Peruvian Amazon · Iquitos
Ayaruna
Medicine Gardens
A conservation and healing retreat center preserving sacred plants, ancestral teachings, and the living legacy of the Amazon.
Our Mission
A Sanctuary in the Amazon
28 hectares of botanical gardens, 20km from Iquitos, Peru
Ayaruna Medicine Gardens is a conservation and medicine retreat center nestled deep in the Peruvian Amazon, just 20 kilometers from the city of Iquitos. Spanning 28 hectares of pristine rainforest, this sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the land, sacred plants, ancestral spirits, and the teachings passed down through generations.
Originally known as Sachamama Botanical Gardens, this land was founded by the revered medicine teacher Don Francisco Montes Shuña. It was here that countless students began their initiations into the profound world of Amazonian plant medicine and shamanism.
Today, the gardens continue as a living space for plants, spirits, and lineages — a place for reflection, healing, and deep connection with the natural world. A local family lives on the land year-round, safeguarding the sacred plants and medicines from illegal harvest.
Hectares of Gardens
Years of History
Honoring Those Who Came Before
The Legacy
Carlos Nelson
Founder & Steward · Since 2021
Carlos began his healing journey and studies with plant medicine under Javier Regueiro in 2008, and completed his first dieta apprenticeship with Don Francisco in 2011. He has been living and working alongside Don Francisco full time since 2021.
Carlos is now practicing medicine and curanderismo in the Cusco Sacred Valley and leading groups to the Amazon in collaboration with Don Francisco.
Carlos provides a modern understanding of transpersonal modalities, as well as medical and metaphysical studies in a variety of traditions, to support and bridge the traditional container of plant medicines.
Don Francisco Montes Shuña
Founder · Medicine Teacher
Don Francisco is the original founder of what was once known as Sachamama Botanical Gardens. A renown and respected medicine teacher and guardian of ancestral knowledge, he has dedicated his life to preserving the sacred plants and healing traditions of the Amazon.
It was under Don Francisco’s guidance that Javier underwent his first dietas and initiations into the profound world of plant medicine. His lineage and teachings continue to form the spiritual foundation of Ayaruna Medicine Gardens.
Don Francisco continues to collaborate on the medicine retreat program, ensuring the authenticity and depth of the healing work.
Javier Regueiro
1965 – 2020 · Plant Medicine Maestro
A Spanish national born and raised in Switzerland, Javier moved to Peru in 2004 to study Amazonian plant medicine and shamanism. He apprenticed with various teachers across the Iquitos and Pucallpa regions, undergoing months of shamanic diets with ayahuasca, tobacco, and datura.
His commitment was to make sacred plant medicines available to all people called to use them for personal healing and spiritual guidance. He touched thousands of lives worldwide through his work and teachings.
Author of “Ayahuasca: Soul Medicine of the Amazon Jungle” and “San Pedro/Huachuma: Opening the Pathways of the Heart”
“This project is rooted in love — for the land, for the plants, and for the man whose spirit continues to inspire us. With your support, we can ensure this garden remains a vibrant place of remembrance and regeneration for years to come.”
— Carlos Nelson, Founder & Steward
28 Hectares of Living Medicine
The Gardens
Sacred Plant Conservation
Home to hundreds of medicinal and ceremonial plant species, carefully cultivated and protected from illegal harvest.
Living Pharmacy
A botanical repository of Amazonian healing traditions, preserving knowledge passed down through generations of medicine teachers.
Ecological Preservation
28 hectares of pristine rainforest maintained by a local family who safeguards the land, buildings, fencing, and medicines year-round.
Research & Study
A center for the study of traditional plant medicine, shamanic practices, and the deep ecological wisdom of the Amazon.
Begin Your Journey
Retreat Packages
Medicine retreat programs in collaboration with Don Francisco Montes Shuña. Packages can be gifted or shared. Book 4 weeks in advance.
Weekly Retreat
Immerse yourself in a full week of plant medicine ceremonies, guided meditations, and botanical garden exploration.
- ●Accommodation on the grounds
- ●Traditional plant medicine ceremonies
- ●Guided garden walks & teachings
- ●Meals prepared with local ingredients
- ●Personal consultation with facilitators
2-Week Package
A deeper dive into the healing traditions of the Amazon. Extended time allows for more profound integration and connection.
- ●Everything in the Weekly Retreat
- ●Extended ceremony schedule
- ●Deeper plant dieta options
- ●Jungle excursions & river walks
- ●Integration support sessions
Monthly Immersion
The most transformative experience. A full month of living, learning, and healing within the sacred gardens.
- ●Everything in the 2-Week Package
- ●Full shamanic dieta program
- ●One-on-one mentorship sessions
- ●Botanical medicine preparation training
- ●Community integration & volunteer work
50% deposit required to secure your dates. Packages are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase. Custom retreat durations and group bookings are available upon request.
Help Preserve This Sanctuary
Ways to Support
Ayaruna Medicine Gardens relies on the generosity and commitment of our global community. There are many ways to contribute to this living sanctuary.
Donate
Every contribution helps sustain the gardens, support the local family who safeguards the land, and protect sacred plants from illegal harvest.
Donate via GoFundMeVolunteer
Join us on the ground. We welcome volunteers who want to help with garden maintenance, building projects, and community work.
Get in TouchPartner
We are seeking long-term investors, partners, and retreat hosts to help us achieve a fully self-sustainable preserve and healing center.
Discuss PartnershipDonations to our GoFundMe campaign count as double in discounts toward attendance at one of our intimate medicine retreats.
Reach Out
Get in Touch
Whether you’re interested in a retreat, want to volunteer, or simply wish to learn more about Ayaruna Medicine Gardens, we’d love to hear from you.
Location
km 19.5, Iquitos, Peru
Peruvian Amazon · 20km from Iquitos city center · Always open