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Kambo Treatment & Courses
Learn the ancient medicine of the giant monkey frog – ethically, traditionally and under the guidance of an experienced kambocero.
Kambo is the secretion of the Amazonian giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), used since ancient times by Indigenous groups in the western Amazon basin. The frog venom is applied to small superficial burns made on the skin and can be traditionally used as a ritual cleanse.
Physiologically, the secretion contains bioactive peptides that act on blood vessels, the gut, and opioid receptors. The usual acute response is a rapid heart rate, facial flushing, nausea, and vomiting, with a feeling of calm or heightened alertness afterward.
Don Gardel, our shaman, kambocero, and trained nurse, leads the kambo work at Paojilhuasca.
He oversees all of our kambo preparation and administration, and is available for any questions you may have.
Paojilhuasca offers guests an immersive 5-day Kambo course, where you will:
Ethically locate and collect frogs in their natural jungle habitat.
Harvest secretions to create personalized Kambo sticks.
Apply the medicine using dry and wet applications, targeting acupuncture points, with micro and full doses.
Practice administration on yourself and fellow participants under expert supervision.
Upon successful course completion, participants are awarded a Diploma of Accomplishment, signifying their comprehensive training in traditional Kambo practices under the guidance of a seasoned expert.
Our 5-day Kambo course is offered as an additional cost of $300 on top of your base retreat of 7 days, starting on day 2 (Monday). It is important to have the last two days of your week-long retreat to decompress following the course.
The cost of the course does not change depending on which room type you choose. Feel free to reach out to us for more information and availability.
Book NowAt Paojilhuasca, Kambo frogs are well-treated, from the moment they are fetched until the moment they’re released. We are transparent about the entire process of venom collection and you can follow along the whole time.
We collect the frog the night before or morning of processing, so the frog is held in captivity for a minimal amount of time. The venom collection involves securing the frog’s limbs and running a small wooden paddle along the frog’s body to collect its secretions.
The frog’s skin is never penetrated or the animal harmed in any way. We never take all of its venom, so the frog can maintain its defenses to predators. After venom collection, the frog is freely released back to the jungle.
Join our 5-day course during your retreat week. Reach out for availability or book your place today.
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