About San Pedro
The sacred plant San Pedro, also known as Wachuma, serves as a profound link between humans, Mother Earth (Pachamama), and the universe. Through its ceremonies, participants reconnect with their innate divine essence, a gift from Mother Earth often lying dormant within us. With a clear intention, this connection can be reawakened. San Pedro is revered by the descendants of ancient American cultures as a Master Plant, historically used for cleansing and purifying the body, mind, and spirit.
The visionary experiences facilitated by San Pedro allow individuals to explore their true selves and life purpose, offering clarity to long-held questions deep within. These ceremonies are typically held in natural settings, either during the day or night. Participants embark on a transformative journey of wisdom and inner peace, guided by the plant’s profound teachings.
In Peru, San Pedro has traditionally been used by herbalists and shamans — who combine the roles of psychologist, priest, and healer — to heal not only the body but also the soul.
The ultimate aim of these ceremonies is to help participants “bloom,” much like the night-blooming Trichocereus cactus itself. Whether held during the day or night, the ceremony seeks to open the subconscious, allowing for profound transformation and growth.
What’s included
- San Pedro ceremonyA full ceremony dedicated to exploring the wisdom of San Pedro in a safe, supportive environment.
- Personal guidanceSupport throughout the experience to ensure a safe, healing process, helping you explore emotional and spiritual insights.
- Sacred settingA tranquil, natural environment that enhances your connection to the plant and its teachings.
- Post-ceremony integrationSupport after the ceremony to help you reflect on the journey and integrate new realisations.
Who it’s for: Ideal for those looking for an insightful and reflective journey of healing, offering clarity and self-discovery.
Your safety comes first
Every participant completes a screening form before booking. Some medications and health conditions are not compatible with plant medicine — please read the medication & health guidelines and the preparation dieta.
What participants say
“You were so kind and understanding — even three days later, I’m still feeling the excitement.”
“The gentleness of both the medicine and the team emanated through the space.”
San Pedro questions
What is the difference between Ayahuasca and San Pedro?
While Ayahuasca carries the nurturing, introspective energy of a strong mother, San Pedro (Huachuma) embodies the wise, gentle presence of a grandfather. Their effects differ, yet they complement each other beautifully during a multi-day retreat, with a 24-hour break between ceremonies.
- Ayahuasca is an inward journey, guiding you deep within yourself. It provides profound insights into your challenges and shows you what needs to change.
- San Pedro is outward-focused, expanding your awareness of your multidimensional nature. It opens your heart to love, peace, and connection with the world around you, giving you the strength to create change.
If you wish to extend and integrate the blissful state experienced with Ayahuasca into your daily life, San Pedro serves as the perfect complement, helping you embody those insights with clarity and purpose.
Should I set a goal and have expectations?
Setting an intention is a vital part of the Ayahuasca experience. Your intention serves as a guiding force — what you are striving for both during and after the ceremony. By clearly defining where you want to grow and asking for help in that process, you create an energetic opening to receive what the medicine has to offer.
However, an intention is not the same as an expectation. It is best to approach the experience without rigid expectations, as Ayahuasca provides what you need, not necessarily what you want. The answers you receive may not be the ones you were seeking, but they will be the ones necessary for your growth.
The key is to surrender to the process and trust that everything unfolds as it should, even if it does not align perfectly with your intentions.
Is Ayahuasca compatible with medication and certain physical and mental illnesses?
Your safety and well-being are my top priorities. My role is to guide you toward personal healing and growth while following strict medical and safety guidelines. Certain medications and substances, including antidepressants, sedatives, and narcotics, must be avoided, as their combination with Ayahuasca can be life-threatening. Narcotics, alcohol, and recreational drugs are strictly contraindicated.
You cannot participate in an Ayahuasca or plant medicine ceremony if:
- You have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, or certain other psychological conditions.
- You have severe kidney disease, unstable diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, severe neurological disorders, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (e.g. angina, stroke, CVA), pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumour), blood dyscrasias (abnormal cells), hyperthyroidism, or certain liver disorders.
- You are currently taking antidepressants (these must be discontinued 4–8 weeks before the ceremony).
- You are taking painkillers, sleeping pills, or medication for migraines and allergies (these must be stopped 3–6 days before the ceremony).
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You intend to combine Ayahuasca or San Pedro with drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, alcohol, etc.
- You view Ayahuasca or San Pedro as a recreational drug and are seeking a party experience.
Before booking your ceremony, you will be required to complete a screening form to determine whether you are eligible to participate. Never stop or change prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.
What are the dietary recommendations in preparation for a ceremony?
Proper preparation is essential to receiving the full benefits of this sacred plant medicine. To prepare, you should focus on cleansing yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
- Physical preparation: detox your body by following a plant-based diet and avoiding foods that contain tyramines.
- Emotional & mental preparation: avoid gossip, distance yourself from negativity, and try to refrain from sexual activity.
- Spiritual preparation: set clear intentions, practise meditation, and minimise digital distractions.
We recommend starting the diet at least seven days before drinking Ayahuasca and continuing it for seven days after your last ceremony. If seven days is not feasible, a minimum of three days before and after is required.
You will receive more detailed guidance on the full dieta to ensure you are properly prepared. The Ayahuasca dieta & preparation guide (minjay.co.za/ayahuasca-dieta) covers what to avoid, what to eat and what to bring.