Meet our Family
Maestro Don Benigno - The Godfather
Don Benigno, affectionately known as the “Maestro de los Maestros” (Master of Masters), is one of the oldest and most respected shamans still practicing the ancient art of ayahuasca healing and curanderismo blanco (white magic) in Iquitos, Peru.
Despite his advanced age of 80+, Don Benigno continues to drink the sacred ayahuasca medicine, a testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft.
Coming from the old school of vegetalistas, Don Benigno was born and raised on the border between Peru and Ecuador. His first encounter with Ayahuasca occurred when he was just six years old, and his powerful icaros, she sacred chants used during ayahuasca ceremonie, are a blend of native Quechua and Spanish.
"Energetic blockages are more common than we realize — many of us carry them without even knowing."
He explains that the healing during a ceremony takes part on an energetic level. The ayahuasca enables him to see and remove any energetic blockages the patient might have.
For example, During a traumatic experience you might subconsciously block energetic channels or chakras as a defense mechanism to protect yourself from further pain of that experience. This can later in life manifest as depression, anxiety or physical disease. During the ceremony "I will remove the blockage, and when thats done, you are healed”, he says.
Don Benigno has been an integral part of La Luna del Amazonas since its inception, sharing his vast knowledge and wisdom with students, patients, and guests from around the world. As a renowned master, he has numerous disciples and has treated countless individuals seeking healing from a wide array of ailments.
Maestro Don Guido - Curandero
Don Guido, son-in-law and long-time apprentice of the legendary Don Benigno, has spent decades walking the sacred path of Amazonian healing. Under Don Benigno’s careful guidance, he learned not only the sacred science, prayers, and natural remedies, but also the discipline, humility, and silent observation that form the essence of the healer’s way.
Born into a lineage of curanderos with parents, grandparents, and ancestors who carried the sacred gift, Don Guido grew up surrounded by plants, prayers, and the mysteries of the unseen world. Of eleven siblings who each carried the potential, only four, including Don Guido, were called to embrace the demanding road of the healer. For him, the calling was never a choice, but a responsibility in his blood, a purpose that defined his path in this lifetime.
From his earliest years, ayahuasca itself became his teacher. Days were spent collecting plants and listening to the elders; nights were filled with visions and dreams that spoke in the language of the spirits. Over time, he undertook countless dietas, extended periods of isolation and communion with master plants, each one bringing deeper insight into the nature of illness, the roots of suffering, and the pathways to restoration.
Today, Don Guido is a respected curandero, able to diagnose, prescribe, and prepare specific plant dietas to meet the unique needs and intentions of each patient.
What sets him apart is his ability to hold the ancient ways with unwavering integrity while welcoming those from the modern world with compassion and clarity. He understands the struggles of the Western mind, the pain of disconnection and the hunger for meaning , yet remains rooted in the truth that real healing requires humility, patience, discipline, and a return to simplicity.
He works with people from all walks of life: villagers and visionaries, seekers and skeptics, meeting each not as a patient but as a soul. Guided by the wisdom of the forest and the silent teachings of the plants, Don Guido serves as a living vessel of ancestral knowledge, grounded in humility and sacred devotion. Many who meet him say that his very presence is medicine. A reminder that the forest still speaks, and its healers still listen.
Maestro Don Leonardo - Shaman apprentice
Don Leonardo was born and raised along the winding waters of the Marañón and Yanashi rivers, where the pulse of the jungle beats in harmony with the lives of those who call it home. From an early age, he was immersed in the rhythms of the forest,the songs of birds at dawn, the whisper of the wind through towering trees, and the murmured prayers of his elders calling upon the spirits of the plants. It was within his own family that he first encountered the mysteries of natural medicine, learning to recognize the subtle language of leaves, roots, and vines.
At just twelve years old, Don Leonardo stepped into his first Ayahuasca ceremony. The gatherings were held in the traditional way, every Tuesday and Friday, bringing together villagers and healers under the soft glow of kerosene lamps. In those early years, he sat quietly, absorbing the icaros (healing songs) and the sacred silence between them. Though still a boy, he felt the stirrings of a deeper calling, a pull toward the path of the healer.
It was not until adulthood, however, that this calling could no longer be ignored. Guided by destiny, Don Leonardo came under the mentorship of two respected maestros: Don Benigno, a master of the old ways whose deep knowledge of plant spirits was rooted in generations of experience, and Don Guido, his spiritual heir and son-in-law, known for his ability to bridge ancient tradition with the modern seeker’s heart. Together, they guided Don Leonardo into the hidden science of the curandero, a path requiring discipline, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the truth of the plants.
Since the inception of La Luna del Amazonas, Don Leonardo has been an essential part of the healing circle. With a warm smile and a steady, grounded presence, he shares his decades of experience and the magical knowledge entrusted to him by both his family and his maestros. Whether singing an icaro, preparing a potent brew, or offering quiet guidance after a ceremony, Don Leonardo continues to walk the bridge between the ancient ways of the Amazon and the hearts of all who come seeking healing.
Maestro Don Jack - Shaman apprentice
Don Jack, the youngest of four shaman brothers, was born into a family where the art of healing is not just a vocation, but a sacred inheritance. From his earliest days, he was surrounded by the songs, rituals, and plant medicines that form the heart of his lineage. Under the watchful eyes of his older brothers, and the profound mentorship of their godfather, Don Benigno, he absorbed the wisdom of the old ways as naturally as one breathes the air of the Amazon. In this household, every leaf, root, and vine had a story to tell and from childhood, Don Jack learned to listen.
Though the youngest, he carries the fire of his lineage with remarkable strength. His icaros flow like the rivers of his homeland: sometimes gentle and sweet, other times powerful and commanding. When his distinctive whistle pierces the ceremonial space, it is as though the spirits themselves are moving through him, weaving protection and guidance into every note. Guests often speak of feeling an immediate shift in the energy when Don Jack begins to sing, a clarity, a deepening, a sense that the unseen world has drawn closer.
His training has been long and demanding, marked by countless plant dietas, vigils, and nights of communion with the medicine. In silence and solitude, he has learned the language of the forest and the precise ways to call upon the spirits for healing. Each lesson has been earned through dedication, humility, and a willingness to serve those who seek his help.
What sets Don Jack apart is not only his skill, but his presence. Humble, approachable, and open-hearted, he meets each guest without judgment, listening with patience and offering guidance with sincerity. He is a living embodiment of the ancient traditions — a bridge between the wisdom of generations past and the seekers of today. His place within the circle at La Luna del Amazonas is both a is both a blessing and a testament to the enduring power of the shamanic path.
Enrique - Coordinator of Safety & Guest Care
Originally from Sweden, Henrik or Enrique, as he is called in the Amazon has made the rainforest his full-time home since 2015.
After years of wandering through Sweden, the USA, Spain, and Costa Rica, he reached a place of deep despair. Struggling with severe depression, standing at the edge of suicide, and feeling a profound emptiness, he sought relief in every way he could. He turned to Western medicine: pharmaceuticals, psychotherapy, benzodiazepines, antidepressants and self-medicated with street drugs. None of these paths brought lasting healing.
Everything changed when he arrived in the heart of the Amazon and encountered the transformative power of ayahuasca. Before founding La Luna, Enrique spent a year living with shamans and their families in a traditional healing clinic. Immersed in local village life and extreme conditions, he gained deep insight into the Ayahuasca culture, the medicine, and the unseen worlds.
Long before the jungle called him, Enrique worked as an emergency medical dispatcher in Sweden. In moments of crisis, he learned to navigate chaos with clarity, guide others through fear, and make decisions where safety came first. These same skills remain at the core of his work today, whether in ceremony within the maloka or leading a day tour on the river.
He is certified in First Aid, AED, and CPR, and his skills were tested in countless emergencies of every kind during his years at the Swedish emergency center.
Since his move to the jungle a decade ago, Enrique has participated in and facilitated more than 1,000 ayahuasca ceremonies, embodying the role of a bridge between modern Western culture and ancestral Amazonian tradition. While he still steps in as translator and facilitator when needed, his main focus today is on training and supporting the next generation of facilitators — and taking leadership in moments of challenge or crisis.
He is also an active member of the Zendo Project by MAPS, supporting psychedelic harm reduction and integration, and has completed specialized training in Ayahuasca safety through ICEERS (The International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service).
Beyond his work with ayahuasca, he studies theology remotely at the Stockholm School of Theology, exploring ancient mysteries and sacred texts to deepen his understanding of the visionary experiences the medicine can bring.
Walter - Guardian
The son of the esteemed Shaman Don Benigno and a versatile member of our community. Raised in the Amazonian shamanic tradition, Walter has developed a deep respect for the ayahuasca medicine and the healing arts. At our center, Walter wears many hats—he assists in ceremonies, prepares the sacred brew, and ensures a comfortable and harmonious environment for our guests.
As our property caretaker, Walter takes great pride in maintaining the grounds, tending to the lush vegetation, and keeping our facilities in shape. His adaptability, dedication, and connection to the shamanic lineage make him an invaluable member of our team.
Nina - Facilitator & Guardian
Nina, whose name means "fire" in Quechua, is a proud descendant of the Yagua people. Her roots are deeply intertwined with her ancestral history, as her grandmother was part of the first generation of Yaguas to establish the tribe in Nuevo Perú, where the Yagua language is still taught in schools.
Growing up in the village of Santa María, Nina was raised in a family of paleros (tree healers) and curanderos Napinos from Diamante Azul, a renowned shamanic village on the Napo River. This rich cultural heritage has shaped Nina's character and her deep appreciation for the healing arts.
At our center, Nina is a versatile and invaluable member of our team. Her warmth and gentle presence can be felt in her facilitation of ceremonies and the soothing flower baths she provides for our guests. Nina's connection to her ancestral knowledge and her innate healing abilities make her an asset to our community.
Yusef - Guardiancito
Yusef, the adorable son of Enrique and Nina, is the youngest member of our family and a cherished part of our center. Though still just a little one, Ismael already has a vital role to play: bringing joy and smiles to all those around him.
You can often find him hanging out, soaking up the positive vibes, and sharing his infectious grin. His youthful presence is a constant reminder of the beauty and innocence of childhood, and we're grateful to have him as a part of our community.
Natalia - Facilitator & Guardian
Natalia, our radiant facilitator and artist, brings joy and creativity to our center. Her captivating smile reflects her warm and welcoming personality, which resonates with everyone she meets. Natalia's artistic talent is on full display throughout our center, where her beautiful paintings, inspired by her own ayahuasca visions, adorn the walls. She is an integral part of our ayahuasca ceremonies, providing guidance and support to those seeking healing and self-discovery.
Outside of ceremonies, Natalia can often be found in our ayahuasca plantation, where she lovingly tends to the baby vines and happily shares her knowledge with our guests. Her passion for nature, spirituality, and personal growth is contagious, making her an invaluable member of our community.
Oscar - Facilitator, Translator & Artist
A multi-talented and free-spirited member of the La Luna del Amazonas team. Born and raised in Colombia, Oscar's passion for art and nature has been a driving force in his life, leading him to pursue studies in biology while developing his artistic talents. This unique blend of scientific knowledge and creative expression allows him to explore the intricate connections between the Amazon's diverse flora and fauna and share them with others through his captivating artwork. Oscar's artistic style is a testament to his deep connection with the natural world, as he masterfully captures the beauty, mystery, and complexity of the rainforest in vibrant and intricate depictions. His canvases come alive with the colors, textures, and essence of the Amazon, serving as a visual celebration of the environment he holds so dear.
Whether through his captivating artwork, engaging discussions about the rainforest ecosystem, painting workshops, or simply sharing his love for the natural world, Oscar's free-spirited presence at La Luna del Amazonas contributes to the immersive and transformative experience that guests seek. His contagious enthusiasm and boundless creativity inspire others to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and connection with the world around them.
Delfina - Facilitator & Translator
As a translator, Delfina's linguistic skills and cultural sensitivity allow her to communicate the shamans' teachings with clarity and empathy, ensuring that each participant fully grasps the depth and meaning behind the ceremonies. Her warm, compassionate nature creates an atmosphere of trust and comfort, making her an invaluable guide during the retreat experience.
A creative spirit at heart, Delfina is an accomplished ukulele player, often serenading our guests with her gentle melodies during moments of relaxation and reflection. Her love for music, combined with her dedication to healing and spirituality, makes Delfina a cherished member of the La Luna del Amazonas family and a valuable resource for our guests seeking transformation and growth.
Ada -Facilitator, Translator & Yoga instructor
Ada, our warm and welcoming facilitator and translator from Sweden, has been part of the La Luna del Amazonas family for several years. A true free spirit, she spends much of her time traveling the world. Her travels mean she may not always be at La Luna all year around, but when she returns for longer stays, she is an invaluable guide and support for our guests.
Fluent in Spanish, Swedish, and English, Ada bridges the language gap between participants and the indigenous shamans, ensuring everyone can fully understand and integrate the wisdom shared in ceremony. Her gentle presence, open heart, and attentive listening create an atmosphere of trust and belonging, helping guests feel at ease from the very first day.
An avid yoga practitioner, Ada also shares her passion for movement and mindfulness, guiding sessions that harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Wherever her path leads, La Luna remains one of her true homes and her return is always a gift to our community.
Carin - Guardian of the Kitchen
Carin is our beloved gourmet chef, known for her warm smile, kind spirit, and the joy she shares with our guests. Always ready for a friendly photo, she brings not only skill but also heart to everything she creates.
She practices her own form of kitchen magic, transforming fresh, local ingredients into healthy yet irresistibly delicious meals that support and enhance the ayahuasca process. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to nourish the body, keep the mind light, and help the spirit stay open.
The food at La Luna is always prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with menus featuring fresh chicken, fish from the river just outside the kitchen, or wholesome vegetarian dishes. And no matter what’s on the menu, there is always a satisfying vegan option available.
You - Volunteer
