Updated April 28, 2025
Ayahuasca, a potent Amazonian plant medicine, promises deep healing but comes with risks—especially in the USA, where its Schedule I status clashes with growing demand. From transformative experiences to outright dangers, retreats vary wildly in quality. We’ve reviewed 15 retreats, focusing on 10 USA-based centers, with 5 international or unclear USA operations noted separately. Three are explicitly “Not Recommended” by Best Retreats, and others raise red flags. Here’s the good, the bad, and the sketchy to guide you.
Why Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca, brewed from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, delivers DMT and MAO inhibitors for intense psychedelic experiences. A 2025 Frontiers in Psychiatry study found 65% of depressed patients improved after one dose, while a 2024 Nature study noted enhanced neuroplasticity. Rooted in Amazonian traditions, it’s been used for millennia by tribes like the Shipibo for spiritual healing.
Legal Status in 2025
Ayahuasca is Schedule I federally, but RFRA exemptions allow churches like Kamentsa Inga to operate. Decriminalization in Oakland (2019), Seattle (2021), and Ann Arbor (2024) offers some protection, but legal risks remain. This list exposes the raw truth about the state of ayahuasca retreats in the United States. While every retreat listed has connections or full operations in the US, the reality is that most are unclear and uncommunicative. As always, our site and mission is to give people access to what the scene feels like – not to make any type of decision, but to know what an unregulated, sometimes illegal, industry looks like.
USA-Based Ayahuasca Retreats
1. Pachamama Sanctuary (Casco, Maine)
- Details: 3-day retreats, 2 ceremonies, ~$750, 4.92/5 (Retreat Guru).
- What to Expect: Shipibo-trained shamans lead ceremonies in a barn, with vegan meals, breathwork, and integration circles. Men and women sleep separately.
- Good: Guests praise “life-changing” healing, a safe environment, and serene Maine woods. Experienced facilitators like Derek Januszewski and Haru Kuntanawa foster a strong community.
- Bad: Unverified Reddit concerns (Jan 2024) about Derek’s personal struggles (drug relapse, financial issues), not tied to guest safety.
- Legal Status: Gray area, operates as a spiritual retreat. Medical screening required.
2. Shamanic Adventure (Big Sur, CA / Big Island, HI)
- Details: 4–7 days, “no plant medicine” publicly shared (shamanic practices), ~$3,333 (Medium, 2024), 5/5 (Facebook).
- What to Expect: Sacred site visits (Mount Shasta, Hawaii vortexes), meditations, and ceremonies led by Greg “Magick” Bernstein. Focuses on energy activations.
- Good: “Otherworldly” experiences, “Ohana” vibe, and deep self-discovery through shamanic teachings.
- Bad: High cost criticized as exclusionary. Reddit (Feb 2024) notes unverified concerns about inconsistent authenticity (CA vs. HI).
- Legal Status: No plant medicine, legally safer, negotiate offline for those services. Operates as a spiritual retreat.
3. Root Healing (Rotating USA: CA, CO, NM)
- Details: 10-day iboga retreats, ~$3,500–$5,500, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Bwiti iboga ceremonies, medical evaluations, led by Ryan and Sarah. Offers private retreats and supports Bwiti communities.
- Good: Praised for “profound” spiritual depth, safe guidance, and lasting trauma healing. Medical support enhances safety.
- Bad: Varying locations (previously Costa Rica, now USA) and dated reviews raise consistency questions. Iboga’s legal status is unclear.
- Legal Status: Operates under spiritual exemptions. Medical screening mandatory.
4. Discover Iboga Church of America (Central FL) – Not Recommended
- Details: 7-day iboga retreats, ~$2,500–$5,500, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co). Possibly closed.
- What to Expect: Bwiti-guided iboga ceremonies led by Carol, with basic accommodations. Focused on spiritual reconnection.
- Good: Some report “soul reconnection,” outpacing years of self-work.
- Sketchy: Google Reviews (2024) allege fraud ($3,200 non-refunded after date change), unclean facilities (smoke, dirt), and mental health decline post-ceremony. Google indicates possible closure.
- Legal Status: Iboga is Schedule I; DEA exemption filed but unclear. Legal risks remain.
5. Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth (Orlando, FL) – Not Recommended
- Details: Previously 4–7 days, 2–4 ceremonies, ~$2,000–$3,500, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co). Closed August 2024.
- What to Expect: Church-based ayahuasca ceremonies with integration calls, led by Chris Young. Now defunct.
- Good: Historical reviews praise spiritual growth and supportive staff.
- Sketchy: A 2018 guest death (hyponatremia) led to a $15 million negligence ruling (Vice, 2024). Reddit (2017) alleges a “cult-like” atmosphere and unprofessionalism. Closed after bankruptcy.
- Legal Status: Previously RFRA-protected, now closed.
6. Muaisa Hale Pule (Kealakekua, HI)
- Details: 2–3 day retreats, 1 ceremony, ~$750 donation, 4.3/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Hawaiian “Hawaiaka” brew ceremonies led by Chief Jack ‘Golden Feather’ and Dr. ZZ, on a Kona Coast farm. No on-site lodging.
- Good: Guests report “profound” healing, loving facilitators, and a serene setting with ocean views.
- Sketchy: A 2020 review alleges sexual misconduct by Jack (pressuring a guest into sexual acts for “kundalini awakening”). Muaisa claims this violates a restraining order by a former volunteer, but it’s unresolved. No 2025 dates; banned from a retreat platform.
- Legal Status: Operates under church exemptions. Ayahuasca’s U.S. status unclear.
7. Kamentsa Inga Church (New Hampshire, USA)
- Details: 1–2 day retreats, 1–2 ceremonies, ~$250, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Kamentsa ceremonies led by Taita Hector Ortiz, blending indigenous and Catholic rituals. Outdoor fire ceremonies included.
- Good: Praised on Reddit (2023) for powerful healing, safe facilitation by Giampiero, and spiritual depth.
- Bad: Ongoing lawsuit (Kamentsa Inga Church v. Garland, 2023) seeks legal protection, signaling regulatory risks.
- Legal Status: RFRA-protected church, but legal challenges persist. Medical screening advised.
8. Tikkun Healing Center (South FL)
- Details: 3–5 day retreats, 2–3 ceremonies, ~$1,400, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Solo-focused ayahuasca ceremonies with Jacquelyn, plus kambo, breathwork, and psilocybin. Trauma-informed care emphasized.
- Good: Guests praise Jacquelyn’s comforting facilitation, profound trauma healing, and peaceful grounds.
- Bad: Lack of marketing, website, and recent reviews suggests possible shift to private retreats. Verify operations.
- Legal Status: Gray area, operates as a spiritual retreat. Medical screening required.
9. Ágape Church (Central TX)
- Details: 2–3 day retreats, 1–2 ceremonies, ~$1,250, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Church-based ceremonies blending Christian and shamanic elements, led by Sergio Saenz and Raquel. Also offers Peru retreats.
- Good: Praised on safeceremonies.com for transformative healing (e.g., a veteran’s recovery), welcoming community, and serene setting.
- Bad: Reddit notes no on-site medical staff, a concern given ayahuasca’s intensity.
- Legal Status: Operates under church exemptions. Ayahuasca’s U.S. status complex.
10. Maharani Medicine Circles (Sedona, AZ / Hudson Valley, NY) – Not Recommended
- Details: 2–3 day retreats, 1–2 ceremonies, ~$900, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Female-led ayahuasca ceremonies with Eliana Maharani and Austin, max 10 people, focusing on integration.
- Good: Praised on safeceremonies.com for “life-changing” ceremonies, safe container, and community bonding.
- Sketchy: Reddit (r/AyaRetreats, 2024) reports 20+ testimonials alleging shamanic abuse by Eliana (2019–2024), including emotional manipulation and unsafe practices, causing psychological harm.
- Legal Status: Gray area, operates as a private retreat. Legal risks persist.
USA Connected Ayahuasca Retreats
11. Anima Institute (International)
- Details: 5–7 day retreats, breathwork and psilocybin focus, ~$1,999, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Integrative breathwork, psilocybin therapy, and voice workshops in varying locations (e.g., Netherlands). Unclear USA operations.
- Good: Guests praise “liberating” breathwork, safe psilocybin sessions, and voice liberation workshops.
- Bad: Limited data on consistency; facilitator credentials lack detailed lineage. Unclear if active in USA.
- Legal Status: Psilocybin is Schedule I in the USA; legal risks if offered there.
12. Ayahuasca Community Fellowship, Aya de La Vid (International)
- Details: 3–5 day retreats, ~$715, 4.3/5 (BestRetreats.co). Unclear USA specifics.
- What to Expect: Ceremonies in Cancún, Mexico, max 12 people, with a focus on “Ohana” community. USA operations.
- Good: Guests report “pure magic” ceremonies and a healing family vibe.
- Sketchy: A 2023 Tripadvisor review alleges theft (“stole my money,” called it a “scam”). Logistical issues (e.g., airport pickups) noted in 2021.
- Legal Status: Ayahuasca legal in Mexico; unclear in USA if offered.
13. SoulCentro Iboga Retreats (Paquera, Costa Rica)
- Details: 8-day iboga retreats, ~$5,500, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Bwiti iboga ceremonies with Chor and Elizabeth, in a jungle setting with private suites, gourmet meals, and medical support.
- Good: Praised for deep transformation, safe facilitation, and luxury accommodations.
- Sketchy: A 2024 guest death (cardiac arrest) led to halted operations (doubleblindmag.com). Reddit (r/iboga, 2024) alleges misconduct (not donating funds as promised).
- Legal Status: Iboga’s status unclear in Costa Rica; halted operations.
14. Origen Sagrada (San Roque, Colombia)
- Details: 3–5 day retreats, ~$550, 4.2/5 (BestRetreats.co).
- What to Expect: Ceremonies in a riverside Maloka with Putumayo elders, farm-fresh food, and a focus on pure medicine.
- Good: Praised for powerful ceremonies, supportive community, and authentic experience.
- Bad: U.S. operations lack legal protection; Colombia is safer legally.
- Legal Status: Ayahuasca legal in Colombia; risky in USA.
15. Heyoka Healing Journey (International)
- Details: 3–5 day retreats, ~$999, no rating (BestRetreats.co). Potentially closed.
- What to Expect: Blends ayahuasca with Native American practices in varying USA locations (CA, AZ).
- Good: Small groups (8–12) and unique ceremonial blend noted positively.
- Bad: Sparse reviews, unverified concerns about facilitator credentials (Reddit, May 2024). Potentially closed.
- Legal Status: Unclear; ayahuasca risky in USA.
How to Choose a Safe Retreat
- Verify Facilitators: Ensure lineage training (e.g., Shipibo, Kamentsa) and check reviews on AyaAdvisors or Reddit.
- Check Legal Status: Prioritize RFRA-protected churches or decriminalized areas.
- Demand Medical Screening: Avoid retreats without health checks—SSRIs, heart conditions, and psychosis are risks.
- Read Incident Reports: Look for red flags like deaths, misconduct, or closures.
Preparation and Risks
- Diet: Avoid alcohol, drugs, red meat, and caffeine 1–2 weeks prior.
- Health: No SSRIs (risk hypertensive crisis), benzos, or heart meds. Consult a doctor.
- Risks: A 2024 Journal of Psychopharmacology study notes rare psychosis risks. Fatalities have occurred at unregulated retreats (Vice, 2024).
Conclusion
Pachamama Sanctuary, Kamentsa Inga Church, and Ágape Church stand out for authenticity and safety, while Soul Quest, Maharani Medicine Circles, and Discover Iboga Church are just outright “Not Recommended” due to serious issues. Muaisa Hale Pule, Ayahuasca Community Fellowship, and SoulCentro also raise red flags—proceed with caution. Verify details directly and prioritize your safety.
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