Ryan Hawell and I, spoke about our Ayahuasca experience in the deep dark Amazon Jungle
Exploring the Depths of Human Experience: An Ayahuasca Journey in Peru
Travelling is often about the unexpected, the adventures that shape us and form unforgettable memories. One such adventure took us to the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Peru, where we had an experience that altered our perspectives on life.
A Serendipitous Adventure Begins
Our journey began with a spontaneous decision to visit Iquitos, Peru. We flew into Iquitos, a remote city accessible only by boat or plane, and from there, embarked on a lengthy boat ride deeper into the Amazon. Our destination was a secluded lodge, a place surrounded by the untamed beauty of the rainforest.
On our first night, our guide, Edwin, introduced us to Ayahuasca. Neither of us knew much about it; we were simply following through on a pact to embrace every experience the trip offered. Ayahuasca, he explained, is a traditional plant medicine used by indigenous tribes in spiritual ceremonies to connect with the spirits of the forest.
Encountering Ayahuasca: A Night to Remember
The ceremony was set for the following night. As the sun set, we gathered in a wooden hut on a deck covered with a mosquito net, accompanied by an American girl also staying at the camp. Edwin handed us buckets, warning us that we might get sick, which added to our apprehension. Soon, a Shaman arrived, a mysterious figure in shorts, carrying a bottle of the dark, purplish Ayahuasca brew and a tobacco pipe.
The Shaman performed the ritual, offering us each a shot of the bitter liquid. The taste alone was almost unbearable. We sat on the hard wooden floor, with no mats or cushions.. After about 30 minutes of nothing happening, we were ready to call it a night. But just as we decided to give it ten more minutes, everything changed.
Suddenly, plunged into a vortex of vivid, intricate visuals. The patterns and colours were beyond anything we could have imagined, a mesmerising DMT space where every shape and form seemed to make sense in a bizarre yet profound way. It was an overwhelming yet deeply enlightening experience, filled with intense introspection and a sense of connection to something far greater than ourselves.
The night was a whirlwind of emotions and visions, but by morning, we felt a sense of clarity and renewal. The next day, we ventured into the river to swim with pink dolphins, a surreal experience that felt like a continuation of the previous night’s revelations. I remember marvelling at the sheer size of the Amazon River and wondering if I was still dreaming as the pink dolphins swam around us…!
The Healing Power of Ayahuasca
One of the most remarkable aspects of my Ayahuasca journey was the physical healing it brought. Ryan had been suffering from persistent knee pain, worrying that it might hinder our plans to climb Machu Picchu. Yet, after the ceremony, his knee felt miraculously healed, as if the plant medicine had addressed the pain directly.
Reflections on a Life-Changing Experience
Ayahuasca is not a drug; it’s a profound spiritual tool that offers insight into the human psyche and the natural world. This journey taught us to embrace the unknown, to trust in the healing power of nature, and to cherish the bonds formed through shared experiences.
You can watch the full YouTube clip here