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 renowned plant 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.
28
Hectares of Gardens
20+
Years of History
"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
Honoring Lineage
The Legacy
Carlos Nelson, Don Francisco Montes Shuña, and Javier Regueiro — the three teachers whose work this sanctuary continues.
Read Their Stories →Begin Your Journey
Retreat Offerings
Medicine retreat programs in collaboration with Carlos Nelson and Don Francisco Montes Shuña. Held 4 times per year, limited to 8 spaces each.
View Retreats →Help Preserve
Ways to Support
Donate, volunteer, or partner with us. Ayaruna relies on the generosity and commitment of our global community.
Get Involved →