What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a brew used for centuries by the Amazonian people and various indigenous tribes. Traditionally, it is prepared from a combination of jungle plants, including malpighiaceous liana, Psychotria viridis, and Banisteriopsis caapi vine.

When taken in a ceremonial setting, ayahuasca can be an incredibly potent and a life changing transformational experience.

Why do people take ayahuasca? People choose to drink ayahuasca for a variety of reasons. Some discover the medicine while searching for a cure for physical disease, debilitating mental illness like anxiety or depression, alcohol addiction, or to help process emotional trauma. Others are interested in exploring their spirituality, and the expansion of consciousness.

Drinking ayahuasca induces an altered state of consciousness in which users experience vivid hallucinations and deep reflections. It often leaves participants with powerful insights that they take away with them long after the journey ends. The healing power is this brew is really quite profound.

Ayahuasca has become increasingly popular as more and more people realize its potential for inner transformation—so much so that there are now many dedicated retreats around the world where curious individuals can go to have their first ayahuasca experience.

It's a scheduled substance in much of the worl. It is legal in Peru, and It plays a central role in the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Amazon, and in 2008 was constitutionally recognised by the Peruvian government as a National Treasure.

What to look for with an Ayahuasca retreat?

Whether you’re interested in exploring your spirituality, broadening your understanding of yourself, or learning about traditional cultures—an Ayahuasca retreat offers an venue for exploration and personal growth.

Who you choose to attend an Ayahuasca retreat with is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions in your life, especially the first time. We encourage you to take the time and energy to do your research.

• What traditions will be used at the ceremony?
• Is there followup care provided afterwards?
• How experienced is the facilitator?
• Make sure that you understand the company's safety protocols, experience and credentials of the leaders, and general reviews of their service. Google the provider, see what you find.
• Choose a retreat that does in-depth medical and psychological screening to protect your safety and well-being. You might be fine, but what if others aren't? That can create a traumatic environment. You need a safe space when sitting with this medicine.
• Find an organization that emphasizes healing and look for a retreat that has a holistic offering clarify what kinds of activities are available, such as yoga or meditation classes- these can add a lot of richness to your experience.
• Group size is very important - choose a retreat with an intimate group of 8-15 people. Too many more can create a chaotic environment that feels impersonal.
• How long is the retreat? We recommend you spend at a week for an ayahuasca retreat to give your mind and body the attention it deserves. Shorter retreats feel rushed, and limits what can be achieved.
• What level of comfort do you need to feel relaxed? Do you need private bedroom to decompress and integrate?
• Integration. Integration. Integration. As important as the ceremony itself is how you integrate the experience you have from the medicine. Ensure your retreat helps you understand what just happened to you. You shouldn’t be left in a lurch, trying to figure out what you experienced all on your own.

Lastly, it can help to ask trusted friends and family if they’ve heard of a good retreat or of anyone who has attended one with positive reviews. Ultimately, all of these things can serve as a guide towards finding the perfect Ayahuasca retreat that fits into your individual experience.

Ayahuasca retreats in USA

Ayahuasca Retreat California - Origen Sagrada

Located on a 237-acre nature sanctuary in the Sonoma Coast hills, this amazing retreat offers an unforgettable opportunity for spiritual exploration and growth. At Origen Sagrada, their team of highly experiential facilitators and healers are dedicated to providing a safe, clean, and comfortable space filled with rigorous physical activities like yoga, meditation sessions, shamanic healing practices, plant ceremonies and healing rituals.

And connecting deeply with nature is easy there; Immerse yourself in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean or explore vast open fields while surrounded by jagged cliffs. This truly majestic setting will provide a powerful backdrop for your transformative inner work that will stay with you forever.

During the all-inclusive, two-week journey, participants explore the traditional medicine practices of the Amazon Basin, guided by experienced curanderos - or healers. The retreat offers a variety of psychedelic ceremonies designed to evoke powerful emotional experiences as participants guide themselves through journeying into the spiritual realms. Between these ceremonies, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with the group and explore the stunning natural environment that surrounds Origen Sagrada.

• Run by a group of reputable people providing health and healing through the power of sacred plant medicine, as well as the guidance from their indigenous Taitas and Elders.
• These spiritual leaders and healers have extensive knowledge on many types of ceremonies and plant medicine rites like san pedro and ayahuasca.
• Their ayahuasca brew is prepared in the Amazon and consists of only the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Chacruna leaves.

Ayahuasca Retreat Colorado - Origen Sagrada

Origen Sagrada's other location in the USA is facilitated by their spiritual leaders and healers, Abuelo Claudion and Abuelita Bernadita from the Muruy tribe of the Amazonas of Colombia.

This is a retreat that provides an intense and immersive experience for those looking to deepen their spiritual connection with the natural world. Located in the incomparable beauty of Colorado, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore your own internal world and gain insight into yourself and the healing powers of ayahuasca.

The plant medicine work is intensive and remote, located in a private, quiet, rustic camp. Guided by experienced professionals, you will be taken through an array of activities that are designed to help you achieve a greater level of self-awareness, balance, and insight.

The retreat is 2 nights and includes 2 ayahuasca ceremonies. Ayahuasca ceremonies sessions are held in a private lodge, with shared accommodation.

It begins with a herbal plant blessing and practical orientation to answer any questions you have.  In between ceremonies, there will be traditional therapies, personal spiritual cleansing and healing ceremonies, and time for reflection and meditation.

They play beautiful live music during the psychedelic ceremony to help you go deeper on your journey.  

Ayahuasca Retreat Florida - Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church

Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth is a center for spiritual healing and growth located in the heart of Florida. Through the administration of ayahuasca, they offer individuals a chance to heal psychologically, emotionally, and physically.

Soul quest church was founded by medicine man Chris Young, and Verena Young, an integration coach certified in Spiritual Counseling and Addiction Recovery and Psycho-Spiritual Integration Coaching. Chris left the medical industry after seeing the negative consequences of the pharmaceutical industry.

They are dedicated to providing healing experiences in a safe environment, through ceremonies led by experienced health care professionals and spiritual guides. All of their sessions are conducted with respect for both the physical and emotional safety of participants.

Their approach is holistic and includes ways to prepare your body and  mind for the experience, tools to navigate and ground yourself during the journey, and methods to overcome challenges.

Furthermore, along with its ayahuasca ceremonies, the Church also provides training in shamanic rituals and activities that help strengthen one's inner spirit. In short, Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church offers a wide range of services designed to promote holistic health that can help people recover from trauma and mental illness as well as aid in personal growth and development.

Their dedication to creating an environment where individuals can quest for their internal soul while obtaining meaningful guidance is remarkable. It truly provides invaluable resources to those who seek its unique approach to healing. As such, Soul Quest Ayhuasca Church stands out as a beacon of hope for many seeking personal transformation through spiritual medicine.  ​

• Accommodation ranges from sleeping in the ceremonial space or camping, to private cabins or lodges.
• They provide preparation and integration coaching, helping you feel fully prepared for your journey.
• Whilst on the retreat, you can join group integration circles and participate in a sound meditation to get more out of their ayahuasca journey.
• After the journey, you can feel supported by their coaches who will help make sense of your insights and lessons, and help you integrate the experience.

Ayahuasca Retreat Washington - Sacred Therapy

Sacred Therapy provides unique, sacred therapies to help people seeking spiritual growth. This center is located in the heart of Washington's beautiful wilderness and offers retreats that offer guided traditional Ayahuasca Ceremony as well as other forms of spiritual healing.

This shamanic healing center host their ceremonies in a modern way, rather than recreating South American or Native American style ceremonies. The founder has been leading ceremonies for 5 years and has trained with multiple shamans and yogic teachers in the USA, Mexico, Thailand, and Lebanon, as well as two years learning from the Lakota Tradition.

The retreat taps into various shamanic practices, energetic healing, Reiki treatments, art work and diet modifications - designed to reconnect individuals on a deeper level with their true selves.

With a team of devoted healers, guests can experience profound transformation and the chance to receive aid on their personal journey back to wholeness. During an Ayahuasca Retreat Washington journey, guests can experience intense visions from their subconscious; gain insights from previous trial and error; receive assistance in understanding where they are emotionally blocked; and learn how to create inner balance and manifest lasting positive change in their lives.

They provide full integration before and after your ceremony and care deeply about each retreat participant's experience and growth.

Regardless of where one is at on their life path, this powerful center offers access to profound healing and renewal through sacred therapies and sacred plant medicine like no other within Washington State.  Each retreat can be tailored to each person’s individual needs ensuring that each guest receives the right type of spiritual guidance for them during their stay at the center.

Ayahuasca retreats are two nights, hosted in Washington (and California),  and they provide accommodation with comfortable bedding and vegan meals.

To join their ceremonies you must be a member of Cosmic Valley Native Americas church, which you can apply to join on their website.

Ayahuasca Retreat New York - The Sanctuary - Shamanic Healing Center

For those looking to experience ayahuasca in New York state, The Sanctuary is a place dedicated to Shamanic healing. The Sanctuary is a branch of Oklevueha Native American Church, an ayahuasca church. Recognizing ayahuasca’s potential for profound deep healing, the Center offers ayahuasca ceremonies under the guidance of experienced, trained practitioners.

Located on the land of the Sacred White Dee, a Bee Sanctuary and certified wildlife habitat and holistic sanctuary with 6 acres of wild forest containing over 100+ fruit trees, edible bushes, and medicinal plants such as the coca leaf. The nature preserve is around two hours from New York City, and provides a tranquil sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Come here for a fully immersive shamanic experience, with shamanic healing practices, shamanic breathwork, and even a shamanic school with facilitator programs. Ayahuasca retreats offered at the Sanctuary are designed with care for participants and respect for ayahuasca’s spiritual power.

For those seeking authentic ayahuasca experiences under knowledgeable supervision in a serene setting, The Sanctuary is an excellent resource that can provide profound connection to sacred energy and possibilities for personal growth.

If you're looking for intensive ayahuasca healing retreats to dive deeper into medicinal plants, healing modalities, and shamanic wisdom this is the place for you. In addition to ayahuasca, they offer a week long tobacco and master plant diet retreat, a shamanic camp, yoga teacher, vision quests and shamanic wisdom circles.

To help you integrate your experiences, they host a regular community connection and integration calls for ayahuasca users to share and continue to learn and grow together.

Ayahuasca Retreat Kentucky - Aya Quest

Aya Quest offers ayahuasca retreats in Kentucky that are dedicated to the practice of healing and personal growth.

Aya Quest offers private ayahuasca ceremonies in a comfortable environment, lead by experienced facilitators.

They approach their ceremonies with a holistic attitude, and do not recreate Native American traditional ceremonies or maintain any dogmatic style. They are modern shamans and medicine people who are well trained. Their founder Steve Hupp, has worked with ayahuasca for 15 years and led over 1000 ceremonies.

The ayahuasca ceremonies are designed for both first-time participants who may be new to exploring spiritual practices, as well as experienced seekers wanting to take their practice deeper.

By attending one of these transformative retreats in Kentucky, individuals can gain unexpected insight into themselves while being supported by experienced leaders in an intimate community setting.

Aya Quest offers small group, private and at home ayahuasca ceremony. This ensures each individual receives personalized attention throughout the length of each ayahuasca journey.  

Their ayahuasca brew is made from scratch and the ingredients are all individually ordered so you can be assured of what exactly is in the tea.

By utilizing ayahuasca’s powerful medicinal properties thoughtfully within a supportive framework of compassion, participants have a much higher chance of navigating powerful ayahuasca experiences successfully on their path towards peace and enlightenment.

In conclusion, Aya Quest provides safe ayahuasca retreats that offer a balance between exploring individual intention while engaging wholeheartedly with the collective experience of becoming more conscious human beings.

Ayahuasca Retreat New Mexico - The União do Vegetal (UDV)

In the deep desert of New Mexico lies a hidden oasis – the União do Vegetal (UDV) ayahuasca retreat center. The União do Vegetal (UDV) is a Christian Spiritist religion that originated in Brazil and is known for their community and environmental service, and have hosted countless ayahuasca religious ceremonies. In fact, União do Vegetal literally means "the union of the plants".

They are considered an ayahuasca church and you can join their spiritual fellowship legally in the USA.

The UDV offers programs designed to open participants up to a higher awareness of themselves and their connection with nature. Participants often observe both physical and psychological changes throughout the retreat, resulting in deeper understanding and profound experiential learning.

During sessions, sages utilize ayahuasca prepared rituals as well as various medicinal plants, each of which bring unique insight into their personal development experience. With a focus on community rituals, plant medicine allies and energetic protective techniques, it’s no wonder that so many people find solace in these sacred ceremonies during the UDV ayahuasca retreat in New Mexico.

This retreat uses what they call Hoasca. Like Ayahuasca, Hoasca contains the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Chacruna plant leaves (psychotria viridis).

The spiritual ceremony emphasizes mental concentration and solemn reflections of their guide Mestre Gabriel and Jesus. They last around four hours and include periods of silent contemplation, rituals, hymns, and religious teachings.

Ayahuasca retreats in outside the USA

Ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica - Soltara Healing Center

Nestled in the lush jungles of Costa Rica, Soltara Healing Center is a serene and welcoming retreat for people seeking a relaxing and transformative experience. The center offers an array of programs focusing on physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.

Guests can take advantage of private retreats offering personalized treatments to stimulate health and balance, or partake in yoga and meditation classes for deeper introspection. Their tropical property is located just steps from stunning beaches, allowing visitors to feel connected to nature without having to leave the comfort of their quarters.

Soltara is truly immersed in nature, offering incredible views of the seaside cliffs and pristine waters of the famed Gulf of Nicoya. Inside the grounds are natural pools fed by a nearby stream offering renewed energy while calming the mind.

They work with indigenous Peruvian Shipibo healers and have a highly-experienced support team with knowledge in both Western and traditional medicine.

Guests have access to private or shared rooms, a luxurious spa, yoga and bodywork sessions, and of course, the transformative ayahuasca ceremonies.

Additionally, each guest has access to organic food prepared daily with locally-sourced ingredients. Wholesome juice blends, energizing elixirs, and garden-fresh salads are all part of Soltara's holistic menu.

With its soothing atmosphere and countless amenities, Soltara Healing Center is truly an ideal destination for relaxation and reinvention.

Soltara also recently opened up a location in Tarapoto, Peru with intimate groups of no more than 13.

Ayahuasca retreats in Mexico - APL Journeys

Ayahuasca retreats at APL Journeys provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the native Ayahuasca culture of Mexico.

Ayahuasca session leaders are experienced in both Ayahuasca and traditional Mexican healing techniques, leading visitors down a path of deep personal exploration and insights.

The team at APL Journeys works with skilled coaches and psychotherapists to pair the traditional approach to ayahuasca ceremonies with a modern understanding of the integration process.

During their stay, Ayahuasca retreat guests gain the chance to develop sustainable spiritual practices that help them to access grounded wisdom. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to learn songs and take part in ceremonies that can lead to lasting transformation.

Participants often gain invaluable insights into body movement during Ayahausca sessions as well as how Ayahuasca's powerful effect can open up communication between spirit guides, healers, plants and animals.

Each retreat is led by Amazonian healers who live and study plant medicine in Ecuador and Peru, meaning your experience is conducted the same way it would be in the Amazon. In fact, they often work with Maestro Pepe, also known as "The Last Shaman" from the Netflix documentary.

In addition, APL partners with facilitators who are Red Cross certified to guarantee you have the safest journey possible.

Ayahuasca retreats at APL Journeys are life-changing experiences for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their own potential for spiritual growth. From exploring ancient shamanic practices on land to participating in deep water rituals in the nearby sea, APL Journeys facilitates an environment of safe exploration into one's own spiritual core.

Ayahuasca retreats offer guests the possibility of unlocking their true self through meaningful travel and connection with others who share similar paths. For those looking for a journey beyond the traditional Ayahuasca retreat experience, then APL Journeys is the perfect place to begin a life-transforming adventure.

With time spent in shamanic workshops, sacred chanting circles and even offerings made directly to nature spirits, Ayahausca retreats provide guests with profound healing and transformation opportunities offered within an intimate gathring where you can take part in a shared journey towards self-discovery.

They have a safe setting, acclaimed healers and genuine community atmosphere created under skilled local facilitators. And since most of their guests are beginners, you'll be in good company if this is your first time using ayahuasca.

They have centers in both Mexico and Spain and the cost of a retreat starts around $1,775 for a 6-day experience.

Ayahuasca retreats in Mexico and Costa Rica - Behold Retreats

Behold Retreats offers Ayahuasca retreats in Mexico and Costa Rica. Their highly experienced team facilitates a safe journey through ayahuasca treatment and ceremony, complemented with additional therapeutic activities such as yoga, meditation, temezcal (traditional sweat lodge), plant diet consultations and more.

These guided Ayahuasca retreats are designed to give you the best possible experience at this transformative time in your life. Behold Retreats helps to open your heart so that you can step into the magic and healing process of Ayahuasca with confidence and clarity.

The experienced team will ensure your safety while providing support that allows you to gain maximum benefit from your Ayahuasca journey. With their help, this Ayahuasca retreat could make all the difference on your path to personal transformation.

Behold Retreats will curate and tailor each experience for the needs of each individual retreat participant, so you can enjoy a custom ayahuasca journey that suits your personal preferences.

So whether you want private lodging in a beachside villa, or you’d like to be immersed in the Amazon rainforest, Behold Retreats can make it happen.

They’re currently operating out of Mexico, Ecuador, Portugal, Costa Rica, and the Netherlands, with packages that run just six days or up to seven weeks.

Ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica - Rythmia

A stay at Rythmia, the world-renowned ayahuasca retreat center in Costa Rica, can be an incredible experience for both body and mind.

Set against the wild Beauty of the Costa Rican jungle, this unique retreat provides guests with a safe and supportive space to explore their inner consciousness.

Kelly Slater and Graham Hancock are a couple of celebrities who have visited this Costa Rican resort.

The ayahuasca ceremony is highly respected; shamans guide with wisdom and compassion as participants explore realms that exist beyond ordinary awareness. Paired with daily yoga classes, specialized nutrition plans and emotional coaching sessions, a stay at Rythmia allows for profound spiritual healing on multiple levels. The staff are always on hand to ensure your experience is nothing short of wonderful.

For those searching for transformation on the deepest level, Rythmia provides an amazing opportunity for complete emotional integration. Regardless of one’s personal journey or spiritual path, a visit to this unique sanctuary can offer something truly special. A transformative experience awaits any brave soul willing to explore its depths.

No question that this is one of the top ayahuasca retreats in the world.

The only reservation is the number of people who are involved in ceremonies - up to 70. It's tough to give personalized care at that scale.

Costa Rica Ayahuasca Retreat - 1heart

1heart is an all-inclusive human accelerator designed to fully elevate your mind, body, and spirit. Their 1 week fully immersive, transformational ayahuasca retreats and 7 weeks of virtual preparation & integration experience bring together high-performing entrepreneurs, CEOs, leaders, and change-makers with (sacred) ancient and modern modalities for intense personal growth to deeply align your individual and our collective purposes for maximum life fulfillment.

1heart’s ayahuasca retreat combines sacred plant medicine ceremonies, a sweat lodge, sound healing, breathwork, yoga, meditation, conscious movement, nourishing food, and powerful  workshops centering around a deep connection with oneself. Their mission is to elevate the life, work, and community of heart-led leaders who together elevate global consciousness and solve planetary problems.

1heart Journeys are built to create powerful, profound growth experiences in beautiful retreat environments in Costa Rica. They place high levels of intentionality and energy into their virtual preparation, integrations, and curated tribe. These Journeys integrate the most effective ancient wisdom with modern coaching and workshops. 1heart works with leading practitioners across modalities proven to deliver powerful results for over 500+ conscious creators in the last four years. 

Each Journey has a curated group of leaders who together will go on a journey to explore your individual and our collective purpose deeply. Every participant will be positively transformed. The lives you live, the companies you build, and the examples you set will transform the world.

 If you’re curious to hear ayahuasca experience stories from their alumni, you can listen to 1heart’s podcast. You can also browse their 140+ 5-star reviews and receive their free whitepaper exploring psychedelic medicines acting as transformational catalysts for leaders and business institutions.

Final Thoughts

While ayahuasca is becoming increasingly popular in certain circles, it's important to remember that it is not something to be taken lightly. In order to maximize the potential benefits and minimize any risks associated with its use, one must make sure they are properly prepared for their journey.

Firstly, you should do your research on the ayahuasca ceremony itself and the facility where you will partake in it. It's also a good idea to discuss your intentions and expectations with an experienced practitioner who has experience in guiding others through a successful ayahuasca session.

Additionally, be sure that you are emotionally, mentally and physically ready for what could feel like an intense spiritual experience. Make sure that you eat light before your ayahuasca ceremony as this may help reduce nausea and other gastrointestinal discomforts related to the medicine.

Finally, cultivate positive vibes by setting meaningful intentions for yourself prior to ingesting the tea and create a safe space within to calmly observe any themes or messages brought forward from your inner world during your trip.

With these steps, you can rest assured knowing you have provided yourself with the best possible environment to have a profound experience with ayahuasca.