Peru Seminar 2025
We had the pleasure of joining with the Ishmin Center in Peru for a 10-day seminar led by Maestro Kestembetsa and family.
August 11-21
This last August, we had the pleasure of joining with the Ishmin Center in Peru for a 10-day seminar led by Maestro Kestembetsa and family. Located deep in the Amazon rainforest, sits the world-renowned Ishmin Center which is home to many of Kestembetsa’s family and international students studying and practicing the ancient plant medicine of the Shipibo peoples.
In the daytime, students took part in lectures, led by Maestro Kestembetsa, his daughter Maestra Hilda, and his nephew Maestro Laumer. These lectures were focused around the topic of this year's seminar; Levels of Plant Knowledge and Official & Unofficial Religions. As well as a focus and deeper insight into a plants’ spirit.
In the daytime, students took part in lectures, led by Maestro Kestembetsa, his daughter Maestra Hilda, and his nephew Maestro Laumer. These lectures were focused around the topic of this year's seminar; Levels of Plant Knowledge and Official & Unofficial Religions. As well as a focus and deeper insight into a plants’ spirit.
Our welcome into the jungle was beautiful. We arrived late in the evening, just as the moon was starting to rise. That night, the moon was completely full, and a brilliant, bright red.
We had our first encounter with wildlife that trip- a family of Native Capybaras, a mom with her 8 little babies running down the road in front of us, on our way to the center.
On the first day, we started with a vomitive, this one was made with lemongrass and taken early morning in order to prepare for the nightly ceremonies. People felt that it was really good and gentle compared to other vomitives. Laumer taught us how to make it and its benefits.
From there, we began the day's lectures. We talked about a wide variety of plants and their benefits, as well as, the importance and power of the word with our intention and singing. That day- the Onaya level I practiced their power through writing an Icaros (song) and the Raomis wrote their intention.
Maestro Kestembetsa's lectures were amazing, he took great care of everyone and the Icaros he taught were very special and detailed.
Everyone was really grateful for how organized and detailed the lectures and guided practices were. Shaman Laumer was especially attentive and helpful to the patients. Leading incredible lectures as well as the Eco Tour with Maestra Hilda. Together, they led an observational Eco-tour walk with the patients, sharing information and insight on the significant plants on the property and surrounding jungle.
From there, we began the day's lectures. We talked about a wide variety of plants and their benefits, as well as, the importance and power of the word with our intention and singing. That day- the Onaya level I practiced their power through writing an Icaros (song) and the Raomis wrote their intention.
Maestro Kestembetsa's lectures were amazing, he took great care of everyone and the Icaros he taught were very special and detailed.
Everyone was really grateful for how organized and detailed the lectures and guided practices were. Shaman Laumer was especially attentive and helpful to the patients. Leading incredible lectures as well as the Eco Tour with Maestra Hilda. Together, they led an observational Eco-tour walk with the patients, sharing information and insight on the significant plants on the property and surrounding jungle.
Maestra Hilda had her wedding celebration during the seminar, we were all very happy for her and it was very special to celebrate her and her husband with traditional Shipibo customs.
After an incredible and engaging week of lectures, practices, observational Eco-tours in the jungle, and powerful nightly ceremonies, the seminar concluded with a certification ceremony. As those who had been practicing to be Raomis and Onaya Level I received their certificates for completing their requirements during the Seminar.
After an incredible and engaging week of lectures, practices, observational Eco-tours in the jungle, and powerful nightly ceremonies, the seminar concluded with a certification ceremony. As those who had been practicing to be Raomis and Onaya Level I received their certificates for completing their requirements during the Seminar.
The hospitality and dedication of the centers employees and organizers did not go amiss. The food prepared by the cooks was outstanding. Laundry was done with care and speed. The masseuse at the center was amazing and really experienced in working with injuries and clearing energies.
And a huge thank you to everyone who tipped, all the workers were super grateful for the tips they received.
This Seminar was a huge success and incredible experience for new and returning students. We look forward to sharing future experiences with you all and to be of guiding support in any way we can,
With gratitude,
Metsa Noma & Ronin Mane
tesTImoNial
I had an otherworldly experience, literally! I was amazed with the experience and would definitely would recommend to others. I learned a lot and will do it again for sure!
Elizabeth
Yoga Teacher
It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my entire life. From every last detail the trip was perfect: I felt safe, loved, and protected the whole time. If you want an authentic journey with plant medicine, you must go to here.
Emily
Digital Marketing
That was incredibly powerful experience. It is something that getting your back to yourself. If you ever get a chance to visit, don't ever think to skip it. The experience will change your life...
Lucas
Developer, Game Design