In recent years, thousands of travelers have come to South America seeking healing through ayahuasca. But with the growing popularity of plant medicine, one question becomes essential:
How do you find a safe ayahuasca retreat?
If you are considering traveling to Colombia for an ayahuasca ceremony, knowing what to look for can make the difference between a transformative experience and a risky one.
Here are 10 important things to check before booking an ayahuasca retreat.
1. Experienced and Traditional Facilitators
A safe ayahuasca retreat always works with experienced facilitators and, ideally, an authentic Indigenous Taita or Shaman with lineage and years of practice.
Ask:
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How long have they been serving medicine?
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What tradition do they follow?
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Do they work directly with an Indigenous lineage?
Experience matters deeply in ceremonies involving powerful plant medicine.
2. A Proper Ceremonial Space (Traditional Maloka)
The ceremony should take place in a sacred and intentional space, often a traditional maloka designed for spiritual work.
A safe ayahuasca ceremony is never improvised in a random Airbnb or party-style setting. The space should feel grounded, protected, and spiritually held.
3. Clear Medical Screening Process
A responsible ayahuasca retreat will always require:
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A health questionnaire
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Information about medications (especially antidepressants)
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Psychological history disclosure
If a retreat does not screen participants carefully, that is a red flag.
Safety begins before the ceremony.
4. Preparation Guidance (Dieta & Mental Preparation)
A trustworthy retreat provides detailed preparation instructions including:
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Dietary guidelines
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Substance restrictions (including cannabis and alcohol)
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Emotional and mental preparation
Preparation is not optional — it is part of the ceremony itself.
5. Small Group Sizes
Smaller groups allow for:
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Better supervision
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Personal attention
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Safer energetic containment
Large, crowded ceremonies may reduce individual care and increase risks.
6. Integration Support After the Ceremony
The ceremony does not end when the night finishes.
A safe ayahuasca retreat provides:
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Sharing circles
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Integration guidance
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Post-retreat communication
Integration is where the real transformation becomes grounded in daily life.
7. Transparent Communication
Before booking, you should receive clear answers about:
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Location
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Facilitators
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What is included
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Safety protocols
If communication feels vague or evasive, trust your intuition.
8. Long-Term Presence and Stability
Retreat centers that have operated consistently in the same location for many years demonstrate stability and commitment.
Longevity often reflects:
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Community trust
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Responsible leadership
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Respect for tradition
9. Respect for Indigenous Tradition
Ayahuasca is not a trend. It is sacred medicine rooted in Indigenous cultures of the Amazon.
A safe retreat honors:
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The origin of the medicine
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Traditional songs (icaros)
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Spiritual discipline
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Ethical practice
Authenticity protects both participants and tradition.
10. You Feel Safe and Informed
Beyond all checklists, ask yourself:
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Do I feel safe communicating with them?
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Do I feel pressured to book?
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Are they prioritizing my wellbeing over selling?
A truly safe ayahuasca retreat will never rush you.
Why Safety Matters in an Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia
Colombia has become one of the most important destinations for traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, especially in regions connected to the Putumayo lineage.
When choosing an ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, safety, authenticity, and preparation should always come first.
The right retreat is not just about the ceremony night — it is about the container that holds the entire experience.
Final Thoughts
Ayahuasca can be life-changing. But like any powerful spiritual practice, it requires responsibility, experience, and integrity.
Before booking your ayahuasca retreat, take the time to research, ask questions, and listen to your intuition.
Your healing journey deserves a safe and sacred space.
This blog has been written by Orion Gomez, one of the most experienced Ayahuasca facilitators, who works closely alongside our shaman from the Pasto tradition in Putumayo. With over 37 years of experience in this sacred land, our team is deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom and dedicated to providing a safe, authentic, and respectful ceremonial space.
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