Dr Ruben Orellana

Dr Rubén Orellana PhD is a Peruvian-born and trained shaman, anthropologist and archaeologist who has made significant contributions to the study and understanding of the Andean way of living. For over 50 years, he has shared the healing practices of his homeland with the intention of preserving the ancient ways of his ancestors. As the Director of the Institute of Inka Research (Inika) and an external consultant to the National Institute of Culture in Cusco, he is dedicated to researching and valuing Andean culture.

Born in Cusco, Rubén has been following the shamanic path since the age of seven when he began to study with the healers or Paqo (Shaman) of the Andes. His knowledge of healing practices and holding ceremonies has been passed down through generations of Andean healers. In recent years, with the globalization of plant medicine tourism in Peru, many of the customs are becoming blurred and misappropriated. Ruben's path and purpose is now to preserve the ancient wisdom of his ancestors through teaching the young indigenous people of this country the tools of their ancestors, just as he was taught, all those years ago.

Having majored in chemistry and social sciences, Ruben is an expert on the historical and contemporary aspects of San Pedro shamanism and healing in Peru. His passion for the healing traditions of his ancestors led him into the world of anthropology and archaeology in a career which culminated with being named Head of Archaeology at Machu Picchu where he discovered 44 new sites surrounding the Crystal City, including the North Inca Trail. For these discoveries, he was on the cover of Time Magazine in South America. Rubén has led extensive research into the mystical aspects of many significant sites and uncovered the true use of many temples in the empire.

Rubén has held ceremonial tours of Peru since 1976 and has brewed for many psychonauts including Terence McKenna, who referred to him as 'the Indiana Jones of Peru'. He has been interviewed in Ross Heaven's books Cactus of Mystery and The Hummingbird's Journey to God in which he is described as the 'Maestro of San Pedro' and has been featured on Medicine Woman, the Discovery Channel and Gaia TV's The Wise Men of Peru. For the last 20 years, Rubén has worked alongside psychotherapist and medicine woman, Michele Costa-Lukis to found Shamanic Space, offering healing retreats, workshops and sessions around the world.

Rubén feels that his role as a scientist and a Shaman is to bridge between the indigenous Ayahuasqueros and Curanderos (Shamans) and the modern world. He continues to combine his experience with his excitement for the work and his deep love for all people into a vision of subtlety and divine power.

"What I have discovered through archaeology and anthropology has supported what I know as a healer and both paths have led me into what you call shamanism. My training also helps me to translate the Andean traditions so they can be understood by Western society and in this way I hope to preserve the wisdom of my land." - Ruben Orellana PhD