Master Shipibo Shamans
Peru's Most Experienced & Dedicated Master Healers
Master Shipibo Shamans
Peru's Most Experienced & Dedicated Master Healers
A special team at the highest level of shamanic expertise...
We are extremely selective when it comes to our master Shipibo shamans (Onányas). We work only with the most senior and accomplished of Onánya shamans. All hail from renowned healing families and have a minimum 25 years experience working with the Shipibo plant medicine tradition.
We also apply continuous rigorous screening (by our experienced co-founders and lead facilitators) to ensure our Shipibo shamans remain active in their Master Plant Dieta practice and their energy is strong and well-aligned. We always provide meaningful support for our shamans when they or their family members need help.
With respect for their tradition and their privacy, here we offer short introductions to these amazing teachers, and our impression of their character and quality as true friends.
We welcome you to experience the remarkable knowledge and way of life of our genuine master Shipibo shamans
We welcome you to experience the remarkable knowledge and way of life of our genuine master Shipibo shamans.
A special team at the highest level of shamanic expertise...
We are extremely selective when it comes to our master Shipibo shamans (Onányas). We work only with the most senior and accomplished of Onánya shamans. All hail from renowned healing families and have a minimum 25 years experience working with the Shipibo plant medicine tradition.
We also apply continuous rigorous screening (by our experienced co-founders and lead facilitators) to ensure our Shipibo shamans remain active in their Master Plant Dieta practice and their energy is strong and well-aligned. We always provide meaningful support for our shamans when they or their family members need help.
With respect for their tradition and their privacy, here we offer short introductions to these amazing teachers, and our impression of their character and quality as true friends.
Discover the healing tradition of master Shipibo shamans
Maestro Walter Martinez
Meeting Walter you immediately recognize his natural warmth and humility as a person, as well as his impressive capability as an experienced maestro Onánya Shipibo shaman.
Born in the small jungle village of Nuevo Loreto in the Imiria National Forest, Walter opened his first Master Plant Dieta at age 15, and learned the ways of traditional Shipibo shamanic healing with his father. Today Walter holds over 40 years of experience working with Ayahuasca and Shipibo Dieta.
His beautiful low tones and variety of melodic Icaros can transport you to a place of peace and reconciliation with your life’s experiences and your healing path. Walter is always solid in the middle of the storm. Over the years he has proven his tireless dedication to helping people.
Walter’s Shipibo name Huesha Mano means World of Happiness.
Maestro Walter Martinez
Meeting Walter you immediately recognize his natural warmth and humility as a person, as well as his impressive capability as an experienced maestro Onánya Shipibo shaman.
Born in the small jungle village of Nuevo Loreto in the Imiria National Forest, Walter opened his first Master Plant Dieta at age 15, and learned the ways of traditional Shipibo shamanic healing with his father. Today Walter holds over 40 years of experience working with Ayahuasca and Shipibo Dieta.
His beautiful low tones and variety of melodic Icaros can transport you to a place of peace and reconciliation with your life’s experiences and your healing path. Walter is always solid in the middle of the storm. Over the years he has proven his tireless dedication to helping people.
Walter’s Shipibo name Huesha Mano means World of Happiness.
Maestro Arturo Izquierdo
We believe Arturo to be one of the most advanced Shipibo shamans working in Peru today. He holds extensive knowledge of traditional Master Plant Dieta healing, and is an excellent teacher of the Shipibo culture, history and cosmo-vision.
Born in a small community village near Atalaya, Arturo grew amongst a family of high master Onánya shamans and Raomi herbalists. He entered his first Dieta at only 8 years old. At age 18 Arturo began holding Ayahuasca Ceremonies for his university professors in Lima where he studied Teaching. Today he brings over 25 years of Shipibo shamanic healing experience to Caya Shobo.
In Arturo’s powerful voice, his beautiful melodies, his vitality, and his calm, self-possessed presence we recognize a person who carries the legacy of the ancient knowledge of his forebears. He is a generous healer, a great friend of the Teacher Plants, and a person with innate grace and intelligence.
We are very happy to have his presence at Caya Shobo and to have him and his family in our hearts as our dear friends.
Maestro Arturo Izquierdo
We believe Arturo to be one of the most advanced Shipibo shamans working in Peru today. He holds extensive knowledge of traditional Master Plant Dieta healing, and is an excellent teacher of the Shipibo culture, history and cosmo-vision.
Born in a small community village near Atalaya, Arturo grew amongst a family of high master Onánya shamans and Raomi herbalists. He entered his first Dieta at only 8 years old. At age 18 Arturo began holding Ayahuasca Ceremonies for his university professors in Lima where he studied Teaching. Today he brings over 25 years of Shipibo shamanic healing experience to Caya Shobo.
In Arturo’s powerful voice, his beautiful melodies, his vitality, and his calm, self-possessed presence we recognize a person who carries the legacy of the ancient knowledge of his forebears. He is a generous healer, a great friend of the Teacher Plants, and a person with innate grace and intelligence.
We are very happy to have his presence at Caya Shobo and to have him and his family in our hearts as our dear friends.
Maestra Lucinda Mahua
Immersed in the Shipibo medicine world her entire life, Maestra Lucinda is the eldest daughter of renowned master Shipibo shaman Pascual Mahua. She was born in the Shipibo village of Paoyhan or “Water of the Pearls” on the banks of the Ucayali river, north of Pucallpa. When just a tiny infant of 4 months old her father opened her first Master Plant Dieta to bring her the high knowledge of the Noya Rao “Tree of light” of her ancestors.
Today Lucinda holds over 40 years of shamanic healing experience. She is a confident and wise Maestra, with a modest nature and a powerful reportoire of Master Plant Dietas. Her Icaros carry the power of her prayer, and her feminine energy of care and compassion evokes a feeling of being embraced in the flow of life. She calls on her deep connections with ally Master Plant spirits to transform and purify your inner world.
Her Shipiba name Cushainbo means Powerful Woman. We are very happy to have her presence, her knowledge, her laughter and her help at Caya Shobo.
Maestra Lucinda Mahua
Immersed in the Shipibo medicine world her entire life, Maestra Lucinda is the eldest daughter of renowned master Shipibo shaman Pascual Mahua. She was born in the Shipibo village of Paoyhan or “Water of the Pearls” on the banks of the Ucayali river, north of Pucallpa. When just a tiny infant of 4 months old her father opened her first Master Plant Dieta to bring her the high knowledge of the Noya Rao “Tree of light” of her ancestors.
Today Lucinda holds over 40 years of shamanic healing experience. She is a confident and wise Maestra, with a modest nature and a powerful reportoire of Master Plant Dietas. Her Icaros carry the power of her prayer, and her feminine energy of care and compassion evokes a feeling of being embraced in the flow of life. She calls on her deep connections with ally Master Plant spirits to transform and purify your inner world.
Her Shipiba name Cushainbo means Powerful Woman. We are very happy to have her presence, her knowledge, her laughter and her help at Caya Shobo.
The maestros carry a warmth of presence and a power of pointed focus… the medicine they carry penetrates deeply."
Susannah G
Read about the Master Plants our Shipibo shamans work with
Maestra Maricela Inuma
Maestra Maricela is a highly experienced master Shipiba shaman (Onánya) and Raomi herbalist. Born in the Alto Ucayali river village of Roya, her father Nicolas Vardales is a well known Onánya with a strong shamanic lineage. At age 13, Maricela entered Master Plant Dieta treatment for some health issues of her own. She continued learning with master Teacher Plants until she began working with Ayahuasca in her early 30’s.
Today Maricela holds over 25 years of healing experience. Her Icaros in Ayahuasca Ceremony fill the Maloka with joy. Maricela is also a confident and articulate speaker, generous in sharing her knowledge of the healing and spiritual properties of the Amazon plant medicines.
Her Shipiba name Aincaisina means Wise Young Girl. We feel fortunate to know Maricela and to have her support and also that of her family.
Maestra Maricela Inuma
Maestra Maricela is a highly experienced master Shipiba shaman (Onánya) and Raomi herbalist. Born in the Alto Ucayali river village of Roya, her father Nicolas Vardales is a well known Onánya with a strong shamanic lineage. At age 13, Maricela entered Master Plant Dieta treatment for some health issues of her own. She continued learning with master Teacher Plants until she began working with Ayahuasca in her early 30’s.
Today Maricela holds over 25 years of healing experience. Her Icaros in Ayahuasca Ceremony fill the Maloka with joy. Maricela is also a confident and articulate speaker, generous in sharing her knowledge of the healing and spiritual properties of the Amazon plant medicines.
Her Shipiba name Aincaisina means Wise Young Girl. We feel fortunate to know Maricela and to have her support and also that of her family.
Onánya Miguel
Miguel is a highly experienced and respected Ayahuasca curandero, born in Chile. He began working with Amazonian plant medicines in 1997, initially studying with renowned indigenous maestros in the Quechua-Lamista and Mestizo traditions in Peru and Brazil, including Don Jose Campos, Ronnie Rengifo and Don Solon Tello Lozano.
In 2009, when confronted with his own health problems, he discovered the depth and potency of the Shipibo healing tradition. He has since focused on working with the knowledge and healing power of this tradition. Miguel is one of the original co-founders of Caya Shobo.
“People often ask me how to do Master Plant Dieta, how to get the most from it. For me the correct question is Why we Diet. On the path of personal transformation you will confront many questions and much doubt about your process. Ultimately the most important understanding is that change needs to happen. Learn to observe the energies and thoughts arising. Little by little as you proceed in your journey your questions will be answered.” Miguel
Onánya Miguel
Miguel is a highly experienced and respected Ayahuasca curandero, born in Chile. He began working with Amazonian plant medicines in 1997, initially studying with renowned indigenous maestros in the Quechua-Lamista and Mestizo traditions in Peru and Brazil, including Don Jose Campos, Ronnie Rengifo and Don Solon Tello Lozano.
In 2009, when confronted with his own health problems, he discovered the depth and potency of the Shipibo healing tradition. He has since focused on working with the knowledge and healing power of this tradition. Miguel is one of the original co-founders of Caya Shobo.
“People often ask me how to do Master Plant Dieta, how to get the most from it. For me the correct question is Why we Diet. On the path of personal transformation you will confront many questions and much doubt about your process. Ultimately the most important understanding is that change needs to happen. Learn to observe the energies and thoughts arising. Little by little as you proceed in your journey your questions will be answered.” Miguel
It's a rare privilege to work with Shipibo shamans that are so pure-hearted, dedicated, and experienced."
Zylon T
Find out how Shipibo shamans develop their Icaro healing songs
Maestra Dominga Vargas
Maestra Dominga is Maestro Arturo’s aunt. Like Arturo she grew surrounded by high master shaman Onanya healers on both sides of her family. Despite her grandmother’s fears, she insisted on opening her first Master Plant Dieta at age 8 with Marosa. Today she holds over 40 years of experience as an Onánya Shipibo shaman.
Growing in Atalaya not far from the foothills of the Andes mountains, Maestra Dominga has an affinity for some of the the higher altitude Master Plants of Peru, including Coca, Santa Matico and Planta de la Vida. Like many of the traditional Quechua songs of the Andes, Dominga’s Icaros often invoke the beauty and healing power of pacha-mama (Mother Earth), her elements, perfumes and wonders.
Diminutive in size, but not in power, Dominga is a highly experienced Onánya with a wealth of knowledge about the healing power of Master Plants. Many other healers seek her guidance regarding the best plants to treat different diseases. We are grateful for her presence and appreciate her support at Caya Shobo.
Maestra Dominga Vargas
Maestra Dominga is Maestro Arturo’s aunt. Like Arturo she grew surrounded by high master shaman Onanya healers on both sides of her family. Despite her grandmother’s fears, she insisted on opening her first Master Plant Dieta at age 8 with Marosa. Today she holds over 40 years of experience as an Onánya Shipibo shaman.
Growing in Atalaya not far from the foothills of the Andes mountains, Maestra Dominga has an affinity for some of the the higher altitude Master Plants of Peru, including Coca, Santa Matico and Planta de la Vida. Like many of the traditional Quechua songs of the Andes, Dominga’s Icaros often invoke the beauty and healing power of pacha-mama (Mother Earth), her elements, perfumes and wonders.
Diminutive in size, but not in power, Dominga is a highly experienced Onánya with a wealth of knowledge about the healing power of Master Plants. Many other healers seek her guidance regarding the best plants to treat different diseases. We are grateful for her presence and appreciate her support at Caya Shobo.
Maestro Pedro Pacaya
Maestro Pedro sadly passed in 2024. We present his bio here as a tribute to the profound and lasting impact he had on Caya Shobo’s story and energy.
Pedro was born in the 1940s into a small nomadic Shipibo-Conibo tribe in the lower Ucayali region. As a young man he lost his first infant child to disease. This tragedy inspired him to embark on a lifetime of learning about healing with Icaros, prayer and Amazonian plant medicines.
Maestro Pedro began his studies with Quechua and Mestizo healers in the Ucayali region. He soon dedicated himself to learning directly from the light and power of prayer. His stunning Icaros carried the vibration of his devotion and were like echos of the deep love residing in the natural world and in all of us. We believe he was one of the last maestro Shipibo shamans to truly embody ancient Shipibo wisdom.
Pedro was grandfather to a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his times with us at Caya Shobo and loved to experience the sense of family and community here. His song, his giggle and his smile is dearly missed and will be forever cherished in our hearts.
Maestro Pedro Pacaya
Maestro Pedro sadly passed in 2024. We present his bio here as a tribute to the profound and lasting impact he had on Caya Shobo’s story and energy.
Pedro was born in the 1940s into a small nomadic Shipibo-Conibo tribe in the lower Ucayali region. As a young man he lost his first infant child to disease. This tragedy inspired him to embark on a lifetime of learning about healing with Icaros, prayer and Amazonian plant medicines.
Maestro Pedro began his studies with Quechua and Mestizo healers in the Ucayali region. He soon dedicated himself to learning directly from the light and power of prayer. His stunning Icaros carried the vibration of his devotion and were like echos of the deep love residing in the natural world and in all of us. We believe he was one of the last maestro Shipibo shamans to truly embody ancient Shipibo wisdom.
Pedro was grandfather to a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his times with us at Caya Shobo and loved to experience the sense of family and community here. His song, his giggle and his smile is dearly missed and will be forever cherished in our hearts.