How to Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony (The Right Way)

 

 

1. Physical Preparation

Pre-ceremony diet (minimum 2 to 7 days before):

• Avoid red meat, processed meats, fried foods, junk food, and dairy.

• Do not consume alcohol, coffee, refined sugars, or recreational drugs.

• Avoid psychiatric medications, antibiotics, or stimulants unless approved by the medical team.

• Focus on a light diet with fruits, vegetables, rice, legumes, and white meats (like chicken or fish) in moderate portions.

• Stay well hydrated.

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The dietary preparation is key. What goes into the body directly affects the mind.

Fasting ahead of the ceremony is important for me. it can help not vomit

It’s also important you go into the ceremony without fear. Reading about other people’s experiences helped. Getting answers to my questions put my mind at ease. As a result, I felt more excited than anxious.

If you worry a lot, maybe go easy on the googling. No matter what you search for, you’ll find people with bad experiences. That could scare you.

Just remember, by following the rules and preparing properly, the risks are very low.

 

2. Mental and Emotional Preparation

 

• Reflect on what you want to heal, understand, or discover. Set a clear and sincere intention.

• Practice meditation or mindfulness exercises to calm the mind.

• Try to get good rest the night before the ceremony.

• Be open to whatever experience arises, even if it is intense or challenging.

 

It’s said that “Ayahuasca gives you the experience you need, not the one you want”.

That’s true, but it’s still possible to slightly influence the experience.

What I found was, that ayahuasca amplified what was already present.

I could change the experience by changing my thoughts.

The process of mental preparation is about what you do before the cup touches your lips.

 

3. Spiritual Preparation

• Avoid sexual activity for at least 3 days before the ceremony.

• Spend quiet time with yourself—reading, walking in nature, or doing activities that elevate your consciousness.

• If you have a spiritual practice like prayer, meditation, or yoga, deepen it during the week leading up to the ceremony.

 

4. What To Bring To Your Ayahuasca Ceremony ?

 

• Sandals/Flip Flops/Slip-on Shoes , Crocs :

  Shoes are allowed within the ceremony Maloka

•  Also, when the ayahuasca kicks in, you might to go to the toilet quickly. Being able to slip your shoes on quickly is priceless.

• Pillows

  You’ll be lying on a thin yoga mat for 8-10 hours. This can be uncomfortable.

  I was fine thanks to my airplane neck cushion.

  I put it under my head, which allowed me to use the main cushion under my hips.

• Blankets

  The blanket you get will probably be a woven blanket.

  It will be thick enough to keep you warm. You may prefer your own blanket for “home comfort”. In most cases it’s not necessary. If you bring your own, go with cotton or any other “silent” blanket. In our retreat, the blankets are thick and cushioned.

   

   

• Eye Mask

  Some people swear by an eye mask.

  The ceremony room will be pitch black, as will the jungle outside.

  I wasn’t able to open my eyes for 90% of the ceremony.

   

  I didn’t need an eye mask – my eyes were heavy enough on their own! If the experience is during the day, you may need one of these.

• A bottle is essential, at least 0.5 litre.

  Some centres give you water, 

  Choose a bottle that is silent.

  The crinkly disposable/reusable bottles are great for the environment, but not for an ayahuasca ceremony as they disturb others.

  Choose one with a lid in case you knock it over.

• Wet Wipes or Toilette paper

  Useful to freshen up after ceremony

  Also useful if you have any purging accidents.

  Look, purging from one end, or both is possible.

  Wet wipes will make you feel human again.

   

• Journal :

• This will help you consolidate much of the information from your experience.

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  A journal helps remind you of the changes you need to make.

  This is useful when you’re back in the whirlwind of your day-to-day life.

• Repelent and sunscreen : If you are in areas with many mosquitoes or high sun exposure…

 

5. What To Wear During An Ayahuasca Ceremony?

 

• Comfort : Comfortable clothing prevents you from dealing with discomfort during your process — make sure to be as comfortable as possible.

• Warmth/Coverage : Bring long sleeves and long pants made of light materials.

• Colour & Avoiding Branding, Writing & Logos.

• Have Replacement Clothes With You 

 

6. Safe Environment

• Make sure the retreat is professional and safe: the shaman should be certified by an indigenous community, and the retreat should have trained staff and ideally, medical supervision.

• Check that the environment is ceremonial, clean, natural, and respectful of the medicine.

 

7. Mindset and Attitude

• Come with humility, respect, and without rigid expectations. Ayahuasca doesn’t give you what you want—it gives you what you need.

• Trust the process. If strong emotions arise, allow yourself to feel and release them.

 

 

 

 

 

CREATED BY PSYCHOTRAVELS 2025.

 

IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE, YOU CAN MESSAGE US ON WHATSAPP AT +573007875253.