How to Choose the Right Ayahuasca Retreat

How to Choose the Right Ayahuasca Retreat: Complete Guide

Choosing where to do ayahuasca is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your healing journey.

It's time. You feel the call to go on an ayahuasca retreat. You've done the research, searched YouTube to listen to Terence McKenna, watched documentaries, and you feel somewhat prepared... enough to know there's more to know.

This decision requires careful consideration, so we've laid out a comprehensive guide to help you choose where to do ayahuasca safely and find an ayahuasca retreat that feels right, safe, and transformational.

1. What Is an Ayahuasca Retreat?

Traditionally held in malocas in the Amazon, ayahuasca retreats today vary widely—from jungle tambos to luxury centers across Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Europe, and even the U.S. These spaces bring together seekers from around the world to connect with plant medicine and heal.

You can expect to share meals, lodging, and ceremony space with others. Some retreats last just a weekend; others span weeks or even months, often involving not just ayahuasca but other master plants such as Bobinsana, Noya Rao, San Pedro (Huachuma), Kambô, or tobacco medicines like mapacho and rapé.

2. Safety First: Non-Negotiables for Every Ayahuasca Retreat Center

• Rigorous medical screening - A comprehensive intake process should include health history, medication review, and contraindication checks
• Emergency protocols - Verify the presence of first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation plans
• Trained staff on-site - Centers should have experienced shamans, medical professionals (or nearby hospital access), and trained facilitators
• Transparent safety record - Research the center's history via independent reviews, community forums (Reddit, Ayahuasca.com), and direct references
• Proper ceremony environment - Safe, comfortable space with adequate supervision during ceremonies

3. Who's Guiding You: Shamans, Healers, and Facilitators

The integrity, lineage, and training of the ceremony leaders can make or break your experience. Look for:

• Experienced shamans with decades of traditional training and a clear lineage
• Apprentices learning respectfully within the tradition (not self-taught "shamans")
• Cultural facilitators who bridge language gaps and provide emotional support, especially in international settings
• Transparent biographies - Centers should openly share facilitator credentials, training, and background
• Direct communication - Ability to speak with facilitators before booking to assess their approach and energy

4. Group Size and Guest Dynamics

The size and composition of your retreat group significantly impacts your experience:

• Smaller groups (6-10 people) = More intimacy, personalized support, and individual attention from facilitators
• Larger groups (15-25+) = Diversity of perspectives during integration circles, potentially more energetic but less individual focus
• Same-gender retreats - Consider women-only or men-only retreats if you're working through gender-specific trauma, abuse, or vulnerability issues
• Staff-to-guest ratio - A strong indicator of quality care. Look for at least 1 facilitator per 4-5 guests

5. Location, Legality, and Logistics: Where to Do Ayahuasca

When deciding where to do ayahuasca, consider both legal status and your personal needs:

Practical considerations when choosing where to do ayahuasca:

• Airport transfers - Are they included? How far is the retreat from the nearest airport?
• Proximity to sacred sites - Do you want an authentic jungle experience or a comfortable European setting?
• Language barriers - What languages do staff and other guests speak?
• Amenities and comfort - Rustic silent dieta huts vs. hotel-level comfort? Air conditioning? Private rooms?
• Internet access - Some retreats encourage digital detox, others allow limited connectivity
• Cost - Prices range from $800-$5000+ per week depending on location and amenities

6. Integration Support: Before, During, and After

The ceremony is just the beginning. Quality retreats offer comprehensive support:

• Pre-retreat preparation - Guidance on diet, mental preparation, and intention setting
• Daily integration circles - Group sharing and processing after ceremonies
• One-on-one sessions - Private time with facilitators to discuss your experience
• Post-retreat follow-up - Online integration groups, follow-up calls, or recommendations for local integration support
• Preparation materials - Reading lists, videos, and resources to prepare you mentally and spiritually

7. Reading Reviews and Trusting Your Intuition

Research is essential, but so is listening to your gut feeling:

• Check multiple sources - Read reviews on Google, Facebook, Reddit, Ayahuasca.com, and retreat booking platforms
• Look for patterns - Are reviews consistently positive about safety, facilitators, and integration?
• Red flags in reviews - Multiple reports of safety issues, pushy sales tactics, or lack of medical screening
• Video calls - Many centers offer video consultations before booking. Use this to assess energy and alignment
• Trust your intuition - If something feels off during your research or initial contact, listen to that feeling

8. Questions to Ask Before Booking

9. Understanding Different Retreat Styles

Ayahuasca retreats come in various formats. Choose based on your needs:

• Traditional Shipibo retreats - Authentic jungle experience with indigenous shamans in Peru/Brazil
• Therapeutic retreats - Combine ayahuasca with Western therapy modalities and psychological support
• Wellness retreats - Include yoga, meditation, healthy cuisine alongside ceremonies
• Silent dietas - Intensive isolation retreats working deeply with master plants
• Weekend ceremonies - Shorter format for those with limited time
• European retreats - Closer to home, often with Western facilitators trained in traditional lineages

10. Special Considerations

First-timers: Look for retreats that specialize in first-time participants, with extra support and education.

Trauma survivors: Seek retreats with trauma-informed facilitators and possibly smaller group sizes or women/men-only spaces.

Budget constraints: Consider volunteering at centers, scholarship programs, or shorter weekend formats.

Physical limitations: Ensure accommodations can handle your needs (mobility issues, dietary restrictions, etc.)

Summary: Your Checklist for Choosing an Ayahuasca Retreat

Final Thoughts

Finding the right ayahuasca retreat and deciding where to do ayahuasca is not a race. It's a spiritual decision rooted in discernment, patience, and intuition. The more informed you are, the safer and more meaningful your journey will be.

Ready to go deeper? Prepare your body and spirit, set your intentions, and begin the path toward authentic healing.

Many blessings for your first or next spiritual journey.