AUTHENTIC AYAHUASCA RETREAT
IN COLOMBIA

 What Makes Our Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia Authentic ?

• 38+ Years of Experience 

For over 38 years, we have been quietly rooted in the sacred mountains of Guarne, just outside Medellín, Colombia. Our space has grown in harmony with the land, guided by a deep respect for ancestral wisdom and tradition.

This long-standing connection to the same location is an important part of what defines our authentic Ayahuasca retreat in Colombia and distinguishes our family setting from more recently established retreat spaces.

• A Respected Indigenous Taita

  At our ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, your journey is guided by a highly respected Indigenous Taita from the Pastos community, carrying forward generations of ancestral plant medicine knowledge. Our work is rooted in authentic tradition and respect for 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 commitment helps create an authentic, respectful, and spiritually meaningful experience for every participant.

• 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

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.

• Intimate Small Groups for Safety and Personalized Support

Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities at our ayahuasca retreat in Colombia. During the ceremony, our experienced team provides attentive supervision and guidance to support participants throughout the experience.

Our team consists of four facilitators and a Taita. We welcome a maximum of 10 to 12 participants, allowing us to maintain a small-group setting and provide more personalized attention to each guest.

Personal Attention and Small-Group Support

• Medical Screening and Participant Support

Choosing an authentic Ayahuasca retreat in Colombia also means understanding the preparation and screening process. We encourage participants to disclose relevant medical conditions and medications in advance so that potential risks can be reviewed before deciding whether to participate.

• We Prepare Our Own Sacred Medicine with Care and Tradition

Our sacred medicine is prepared on-site with great care, respect, and intention. We use fresh chacruna leaves and Ayahuasca vine sourced directly from the Amazon region of Putumayo, Colombia. Guided by an experienced traditional shaman, the preparation follows an ancestral recipe that has been passed down through generations.

This is a deeply intentional process that unfolds over eight days, allowing the medicine to develop its purity, strength, and integrity. The result is a preparation that reflects authenticity, tradition, and a profound connection to the origins of Yagé.

• Safe and Comfortable Transportation

We offer private pick-up and drop-off directly from your hotel or home in Medellín. Our transportation is designed to make the journey to the retreat comfortable and convenient

Choosing an ayahuasca retreat in Colombia means looking beyond the ceremony itself. We focus on preserving Indigenous traditions, maintaining small groups, and offering personal guidance in a natural setting near Medellín.

Read more about our Ayahuasca Ceremony in Colombia here:

Our shaman personally prepares the Yagé on-site at the retreat.

ARE YOU READY TO ENJOY  WITH US?

BOOK HERE

What to Expect from Our Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia

Your First Contact with Our Team

• From the moment you reach out to us via WhatsApp or email, our team will provide comprehensive support, including personalized guidance on preparation, diet, and potential interactions with any existing medical conditions or medications.

  You will also have direct access to an experienced Western-trained doctor via WhatsApp, ensuring full medical oversight and a safe Ayahuasca retreat experience.

  At our authentic Ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, we explain the schedule, transportation, preparation requirements, and practical arrangements before arrival. Our aim is to help each participant understand what to expect and make an informed decision.

The First Day of the Ceremony

• On the day of your experience, our shuttle service will pick you up from your location at 6:30 AM . You will arrive at the Ayahuasca retreat around 7:15 AM, where you will be warmly welcomed by our shaman.

  He will provide an introduction to Ayahuasca, explaining its spiritual significance and its effects on consciousness. You will also have the opportunity to ask 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 Servings of Ayahuasca

• You will then be guided to your resting space, where you will experience the authentic Ayahuasca healing journey. The first serving of Ayahuasca is typically offered at 8:15 AM, with an optional second serving at 12:30 PM for those who feel called to deepen their experience.

  Throughout the ceremony, our experienced team and shaman will provide continuous guidance and supervision, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. The effects of the medicine generally last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on each individual’s sensitivity and the number of servings consumed.

Integration

• Once the ceremony finishes, our team will guide you through an integration session, offering a space to reflect and ask any questions you may have.

  You will also be offered a light, nourishing broth to help replenish fluids and restore balance. Once you feel ready, we will close the experience with a spiritual cleansing using Guayra, a sacred plant traditionally used to clear energy and seal the spiritual process.

Bonfire Integration

• In the afternoon, as your inner journey comes to an end, our team gathers around a bonfire to continue the integration process. You are welcome to share your experience or ask questions to the Taita and facilitators in a safe and supportive space.

  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 connecting with other participants.

  This time for rest and reflection is an important part of our ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, allowing participants to process their experience at their own pace.

Second Day Ceremony

• (Day 2)

On the second day of our Ayahuasca healing retreat, the ceremony begins at 8:00 a.m. with a preparatory meeting with the shaman to reflect on the previous day and set intentions for the second experience.

Afterward, the first serving of Ayahuasca is offered, followed by an optional second serving at 12:30 p.m.

• Deepening Your Spiritual Journey

This 2-day retreat is ideal for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey and experience a more meaningful transformation. By choosing this option, you are opening yourself to a deeper Ayahuasca experience, with a strong focus on safety, healing, and authentic guidance.

• Rapé: A Sacred Amazonian Medicine

Additionally, during our ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, you may have the option to experience Rapé (Hapé) or Kuranga, traditional Amazonian plant preparations used in certain Indigenous ceremonial practices.

Read more about our Ayahuasca ceremony near Medellin

What is Ayahuasca ?

Ancestral Medicine for Deep Healing

Origins and Meaning of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca, also known as Yagé, is a traditional plant preparation used for centuries by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin in spiritual, ceremonial, and cultural practices. At our ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, we approach this ancestral tradition with respect for its Indigenous origins and cultural significance.

The word “Ayahuasca” comes from the Quechua language: “aya” is commonly translated as spirit or soul, while “huasca” means vine or rope. The name is often interpreted as “the vine of the soul” or “spirit vine.”

What People Commonly Experience

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

• Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth

• Expanded Consciousness

• Clarity and Life Direction

• Deep Self-Connection

• Mental and Emotional Awareness

• Energetic Release and Renewal

• Support for Physical and Emotional Well-being

• Healing Grief and Emotional Loss

• Heart Healing and Emotional Release

• Deeper Family and Relationship Connection

• Spiritual Fulfillment and Inner Purpose

• Rediscover Passion and Joy for Life

• Connection with Nature and the Universe

• Clarity and Life Purpose

• Answers to Life’s Deep Questions

 How to Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony in Colombia

Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat in Colombia involves understanding the dietary guidelines, discussing medications and health conditions with the team, and knowing what to bring. We provide practical information before arrival so participants can prepare appropriately.

• Diet and Substances to Avoid Before an Ayahuasca Ceremony

Both men and women should avoid taking antibiotics for at least 2 days before consuming Ayahuasca. It is also highly recommended to avoid alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs, red meat, dairy products, processed foods, greasy or fatty meals, and fast food for at least 3 days prior to the ceremony.

During this preparation period, participants are encouraged to eat light and natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean white meats like chicken or fish.

• Medical Conditions and Medications to Consider Before Ayahuasca

If you have any medical conditions or are currently taking medication, it is important to inform the Psychotravels team in advance so they can evaluate any possible interactions with Ayahuasca.

Participants are also encouraged to avoid cannabis (marijuana) for at least one week before the ceremony. In cases of frequent or heavy use, stopping at least 2 days prior is strongly recommended to help maintain mental clarity and support a deeper connection with the Ayahuasca experience.

• What Should You Wear for an Ayahuasca Ceremony?

On the day of the ceremony, it is best to wear comfortable and lightweight clothing, preferably in light colors rather than dark ones. For greater comfort, participants are encouraged to wear easy-to-remove footwear such as Crocs or slippers.

It is also recommended to bring an extra change of clothes in case it becomes necessary during or after the ceremony.

• Ayahuasca Ceremony Packing List

However, Psychotravels provides meals, drinking water, and essential supplies such as toilet paper throughout the journey.

It is also recommended to bring an extra change of clothes, as some participants may wish to change after the ceremony, although this is relatively uncommon.

Continue Reading: How to Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony in Colombia

• Additional Diet Recommendations

On the day of the ceremony, it is recommended to avoid heavy or solid foods at breakfast. Instead, focus on light liquids such as water, herbal tea, or natural juices.

For at least three days before the ceremony, participants are advised to avoid red meat and dairy products. Lighter protein sources such as chicken, fish, or eggs may be consumed if preferred.

Ayahuasca Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I Choose a 1-Day or 2-Day Ceremony?

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 universal consciousness.

Many participants find that the second ceremony allows the medicine to work more profoundly, often bringing additional clarity, healing, and integration that build upon the first experience.

When comparing an Ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, consider the ceremony schedule, the preparation process, the guidance available, and the practical arrangements included in each option.

• How Many Participants Are in the Groups?

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

• How Long Do the Effects of Ayahuasca Last?

The effects of this sacred medicine during the Ayahuasca ceremony can last between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the individual experience. If a second cup is taken, the journey may become longer and deeper, allowing for a more profound and transformative process.

• In What Cases Is Ayahuasca Contraindicated?

For safety reasons, individuals with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, epilepsy, serious heart conditions, recent surgeries, or other significant medical concerns should disclose these conditions before booking an ayahuasca retreat in Colombia. Participation should be determined through an appropriate medical assessment. Women who are menstruating should also discuss any relevant concerns with the ceremonial team before participating.

If you are looking for traditional and authentic Ayahuasca retreat in Colombia near Medellín, we invite you to learn more about our Taita, our traditional ceremonial setting, and the experience we offer. Contact our team to ask questions and receive information before planning your visit.