What Is an Ayahuasca Retreat

Ayahuasca is traditional medicine and a deep experience that can be especially valuable for those exploring how their mind works, and above all, the essence of their soul. Many consider the ayahuasca retreat a very powerful therapy, capable of transforming lives by helping solve personal, work-related, and emotional problems, as well as addiction. To take ayahuasca, you must have a purpose or goal; curiosity alone is not enough.

It is a plant used in traditional and ancestral medicine, resulting from the combination of chacruna and ayahuasca, giving us a brew. The name derives from two Quechua words: aya (dead) and huasca (rope) — "the rope of the dead" or "the vine of souls". Ayahuasca is a vine that can grow massively, wrapping around a tree up to 10 to 15 meters in height, its stem twisting around itself into a braided rope 10 to 15 cm in diameter.

The traditional preparation of the ayahuasca brew follows a five-step ritual process, each step carrying its own symbolic purpose:

1. The ayahuasca stems are carefully cut, removing the leaves in small pieces — the beginning of a sacred process that connects participants with the ancestral wisdom of the plant.
2. In a pot, a layer of chacruna leaves without stems is placed at the bottom with respect. The ayahuasca pieces are crushed with stones into powder and placed over the chacruna, covering it completely.
3. Everything is covered with another layer of chacruna leaves, and water is added until it fully covers the contents. It is boiled for three hours, checking constantly so the water doesn't evaporate and the foam doesn't overflow.
4. After boiling, the liquid is left to cool and then transferred. The chacruna is discarded, having fulfilled its purpose of contributing its energy to the sacred brew.
5. Finally, the remaining ayahuasca pieces are crushed again and boiled for another two hours, extracting all of the essence and intensifying the power of the brew.

The ayahuasca retreat is a spiritual and therapeutic ceremony led by a shaman, who begins and concludes it while guiding every participant through the entire session. Before starting, the shaman clearly explains what will happen during the process, the effects it will produce, and the sensations participants will experience.

The first thing consumed is not the main brew, but a drink made from harmal (Peganum harmala), which blocks an enzyme in the body and allows dimethyltryptamine (DMT) — present in ayahuasca — to act in a prolonged, deep way during the ritual. Then comes the first dose: the lights are turned off, candles are lit, and the shaman purifies the bottle with natural tobacco smoke while praying toward specific cardinal points. Effects begin roughly 30 minutes later. Drums or flutes intensify the atmosphere for the second dose, marked by intense emotions — fear, sadness, or euphoria — part of the healing process. The ceremony closes once participants reach a state of inner peace and harmony.

Due to its neuropsychological effects, here are the main reported benefits:

• Treating depression, stress, and anxiety: ayahuasca increases serotonin levels, which can improve mood and overall well-being from the very first day, and can also ease the grieving process.
• Support in treating addictions: it promotes a sense of connection with oneself, with others, and with nature, helping reduce unhealthy behaviors in people struggling with addiction.