Dezoito

FAQ

Table of contents

About the booking process

What is the booking process like?

After reading and agreeing to our terms and conditions, fill in the application form. You’ll then receive a questionnaire. Fill it and send it back. We’ll schedule a call with you. Once you are accepted, you can pay in full and pack your bagpack.

Why is it so cheap compared to other ayahuasca retreats?

It’s because it’s not an ayahuasca retreat. Running a retreat centre comes with costs. We operate in a different way, with limited costs. It allows us to offer a reasonable price to the participants while making a meaningful contribution to the Huni Kuin community we’re working with. Everybody wins!

About the travel

What’s the destination of the travel?

The Huni Kuin community is based near Cruzeiro do Sul in the state of Acre in Brazil.

There are many locations called Cruzeiro in Brazil, please double check that you plan your travel to the correct one, located in Acre, North-West of Brazil.

What’s the duration of the travel?

There is no easy answer because this can change depending on many different factors. We plan on staying at least 7 days in the Huni Kuin community. Depending on the group dynamic and circumstances, there is a possibility to extend the stay to 10 days, but that will remain at the discretion of the Huni Kuin community.

On top of this, please add a few days on either side of the travel to account for getting to and from there.

What part of the travel is included in the price?

The price covers traveling from Rio Branco to the Huni Kuin community in Cruzeiro do Sul in the state of Acre, Brazil.

There is a 10 hour bus journey between Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul. You can travel by your own means to Cruzeiro do Sul if you prefer, but we encourage you to stay with the rest of the party.

Any travel expenses to Brazil and to Rio Branco are up to you, but we can advise you on the best routes to take.

I’m a UK or EU citizen, do I need a visa to enter Brazil?

UK and EU citizens can enter Brazil if the duration of stay is shorter than 90 days. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival.

For other citizenships or longer duration, please get in touch with the relevant administration.

What is the comfort like?

As participants, you live like the native people. This means sleeping in hammocks, eating a basic diet of plants and animals.

This can be a challenge for some people, as it takes you out of your litteral comfort zone. We believe by providing au authentic experience, we offer lifetime memories and an opportunity to expand your mindset.

How big is the traveling party?

Very small, around 4 to 6 people, plus 2 guides.

About the Huni Kuin community

Who are the Huni Kuin?

They are sometimes referred to as the Cashinahua (or Kashinawa), but this is an appellation used by other tribes. They call themselves Huni Kuin (litterally true men) and this is how we call them too.

They are a group of about 15,000 members living between Brazil and Peru. About 12,000 Huni Kuin live in Brazil. There are 656,686 ha of protected indigenous land in the state of Acre, some of which are shared with other tribes.

What attitude to adopt towards members of the Huni Kuin commuity?

Approach this experience with humility and an open mind. Their ways of life differ from our western ones. This does not mean they need teaching or saving from anyone.

It is more productive to be open to receive and learn from them.

How can we communicate with the members of the Huni Kuin community?

The Huni Kuin people speak the Kashinawa language. They call it Hantxa Kuin (the true, or proper language). Most of the members of the community also speak Brazilian Portuguese.

While we don’t expect you to know the Kashinawa language, learning the basic of Portuguese will go a long way. Using Spanish can possibly help in communicating as it’s very similar to Portuguese.

What does txai mean?

Literally, brother-in-law, but in a broader sense, it means friend, mate. It’s a good thing if a Huni Kuin calls you txai!

About the medicines

What medicines do the Huni Kuin people use?

The Huni Kuin work with several sacred plant medicines, including ayahuasca (sacred brew), rapé (tobacco snuff), kambô (traditional frog medicine), and sananga (natural eye drops). Each medicine serves distinct healing purposes. While all ceremonies are available to participants, attendance is always optional and based on personal choice.

What is the legal status of ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is legal in Brazil.

About Dezoito

Can I find you on social media?

Yes. While we are present on social media, we intentionally avoid the ones that are backed by large tech companies. We believe they pose a serious threat to privacy and democracy. We favour smaller size social media services, especially the ones that are open source and crowdfunded:

We understand that this can limit our online presence, that’s why we are motivated to offer you the best service in order to benefit from word-of-mouth.

I’ve got another question, how can I reach out to you?

If you have any questions, you can contact us: