Not following the recommended pre-ceremony diet (Ayahuasca dieta)
Many people ignore or underestimate the importance of the preparation diet, which generally recommends avoiding red meat, dairy, alcohol, processed foods, drugs, coffee, and sexual activity for at least 2 to 7 days before the ceremony. It is also essential that individuals are mentally focused on change—during the week leading up to the ceremony, it is recommended to engage in meditation or reflection on the aspects of life one wishes to improve or explore. This mental preparation greatly enhances the results of the process.
Why is this a mistake?
An inadequate diet can cause excessive nausea, diarrhea, physical discomfort, and block the spiritual connection, ultimately interfering with the depth and effectiveness of the healing process.
Taking medications without informing the guide or facilitator
It is always important for participants to inform the team about any medications they are taking—for example, psychiatric medications, heart medications, epilepsy treatments, antibiotics, or neurostimulants.
Some participants hide that they are taking antidepressants (SSRIs), anxiolytics, antipsychotics, or even antibiotics, thinking “nothing will happen.”
Why is this a mistake?
This can cause serious adverse effects such as serotonin syndrome, loss of consciousness, or complete interference with the effects of Ayahuasca.
You must always inform the medical team or facilitator about any medications you are taking. It’s for your safety—not all medications are compatible with Ayahuasca.
Participating out of curiosity, trend-following, or without genuine intention
Many people participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony out of curiosity, for fun, due to peer pressure, or in search of a “psychedelic trip,” without having a clear intention, respect for the medicine, or emotional preparation. Ayahuasca is not a recreational substance—it is used for spiritual growth, confronting inner darkness, psychological development, and understanding your mind and unconscious. It is not about having fun; it’s about spiritual growth and being willing to face your deepest shadows. In some cases, it’s even described as the death of the ego.
Why is this a mistake?
Ayahuasca can be an intense, challenging, and confrontational experience. Without emotional readiness or a sincere purpose, it may lead to a confusing journey that is difficult to process and integrate.
Not researching the shaman or facilitator
Some participants choose any retreat without checking whether the shaman is certified, supported by their indigenous community, respects tradition, or if there is medical supervision. Nowadays, there is a growing trend around the Ayahuasca experience, and many retreats are improvised, with shamans who are not legitimate—people who wear feathers on their heads but lack the true knowledge of a taita.
That’s why it’s essential to always ask for the certification and accreditation issued by an indigenous community that recognizes the shaman, and in many cases, by the Colombian government, which also regulates this practice.
Why is this a mistake?
An inexperienced guide can put your physical, emotional, and spiritual safety at serious risk. The environment must be safe, ceremonial, respectful of the medicine, and closely supervised at all times
Ayahuasca Ceremony Preparation: Everything You Need To Know
Not respecting the integration process after the ceremony
After the experience, many people return to their daily lives too quickly—without reflection, journaling, sharing, or integrating what they’ve learned. It is important, after going through this kind of experience, to spend a few days in silence, meditate on what you lived, speak with facilitators, and understand that integration means processing and grounding everything that happened in order to truly understand the deep messages of the plant. These messages can only be fully grasped through meditation and inner silence.
Why is this a mistake?
Ayahuasca does not heal by itself—the real work begins afterward, through how you apply the insights to your daily life. Without integration, the experience can lose its meaning or create confusion. Silence and meditation are essential for understanding what truly happened.
If you’d like guidance on how to properly prepare for your experience or wish to have a genuine Ayahuasca journey, feel free to contact us directly through our personal WhatsApp: +57 3007875253.
