Gringo Shaman," provides a deeply transformative journey. With nearly three decades of experience in the ayahuasca community, Don Ron stands out as one of the most knowledgeable and powerful healers in the Amazon. His unique blend of Western roots and deep integration into Peruvian shamanic traditions makes El Purguero the ideal destination for those seeking profound healing and spiritual growth.
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Ron Wheelock’s journey to becoming The Gringo Shaman is as compelling as the transformations he guides. Originally from Independence, Kansas, Ron was one of the first Westerners to arrive in the Amazon in the 1990s. Driven by a deep curiosity and a desire for personal growth and spiritual connection, he immersed himself in the study of ayahuasca under the guidance of two of the most respected shamans in the region—Don Agustin Rivas Vasquez and Don Jose Coral Mori.
Over the decades, Ron’s mastery of ayahuasca ceremonies has earned him a reputation for having the strongest medicine and delivering powerful Icaros. His deep understanding of both Western and Peruvian cultures allows him to bridge the gap between them, offering participants a unique and authentic healing experience.
The Retreat Experience at El Purguero, Iquitos
El Purguero is not just another ayahuasca retreat center in Iquitos—it’s a place where participants can connect deeply with the jungle, the medicine, and themselves. The accommodations are intentionally rustic, with guests staying in simple wooden jungle huts equipped with a bed, mosquito net, and a small table. This minimalist setting encourages a deeper connection to the natural world, free from the distractions of modern life.
During the 8-day, 7-night retreat, participants will engage in three ayahuasca ceremonies, all led by Don Ron himself. These ceremonies are at the heart of the retreat, providing opportunities for profound healing and spiritual exploration. Unlike many other retreats, El Purguero also offers participants the chance to witness and participate in the preparation of ayahuasca, giving them a deeper understanding of the sacred process.
Despite the remote location, El Purguero is surprisingly accessible. Located just off the highway Nauta at Kilometer 23, participants won’t need to worry about long journeys up the river. Transportation from Iquitos center or the airport to the camp is coordinated by the retreat, ensuring a smooth arrival for all attendees.
Affordable, Authentic, and Life-Changing: Ayahuasca Retreat Iquitos, Peru
One of the many reasons El Purguero is considered the best ayahuasca retreat in Iquitos is its affordability and accessibility for all walks of life. At $1400 per retreat, it offers exceptional value for an experience that includes accommodations, all meals, transportation coordination, and three powerful ayahuasca ceremonies. This pricing makes the retreat accessible to a broader audience, allowing more people to experience the transformative power of ayahuasca.
But what truly sets El Purguero apart is the authentic, life-changing experiences it offers. Participants often arrive with deep-seated emotional and psychological challenges, seeking healing that modern medicine and therapy have been unable to provide. Through the guidance of Don Ron and the powerful ayahuasca ceremonies, participants can expect deep emotional healing, spiritual growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As one participant shared, “My husband and I were having some marital problems, unsure of the direction of our relationship. We thought it might be over. We had lots of experience with ayahuasca and went to El Purguero to drink with Don Ron Wheelock. Our time in the jungle and with Ron’s guidance in the ceremonies was a truly transformative experience. It helped us both focus on our individual problems while being able to bond more as partners. Without Ron and El Purguero, we probably would have divorced. I am immensely grateful.”
Ongoing Support and Integration
With Victoria
At El Purguero, the support doesn’t end when the retreat does. Ron’s business partner, Victoria, offers pre and post-ayahuasca counseling and integration support. Understanding that first-timers may have fears and apprehensions, Victoria provides a welcoming and non-judgmental space for participants to discuss their concerns. This level of support ensures that participants not only have a transformative experience during the retreat but are also able to integrate the insights and healing into their everyday lives.
Why Choose El Purguero for Your Ayahuasca Retreat in Iquitos? A Cultural Bridge between the West and Peru
Choosing an ayahuasca retreat is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important to find a place that aligns with your needs and values. At El Purguero, you’ll find a retreat center that offers not only exceptional value and authenticity but also a deep commitment to your healing journey. Don Ron Wheelock’s decades of experience, powerful ceremonies, and unique cultural perspective make El Purguero the best option for those seeking a truly transformative ayahuasca retreat in Iquitos, Peru.
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El Purguero is deeply rooted in the local Peruvian culture, thanks to Don Ron’s long-standing ties to the region. As part of a powerful shamanic lineage, Ron holds the wisdom and traditions of his indigenous teachers, which he shares with participants from a unique Western perspective. His connection to the local community is also evident in the fact that he has a Peruvian partner, a Peruvian child, and employs all Peruvians from his community. This deep integration into the culture ensures that participants experience an authentic connection to the rich spiritual traditions of the Amazon.
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Don Ron uniquely bridges the cultural gap between the West and Peru by blending his understanding of Western mental health approaches with the rich, indigenous knowledge of shamanic healing. Ron seamlessly integrates these perspectives, offering a holistic approach to healing that resonates with both cultures. His fluency in both worlds means there’s no need for a translator, allowing him to connect with participants on a profound level, guiding them through the ayahuasca experience with profound insight.
Whether you’re seeking to heal past traumas, explore the depths of your spirituality, or simply reconnect with yourself and the natural world, El Purguero offers the perfect environment to do so. Join us and discover the healing power of ayahuasca under the guidance of one of the most respected shamans in the Amazon.
Our Location
El Purguero is accessable from the highway Nauta at Kilometer 23. We well help arrange transporation from Iqtuios center or the airport to the camp.