Ayahuasca, 'source of knowledge' in the heart of the Amazon

Alex Lucitante, of the indigenous Cofan ethnic group, plays the guitar while taking part in a Yage ceremony at Avie village, in Lago Agrio, Sucumbios Province, Amazon region, Ecuador. Photo: AFP

In the heart of the Ecuadoran Amazon live the Cofan Avie, masters of ayahuasca - the powerful hallucinogenic concoction said to open the door to the "spirit" world.

Here, they call it "yage" and consume it for health and wisdom.