AUTHENTIC AYAHUASCA RETREAT
IN COLOMBIA

 What is Ayahuasca ?

Ancestral Medicine for Deep Healing

Origins and Meaning of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca, also known as Yagé, is a traditional plant medicine used for centuries by indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin for spiritual and healing purposes. The word “Ayahuasca” comes from the Quechua language: “aya” means spirit or soul, and “huasca” means vine or rope — often translated as “the vine of the soul” or “spirit vine.”

What People Commonly Experience

During an Ayahuasca experience, it is common to encounter vivid visions, emotional breakthroughs, and a profound sense of connection to nature, the universe, and one’s own consciousness. Each journey is unique, as the medicine works differently with every individual, influenced by personal intentions, mindset, and inner state.

Ayahuasca supports healing on three interconnected levels: the physical body, the mind, and the spirit. For this reason, it goes far beyond a visionary experience — it is a deeply holistic process of healing, self-discovery, and transformation.

Mind, Body, Spirit Alignment

Moreover, Beyond spiritual growth, Ayahuasca is also valued for its profound therapeutic potential. Many participants report releasing emotional trauma, gaining mental clarity, and experiencing a renewed sense of physical and energetic balance. At its core, the ceremony is designed to purify and harmonize the body, mind, and spirit — guiding you toward a deep alignment of your entire being.

• Emotional Healing and Inner Balance
  Release emotional blockages and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and stability.

• Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth
  Connect with a greater sense of purpose and expand your spiritual awareness.

• Expanded Consciousness
  Experience new perspectives and a deeper understanding of yourself and reality.

• Clarity and Life Direction
  Gain insight into important life decisions and personal challenges.

• Deep Self-Connection
  Strengthen your relationship with your inner self and intuition.

• Mental and Emotional Awareness
  Bring unconscious patterns into awareness and develop healthier ways of thinking.

• Energetic Release and Renewal
  Let go of negative energies and emotional burdens.

• Support for Physical and Emotional Well-being
  Many participants report improvements in overall well-being and body awareness.

• Healing Grief and Emotional Loss
  Support the process of healing after the loss of a loved one or a deeply emotional experience.

• Heart Healing and Emotional Release
  Gently process heartbreak and reconnect with a sense of openness and self-love.

• Deeper Family and Relationship Connection
  Gain new perspectives that can help improve and strengthen your relationships with others.

• Spiritual Fulfillment and Inner Purpose
  Experience a deeper sense of meaning, connection, and alignment with your life path.

• Rediscover Passion and Joy for Life
  Reignite your motivation, inspiration, and appreciation for life.

• Connection with Nature and the Universe
  Feel a profound bond with nature, the environment, and the greater whole.

• Clarity and Life Purpose
  Discover insights that can guide you toward your true path and purpose.

• Answers to Life’s Deep Questions
  Explore meaningful insights about your existence, direction, and personal journey.

 Who else can benefit from Ayahuasca?

• Individuals experiencing depression or low mood

• Those dealing with anxiety or emotional overwhelm

• People going through challenging life moments or emotional crisis

• Individuals facing inner conflicts or psychological struggles

• Those seeking support in overcoming addictive patterns (e.g., substances, habits, or behaviors)

• People working through past trauma or difficult life experiences

• Those navigating grief or emotional loss

• Post-traumatic stress

 Ayahuasca Retreat in Medellin Colombia

What Makes Our Ayahuasca Retreat a Truly Authentic Experience?

• A Respected Indigenous Shaman

  At our retreat, your journey is guided by a highly respected indigenous shaman from the Pastos community, carrying forward generations of ancestral plant medicine knowledge. Our work is rooted in authentic tradition and aligned with indigenous cultural practices — an essential aspect to consider when choosing a safe and genuine Ayahuasca experience.

  Unlike many modern retreat centers, we remain committed to preserving the integrity of traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies. This ensures a deeply authentic, respectful, and spiritually meaningful experience.

• Why We Prioritize Quality Over Quantity in Our Ceremonies

Today, many retreats offer 5, 7, 10, or even 18-day programs, often including multiple ceremonies over a short period of time. In our experience, working with authentic Yagé is a deep and intense process that requires proper integration and rest between ceremonies.

Rather than focusing on quantity, we prioritize the quality and depth of each experience. For this reason, we recommend a maximum of three ceremonies, followed by at least one to two weeks of rest to allow for integration. If you feel called to continue your work afterward, the process can be repeated in a mindful and gradual way.

True healing is not about consuming more medicine, but about allowing the experience to fully settle, integrate, and unfold over time.

• A Sacred Maloca Environment

A genuine Ayahuasca healing retreat requires authentic medicine, time, and deep respect.

Our ceremonies take place in a sacred maloca, surrounded by fire, nature, healing energy, traditional ícaros, live music guided by our shaman, and moments of silence , allowing you to enter a deep state of introspection and healing.

We intentionally avoid luxury distractions such as pools, buffets, and tourist-style amenities, because true healing happens when you return to the essence of your heart.

Remember, the journey is inward.

• Intimate Small Groups for Safety and Personalized Support

Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. During the ceremony, an experienced team provides attentive supervision to ensure that your journey is not only transformative, but also fully supported at every stage.

Our team consists of four trained facilitators and a shaman, all dedicated to carefully supporting you throughout the entire process. We host a maximum of 10 to 12 participants, allowing the experience to remain intimate, private, and safe for everyone involved, This allows us to provide personalized attention and respond to each participant’s needs with care and presence.

• 35+ Years of Experience in Guarne

For over 35 years, we have remained in the same sacred land of Guarne, just outside Medellín, Colombia. Highly respected by our community for decades, we stand apart from most retreats in Medellín and Colombia, many of which have only been established for two or three years. Our long-standing presence reflects our authentic roots, experience, and deep connection to the ancestral tradition.

What Makes Our Ayahuasca Retreat Unique?

• Medical Supervision and Safety

At this retreat, your safety is our top priority. Each participant is carefully supervised by a qualified Western doctor who thoroughly assesses any pre-existing medical conditions, potential medication interactions, and overall health status before and throughout the ceremonies. This ensures that your healing journey is not only safe but also fully supported and tailored to your individual needs.

• We Prepare Our Own Sacred Medicine

Unlike many retreats that purchase pre-made Ayahuasca with unclear origins, we proudly prepare our own sacred medicine right here at the retreat, Using fresh Chacruna leaves and Ayahuasca roots sourced directly from the Amazon rainforest in Putumayo, Colombia; our authentic shaman follows an ancient indigenous recipe passed down through generations. The preparation is a sacred process that takes 8 full days, ensuring the purity, potency, and authenticity of the Yagé you receive.

• Comfortable and Safe Transportation

To enhance your experience, we offer private pick-up and drop-off services directly from your hotel or home in Medellín. The comfortable, private shuttle guarantees a safe, stress-free journey to the retreat, allowing you to arrive fully relaxed and prepared for your transformative experience.

The shaman prepares his own Medicine ( yage ) at our retreat

What Awaits You, in Our Transformative Ayahuasca Experience?

First Contact with Us

• From the moment you reach out to us via WhatsApp or email, the team ll provide comprehensive support, including personalized guidance on diet and potential interactions with any existing medical conditions or medications. The participants also have direct access to  experienced Western doctor through WhatsApp, ensuring that you receive full medical oversight and a safe Ayahuasca retreat experience. These instructions are typically provided a few days before the Ayahuasca ceremony to ensure you’re fully prepared. 

First day of ceremony

• On the day of your experience, the shuttle service will pick you up from your home at 7:30 AM (for an additional $10). You’ll arrive at the Ayahuasca retreat around 8:15 AM, where you will be warmly welcomed by our shaman. He will provide an introduction to Ayahuasca, explaining its spiritual and consciousness-expanding effects. The Participants will have the opportunity to ask any questions and clarify any doubts about the ceremony. Alternatively, we can arrange pickup from a designated location in Medellín at no additional cost.

First and Second Cup of Ayahuasca

• Then you ll prepare the space (bunk beds) where you’ll experience the authentic Ayahuasca healing journey. The first cup of Ayahuasca will be served at 8:15 AM, with an optional second cup at 12:30 PM for those who feel the experience hasn’t fully connected or wish to deepen the experience. The experienced staff and the shaman will guide and supervise participants throughout the entire Ayahuasca ceremony. The effects of the medicine typically last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the individual’s sensitivity and the number of servings consumed.

Integration

• Once the ceremony finish,the team will guide you through an integration session, providing the space to reflect and ask any questions you may have. You will also be offered an optional nourishing broth to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Once you’re ready, we will close the experience with a spiritual cleansing using Guaira, a sacred plant that helps to clear energy and seal spiritual channels.
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Bonfire Interation

•  In the afternoon, as your inner journey comes to an end, the team gather around a bonfire to continue the integration process and, if you wish, to share your experiences or ask questions to the shaman or the facilitators.

  At 7:00 p.m., a light meal is served, after which you are free to rest at your own pace. If you prefer, you may return to the fire to continue conversations with other participants. Later, when you feel ready, you can go to your room to rest , where you’ll find plenty of blankets, pillows, a private bathroom, and hot water should you wish to take a shower  completing the introspective and restorative experience offered by our Ayahuasca retreat.

What Can You Expect from Our Experience Second Day Ceremony?

• (Second Day)

At the second day of our Ayahuasca Healing Retreat, the ceremony begins at 8:00 am with a preliminary meeting with the shaman to discuss the previous day and set expectations for this second experience. Afterward, the first cup of medicine is served, followed by a second cup at 12:30 pm ( optional ).

• Deepen their spiritual journey

This 2-day retreat is ideal for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey and experience a more profound transformation. By choosing this option, you’re opting for a more transcendental and profound Ayahuasca experience, with a strongfocus on safety, healing, and authentic guidance.

• Rape spiritual Medicine

Additionally, if you wish, you’ll have the option to experience rape or curanga, sacred seed plants from the Amazon known for your spiritual and consciousness-enhancing effects. This is an optional addition that complements the Healing center for a deeper connection to Amazonian wisdom.

 How to Best Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony

• Diet and Substances to Avoid Before the Ceremony

Both men and women should avoid taking antibiotics at least 2 days before consuming Ayahuasca. It is also recommended to refrain from alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs, red meat, dairy products, processed foods, fatty or greasy meals, and fast food for 3 days prior to the ceremony. During this period, you can consume vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean white meats such as chicken or fish.

• Medical Conditions and Medication Use

If you have any medical conditions or are taking regular medication, you must inform the Psychotravels medical staff so they can assess potential interactions with Ayahuasca. Avoid cannabis (marijuana) for at least a week, or at least 2 days before the ceremony in cases of heavy use, to ensure there are no disruptions to the sacred plant experience (marijuana can reduce the effects of the plant).

• What to Wear on the Ceremony Day

On the day of the ceremony, it’s best to wear comfortable clothing, preferably in light colors rather than dark ones. For added comfort, it is recommended to wear shoes such as Crocs or slippers. It is also suggested to bring an extra set of clothes in case you need to change.

• What to Bring With You

You may bring your own drink if you have preferences, but Psychotravels provides meals, water, and toilet paper during the journey.

Bring an extra set of clothes, as you may need to change after the ceremony (this occurs in approximately 3% of cases).

Continue reading about How to Best Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony

• More Suggestions about diet

On the day of the ceremony, avoid consuming solid foods at breakfast. Instead, focus on liquids such as water or tea.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, we recommend eating healthy meals that include fruits and vegetables. Avoid large amounts of meat, fast food, sausages, and sauces.

Three days before the ceremony, avoid red meat and dairy products. You can consume white meats like chicken or fish, or eggs if you prefer an alternative protein source.

 Ayahuasca Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions from Our Guests

Should I do a 1 or 2-day ceremony?

• Both options offer meaningful experiences, but they serve different purposes. A 1-day ceremony is ideal for those who wants to explore  Ayahuasca and wish to gently explore the medicine looking for first answers, becoming familiar with its effects in a safe and supportive setting. A 2-day ceremony, on the other hand, is recommended for those seeking a deeper spiritual journey, greater emotional release, and a stronger connection with their inner self and the universal consciousness.

  Many participants find that the second day ceremony allows the medicine to work more profoundly, often bringing clarity, healing, and integration that builds upon the first ceremony. Ultimately, it depends on your personal intention, readiness, and openness to the process.

How many participants are there in our groups?

• The groups typically consist of 6 to 8 participants, allowing for a safe, intimate, and personalized Ayahuasca retreat experience.

How long does the effect of Ayahuasca last?

• The effects of this sacred medicine during the Ayahuasca ceremony can last between 1 and 8 hours. If a second cup is taken, the journey often becomes longer and deeper, allowing for a more profound and transformative experience.

In what cases is Ayahuasca contraindicated?

• Women on their menstrual cycle, as well as individuals with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, epilepsy, heart conditions, recent surgeries, or other serious health concerns, are advised not to participate in the Ayahuasca retreat. Your safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and respectful Ayahuasca experience for all participants.