What is Ayahuasca ?

Ancestral Medicine for Deep Healing

Origins and Meaning of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca, also known as Yagé, is a powerful traditional medicine that has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin for both spiritual and therapeutic purposes. The word “Ayahuasca” originates from the Quechua language: Aya means “soul” or “spirit,” and huasca means “vine” or “rope,” often translated as “vine of the soul” or “spirit vine.”

How Ayahuasca Is Traditionally Prepared?

This sacred brew is typically made from two primary Amazonian plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (the Ayahuasca vine) and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant or other DMT, containing plants like chacruna. When combined, these ingredients create a powerful brew that facilitates a deep spiritual experience. Participants often describe it as a profound journey of self-discovery, inner healing, and spiritual awakening.

What People Commonly Experience

During the experience, it is common to encounter vivid visions, emotional breakthroughs, and an intense sense of connection to nature, the universe, and one’s own consciousness. These experiences vary greatly from person to person, as the medicine interacts uniquely with each individual, depending on their personal intentions and inner state.

Ayahuasca works on three interconnected levels: the physical body, the mind, and the spirit. Therefore, it is much more than a visionary experience, it is a holistic healing process.

Why a Trained Shaman Matters

To ensure both safety and authenticity, it is essential that Ayahuasca ceremonies are led by experienced shamans or traditional healers known as Taitas ( In Colombia ). These guides leads the ceremony through ancestral rituals, sacred chants (known as icaros), and protective spiritual practices that help participants navigate the experience with support and clarity.

Mind, Body, Spirit Alignment

Moreover, Ayahuasca is not just used for spiritual growth, it is also embraced for its therapeutic potential. Many participants report relief from emotional traumas, mental health conditions, and even chronic physical ailments. Ultimately, the goal of the ceremony is to purify and harmonize the body, mind, and spirit: ( Alignment of of the three elements )

• Healing the Body and Spirit

• Spiritual Awakening and Growth

• Expansion of Consciousness

• Happiness

• Inner Peace and Emotional Balance

• Awareness of the Unconscious Mind

• Embracing New Ways of Thinking

• Deep Self-Connection

• Support in Healing Physical Illnesses

• Release of Negative Energies

• Clarity about life decisions

• Enhance Your Family Relationships

• Experience Deep Spiritual Fulfillment

• Embrace a Renewed Passion for Life

• Heal Deep Wounds of Grief

• Discover Your True Life Purpose

• Connect Deeply with Nature and the Environment

• Find Meaningful Answers to Life’s Most Profound Questions

• Healing after the loss of a family member
• Healing the soul after a heartbreak

 Who else can benefit from Ayahuasca ?

• Individuals Struggling with Depression
• Those Living with Anxiety Disorders
• People Facing Suicidal Thoughts or Crisis
• Individuals Dealing with Emotional or Psychological Conflicts
• Those Battling Addictions (e.g., heroin, opioids, cocaine, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, cannabis, etc.)
• People Recovering from Trauma ( post-traumatic states )
• Those Coping with Unresolved Grief

 Ayahuasca Retreat in Medellin Colombia

What Makes Our Ayahuasca Retreat an Authentic Healing Experience?

• A Recognized Indigenous Shaman

  At our Safe Ayahuasca Retreat, your journey is led by an authentic, authorized native shaman from the Los Pastos community of the Amazon. Our shaman is officially recognized by both the indigenous community and the Colombian government — something you should always verify when choosing an Ayahuasca retreat.

  Unlike many centers in Medellín that work with ayahuasqueros (non-traditional healers), we offer a true, traditional Ayahuasca ceremony grounded in the wisdom of the Amazon. This ensures that your experience is authentic, spiritually enriching, and deeply connected to the ancestral practices of the Amazonian people.

• Quality Over Quantity (Why We Limit Ceremonies)

Today, many retreats offer 5, 7, 10, or even 18-day programs, where participants drink diluted medicine up to three times a day. However, with authentic Yagé, it’s nearly impossible to endure more than three intense ceremonies. True Ayahuasca is about quality, not quantity—it requires time for profound healing. Unfortunately, many of these retreats prioritize profit over authenticity, Therefore, we never recommend doing more than three ceremonies in a row. Instead, we suggest a maximum of three ceremonies, followed by at least one or two weeks of rest. If you still feel the need for more work afterward, you may consider repeating the process. However, with authentic Yagé, it’s rare to feel the need for additional medicine, true healing often comes from allowing the experience to settle and integrate.

• A Sacred Maloca Setting

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, ícaros, live music performed 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 amenities, because true healing happens when you return to the essence of your heart.
Remember, the journey is inward.

• Small Groups for Safety and Support

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

We have four facilitators and the shaman, all carefully attending to every aspect of your process throughout the ceremony. We host a maximum of 10 to 12 participants, allowing the experience to remain intimate, private, and safe for everyone involved.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

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

Our 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, we provide comprehensive support, including personalized guidance on diet and potential interactions with any existing medical conditions or medications. Our participants also have direct access to our 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, our shuttle service will pick you up from your home at 7:30 AM (for an additional $10). You’ll arrive at our 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. 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 9:15 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. Our experienced staff and 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

• After the ceremony,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.

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)

 On 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 our Healing center for a deeper connection to Amazonian wisdom.

 How to Best Prepare for an Ayahuasca 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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

Continue reading about How to Best Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony

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

• 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.

• Men abstain from sexual intercourse for at least two days before the 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?

• Our 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.

What is the diet I should follow before the ceremony?

• In the days leading up to the Ayahuasca ceremony, it is important to follow a clean and mindful diet. We recommend avoiding junk food, sauces, heavy dressings, red meat, sausages, and fatty foods. It is also essential to refrain from alcohol, cannabis, and any other substances in order to support a safe, effective, and spiritually aligned Ayahuasca healing experience. If you choose to eat meat, opt for lighter options such as chicken or fish, and prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables. By preparing your body with intention and care, you create the ideal conditions to receive the full benefits of the medicine.