An ayahuasca retreat is an immersive experience that combines guided ceremonies with ayahuasca, a medicinal plant from the Amazon, with spiritual, emotional and physical healing practices. These retreats are designed to help people reconnect with themselves, release emotional blockages, heal traumas and expand their consciousness. Each retreat is conducted in the presence of a knowledgeable and experienced ayahuasca shaman or spiritual guide.

What is ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is an ancestral drink prepared from the mixture of two main Amazonian plants: Banisteriopsis caapi (the vine) and Psychotria viridis (the leaf containing DMT).

Together, they produce a profound psychoactive effect, which can generate visions, introspection, emotional release and heightened states of consciousness. It has been used for centuries by indigenous communities to heal the body, mind and spirit.

What happens in an ayahuasca retreat?

Retreats usually include:

• Ayahuasca ceremonies (usually between 2 and 4 per retreat).
• Guidance from facilitators or teachers with experience in handling the medicine.
• Previous dietary regimen (diet or “shamanic diet”) to prepare the body and mind.
• Integration sessions (therapy, talking circles or emotional accompaniment)
• Meditation, yoga, conscious breathing and other complementary practices.
• Accommodation and healthy food in natural and peaceful surroundings

Potential benefits

Many people report benefits such as

• Deep emotional or spiritual healing
• Release of past traumas
• Mental clarity and vision of purpose
• Reconnection with body, nature and spirituality
• Lasting personal transformation

Important: results vary according to each individual and the context of the retreat.

How to choose a good retreat

Look for the retreat to have:

• Facilitators with proven experience
• Real references or testimonials
• An ethical, caring and respectful approach to medicine.
• Accompaniment before, during and after
• Clear safety practices
• A location conducive to silence, nature and healing

Are there risks associated with consuming ayahuasca?

Although rare, potential risks of using ayahuasca include:

• Hallucinations
• Psychotic break
• Seizures
• Fainting
• Respiratory and cardiac arrest

Not everyone can undertake ayahuasca retreats.

However, our agency, X Travel Peru, offers 14 of the highest-rated and most authentic ayahuasca retreats, carefully designed to provide a transformative and unforgettable experience. With flexible and varied itineraries, we offer options that cater to different needs, whether for a short experience or a deep immersion into ancestral wisdom. Our rituals take place in various peaceful natural environments, from the Amazon jungle to other sacred spaces, allowing participants to deeply connect with the traditional ayahuasca medicine in an environment suited for the spiritual journey. Each ceremony is guided by experienced facilitators who respect traditions, ensuring safe and respectful support throughout the entire process.

1. 5-day Ayahuasca in Huayopata
2. 5-day Ayahuasca
3. 3-day Ayahuasca in the jungle
4. 4-day Ayahuasca
5. 4-day in the Jungle
6. Ayahuasca in the Jungle and Machu Picchu
7. Ayahuasca in the Sacred Valley
8. 2-day Ayahuasca in Salkantay
9. Ayahuasca and trekking in Inkilltambo
10. Ayahuasca and horseback riding
11. Ayahuasca Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
12. Ayahuasca and 4 Ceremonies
13. Ayahuasca in Perolniyoc
14. Ayahuasca full day