The Temple of the Way of Light is located approximately two hours from Iquitos and one hour walk from the nearest river ensuring that we are sufficiently isolated from the noisy roads and river systems. The Temple sits on over 150 acres of rainforest land which has been placed into the stewardship of our NGO, Alianza Arkana. We are surrounded by nothing else than rainforest ensuring peace, solitude and isolation for the deep healing work that is carried out at the Temple. Our buildings are spread out over approximately 10 acres in the center of our land .

Main Retreat Center

Maloka

At the heart of our grounds is the Maloka which is the central building and ceremonial center of the Temple. It is a large circular building of traditional design constructed with local woods with a high domed ceiling covered with native leaf and screened in by mosquito netting. The Maloka space is used for ceremonies, meetings, and yoga as well as a quiet space for guests to relax in hammocks. There are mattresses, pillows and floor chairs available in the Maloka space for relaxing.

Tambos (Sleeping Huts)

Our accommodation is arranged over 23 tambos sufficiently spread out across the Temple grounds to ensure privacy and space. A tambo is a traditional jungle sleeping hut built from local wood with a native leaf roof and screened in with mosquito netting. Our tambos offer simple but comfortable accommodation for guests and a space where you are able to connect in peace and solitude to the surrounding nature.

Tambos are single or double occupancy subject to the group size and any specific requests. Each tambo has 1 or 2 beds with bedding, mosquito nets over the bed, wooden shelving, a clothes rack, a kerosene lamp, a chair or hammock, a sink, and a compost toilet. We have no electricity throughout our buildings (except the kitchen for cooking) and we intend to keep it this way – natural, rustic and pure.

19 of our tambos have a grey water system from the sink that feeds banana and papaya trees. Please bring only bio-degradable soaps, shampoos and toothpastes.

We change linen twice during the 12 day workshop although will change again if needed.

Dining Room

The dining room is a traditional large building built from local woods with a native leaf roof and screened in with mosquito netting. We can seat up to 30 people ensuring guests, coordinators and volunteers all eat together. The dining room is also a communal space for guests and occasional meetings. In the corner of the dining room there is a growing library of interesting books donated by previous guests available for use during your stay at the Temple. There is also a balcony to the northern side of the room that looks out over one of the streams that feeds the reservoir next to the Maloka.

Kitchen

The kitchen is attached to the Dining Room, and is used solely by the four Temple cooks to prepare meals for guests according to the dieta and food for the staff. Meals are served daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner (except ceremony nights).

Maestras' Casa

The Maestras' Casa (house) is where the Maestras reside communally whilst they are living & working at the Temple. It comprises of a sleeping accommodation, a terrace, the Maestras kitchen and an area for preparing medicinal plant remedies. There is a natural spring situated in front of the building. The terrace is where treatments, massages & medicines are administered by the Maestras daily throughout the workshop. Vomitivos and steam baths also take place in front of the Maestras' Casa at the beginning of the workshop.

Maestros' Casa

The Maestros' Casa is the first building seen when entering the Temple grounds and faces the Maloka.The Maestros reside here communally whilst they are working at the Temple. It comprises of a living space, compost toilet and deck where the Maestros are often found to be relaxing during the day lying on their hammocks, whittling pipes, smoking mapacho and discussing the events of the current workshop.  The ethno-hospital is attached to this building.

Ethno-Hospital

The ethno-hospital is a space where members of local communities close to the Temple can come for free healing provided by the Maestras and Maestros, as an alternative to Western medicine and save having to travel into Iquitos. It is attached to the Maestros' Casa and comprises of a treatment space, sleeping area, deck and compost toilet.

Almacen (storage building)

The almacén is the Temple's equipment and supplies storage facility, used solely by the Temple staff. It is adjacent to the Maloka.

Toilet and Shower Block

The toilet block is for guest and staff use and is located next to the Maloka. It is built from brick with a leaf roof and contains three cubicles each with a manual flush toilet and shower area for bucket showers. The toilets are always staffed during ceremonies and are cleaned throughout the day and every ceremony evening until the ceremony has ended.

Public Bath

The public bath / washing area is located at the bottom of the swimming lake and is a roofed wooden platform with a spout that channels natural spring water from the dam above. This space is used by guests and staff for bathing, and is also used by staff to launder guests' clothes whilst they are on retreat.

Swimming lake

We have built a reservoir next to the Maloka that is fed by 3 springs with clean water. It is constantly flowing and safe to swim in.

Work Exchange Retreat Center

Second Maloka

Smaller than the main maloka, this ceremonial space has been built to hold ceremonies for up to 12 work exchange guests. It is located behind a hill around 400 meters from the main maloka to ensure that we can hold ceremonies in parallel without any noise disturbance in either maloka.

Casa Grande

Large building dedicated to the work exchange program containing 10 bedrooms, kitchen, living area, dining area, toilets and showers. Surrouning the casa grande we are developing vegetable gardens, native and non native plants and planting hundreds of flowers.

Healers House

Building with two separate rooms for one maestra and one maestro, specifically for healers running work exchange guest workshops.