Guide

How to Choose the Right Ayahuasca Retreat

Choosing where to do ayahuasca is one of the most important decisions you will make on your healing journey. Here is how to do it with discernment.

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

It is time. You feel the call to go on an ayahuasca retreat. You have done the research, watched the documentaries, and you feel prepared — enough to know there is more to know.

This decision deserves careful consideration, so we have laid out a comprehensive guide to help you choose where to do ayahuasca safely and find a 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 comfortable centres across Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Europe, and beyond. 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 only 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 Retreat Centre

• Rigorous medical screening — a comprehensive intake covering health history, medication review, and contraindication checks.
• Emergency protocols — first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and clear evacuation plans.
• Trained staff on site — experienced shamans, medical support (or nearby hospital access), and trained facilitators.
• Transparent safety record — verifiable via independent reviews, community forums, and direct references.
• Proper ceremony environment — a safe, comfortable space with adequate supervision throughout.

3. Who Is 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 — centres should openly share facilitator credentials, training, and background.
• Direct communication — the 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+) — a diversity of perspectives in integration circles, potentially more energetic but with less individual focus.
• Same-gender retreats — consider women-only or men-only retreats if you are working through gender-specific trauma or vulnerability.
• Staff-to-guest ratio — a strong indicator of quality care. Look for at least one facilitator per four to five 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, and 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 — what languages do staff and other guests speak?
• Amenities and comfort — rustic silent dieta huts versus hotel-level comfort, private rooms, and so on.
• Internet access — some retreats encourage a digital detox, others allow limited connectivity.
• Cost — prices range from roughly $800 to $5,000+ 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 referrals for local 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, community forums, and booking platforms.
• Look for patterns — are reviews consistently positive about safety, facilitators, and integration?
• Watch for red flags — multiple reports of safety issues, pushy sales tactics, or a lack of medical screening.
• Use video calls — many centres offer consultations before booking; use them to assess energy and alignment.
• Trust your intuition — if something feels off during your research or first 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 experiences with indigenous shamans in Peru or Brazil.
• Therapeutic retreats — combine ayahuasca with Western therapy and psychological support.
• Wellness retreats — include yoga, meditation, and healthy cuisine alongside ceremonies.
• Silent dietas — intensive isolation retreats working deeply with master plants.
• Weekend ceremonies — a 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 trauma-informed facilitators and possibly smaller group sizes or women/men-only spaces.

Budget constraints: consider volunteering at centres, scholarship programs, or shorter weekend formats.

Physical limitations: ensure the accommodation can handle your needs (mobility, dietary restrictions, and so on).

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 is 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. For more, read our guide on how to prepare for an ayahuasca ceremony and our safety information for plant medicine retreats.

See if this is the right retreat for you

Look through our upcoming dates, or ask us the questions above directly.