I’ve been researching traditional Ayahuasca retreats around Iquitos and I’m struggling to understand the pricing. I completely understand why luxury retreats cost a lot, if you’re staying somewhere with private accommodation, yoga, Western facilitators, specialised diets, gourmet food, etc., then you’re paying for a premium experience. What I’m more curious about are the more rustic, family-run centres such as: Kapitari Aya Madre Selva Madre Sama Nete These seem much more basic: a simple jungle lodge, basic meals, and several ceremonies. Yet the prices still often seem quite high compared with what you might expect for similar rustic accommodation elsewhere in Peru. I want to be clear that I’m not trying to undervalue the medicine or the work of the curanderos. I understand that years of training, knowledge of the plants, preparation, ceremonies, and maintaining a retreat in the Amazon all have real value. I’m just trying to understand the economics behind it. Is the cost mainly due to the time and training required from the facilitators? or is there simply a tourism premium because of international demand? I’d love to hear from people who have actually stayed at retreats around Iquitos. What costs are travellers not seeing from the outside? Also, if anyone knows of more financially accessible but still reputable Ayahuasca retreats around Iquitos. I’d really appreciate any suggestions.