In the Shipibo language, Kestenbetsa means “echo of the universe” – a name bestowed upon him by the Elders after attaining a high state of consciousness through dedicated work with the Amazon’s most powerful Master plants.

Beginning his shamanistic training at a young age, he was guided to go deep into the forest in complete isolation, carrying only a knife, a bow, and four arrows. Since then, he has devoted his life to healing and the transmission of sacred wisdom.

Kestenbetsa has founded several healing centres and now shares Shipibo ceremonies and teachings across the globe. In Peru, he continues to serve his community and was instrumental in establishing the country’s first Shipibo-led tribal government.

In 1982, he co-founded AMETRA (Aplicación de Medicina Tradicional), pioneering the integration of traditional plant medicine into sustainable healthcare for the Shipibo-Conibo people.

He is a director of the Bena Shinan Center, executive director of the IDIMA Institute for Amazonian Medicine, and a consultant to the International Association for the Study of the Peruvian Selva.

Widely honoured for his contributions to cultural preservation, Kestenbetsa is known for his humility, warmth, and deep respect for each individual’s unique path to healing.