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-  We´re Here to Answer Your -

FREQUENTLY ASKED


QUESTIONS

To demystify the process of preparing and traveling

  • Does malaria or dengue exist in Huaran, Peru?
    The possibility of contracting malaria or dengue during your stay with Casa Galactica in Huaran, Peru is extremely low. Malaria and dengue are most prevalent in the Amazon basin and Andean Mountain regions of Peru where the elevation is less than 2000 meters. The elevation of Huaran, Peru is approximately 2925 meters (9600 feet). In the rare event of a person contracting malaria or dengue, proper medical evaluation and treatment from a nearby hospital or medical clinic will be provided and is an additional cost.
  • Should I bring extra money?
    Yes. Our retreats are all-inclusive and include all food, water, and transport to and from Cusco airport. Anything outside of the retreat package is at your own expense. The local currency is Peruvian Soles (PEN). There are ATMs in the airports, although please check with your bank to ensure that your debit/credit card(s) will work internationally prior to leaving your country of origin. It is often best to exchange currency before arriving in Peru.
  • How should I prepare my work, family, friends, and others for my trip to Peru?
    Many people who travel to Peru for our retreats and ceremonies have full-time jobs, own businesses, have families, take care of pets, and are responsible to others in a variety of ways. One of the biggest mental blocks or challenges you may have to traveling is that your life, job, business, family, children, and/or pets will not survive without you. To assist you in ensuring that your responsibilities to others are properly attended to during your absence, we offer the following suggestions: Let your employer and/or important clients know of your upcoming trip and absence at least 4 weeks in advance. Ensure that a coworker or employee is assigned to assist important clients or continue with important projects as necessary. Tell close friends and family members of your upcoming trip and absence. Arrange for the proper care of your child/children as needed. Arrange for a house-sitter and/or pet-sitter as needed. Install the WhatsApp, Signal, and/or Telegram app onto your cell phone for free worldwide long-distance calling and texting while in Peru. Tell your emergency contact, and any others whom you desire to communicate with while you´re traveling, to install the WhatsApp, Signal, and/or Telegram app onto their cell phone as well. Email details of your upcoming trip to your emergency contact and at least one other close friend or family member, including your flight itinerary, the contact details of any hotels you may be staying at, and Casa Galactica contact details (see next question for this information). Inform your bank(s) and credit card companies of your upcoming travel dates to Peru.
  • Who is the emergency contact for Casa Galactica?
    Jamie Csizmadia Thornhill, Cofounder, is the emergency contact for Casa Galactica. She can be reached immediately, and your family and friends may contact her at any time in one of the following ways: P: +51 991 413 938 WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram: +51 991 413 938 E: contact(at)casagalactica.com
  • Is Casa Galactica a licensed or registered business?
    Yes, Casa Galactica S.A.C., R.U.C. 20604329851, is an official Peruvian business, registered with, and licensed by, the Peruvian government.
  • What is Casa Galactica´s cancellation policy?
    As per Casa Galactica´s Terms & Conditions, "All sales are final. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not provide refunds after you purchase a service through our Website or via electronic invoice, which you acknowledge prior to purchasing any service therein." This means that if your retreat, ceremony, or immersion is cancelled for any reason by you or Casa Galactica, you will not receive a refund, nor will you receive an opportunity to reschedule. As per Casa Galactica´s Retreat Terms & Conditions of Purchase, "CASA GALACTICA REQUIRES THAT YOU, THE PARTICIPANT, PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ANY COSTS OF MEDICAL CARE IF YOU SHOULD GET SICK OR INJURED, TO COVER COSTS OF ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD YOU NEED TO SELF-QUARANTINE, TO COVER YOUR FLIGHT COSTS SHOULD THERE BE AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER CLOSING, TO COVER YOUR RETREAT COSTS SHOULD THERE BE A CANCELLATION, TO COVER YOUR RETREAT COSTS SHOULD ANYTHING PREVENT YOU FROM PARTICIPATING, TO COVER ANY OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCE OR ACT OF GOD WHILE TRAVELING, AND TO COVER ANY AND ALL EVENTUALITIES. CASA GALACTICA IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FINANCIAL LOSSES YOU MAY INCUR DUE TO ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED REASONS, OR ANY OTHER EXPENSES RELATED TO THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR TRIP." As per Casa Galactica´s Ceremony Terms & Conditions of Purchase, "CASA GALACTICA REQUIRES THAT IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOU, THE PARTICIPANT, TO COVER ANY COSTS OF MEDICAL CARE IF YOU SHOULD GET SICK OR INJURED, TO COVER COSTS OF ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD YOU NEED TO SELF-QUARANTINE, TO COVER YOUR FLIGHT COSTS SHOULD THERE BE AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER CLOSING, TO COVER YOUR CEREMONY COSTS SHOULD THERE BE A CANCELLATION, TO COVER YOUR CEREMONY COSTS SHOULD ANYTHING PREVENT YOU FROM PARTICIPATING IN CEREMONY, TO COVER ANY OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCE OR ACT OF GOD WHILE TRAVELING, AND TO COVER ANY AND ALL EVENTUALITIES. CASA GALACTICA IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FINANCIAL LOSSES YOU MAY INCUR DUE TO ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED REASONS, OR ANY OTHER EXPENSES RELATED TO THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR TRIP OR CEREMONY. THE PROVIDER RECOMMENDS THAT YOU, THE PARTICIPANT, PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED CIRCUMSTANCES AND ALL EVENTUALITIES." Please make sure that you’ve carefully read, understood, and agree to the entirety of Casa Galactica´s Terms & Conditions, Retreat Terms & Conditions of Purchase, and/or Ceremony Terms & Conditions of Purchase before purchasing a retreat, ceremony, or immersion through our website or via electronic invoice.
  • Should I purchase travel insurance?
    If you are participating in a Retreat, and as per Casa Galactica´s Retreat Terms & Conditions of Purchase, "CASA GALACTICA REQUIRES THAT YOU, THE PARTICIPANT, PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ANY COSTS OF MEDICAL CARE IF YOU SHOULD GET SICK OR INJURED, TO COVER COSTS OF ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD YOU NEED TO SELF-QUARANTINE, TO COVER YOUR FLIGHT COSTS SHOULD THERE BE AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER CLOSING, TO COVER YOUR RETREAT COSTS SHOULD THERE BE A CANCELLATION, TO COVER YOUR RETREAT COSTS SHOULD ANYTHING PREVENT YOU FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE RETREAT, TO COVER ANY OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCE OR ACT OF GOD WHILE TRAVELING, AND TO COVER ANY AND ALL EVENTUALITIES. CASA GALACTICA IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FINANCIAL LOSSES YOU MAY INCUR DUE TO ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED REASONS, OR ANY OTHER EXPENSES RELATED TO THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR TRIP." If you are participating in a Ceremony, and as per Casa Galactica´s Ceremony Terms & Conditions of Purchase, "CASA GALACTICA REQUIRES THAT IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOU, THE PARTICIPANT, TO COVER ANY COSTS OF MEDICAL CARE IF YOU SHOULD GET SICK OR INJURED, TO COVER COSTS OF ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD YOU NEED TO SELF-QUARANTINE, TO COVER YOUR FLIGHT COSTS SHOULD THERE BE AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER CLOSING, TO COVER YOUR CEREMONY COSTS SHOULD THERE BE A CANCELLATION, TO COVER YOUR CEREMONY COSTS SHOULD ANYTHING PREVENT YOU FROM PARTICIPATING IN CEREMONY, TO COVER ANY OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCE OR ACT OF GOD WHILE TRAVELING, AND TO COVER ANY AND ALL EVENTUALITIES. CASA GALACTICA IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FINANCIAL LOSSES YOU MAY INCUR DUE TO ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED REASONS, OR ANY OTHER EXPENSES RELATED TO THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR TRIP OR CEREMONY. THE PROVIDER RECOMMENDS THAT YOU, THE PARTICIPANT, PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED CIRCUMSTANCES AND ALL EVENTUALITIES." Furthermore, as per Casa Galactica´s Terms & Conditions, "All sales are final. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not provide refunds after you purchase a service through our Website or via electronic invoice, which you acknowledge prior to purchasing any service therein." This means that if your retreat, ceremony, or immersion is cancelled for any reason by you or Casa Galactica, you will not receive a refund, nor will you receive an opportunity to reschedule.
  • Can I drink the water in Peru?
    Local tap water in Peru, including Lima, Cusco, and Huaran, is not considered potable. This means that you should not drink any water out of any sink faucet (bathroom or kitchen). Only bottled or treated water should be used for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. Bottled water and treated water are readily available at the Lima airport, hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants. At Casa Galactica, we have abundant drinking water available for you at all times in the community kitchen and dining room of our Center. So, it’s best that you bring a reusable 1-liter water bottle to refill for yourself throughout the day and during your time spent with us.
  • Why can’t I flush toilet paper down the toilet in Peru?
    Sewer disposal and elimination in Peru, including Lima, Cusco, and Huaran, is not capable of handling paper products and sanitary napkins. This means you should never flush anything besides pee and poo down the toilet. If you do so, you may cause an expensive and disruptive plumbing problem for the facility who owns the bathroom. The same holds true at our Center. Please DO NOT flush any toilet paper, paper towels, paper products, tampons, or sanitary napkins down the toilets. Instead, simply throw them away in the nearby trashcan. Thank you!
  • Where exactly will I be staying during my trip?
    You will be staying in your own private room at Casa Galactica's Multi-dimensional Center for Healing & Evolution, located in the majestic Andean mountains in a small village called Huaran, in the Cusco region of the Sacred Valley of Peru. Casa Galactica´s physical address is: Carretera 28B, KM 58.5 Predio Santa Rosa, No.17 Huaran Calca, Peru 08120 To view our physical location on a map, click this link.
  • Does the Casa Galactica Center have heaters and air conditioning?
    We do not have air conditioning, as it is not needed in Huaran due to the temperate weather. The building of our Center is made of adobe mud bricks, which means that the temperature inside the building stays cool when it is warm or hot outside. However, sometimes it can get a little chilly at night, yet the Center is well-insulated and you have your own personal electric space heater in your room. We also provide you with 3 blankets to keep you warm and toasty. We want you to be comfortable throughout your entire stay with us. Please be aware that the electric space heaters should used appropriately, only when needed, and should not be left switched on unattended.
  • Is laundry service available at Casa Galactica?
    Casa Galactica provides laundry service free of charge, approximately every 3 days, for all retreat participants during your stay with us. If you are a participant in a private Ayahuasca or Bufo ceremony, laundry service is available upon request for an additional cost. Laundry is washed and air-dried onsite. Laundry is normally returned within 24 hours, but if it is raining, it may take a little longer. Casa Galactica provides linens, blankets, pillows, and bath towels for all guests.
  • Will I be able to use my cell phone and have access to internet?
    Depending on your cell phone provider, you should have good cell signal in Lima, Cusco, and Huaran. Before you leave home for your trip, we suggest that you and your emergency contact install the WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram app onto your cell phones for free worldwide long-distance calling and texting while in Peru. This will allow you to stay in touch with family and friends without paying for long distance or texting fees. If you are planning to extend your stay and book additional time with us at our Center, we have fast, stable WiFi available for you. That being said, we turn the WiFi off during our retreats to cultivate the optimum environment for your personal healing and evolution. We suggest to all our retreat participants to take full advantage of being technologically disconnected and to use this time of sweet solitude to be completely immersed in your own healing processes, personal growth, and illuminating experiences. We’ve found that it’s actually quite nice, and very different in the world we live in today, to have an opportunity to “be away from it all” and simply be focused on yourself. We recommend that you spend quality time with loved ones before your journey and let them know that you will be out of contact for the duration of your retreat or immersion. This helps them prepare for your absence too. This time apart can be tough in and of itself, yet know that this time in solitude will infinitely improve all of your relationships (including the one with yourself!). This period of solitude creates space for more love to grow inside you, so that this love may overflow to others following the retreat. Self-love, and improving your ability to be present with yourself, is a large part of the work we embark upon in our retreats. This space creates fertile ground for the improvement of all aspects of your life. You may also choose to stay in touch with loved ones during your retreat, and that is fine too. Jamie Csizmadia Thornhill, Cofounder, is the emergency contact for Casa Galactica. She can be reached immediately, and your family and friends may contact her at any time in one of the following ways: P: +51 991 413 938 WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram: +51 991 413 938 E: contact(at)casagalactica.com
  • Do I need a converter or adaptor for the electricity in Peru?
    Peru uses 220-volt electricity. Before you leave home, check to see if your devices will work at 220V electricity. Some devices that work at 110-120V also work at 220V without the need for a voltage converter/transformer. This is known as "dual voltage". If your device is not dual voltage then you will need to purchase the appropriate voltage converter/transformer. You may also consider if you really need this item for the duration of your stay with us, or if you can do without it. Plug adaptors are not voltage converters, and their sole purpose is to allow a different-shaped plug to fit into a different-shaped wall socket or electrical outlet. Wall sockets and electrical outlets in Peru are typically the 2-pronged flat type found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2-pronged rounded type instead. We recommend finding a plug adaptor that will fit both of these from your home country configuration.
  • What happens if there’s an emergency at home while I’m on retreat with Casa Galactica?
    If an emergency happens at home, please tell your emergency contact to reach out to Jamie Csizmadia Thornhill, Cofounder at Casa Galactica, immediately in one of the following ways: Jamie Csizmadia Thornhill P: +51 991 413 938 WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram: +51 991 413 938 E: contact(at)casagalactica.com Alternatively, your emergency contact may also reach out to: Michael Thornhill P: +51 943 364 714 WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram: +51 943 364 714 E: contact(at)casagalactica.com We encourage you to speak with your emergency contact and any other relevant friends or loved ones ahead of time to inform them of this procedure.
  • Can I use my current health insurance coverage while I’m in Peru?
    Most likely, the answer is “No”. You will want to check with your health insurance company to be sure however. If you are joining us for a retreat, we require you to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19 sickness, medical expenses, trip cancellation, and additional costs such as alternate accommodation in the event that you get sick and test positive for Covid-19. We are not able to personally recommend any specific travel insurance companies, but there are many available with extensive trip cancellation, medical coverage, and COVID-19 coverage plans. We recommend you do your own research to determine the best travel insurance company for you.
  • Can I withdraw cash while I’m in Peru?
    The answer is “Yes”. There are numerous automatic ATM cash withdrawal machines at Lima Airport and in Cusco. Huaran does not have ATM cash withdrawal machines. The ATM cash withdrawal machines are run by local Peruvian banks, and you will more than likely be charged an additional fee by the Peruvian bank and your home bank for use of the ATM machine. You may withdraw cash from these ATM machines in United States Dollars (USD) or Peruvian Soles (PEN).
  • Can I use credit cards to make purchases in Peru?
    The answer is “Yes”, however please consider the following: If you plan to use your credit cards or debit cards to make purchases while traveling in Peru, make sure you know and understand your bank’s international use fees. International use fees on credit cards can range from 3% to 15% per purchase, depending on your bank’s policies. VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit and debit cards in Peru. Both charge an additional service fee when you use them in Peru. Also note that most restaurants, stores, markets, handicraft vendors, indigenous artisans, and shops in Peru take cash only for purchases.
  • Should I take altitude sickness tablets?
    No. Altitude tablets are often contraindicated with ayahuasca and bufo. Alternatively, we have natural plant remedies available at our Center that can assist you in adjusting to the altitude of 2900 meters in Huaran. Our retreats take into consideration acclimatization in the scheduling, as we gently ease you into the activities. Hydration is key in adjusting to higher altitudes and a drier climate. We recommend drinking 3 to 5 liters of water daily for at least 5 days leading up to your retreat. Additionally, we have hydrating plant drinks, juices, and teas available at our Center upon your arrival to assist you in this transition. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout your journey.
  • Can I visit Machu Picchu and other Incan historic sites during my stay?
    Yes. If you would like to extend your stay we have a Sacred Sites Adventure Tour that takes you to some of the best Incan historic sites and destinations of the region including Machu Picchu, Pisac Archaeological Park, Moray Archaeological Park, and Maras Salt Mines.
  • What else is there to do in Huaran?
    Huaran is a bucolic and agricultural village nestled in a valley plain of the Andean mountains. You can extend your stay and enjoy the majestic Andean mountains, nature, hiking, nearby archeological sites, motorcycle tours, stunning waterfalls, and much more. We are happy to host you at our Center as a grounding point for you to explore, relax, or continue your learning with us, before or after your retreat. We provide a 4 day/4 night Sacred Sites Adventure Tour that visits Machu Picchu, Pisac Archaeological Park, Moray Archaeological Park, and Maras Salt Mines! We also have a variety of continued study options with Casa Galactica to help you activate your intuition, empower your healing , embody your truth, and integrate newfound insights from your retreat. Please contact us for more information and to extend your stay!
  • Which airport will I fly into when staying with Casa Galactica?
    All international flights will first arrive at the Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez in Lima, Peru. From Lima, your final flight destination will be the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru. Oftentimes, you may be able to purchase a connecting flight from Lima to Cusco with a local Peruvian airline at a reduced cost. A few local Peruvian airlines connecting from Lima to Cusco are: - LATAM (best service) - Sky Airlines (budget option) - Viva Air (budget option) Be aware that the budget airlines tend to apply additional charges and fees for ticket printing, extra luggage, seat selection, etc. Inclusive in the cost of your retreat, Casa Galactica always arranges for a driver to meet you at Cusco airport and safely transport you to our center in Huaran, which is approximately a 90-minute drive through the Andean Mountains! Also inclusive in the cost of your retreat is your transport back to Cusco airport at the completion of your retreat. If you are simply visiting Casa Galactica for a self-arranged stay at our Center or for a private ceremony, upon request and for an additional cost we will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the Cusco airport and/or return you to Cusco airport at the completion of your stay with us. Contact us for this service.
  • What if I have a long layover at Lima airport?
    If you have a lengthy layover at Lima airport, either as you fly into Peru or as you fly out of Peru, you have several options. For shorter layovers, you are able to wait comfortably in Lima airport, which has numerous restaurants, shopping, and amenities to keep you occupied until your connecting flight is ready to board. For longer layovers and overnight stays, we would advise staying at the Wyndham Hotel directly adjacent to the Lima airport.
  • Once I arrive at the Cusco airport, how do I get to Casa Galactica?
    If you are registered to participate in a retreat with Casa Galactica, your roundtrip transportation from the Cusco airport to the Casa Galactica Center in Huaran (and back to Cusco airport at the completion of your program) is included in your registration. Casa Galactica always arranges for a driver to meet you at Cusco airport upon your scheduled flight arrival and safely transport you to our Center in Huaran, which is approximately a 90-minute drive through the Andean Mountains! The driver will be holding a sign that says, “Casa Galactica”, and it will have your name on it as well. After picking up your checked luggage and exiting the airport, you will see your driver standing nearby outside in the parking lot. If your flight from Lima to Cusco is delayed, or if you have any difficulties finding your driver at the Cusco airport, please contact us immediately: Michael Thornhill P: +51 943 364 714 WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal: +51 943 364 714 E: michael(at)casagalactica.com Jamie Csizmadia Thornhill P: +51 991 413 938 WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal: +51 991 413 938 E: jamie(at)casagalactica.com If you are simply visiting Casa Galactica for a self-arranged stay at our Center or for a private ceremony, upon request and for an additional cost we will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the Cusco airport. Contact us for this service.
  • Where is Casa Galactica´s Multidimensional Center for Healing & Evolution located?
    Casa Galactica´s Center for Multidimensional Healing & Evolution is located in the village of Huaran, within the Sacred Valley of Peru. To view our physical location on a map, click this link.
  • Do I need a Visa to enter Peru?
    Please check with your country´s Peruvian Embassy to see the Visa requirements (or lack thereof) for your own nationality before traveling. In most cases, a Visa is not required. Typically, you will receive an entry stamp on your passport upon arriving at the Lima airport in Peru, with a maximum stay of 183 days within 6 months.
  • Do I need a vaccination to enter Peru?
    It is your responsibility to stay abreast of the current status of, and any changes that may occur to, international travel allowances/requirements/restrictions regarding legally required vaccinations within your country of origin and within Peru. Vaccination Requirements in Peru Legally, and at present, Peru does not require that you have any vaccinations upon entering the country. If you decide to get any vaccinations, please do so a minimum of 6 weeks ahead of your retreat or ceremony start date to ensure that you do not have any side effects from the vaccinations during the retreat or ceremony. Vaccination Requirements in Your Country of Origin Your country of origin may have recommendations or requirements for vaccinations when traveling to/from Peru. It is your decision whether or not to get a recommended vaccination before traveling to Peru. If you decide to get any vaccinations, please do so a minimum of 6 weeks ahead of your retreat or ceremony start date to ensure that you do not have any side effects from the vaccinations during the retreat or ceremony.
  • What are Casa Galactica´s Covid-19 Policy and Protocols?
    You can find Casa Galactica´s Covid-19 Protocols on our Safety & Ethics webpage , our Covid-19 Policy for retreats on our Retreat Terms & Conditions of Purchase webpage, and our Covid-19 Policy for Private Ayahuasca Ceremony on our Ceremony Terms & Conditions of Purchase webpage. Please comprehensively familiarize yourself with these webpages prior to booking your retreat or ceremony.
  • Is my airfare included in the price of the retreat or private ayahuasca ceremony?
    No, the cost of your airfare is NOT included in the price of the retreat or ceremony. You will need to purchase your own flights to Peru. All international flights will first arrive at the Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez in Lima, Peru. From Lima, your final flight destination will be the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru. Oftentimes, you may be able to purchase a connecting flight from Lima to Cusco with a local Peruvian airline at a reduced cost. A few local Peruvian airlines connecting from Lima to Cusco are: - LATAM (best service) - Sky Airlines (budget option) - Viva Air (budget option) Be aware that the budget airlines tend to apply additional charges and fees for ticket printing, extra luggage, seat selection, etc. If you are a retreat participant, Casa Galactica always arranges for a driver to meet you at Cusco airport and safely transport you to our center in Huaran, which is approximately a 90-minute drive through the Andean Mountains! If you are simply visiting Casa Galactica for a self-arranged stay at our center or for a private ceremony, upon request and for an additional cost we will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the Cusco airport. Contact us for this service.
  • Will I be safe traveling in Peru?
    In general , the answer is YES, you will be safe traveling in Peru. Huaran, is a small village with an eclectic blend of resident expats and a local agriculture-based Quechua community. Huaran is the home of our Casa Galactica Multi-dimensional Center for Healing & Evolution, and it is tourist-welcoming and safe. That being said, we strongly suggest that you stay alert and have a good awareness about you like you would anytime you´re traveling to another country. For instance, do not leave your bags unattended, do lock your hotel door, don´t share too much with strangers, do travel in well-lit spaces, and always trust your instincts when someone or something feels unsafe. There are some districts within Lima that are considered dangerous, so if you do decide to have an overnight stay in Lima, we would advise staying at the Wyndham Hotel directly adjacent to the Lima airport. For shorter layovers, you are able to wait comfortably in Lima airport, which has numerous restaurants, shopping, and amenities to keep you occupied until your connecting flight to Cusco airport. When traveling with cash on your person, we advise obtaining a money belt that you can wear around your waist, hidden underneath your shirt. Alternatively, we advise traveling with your cash and bank cards in your carry-on luggage on the airplane. We also advise not storing all of your cash and bank cards in the same location, so in the unlikely event that something were to happen, you would still have access to funds for your trip. We suggest saving at least $300 as emergency money so that you can have this to assist you in all eventualities.
  • When should I arrive at the Casa Galactica Multi-dimensional Center for Healing & Evolution in Huaran for my retreat or ceremony?
    We ask that you arrive at the Casa Galactica Center by the recommended time on your retreat or ceremony itinerary. We factor enough time into our programs for you to properly adjust to the altitude of Huaran (2900 meters) before participating in the itinerary activities. If you need to arrive at the Center earlier than your retreat or ceremony start date/time due to an earlier flight arrival time, you may easily make arrangements with us to do so. If you wish to extend your stay with us, we are more than happy for you to do so! Whether you decide to arrive in Huaran a few days before your retreat or ceremony start date, or whether you decide to stay a few days after it ends, it´s our pleasure to provide you with comfortable accommodations at the Casa Galactica Center. We also have a Sacred Sites Adventure Tour, additional recreational activities, and empowering courses that you can pre-book. Please contact us for more information and to extend your stay.
  • What is the climate like in Huaran, Peru?
    Our Casa Galactica Multi-dimensional Center for Healing & Evolution resides in Huaran, within the Sacred Valley of Peru. The village of Huaran is at an elevation of 2900 meters, and it is located within the Andean Climate Zone (la Sierra) of Peru, with temperatures ranging from warm to cool to cold, depending on the season. Because Huaran is in the southern hemisphere, the summer months (also considered "rainy season") are from September to April, and the winter months (also considered "dry season") are from May to August. During the rainy season, temperatures are mild and more consistent from day to night, with an average of 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C), and the average monthly rainfall is 4". During the dry season, temperatures are more varied, with more hours of full sun and colder nights, with a range from 32°C to 70°C (0°C to 20°C), and the average monthly rainfall is .5". In other words, you can expect to experience a range of temperatures throughout the day, as well as variations in sun and cloud cover. So when you´re planning which clothes to pack for your stay at Casa Galactica, think layers! Check out our Complete Packing Guide for a detailed list of suggested clothing and items to bring with you. And don´t forget to bring your sunblock and stay hydrated. Due to the high altitude of the village of Huaran, we are much closer to the sun and the air is drier, which means that you may get a sunburn and dehydrate in a shorter amount of time than you´re used to.
  • What plants or ingredients are in the ayahuasca brew?
    At Casa Galactica, your health, safety, and well-being is our highest priority. "Ayahuasca" is the common name given to the liquid concoction (brew), for oral use or ingestion, prepared from plants indigenous to the Amazon basin of South America, specifically the stem and bark of the jungle vine Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the tryptamine-rich plant Chacruna (Psychotria viridis). Casa Galactica's ayahuasca brew is a pure concoction of Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and Chacruna (Psychotria viridis), which means there are no admixtures. This is the safest form of ayahuasca brew.
  • Is it safe to drink ayahuasca?
    Yes, it is safe for most people to drink ayahuasca. At Casa Galactica, your health, safety, and well-being is our highest priority. "Ayahuasca" is the common name given to the liquid concoction (brew), for oral use or ingestion, prepared from plants indigenous to the Amazon basin of South America, specifically the stem and bark of the jungle vine Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the tryptamine-rich plant Chacruna (Psychotria viridis). Casa Galactica's ayahuasca brew is a pure concoction of Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and Chacruna (Psychotria viridis), which means there are no admixtures. This is the safest form of ayahuasca brew. There are medical guidelines to become familiar with and adhere to before drinking ayahuasca to ensure your own safety, as some pharmaceutical medications and medical conditions are contradindicated with ayahuasca. Casa Galactica has a comprehensive Preparation Package that assists us in properly assessing and evaluating your current health and ability to ingest ayahuasca without contraindications or issues. For instance, we provide a thorough health and wellness screening questionnaire, in accordance with ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service), that participants must complete before joining our retreat or ceremony to ensure their safety. You will also receive a private, online pre-program preparation session to help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically before your retreat or ceremony. If we identify any contraindications for you in terms of drinking ayahuasca, you can be absolutely sure that we will discuss this with you immediately. You may also learn more on our Retreat Healing Diet webpage and our Ceremony Diet & Preparation Guidelines webpage. At Casa Galactica, we are first aid trained, trauma-informed, and multi-dimensional plant spirit healers. We follow and implement stringent safety protocols before, during, and after a retreat or ceremony to ensure your optimum health, safety, and well-being. In the very unlikely event of any emergency, Casa Galactica is a 15-minute drive away from several private hospitals in Urubamba.
  • Is ayahuasca legal in Peru?
    Yes, ayahuasca is legal in Peru. "Ayahuasca" is the common name given to the liquid concoction (brew), for oral use or ingestion, prepared from plants indigenous to the Amazon basin of South America, specifically the stem and bark of the jungle vine Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the tryptamine-rich plant Chacruna (Psychotria viridis). On June 24, 2008, the Peruvian National Institute of Culture resolved that indigenous ayahuasca rituals — “one of the fundamental pillars of the identity of Amazonian peoples” — are part of the national cultural heritage of Peru, and are to be protected, in order to ensure their cultural continuity. Casa Galactica S.A.C. is a legal Peruvian business, R.U.C. 20604329851.
  • During a retreat, do I have to participate in every ayahuasca ceremony?
    No, you do not have to participate in, nor drink the ayahuasca brew, in every ayahuasca ceremony. In fact, the decision to participate in all of the plant medicine treatments, talks, and activities provided within a retreat will be at your discretion and completely voluntary. That being said, even if you decide not to drink the ayahuasca brew, we will strongly encourage you to attend every ayahuasca ceremony, as an immense amount of multi-dimensional healing occurs through the powerful icaros (i.e. healing songs) that are sung by the Ceremony Leaders during ayahuasca ceremony. It is not necessary to drink ayahuasca to receive this healing.
  • During a retreat, do I have to take all of the additional plant medicines provided?
    No, you do not have to take all of the additional plant medicines provided during your retreat. The decision to take any additional plant medicines will be at your discretion and completely voluntary. That being said, we may encourage you to take the prescribed and personalized plant medicines that you are provided, specifically if we recognize it will be of high benefit to a physical, mental, or emotional condition you may be experiencing.
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