Transformative, fulfilling, mythical, and profound. Those who have had the fortune to experience an ayahuasca retreat experience use vocabulary that paints a picture of pure nirvana, often describing a truly life-changing event.
Ayahuasca retreats are inner journeys capable of the awakening of consciousness, deep insight, compassion, and the cultivation of gratitude.
When people think of the word “retreat”, they often associate it with vacations. Although most retreats offer many amenities that will make you feel like you’re in a resort, taking ayahuasca is not a typical recreational retreat.
An ayahuasca ceremony is a sacred healing opportunity often equated to a lifetime of therapy condensed into one challenging, yet rewarding and often life-changing session.
The healing and spiritual development properties of this sacred plant have often been credited with treating people with addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and countless other traumas and psychological issues.
For those who aren't looking to heal past wounds, It can also be extremely beneficial for anyone looking to expand their consciousness and open themselves up to different perspectives and ways of life.
In this blog post, we will show you some of the world's best locations and retreat centers to visit for life-changing ayahuasca retreats.
Ayahuasca Retreats in Europe
Amsterdam is well known for its liberal stance on psychedelics and other plant medicine, so Europe is indeed a top destination for ayahuasca retreats.
Ayahuasca remains a legal gray area in some European countries, yet, demand has surged over the years making it a hotspot for those looking to embark on a journey with this soul-shaking hallucinogen.
Here are some of the hotspots in Europe where you can experience an ayahuasca retreat.
Netherlands
Alegria Psychedelic Retreats
Discover the transformative power of psilocybin with Alegria Psychedelic Retreats. Guided by trained facilitators, psilocybin can make a powerful impact that gives people relief from depression, anxiety, and addiction. It can also help foster neuronal growth and fresh perspectives.
Their programs include intensive preparation, health screening, and holistic practices like meditation and breathwork. They provide legal and safe retreat experiences in the Netherlands that offer deep exploration of your consciousness while embarking on a inner healing journey.
Inner Journey Netherlands
Experience transformative Ayahuasca journeys in a secure, professional setting with Inner Journey Netherlands to heal for depression, fatigue, and traumas. Led by experienced guides, their ceremonies offer unique experiences to connect more deeply with your true self.
Located near Amsterdam, they ensure a safe, nurturing space for individuals, couple, and group ceremonies. Sandra and her experienced team will leave with the knowledge to continue your healing journey at your own pace through herbs, micro-dosing etc.
Spain
The team at APL Shamanic Journeys are masters of their craft and offer an authentic and intense ayahuasca healing experience like none other in Málaga, Spain through compassionate and experienced guidance.
An experience brought on for all the right reasons; Led by master Shaman, Anael first embarked on his journey as a shaman during a fight with an incurable disease that left him hospitalized for a year. Only with the help of shamans & medicinal plants was he able to overcome the deterioration of his health and wellbeing.
Portugal
Sinchi Runa Retreat Center offers authentic Ayahuasca Retreats in Portugal, and just so happens to be one of Retreat Guru’s top picks for Ayahuasca retreats worldwide.
Retreats are directed by the beautiful voice and guidance of Maestro Sanango, a Peruvian spiritual master.
Delicious homemade organic vegetarian meals and meditative yoga sessions are pleasant amenities that set this retreat apart from others.
Ayahuasca Retreats in South America
Used by First Nations people of Latin America for centuries for religious, spiritual and therapeutic purposes, ayahuasca is no stranger to these lands.
The people of these regions have shared a deep knowledge of the healing properties of the Spirit of the Vine; making it one of the most authentic locations for ceremony in the world.
Peru
Set foot out on the journey of a lifetime at the Psychonauta Foundation, in Nauta, Peru. Established in 2015 by a team of Shipibo Shamans, and gradually built organically so as to not disturb the rhythm of the forest, this is a perfect place to experience compassion, patience, and love.
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the ayahuasca plant is native to the region.
Costa Rica
One of the most renowned retreat centers we have to offer, Soltara Healing Center, with locations in Playa Blanca, Costa Rica, and the Sacred Valley of Peru. Working exclusively with indigenous Peruvian Shipibo healers, Soltara places a strong focus on preparation and integration, collaborating with clinical psychologists. They offer a variety of program and lodging options along with having an advisory board consisting of renowned experts in the field such as Dr. Dennis McKenna, Dr. Gabor Mate, and Dr. Bia Labate.
A gorgeous resort and farm-to-table meals are also part of the integrative experience to support deeper healing and personal growth.
Mexico
“Healing People to Heal the Planet”, the mission and vision at Aya de La Vid, in Cancún, Mexico, is a place of tranquillity and relaxation. Following the traditional ayahuasca ceremony, you’ll wind down in the private gardens, hammocks, and pool under the lush palm trees.
You’re in good hands with Arturo, the lead Ayahuasquero has a decade of knowledge and experience from his Shipibo mentors in Peru.
Ecuador
Reconnect with mother nature at Feather Crown Ayahuasca, Tena, inside the lush and beautiful rainforests of Ecuador. Next to a river, surrounded by nature, you’ll participate in several traditional ayahuasca ceremonies guided by Kichwa indigenous staff members. Excursions through the jungle to a sacred tree and majestic waterfall set this retreat apart from others.
Here you will live amongst the ayahuasca plants as they grow native to the area (and are re-planted as they are harvested). Michelin-star-worthy soups are a noteworthy reason to keep this retreat at the top of the bucket list.
The Power of Plant Medicine
Previously reserved for the native people of the Amazon rainforests, immersive experiences with plant medicine and psychedelic therapy have been life-changing for countless people worldwide for centuries.
Over the past decade, the internet has made these healing practices accessible to cultures and generations of people. We now have the tools at our disposal to seek out healers in different parts of the world who practice this art.
We have reviewed hundreds of retreats - but don’t take our word for it. Look to those who have experienced ayahuasca. The hundreds of emotionally charged, deeply profound words left in the review section of each experience speak volumes. Read what others have to say of their experiences, follow your heart, listen to your intuition.
When you find a retreat that feels right, you’ll know it's the one for you.
