Tourists trip in the Peruvian jungle

‘South American Indians have for centuries sought the assistance of ayahuasca, the plant they call ‘the sacred vine of the soul.’ With the guidance of a shaman, they drink a mix of ayahuasca vine and other plants to reach an ecstatic state, which they believe allows them to communicate with spirits, cleanse their bodies, and relieve a broad range of ailments. ‘Now, new-age tourists from the United States and Europe are traveling to the rain forest to experience for themselves the hallucinogenic properties of the plant concoction. Some plunk down thousands of dollars to stay at jungle lodges where experienced medicine men guide them through the ritual.’