These are all of our Frequently Asked Questions consulting every service we offer. If you don’t see your question answered, feel free to submitt a question at the bottom of the page.
Mountain Wind is a medicine retreat and tourism company, built to give guests flexible choices and guide them through the medicine experiences of their choice. We are based out of Cusco, Peru.
Mountain Wind is just recently started by its founder Shane Parks. However Shane has been hosting retreats and guiding guests for more than 5 years through other projects or companies. This is Shane’s first solo company, bringing his decade worth of personal and professional experience in the medicine world to the guests of Mountain Wind.
The medicine world is difficult to navigate. It is hard to find a center you can trust to operate with integrity. Mountain Wind seeks to make this process easier on guests that seek the medicines indigenous to Peru. Our guests book with confidence knowing that they will receive everything promised, with experienced staff, and without surprise costs.
Mountain Wind hopes to move toward a BIC company. This is commonly known internationally as a Public Benefit Corporation. The purpose of a BIC in Peru is to give back to environmental and social causes as part of its business model.
We are working hard to achieve this BIC status. For now we have two domains, mountain-wind.com, and mountainwind.org. We hope to grow into our mountainwind.org domain, as we work toward our goals of giving back to the indigenous cultures and the environment that has provided so much for us.
Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Huachuma. We’ve compiled the most important information to help you prepare.
Huachuma is also known as San Pedro, or also commonly spelled Washuma. The latin name is Echinopsis pachanoi, it is a succulent or cactus that grows natively in the Andes mountains of South America. Often this cactus is sold as an ornamental plant all over the world and grows in moist, arid climates.
Other names include The Grandfather Medicine, or The Cactus of the Four Winds.
Huachuma is a heart opening, healing, and expansive experience. The themes often include addressing past traumas, connection nature, and finding your path forward to inner growth. There are many more benefits and the teachings of this master plant can be varied greatly from person to person.
We typically begin a ceremony at 10am, explaining for new guests what to expect during the ceremony. We set our personal intentions, and then drink the medicine. Perhaps we will draw an oracle card, or introduce ourselves, and after 30-45 minutes we move into the garden to our own private areas that we choose. Guests can sit together or separate, guests can hike the very close Temple of the Moon ruins, or simply be at peace anywhere they choose.
After a few hours, we ask if anyone would like a second glass of medicine. Typically the first part of the ceremony is spent in silent reflection, after the second glass there may be music, laughing, talking, or sharing. We often build and deepen our connections with each other during ceremony, as well as with our inner selves.
The Huachuma experience is one that flows freely, and every ceremony is different. You may purge, but many do not. When we drink, the Grandfather medicine guides us and nothing happens by chance. In truth we can not say exactly what a ceremony is like because the Grandfather teaches us each in their own way.
Huachuma is like a gentle Grandfather. He is open and accepting of nearly everyone. However, there are a few medications and medical conditions that can preclude someone from partaking in the medicine.
Medical Conditions:
Medications that are Counter-Indicative:
When considering partaking of the medicine, please contact us with any questions. The above information is for reference only, and if you feel drinking Huachuma may be a risk we can inform you of that risk. We will ask the questions necessary to assess your ability to drink the medicine safely, please be honest with us and we will find a solution.
To begin first you must have a willing spirit, everything that follows are logistical challenges that in most cases can be overcome. A list of these logistical challenges follows:
Contact us to begin your journey with The Grandfather medicine Huachuma.
Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Ayahuasca. We’ve compiled the most important information to help you prepare.
Ayahuasca is a potent Amazonian psychoactive brew made by boiling Banisteriopsis caapi vines and DMT-containing plants, traditionally used for spiritual, shamanic, and medicinal purposes. It acts as a powerful hallucinogen, with its name meaning “vine of the soul” in Quechua. It is often used to facilitate profound emotional and psychological experiences.
During the Ceremony Participants usually remain seated or lying down. The space may be held in silence at times, and may include music or traditional songs. Skilled facilitators focus on safety, containment, and respectful guidance. Effects can be emotional, somatic, introspective, or sensory.
A ceremony may last 4 hours or longer. Participants are asked to stay in the ceremony space for the entirety of the ceremony, even if they feel no effects. This is non-negotiable and for the participants safety. After the ceremony is over guests may sleep in the ceremony space, or return to their private space.
To begin first you must have a willing spirit, everything that follows are logistical challenges that in most cases can be overcome. A list of these logistical challenges follows:
Contact us to begin your journey with The Grandfather medicine Huachuma.
Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Kambo. We’ve compiled the most important information to help you prepare.
Kambo, Acate, or “Sapo,” is a substance derived from the skin secretions of the giant leaf frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), a species native to the Amazon basin. Traditionally used by indigenous cultures for hunting, spiritual cleansing, and as a natural medicine, it is applied topically to small, intentionally lightly burned skin.
During a ceremony, a small amount of Kambo secretion is applied to the skin via superficial burns. The medicine is immediately absorbed by the lymphatic system. This can cause physical reactions such as sweating, vomiting, or an increased heart rate. These cleansing reactions help release toxins and restore balance to the body. Our ceremonies are always led by experienced practitioners who guide you through the process.
Kambo is known for its physical detoxification, immune system strengthening, and support for emotional and spiritual healing. Kambo is known for a wide range of benefits, including:
Although effects vary from person to person, many people experience a deep sense of renewal and strength after a ceremony.
Kambo is safe when performed by experienced and well-trained practitioners. At Spirit of Kambo, we follow strict safety protocols and each ceremony is tailored to the individual needs and health of the participant. Before a ceremony, we always ask about your medical history and provide clear instructions to ensure your safety
Good preparation is essential for a safe and effective experience. Here are some tips:
Fasting before the ceremony and avoiding alcohol and heavy foods is recommended, as well as mental and emotional preparation
During the ceremony you will usually experience a short, intense physical reaction, such as nausea or sweating, followed by a feeling of cleansing.
During the ceremony you can expect physical reactions such as:
A Kambo session usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the body’s response.
Temporary side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness. These effects usually disappear within a few hours.
This varies from person to person. Some do it monthly, while others have multiple sessions in a short period for deeper cleansing.
The frequency depends on your intention and goals. Some people choose a cleansing protocol of three sessions within a month, while others use Kambo occasionally. We’re happy to advise you on what’s best for your situation.
While Kambo is safe for many people, there are certain contraindications where we advise against participation, such as:
We always first discuss your health condition in an intake interview to determine whether Kambo is suitable for you.
Kambo is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, or pregnancy.
These are the most common asked questions in relation to our Booking Process. If you have a question that is unanswered here, feel free to contact us.
The Booking Process follows the following steps in order.
Safety is very important to Mountain Wind. We also want to be sure we don’t accept payments unless we can provide you with the highest quality experience possible.
We ask you to follow our Booking Process to be sure you can attend our retreats with confidence and in a safe way, without unnecessary charges to your payment method.
In some emergency cases beyond your or our control, we will refund your deposit in full. There are some conditions to consider:
A WhatsApp message is the best way to get a hold of us in a timely manner. Contact us here, if you have any questions or concerns. In the past, there has never been a time when a customers deposit was lost, unless they refused to contact us or answer their phone number on file. Our refund policy is subject to change without notice, however be aware we can always find a solution. Book with confidence, we will take care of you.
We accept payment by Credit or Debit Card with Stripe or PayPal. You may also transfer directly from your Bank Account by PayPal. Or you may pay by cash, credit, debit, or bank account with Western Union.
Is there a payment option we are missing that you would prefer? Let us know with suggestions from the Contact Us page. We hope to add Wise (aka TransferWise) soon. Be aware, Peru does not allow all forms of payment, so we are unfortunately limited by our Peruvian location.
Please only pay your deposit before arrival. If carrying cash is a challenge for you, you can pay us by card, or from the website with the above payment methods after you arrive.
Your Booking Link is a one time creation to make your deposit. All other information found on the page can be found through the Booking page that explains the process.
Contact us with any questions. If you would like a copy of your invoice, that we can provide by Email or WhatsApp.
The Product Code is a hash used to verify your Free Consultation has been completed. We do this to ensure that your paperwork is linked to your payment. This increases guest security and should there be any emergency situation your emergency contact can be contacted or contact you while on retreat.
Any and all information collected is for our internal processes only. We promise not to share your data, for any reason. We will not contact you and ask if we can share data, because we don’t and won’t share your data for any reason.
We keep these records for 3 years, and after they are archived for legal purposes. We may ask for you to fill out the paperwork again if there have been any substantial changes to your data. All data is destroyed when no longer required by law to remain on file. If you would like to request what data we have for you on file, please contact us. You must verify your identity and have a video call to receive this information.
Have a question that is still unanswered? Or simply want to comment on this page and its functionality. Send us a message!