What are some of the top Ayahuasca retreats around the world? While indigenous people of the Amazon have been using Ayahuasca since before recorded time, this practice is new to the West.
That said, choosing an Ayahuasca retreat shouldn’t be a casual decision. While there are plenty of reputable Ayahuasca retreats, there are also a lot of scammers.
We’ll assume you already know what an Ayahuasca retreat is. But maybe you need to figure out what to look for when choosing the best one.
Look no further! We’ve compiled some of the top Ayahuasca retreats around the world and why they rock!
Why You Need to Do Your Homework
Ayahuasca is not a recreational activity. It is an intense spiritual awakening that forces you to purge negative energy and emotions. And we don’t mean purge in a metaphysical sense. We mean literally. Ayahuasca ingestion can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
For this reason (among others), you need an experienced shaman to guide you. The effects of Ayahuasca may be temporary, but the psychological and emotional implications are life-changing.
Deaths from Ayahuasca ingestion are rare but not unheard of. Typically, it results from people mixing Ayahuasca with other drugs or people with heart conditions.
If you plan on going to an Ayahuasca retreat, getting a physical from your doctor first won’t hurt.
So with that out of the way, how do you pick the right one? With so many top Ayahuasca retreats around the world, what should you look for?
Proper Shamans
When picking one among the many top Ayahuasca retreats around the world, you should make sure the shaman is experienced and knowledgeable.
This means they know how to prepare Ayahuasca and dose it correctly. This also means they’ll be able to talk you out of a bad trip.
Also essential is the shaman’s cultural expertise. In some cultures, the shaman must sing specific indigenous songs to activate the spirit of Ayahuasca. If a traditional Ayahuasca experience is important to you, then picking an Ayahuasca retreat with the right shaman is crucial.
Group Size
When it comes to the top Ayahuasca retreats around the world, we recommend retreats with smaller groups.
We could say, “to each their own,” but retreats with larger groups are typically more cash grabs than authentic experiences.
But suppose an Ayahuasca retreat is serious about its services but has group sessions with more than fifty people. How much attention can the shaman pay to the individual’s experience?
Some Ayahuasca retreats offer two people per client, a shaman and a volunteer. This setup is ideal if you’re on an Ayahuasca retreat to treat severe emotional trauma.
Medical Attention
Some people experience intense emotional trauma from Ayahuasca. Others, as mentioned, have undiagnosed heart conditions. For this reason, depending on your age, you may prefer an Ayahuasca retreat with doctors or nurses on staff.
Comfort
Comfort may not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing an Ayahuasca retreat. Still, you’ll thank yourself later for spending that little extra on a private room or an amenity that reminds you of home.
Good Customer Service
You may think an Ayahuasca retreat is above mere concerns like “customer service.” But at the end of the day, you’re providing money for a service. For example, an ambiguous booking process is lousy customer service.
You should speak to a person, even if you’re booking online. You should know how many are in the group and whether there will be strangers next to you. You should also do a quick internet search and compare customer reviews.
Remember: taking Ayahuasca is not a recreational activity. These “retreats” are not vacations, despite some of the modern amenities they provide.
So with that out of the way, what are some of the top Ayahuasca retreats around the world?
Top Ayahuasca retreats around the world – Europe
Netherlands
At Inner Journey Netherlands, an experienced shaman leads you through a 3-day retreat that’s only a ten-minute drive from Amsterdam.
But don’t let the short-time frame dissuade you. Inner Journey provides knowledge so you can continue your progress afterward with microdosing.
They offer solo ceremonies, as well as for groups and couples. Their meals can be vegan-friendly, and they also provide yoga studio space.
Spain
Located in Barcelona, Avalon is 6.5 hectares of garden surrounded by water. With a team of 25 experienced shamen led by a professional psychologist, this is the Ayahuasca retreat for those who are unsure about Ayahuasca retreats.
In addition to the Ayahuasca ceremony, they integrate yoga, healing massages, dances, and breathwork. And they don’t want you to come unprepared! They provide video calls (even for groups) before you arrive to ensure your needs are met and to prepare you for the ceremonies.
Top Ayahuasca retreats around the world – Latin America
Peru
What better place to try Ayahuasca than in the heart of the Amazon rainforest? The Ayahuasca plant is native to this region, making Peru one of the top destinations in the world.
Psychonauta Foundation is located in Nauta, Peru. Established in 2015 by a team of experienced shamans, they’ve built this retreat slowly and gradually so as not to disturb the rainforest’s natural architecture.
If you’re looking for a retreat in a natural Ayahuasca setting where you can try authentic indigenous dishes, look no further.
Mexico
Located in the jungle oasis of Cancun, Aya de La Vid‘s mission statement is “Healing People to Heal the Planet.”
Arturo, the head shaman, has over a decade of knowledge and experience from his mentors in Peru. After the Ayahuasca ceremony, you’ll be able to relax in hammocks or take a dip in the pool.
Top Ayahuasca retreats around the world – The USA
Florida
Florida may be the last place you think of when you think of “Ayahuasca retreat,” but the Ayahuasca Church is a 3-day retreat with an excellent reputation.
Ayahuasca Church blends traditional shamanic practices with western culture to provide an accessible retreat. If you’re new to the practice or aren’t 100% sure, attending Florida’s Ayahuasca Church may be less stressful than flying to the Amazon rainforest.
Picking From Among The Top Ayahuasca Retreats Around the World
Choosing an Ayahuasca retreat isn’t to be taken lightly. But we hope this article helped inform you on what to look for. As well as some insight into what’s out there.
There’s certainly no shortage of the top Ayahuasca retreats around the world. This is but a tiny sliver of what’s out there. So if you know a reputable retreat that we should add to this list, let us know in the comments section!
