Kambo is the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor tree frog and has traditionally been used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon for its purifying and strengthening properties.

Kambo contains a unique combination of bioactive peptides—short chains of amino acids that interact with different systems and processes in the body. It is applied through small points, called “gates,” on the surface of the skin, where it is absorbed into the body.

Kambo is often experienced as a powerful physical and energetic cleanse. Rather than being psychedelic, the experience is primarily felt in the body and is relatively short—often followed by a sense of greater clarity, lightness, grounding, and vitality.

No. Kambo is the foundation of the retreat and helps set the stage for the week, yet you are welcome to participate in the other healing, community, and educational offerings without receiving Kambo. 

There are a number of community offerings available throughout the week, whether or not you choose to receive Kambo. These include Somatic Experiencing, a medicine music journey, sauna + hot springs, fall hikes, nourishing meals, dance + celebration, and plenty of space for rest and community connection.

The retreat is designed as a local, come-and-go experience, so you are welcome to participate in the offerings that feel aligned for you.

Receiving three sessions of Kambo—especially for the first time—can offer a deeper experience of Kambo and a greater understanding of how it may support you. Working with Kambo over three sessions gives you the opportunity to receive more beneficial peptides and notice what shifts over the course of the journey.

Three sessions create an opportunity to work with Kambo as a process rather than a single experience. Each session can build upon the last, allowing more time to notice changes in your body, mind, and overall sense of well-being.

Everyone responds differently, and depending on what someone is working with, it may be recommended to receive more or less Kambo. Three sessions provide a baseline for experiencing Kambo more deeply.

Yes. You are welcome to receive a single Kambo session. The three-session journey is offered for those who would like to experience Kambo as a deeper process, but there is no requirement to receive all three sessions.

No. Kambo is not psychedelic and does not contain known psychedelic compounds. Its secretion contains a variety of bioactive peptides that interact with physiological processes in the body.

Although it is not psychoactive in the way psychedelics are, some people report feeling heightened senses, clarity, intuition, or a greater sense of alignment afterward.

Every experience is different. Once Kambo is applied, you may initially feel a wave of warmth or heat, an increased awareness of your heartbeat or pulse, and other strong sensations moving through the body.

As the experience progresses, you may feel tired, nauseous, sweaty, emotional, or the urge to purge. The active portion of the experience is relatively short, and once the Kambo is removed, the intensity passes quickly. Afterward, some people feel tired and ready to rest, while others feel energized, lighter, clearer, and more grounded.

We begin by creating a grounded, ceremonial container and connecting with your intentions for the session. We will review how you are feeling, answer any questions, and make sure you feel prepared before beginning.

Small points called “gates” are created on the surface of the skin, and the Kambo is applied to these points. The active experience generally lasts around 20–30 minutes. Your practitioner remains with you throughout the entire process.

Once the Kambo is removed, you will have plenty of time to lie down, rest, ground, and integrate before leaving.

Kambo is administered through small points on the surface of the skin called “gates.” These are created using a small sterile tip, and the Kambo secretion is then placed directly onto the gates, where it is absorbed into the body.

The small points used to administer Kambo leave tiny circular marks on the skin. The marks are generally more prominent for about a week and then gradually fade over time. Everyone’s skin heals differently, so the length of time they remain visible can vary, though over time, they are barely visible or not at all.

Sometimes. Kambo can cause nausea, gastrointestinal activity, and vomiting, although not everyone vomits.

You will have fasted before your Kambo session, so there will not be food in your stomach. You will drink a specific amount of water before receiving Kambo, following your practitioner's instructions. If vomiting occurs, the water can make the process easier and more comfortable.

The active Kambo portion of the session is often around 20–30 minutes, though the full appointment is longer (1–2 hours) to allow time for preparation, receiving the medicine, rest, and integration afterward.

You will not be going through the experience alone. Your practitioner remains with you throughout your Kambo session, closely observing how you are responding and supporting you through whatever arises.

We create a grounded, intentional container where you can ask questions, communicate what you are experiencing, and receive support before, during, and after the medicine. There is also plenty of time afterward to rest, ground, and integrate before leaving.

Absolutely. For many people, Kambo is a new and very unique experience, so it is completely understandable to feel nervous beforehand. Sometimes those nerves become stronger as your session gets closer.

You are welcome to ask questions, share your concerns, and talk through anything that is coming up before we begin. Your practitioners are there to guide you, answer your questions, and support you throughout the entire experience.

You will never be rushed into receiving Kambo before you are ready.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring what you need to create a cozy place to sit and rest—such as a yoga mat, pillows, and a blanket. Please also bring a water bottle.

Your body temperature may fluctuate during the session, so we recommend bringing a sweatshirt or warm layer. Some people sweat during Kambo, so you may also want to bring a change of clothing.

You will need to fast before receiving Kambo. Specific fasting instructions will be provided before your session based on the timing of your appointment and what you've eaten beforehand.

After Kambo, you may return to eating. We recommend nourishing, easy-to-digest foods and plenty of rest as your body integrates the experience.

Yes. It is recommended to keep your schedule relatively light on the days you receive Kambo. Most people are able to return to their normal activities afterward, although you may feel tired and want to rest. Others feel energized after their session.

Either way, we recommend giving yourself some spaciousness afterward rather than rushing directly into a busy day.

People are able to drive themselves home after they have fully recovered from the session and feel clear, steady, and well. We will make sure you have adequate time to rest and assess how you're feeling before leaving.

Most likely, though there are some contraindications. We use an extensive intake and screening form because there are medical conditions, medications, and circumstances in which Kambo should not be received.

Please disclose all medications, supplements, and relevant medical history on your intake form. We will review everything before your session and are happy to answer questions about whether Kambo is appropriate for you.

Most likely, though there are some contraindications. We use an extensive intake and screening form because there are medical conditions, medications, and circumstances in which Kambo should not be received.

Please disclose all medications, supplements, and relevant medical history on your intake form. We will review everything before your session and are happy to answer questions about whether Kambo is appropriate for you.

Eliza has worked in the healing arts for more than 15 years and began working with Kambo in 2017. She spent years observing and supporting a master Kambo practitioner and holding space for hundreds of sessions within her community before completing her own Kambo practitioner certification through Tribal Detox.

Her background also includes Somatic Experiencing, bodywork, yoga, and intuitive coaching, which inform the grounded and body-centered way she supports people before, during, and after their Kambo experience.

Children are welcome at designated community gatherings, but not during Kambo sessions.

You may receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled session.