Huni Kuin Kambo Retreat 22nd March | Libélula | Costa Rica |

This one-day ceremonial container at Libélula Retreat Center is an opportunity to work with Kambo in the presence of Huni Kuin medicine carriers from the Yuba Nawa village.

Held in the rainforest mountains of Costa Rica, this is a focused and intentional space for cleansing, recalibration and prayer. It is not a retreat in the traditional sense, but a contained ceremonial gathering designed to support clarity, grounding and renewal.

Kambo in the Huni Kuin Tradition

Kambo is a traditional Amazonian medicine derived from the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog. Within Indigenous traditions, it is not approached as a substance, but as a powerful forest ally used for cleansing, strengthening and clearing heavy energies from the body and spirit.

For the Huni Kuin, Kambo is administered within prayer. It is often worked with before ceremony to clear stagnation, sharpen perception and prepare the body. The process is direct and physical, and is traditionally understood as a way of strengthening resilience and restoring balance.

In this lineage, medicines are relational. They respond to humility, intention and respect. The ceremony is held through prayer, song and focused presence.

You may hear the phrase spoken or sung:

Eskawata Kayaway, Kayaway Kiki

Often translated as “Constant transformation through love.”

This prayer reminds us that even powerful cleansing unfolds through right pacing and care.

What Kambo May Be Like

Kambo is a short but intense process. After small points are applied to the skin, the medicine enters the lymphatic system quickly.

Common effects may include:

A rapid increase in heart rate

Flushing or heat in the body

Nausea and vomiting

Sweating

Temporary swelling

Emotional release

The acute effects typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, followed by a period of rest and recovery.

Many people report feeling clear, light, grounded or deeply reset afterwards. Others experience fatigue and require rest. Each body responds differently.

Kambo is not psychedelic. It does not produce visionary states. Its action is primarily physical and energetic, with psychological clarity often following the cleanse.

Safety & Suitability

Kambo is not appropriate for everyone. It may not be suitable for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions, history of stroke, aneurysm, severe mental health conditions, pregnancy, recent major surgery, or those taking specific medications.

Full medical disclosure is required prior to participation. This ceremony is approached seriously and responsibly, with screening and support in place.

Participation is voluntary. You are free to choose not to receive Kambo at any time.

Ceremonial Flow

Arrival

8:00am – 9:00am

Guests arrive into the sanctuary space and are welcomed quietly into the land. This is a gentle arrival designed to allow you to settle and prepare inwardly.

Intention Setting

9:00am – 10:00am

We gather in circle to open the container. The Huni Kuin medicine carriers offer prayer, and guests are guided to clarify their intention for the work.

This is an important part of the process. Kambo responds to clarity. The more honest and grounded your intention, the more aligned the experience tends to be.

Preparation & Administration

10:30am – Kambo Ceremony

The ceremony begins with prayer. Kambo is administered individually in a supported and attentive setting.

The team remains present throughout. You will be guided through breath, posture and grounding as needed.

After your cleanse, you will rest quietly. The space remains held in prayerful silence and presence.

Closing & Grounding

12:00pm

Fresh coconuts are served to support hydration and mineral replenishment. We close the ceremonial space with gratitude and sealing prayer.

Departure

1:00pm

Guests depart quietly and are encouraged to keep the remainder of the day spacious and restful.

What to Bring

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly wet or stained.

Bring:

A large bottle of water

A light blanket or shawl

A small towel

A journal and pen

Light snacks for after the ceremony such as fruit, nuts or simple whole foods

Electrolyte powder if you use it

We recommend eating very lightly the evening before and avoiding alcohol or heavy foods for at least 24 hours prior.

It is important not to come completely fasted unless instructed. A light, simple breakfast several hours before arrival is recommended.

Aftercare

Following Kambo, the body may feel tired, clear, emotional or neutral. We recommend:

Hydrating well

Eating simple nourishing food

Resting

Avoiding strenuous activity

Keeping the day quiet

The medicine continues integrating after the ceremony. Listen to your body and allow space for the process.

A Note on Holding

This is not a performance or spectacle. It is a serious ceremonial space held within living Indigenous tradition.

At Libélula, our commitment is to safety, consent and respect. You will not be pushed toward intensity. You will be supported at your own pace.

If you feel called to this work, we look forward to welcoming you into the sanctuary for this focused day of cleansing and renewal.