FAQs

Welcome to the FAQ page of Vivacre Retreat, Find the answers to Frequently asked question below

At Vivacre, we specialize in offering safe, guided Ayahuasca ceremonies for seekers looking to deepen their connection with themselves, nature, and the universe. We understand that embarking on this profound spiritual experience may bring up many questions, from preparation and safety to what you can expect during and after your ceremony.

This page is designed to provide clarity, insights, and peace of mind, ensuring you feel informed and supported every step of the way. Explore our FAQs to learn more about how Vivacre Retreat can help guide you on this transformative path.

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What is included in the retreat?

What is included in the experience? This experience is organized by indigenous communities, where they extend an invitation to visit their community on a date chosen by them. On this day, the entire community is preparing to welcome visitors into their homes. Community work, school, and other activities are postponed due to the immersive experience they are offering to visitors from around the world. The experience includes transportation by boat if the village is distant, with pick-up and drop-off arranged for visitors. Three meals a day and lodging are provided for the duration of the experience. Within the week-long experience, participants can expect 2 to 3 unique Ayahuasca ceremonies, body painting, indigenous games, Rapé circles, Sananga, Kapum (frog medicine), storytelling sessions, forest walks, herbal baths, and clay baths. All of these activities are woven into a week filled with diverse experiences, knowledge exchange, and profound healing with the people of the forest.

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What is the daily schedule?

Upon arrival at the Yawanawá village, the schedule for the 5-day indigenous experience is carefully crafted by the community leaders, including the Pajé (shaman) and the Chief. Here’s an example agenda for a retreat:

**Day 1:**
– **Morning:** Body painting, craft exhibition.
– **Afternoon:** Free time.
– **Evening:** Uni ceremony, Ayahuasca ceremony.
**Day 2:**
– **Morning:** Rapé circle and Yawanawá stories.
– **Afternoon:** Herbal baths.
– **Late Night / Early Morning:** Forest trail.
**Day 3:**
– **Morning:** Clay bath.
– **Afternoon:** Traditional games.
– **Evening:** Uni ceremony, Ayahuasca ceremony.
**Day 4:**
– **Late Night / Early Morning:** Kapum (frog medicine) and morning activity.
– **Morning:** Free time.
– **Afternoon:** Traditional games.
– **Evening:** Closing with speeches from leaders and guests, Uni ceremony, Ayahuasca ceremony.
**Day 5:**
– **Morning:** Return from the village starting at 8:00 AM.

It’s important to note that all activities are determined by the indigenous community, fostering an authentic and immersive experience for travelers. The schedule includes a mix of cultural activities, spiritual ceremonies, and free time to engage with the community and surroundings. Your Journey Begins from Rio Branco city. As you prepare for this transfor

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What is not included in the retreat?

The experience does not include airfare, lodging in the capital of Acre, and ground transportation to the port where the boat departs. There is no bilingual guide, travel insurance, provided. If you come through an organizer, they can provide you with more details to facilitate your visit to the indigenous communities of Acre.

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What times are meals served?

Meal Schedule and Offerings

Meal Times:

– Breakfast: 7:00 AM – Lunch: 12:00 PM – Dinner: 7:00 PM

Meal Variety:

– Indigenous leaders, acknowledging diverse preferences, provide simple yet nourishing meals three times a day. The offerings include coffee, tea, fruits, rice, beans, soup, and more.

Preparation Team:

– A dedicated team from the community will be responsible for preparing all meals. There are no restrictions concerning special diets; all dietary needs will be accommodated.

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What should I bring to the rainforest?

Heading: What to Bring Experience the Traditional Yawanawa Lifestyle! The Yawanawa retreat, nestled in the heart of the Amazon, promises an authentic encounter with indigenous traditions. To make the most of your stay, ensure you pack the essentials:

*Accommodation Essentials:**

– Hammocks with mosquito net or tent. – Bring along ropes for setting up hammocks.

**Personal Comfort:**

– Mosquito net. – Water bottle with a filter for fresh hydration. – Flashlight to navigate the enchanting nights.

**Eco-Friendly Practices:**

– Toilet paper. – Lighter for eco-friendly amenities.

**Health and Comfort:**

– Organic repellent. – Personal hygiene products.

**For a Cozy Night:**

– Pillow, warm clothing, and a blanket for cooler ceremony nights.

**In Tune with Nature:**

– Safe and comfortable shoes for forest exploration. – Dark-colored clothes in earthy tones, blending with the natural surroundings.

**Stay Connected:**

– Chargers for electronic devices.

**Musical Harmony:**

– If you’re musically inclined, feel free to bring along your favorite instruments! **Note:** To ensure a smooth experience, endeavor to gather everything in advance before arriving in Rio Branco. Given the limited time and the absence of local commerce in the village, obtaining supplies beforehand is advisable.

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Is the water safe to drink?

The water in some villages is highly polluted due to boat traffic, adversely affecting the river water with an excess of oil released into the waters. Some villages have spring water, while others lack the means to have an artesian well due to the associated costs. Many villages still face significant challenges with potable water, and it’s crucial for us to lend a helping hand. However, there are other villages equipped with artesian wells, providing high-quality water. It all depends on the specific village or region you are visiting, as there are numerous indigenous territories spread across the entire Acre region. If you’re traveling with an organizer, they can provide information about the water conditions in the village you plan to visit.

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When do we meet?

Once you get in touch with retreat organizer, Teresa, it is possible to schedule a Zoom meeting. It’s important to get to know you and determine if you are ready for this experience, as it is very different from many travels. Once everything is arranged, one or two days before you depart for the village, we meet in the city of Rio Branco. We depart together for the village and stay together throughout the entire duration of the experience. Our services conclude in Rio Branco, where you return to your city of origin.

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Do you provide free wifi?

Connectivity in the Heart of the Forest Embrace Disconnection, Embrace Nature We understand the importance of staying connected, especially when embarking on a transformative journey. Here’s what you need to know about internet access during your retreat:

**Remote Retreat Setting:**

– The indigenous village, nestled deep in the forest, is intentionally chosen for its tranquility and connection to nature.

**Limited Internet Access:**

– While the village occasionally has internet access, it depends on the number of participants and the specific retreat or festival. The indigenous community has worked hard to introduce this amenity, and its availability varies.

Disconnect to Reconnect:

– Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world. The heart of the forest offers a unique chance to immerse yourself fully in the experience, unburdened by the constant hum of the digital realm.

Advanced Notification:

– If internet access is crucial, please notify us in advance. Depending on the village, arrangements can be made for limited connectivity during specific times, subject to an additional cost. Remember, this journey is about reconnecting with yourself, the indigenous wisdom, and the natural surroundings. Embrace the digital detox, and let the forest work its magic on your soul.

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When should I arrive to Rio Branco?

Your Journey Begins from Rio Branco city. As you prepare for this transformative experience, here are crucial details about your arrival:

**Scheduled Arrival:

– The Yawanawa retreat begins upon your arrival at Vila Sao Vicente in Gregorio River. Please adhere to the agreed-upon schedule with the Organizer.

**Time Management:**

– Time is of the essence. Given the remoteness of the forest from the city, it is highly recommended to arrive at least one or two days in advance in Rio Branco city Acre Brazil.

**Flight Contingencies:**

– Flight delays or unforeseen circumstances are beyond our control. While the Organizers are here to assist, they cannot be held responsible for missed or delayed flights.

**Your Village Awaits:**

– The indigenous village eagerly anticipates your arrival. To ensure a seamless experience, plan your journey to Rio Branco accordingly.

**Transportation Assistance:**

– In case of missed or delayed flights, the Organizers will do their best to assist you in arranging transportation (at your expense) to the indigenous village.

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What type of diet do you enforce?

Indigenous communities in Acre have strong dietary traditions within their cultures. There are diets involving Kambo, the frog’s secretion, which typically last one to two weeks or even longer, depending on the ethnicity. The Hapé (Rapé) diet lasts for one week. The Yawanawa people have a distinctive approach to dieting; they are known for having a very strict and extended dietary practice compared to other ethnic groups. The Yawanawa offer the Mamma diet (caicuma diet), which is the first diet that a novice shaman (paje) should undertake. This diet involves spending 30 days isolated in the forest, without consuming natural water. Instead, participants drink a beverage made from the macaheira plant called caicuma, consuming one liter per day with two meals. The diet includes ceremonies with Ayahuasca and imparts other teachings from Yawanawa culture. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to get in touch.

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Do I need vaccine for Yellow Fever?

For a safe and enjoyable journey, it is recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine at least 15 days before arriving in the forest.

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Do helpers speak English?

Communication in Indigenous Villages Language Diversity in the Heart of Acre When we venture into indigenous villages in Acre, you’ll encounter natives who may not speak Portuguese fluently; they communicate in their natural language. As organizers, we act as more than guides—we are stewards serving the shaman and village leaders. While the entire community converses in Portuguese, our role is to relay to travelers all the wisdom and knowledge that the shaman imparts during their stay in the village. This goes beyond being mere translators; we see ourselves as conduits, ensuring that the richness of the shaman’s teachings is fully understood by those embarking on this transformative journey. Our commitment is to bridge the linguistic gap, allowing you to absorb the profound insights shared by the shaman and community leaders. Thank you for your understanding as we facilitate this cross-cultural exchange.

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How large are your groups?

This is a very special journey for special individuals. Only those who are on this spiritual journey and seek profound experiences decide to undertake it. The groups are typically moderate in size, ranging from 8 to 12 people, sometimes even fewer. The group size depends on the number of interested individuals. A very large group would be challenging to manage, as this work demands careful attention to the well-being of the visitors. It’s not just a tourist trip; it’s a spiritual calling.

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Can I take medication with ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the form of harmine and harmaline. We recommend that you check with your medical advisor if you are taking medications which may affect your serotonin levels (known as serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors or SSRIs). If you are taking antibiotics or anti-depressives, or undergoing any kind of medical treatment it is advisable to see your doctor and ask his advice about the effects of your medication in combination with Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca and the diet that goes with it are not always ideal in combination with certain medical conditions (e.g. some stomach, heart and colon conditions, as well as mental health issues, etc), so check with your doctor and take his or her advice about the risks. Medication such as sedatives and tranquilizers, antihistamines, amphetamines, asarone/calamus, tryptophan (large doses), tyrosine (large doses), phenelanine (large doses), macromerine, decongestants, allergy medications, cold medications, diet pills, methylphemidate, asthma inhalers, meperidine, levopoda, dopamine, carbamazipine, some antihypertensive medications, sympathomimetic amines (acting directly and/or indirectly), including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, dietary aids and their derivatives and some herbal remedies (e.g. those containing ephedrine, high levels of caffeine or other stimulants) should be discontinued for at least 4 weeks prior the journey to Brazil. Check with your doctor, herbalist or homeopath if you are taking any of these substances and whether such discontinuation is possible. Abstain from all chemically based recreational drugs, in particular MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, LSD, speed and others. If you are a user of any of the above-mentioned substances, or take any prescription drugs, inform us before the journey, confirming that your doctor has allowed your participation in the ceremonies. Let us know if you have suffered or are still suffering psychiatric problems or any kind of mental disorder.

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How long can i stay in a indigenous tribe?

Indigenous leaders have decided to open their doors to welcome visitors, but they also determine how long a visitor can stay in the community. This decision is influenced by their daily routine, filled with numerous activities in the village where they may not have time to attend to a visitor. They are responsible for tending to the fields, managing travel, overseeing the school, handling projects, and many other daily tasks. Therefore, a 5-day experience is generally sufficient for a first visit. Subsequently, for participants in specific diets, the visit can extend to 30 days, and in some cases, up to 60 days. However, after this period, the visitor must return to their home. If someone wishes to stay longer, the indigenous people need to understand why. They want to know the visitor’s needs so they can assess whether an extension is feasible or not. It is crucial to have a clear reason for wanting to stay longer. The indigenous community admires and enjoys assisting visitors, but they require a significant reason to consider an extended stay. It is not advisable to be in an indigenous village without a clear purpose or necessity. Indigenous people appreciate visitors, but the reason for an extended stay should be substantial and understandable from their perspective.

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Can I Visit an Indigenous Village at Any Time?

Indigenous people reside in the forest and have not traditionally been open to receiving visitors spontaneously in their homes, referring to them as “NAWA” or “white people.” After many years of living in their communities, they decided to open their doors to visitors, allowing them to learn about their traditions. This is a way to revive and keep alive their ancestral heritage, not only for their people but also for visitors who often find themselves disconnected from nature and traditions. However, you can only visit an indigenous community if you receive an invitation. This invitation may come from indigenous leadership, a chief (cacique), or a shaman (paje), as they have the right to extend invitations and inform the community. Another way is through a guided experience, where the chief collaborates with organizers, and the organizers extend invitations for the scheduled experience. If you appear in a village without an invitation, the residents will be alarmed, and they may report the situation to FUNAI, the organization that protects indigenous rights. In such a case, you might be asked to leave. In more remote villages, it would be nearly impossible to arrive unannounced, as no boatman would take you without the chief’s consent. Therefore, it’s essential to plan your journey through an organizer to ensure your safety and a warm welcome in an indigenous community.

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May I sit in ceremony if I do not want to drink ayahuasca?

The Participant has the option of joining any, all, or none of the activities planned for the Retreat and taking any, all or none of the plants available, and does so voluntarily, taking full responsibility for his or her own actions.

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If the Participant needs to leave the Retreat earlier than planned?

Financial Responsibility: In the event of emergencies or personal circumstances, the Participant is accountable for all associated costs. Special Requests: While the Organizers strive to assist with special requests, they are not obligated to do so. Any additional services or arrangements beyond the program may incur extra charges. The Participant is responsible for covering these costs and making independent arrangements if necessary.