Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual is a traditional healing center in Iquitos, Peru. We are located near the small village of Llanchama along the Nanay River in the Amazon Rainforest, in Llanchama, 90 minutes outside of Iquitos. Under the guidance of master Shipibo healer Ricardo Amaringo, Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual provides visitors with both healing and educational experiences in Traditional Amazonian Plant Medicine.

Nihue Rao refers to a master plant abundant at our center which is used in the advanced stages of traditional Shipibo medical training. In the Shipibo language, nihue refers to air as in breath or wind; and rao is medicine.

Our center is by its nature intercultural and integrative, the terms Nihue Rao represent the Shipibo tradition which is practiced here, and Centro Espiritual (Spiritual Center) is written in Spanish to honor the mestizo/Latino culture which provides further context.

Master Shipibo Shaman Ricardo Amaringo

Master Shipibo Shaman Ricardo Amaringo has over 20 years of experience as a traditional curandero and ayahuasquero. He is one of the most skilled Shipibo healers of his generation, having refined his skills through intensive dieting and arduous work. Ricardo has developed a profound knowledge of medicinal plants, traditional Shipbo ayahuasca ceremony and icaros (traditional healing songs); and hopes to share traditional Shipibo healing with those who need it the most. He has deep knowledge of medicinal plants, and his experience and his knowledge follows from the rich and ancient healing tradition of his people, the Shipibo-Conibo of Amazonia. Born in Pucallpa, near the Ucayali river, he lives presently in Llanchama, Peru. In the spirit of integration he works and collaborates with the help of Colombian-American integrative family physician Dr. Joe Tafur MD, and Canadian artist Cvita Mamic. Ricardo Amaringo is a master curandero who treats his patients through traditional healing diets, plant medicine and ayahuasca ceremony. Ricardo is a gifted healer and a master of traditional ayahuasca ceremony, known for his powerfully healing icaros. He also trains and educates individuals interested in pursuing this healing path.