What is a Diet?

A plant diet is basically a long meditation on what medicinal plants are for the purpose of self-concentration. The medicinal plant is consumed for a week or more. During the diet process you learn about the effects and uses of said plant, particularly through dreams, physical sensations and/or visions. Certain foods are avoided such as: salt, pork, red meat, sugar, spices, fat/oil, lemon, foods that are cold or frozen, preservatives, additives, packaged foods. Sexual activity is also prohibited, the use of body creams, shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, repellents or other topical products.

What is a Post - Diet?

For one month after the diet, we continue to refrain from sexual activity and ingestion of antibiotics, pork, red meat, fried foods, caffeine, frozen and cold foods, ice cream, candy, ice in your drink, dairy products, and desserts. During the post-diet, it is ideal to eat only fresh vegetables and fruits, free-range and hormone-free chicken, freshwater fish, legume cereals with minimal seasoning and flavor so that the plants can continue to do their work in your body. Some foods are reintroduced but only in moderation. These foods are: salt, sugar.

Frequently asked questions.

Q: Why can't we engage in sexual activity during the diet and post-diet?
A: As a part of nature, plants are fundamentally delicate. When we are intimate with our partners, our personal energy mixes with the other person. When we diet, we are full of healing energy, and we are open to absorbing all kinds of energies around us. It is possible that during the diet or post-diet you can absorb the negative energy of others and counteract the work of the plants by participating in sexual activity.

Q: what? Why can't we eat before taking ayahuasca?
A: It is recommended for a good meditation with ayahuasca, it is ideal to refrain from eating at least 5 hours before the ceremony. Since it works a lot in the digestive system, ayahuasca needs "space" in the stomach to do its job. Tea and water are acceptable.

Q: Why don't some people feel any kind of effect or have visions on their first time with ayahuasca?
A: Many times medicine works on levels that we are not aware of in our subconscious. Also, for people who have a very hard food diet, they may not feel its effect the first time. Many teachers recommend first doing a kind of stomach cleansing before taking ayahuasca and being able to feel its effect. In some cases you can feel the effects after the next shots.

Q: Why do curanderos smoke mapacho?
A: Ancient indigenous healers believe that tobacco enhances the effect of medicinal plants. Tobacco is also said to be a protector from spiritual ills and enhances the work of ayahuasca, because it has similar medicinal properties. The curanderos are not addicted to tobacco, they do not inhale and consume it free of chemicals, it is a natural tobacco.

Instructions to come to Urku Chaqui from Tarapoto - Perú. 

Look for a Moto-taxi that can take you to the whereabouts of "San Antonio de Cumbaza" in said whereabouts you will take a car that will mobilize you to the small town of San Antonio located about 13 km from the city of Tarapoto and on the banks of the Cumbaza River. Then it can be taken to the entrance that leads to the Huacamayllo waterfalls, then you must walk from 5 to 10 minutes depending on your way of walking, on the way you will find a panel with the name of URKU CHAQUI, located to the right of the road.
Walk uphill on this trail for about 30 meters and welcome to Urku Chaquí!

Things to bring with you for a diet.

Bathing suit, river water shoes, a small first-aid kit, personal prayer/ceremonial items, musical instruments (play softly).

If you arrive during the winter months of January, February, March, and April, be sure to bring boots, a jacket, a good walking stick, a sleeping bag, a light, a raincoat, there is no cell phone or internet access in Urku Chaquí, so make sure to take care of your company before entering the center. If you need help carrying luggage to and from Urku Chaqui, please let us know. You will have a guide who will drive you all the way from Tarapoto to the town of San Antonio and can take you downtown.

Bed, mosquito nets, water and all other basic needs such as food for diets will be provided.
We are looking forward to working with you!

Thanks.