Best Ayahuasca Retreats
229 retreats across 29 countries
Ayahuasca retreats offer guided ceremonial experiences with the Amazonian plant medicine, typically facilitated by indigenous or trained shamans. Safety, practitioner lineage, medical screening, and integration support are critical factors. We evaluate ayahuasca retreats on safety protocols, facilitator credentials, setting, and aftercare — not just the ceremony itself.
Ayahuasca Retreat Overview
Ayahuasca Retreats at a Glance
Total Retreats
229
Avg. Score
8.2
Avg. Price
$1/night
Countries
29
Top Ayahuasca Retreats
Ranked by RetreatVault score
Mambal, Bali, Indonesia
Fivelements Retreat Bali
Coimbra, Portugal
Cara Creek Eco Lodge
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Divine Nectar Botanicals
Faith Retreats
Martina Salad Retreats
Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Osage Forest of Peace
California
Sacred Ceremonies
Clatskanie, Oregon
Zen Community of Oregon
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Ancestral Awakening
Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Arkana Spiritual Center
Algodonales, Spain
Astraea Flora
ATMA Retreats Portugal
Complete Ayahuasca Retreat Directory
Every ayahuasca retreat, organized by country
Mexico
19 retreatsSpain
11 retreatsNetherlands
8 retreatsPeru
8 retreatsCosta Rica
7 retreatsColombia
7 retreatsPortugal
3 retreatsCalifornia
3 retreatsEcuador
3 retreatsIndonesia
2 retreatsArizona
2 retreatsCambodia
2 retreatsAyahuasca Retreat FAQ
Is ayahuasca legal?
Ayahuasca legality varies by country. It is legal in Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica, and several other Latin American countries where most retreats operate. It is illegal or exists in a legal gray area in the US, UK, and most of Europe. Always verify the legal status in your retreat's jurisdiction.
How do I choose a safe ayahuasca retreat?
Look for retreats with medical screening questionnaires, on-site medical staff, experienced facilitators with verifiable lineages, small group sizes (under 20), and structured integration support. Avoid retreats that skip health intake forms or mix ayahuasca with other substances.
What should I expect during an ayahuasca ceremony?
Ceremonies typically last 4-6 hours, held at night. Effects begin 30-60 minutes after drinking and may include visions, intense emotions, physical purging (vomiting or diarrhea), and profound psychological insights. Facilitators guide the process with icaros (sacred songs) and individual attention.
Who should NOT attend an ayahuasca retreat?
Ayahuasca is contraindicated for anyone taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or certain other medications due to dangerous interactions. People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic conditions should avoid it. Pregnant women and those with serious heart conditions are also excluded by reputable retreats.
How many ceremonies are included in a typical retreat?
Most ayahuasca retreats include 2-4 ceremonies over 7-10 days, with rest and integration days between sessions. First-timers should choose retreats with at least 2 ceremonies — the first is often an introduction, and deeper work happens in subsequent sessions.