If you’re researching ayahuasca retreats, you’ve probably seen glowing reviews, dreamy jungle photos, and spiritual testimonials. But very few of these sites or influencers mention the unspoken truth: people have died at ayahuasca retreats.
This isn’t about fear. It’s about informed consent. This guide breaks down what really causes these deaths, the patterns behind them, and how you can stay safe by asking the right questions and choosing the right retreat.
⚠️ Who This Guide Is For
- First-time ayahuasca seekers wondering, “How risky is this really?”
- Seasoned travelers looking to verify a retreat’s reputation
- Anyone who wants to avoid unsafe centers that hide behind fake reviews
📍 Yes – Ayahuasca Retreat Deaths Are Real (and Underreported)
Deaths linked to ayahuasca are rare but real. These aren’t urban legends or internet rumors – they’re documented cases that often never appear on the retreat’s website or Google page.
Here are just a few:
- 2012 | Iquitos, Peru
Kyle Nolan, a U.S. traveler, died at a popular retreat. The staff buried his body and continued accepting guests. His family uncovered the truth only after flying to Peru. - 2015 | Pisac, Peru
A Canadian man was killed during ceremony by another participant who claimed he was “possessed.” No onsite security. No mental health screening. - 2018 | Ecuador
A New Zealander collapsed during a ceremony involving ayahuasca and tobacco purging. The center had no medical support. - 2020 | Bolivia
A young French woman died after a ceremony. The center blamed dehydration. Her family blamed negligence. - 2021–2025 | Ongoing Reports
Multiple reports on Reddit and Quora mention deaths, psychotic breaks, or people going missing. Most are never covered by mainstream news or listed in reviews.
💀 Why Do These Deaths Happen? Root Causes
There’s rarely a single reason – but most cases involve a mix of medical, psychological, and operational failures:
1. 🚫 Medical Contraindications
- Mixing MAOI-containing brew with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)
- Undiagnosed heart conditions or epilepsy
- No medical intake or screening forms
2. 🚨 Operational Negligence
- No trained staff or emergency protocol
- No access to nearby hospitals or defibrillators
- Poor participant-to-facilitator ratio (25+ people, 1–2 staff)
3. 💸 Profit Over Safety
- Promises of “miraculous healing” with zero oversight
- Retreats that combine multiple plant medicines (Kambo, Bufo, San Pedro) in a short window
- Failure to disclose prior incidents or fatalities
📰 What the Media – and Retreats – Won’t Tell You
Mainstream media usually swings to extremes:
- Sensationalism: “Jungle drug kills tourist.”
- Dismissal: “It’s just a trend for spiritual influencers.”
Neither is useful. What you need is honest, balanced reporting – something many centers actively avoid.
Most retreats:
- Don’t disclose past deaths or injuries
- Aren’t medical facilities – so there’s no liability
- Cherry-pick reviews or curate their TripAdvisor profile
- Use fake testimonials or social media influencers to bury negative posts
This is why Best Retreats was created: to track incidents, safety alerts, and guest-submitted red flags across platforms.
🧠 Questions to Ask Before You Book
If a center is truly safe, they’ll answer transparently. Here’s what to ask:
- Has anyone ever died, been hospitalized, or had a serious reaction at this retreat?
- What happens if there’s a medical emergency during ceremony?
- Are facilitators trained in CPR and psychological first aid?
- Do you screen for medications and mental health conditions?
- Is there a clinic or hospital nearby? Do you have a relationship with them?
If a center gets defensive or evasive: walk away.
🛡️ How Safe Retreats Operate
Look for centers that:
- Require comprehensive intake forms
- Maintain small group sizes (under 15)
- Have a clear emergency plan
- Offer aftercare or integration calls
- Publicly acknowledge past incidents and how they’ve improved
Transparency = Trust.
🧾 Final Thought: Informed = Empowered
Deaths at ayahuasca retreats are rare, but not random. They happen in predictable environments – ones that cut corners, skip screenings, or overpromise transformation.
Don’t let marketing erase reality. The right retreat can change your life. The wrong one can ruin it.
Use Best Retreats to research safely. Our listings include:
- Guest comments across the internet
- Public safety alerts
- Incident patterns
- Red flags never shown on review sites
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