What to Expect at an Ayahuasca Retreat: A Beginner’s Guide for 2025

If you’re planning your first ayahuasca retreat, you likely have questions like:

• “What actually happens during an ayahuasca ceremony?”
• “How do I prepare for the experience?”
• “Is it safe to do ayahuasca for the first time?”

This beginner-friendly guide walks you through every stage of the ayahuasca retreat experience—from preparation and ceremony to integration—based on insights from seasoned facilitators, real participant reports, and trusted retreat directories.

At Best Retreats, we help you make informed, safe choices with 350+ unfiltered listings, exclusive risk reports, and detailed bios of verified facilitators. Here’s what to expect if you’re considering attending your first retreat in 2025.

🧘‍♀️ Before the Retreat: How to Prepare Safely

Most retreat centers require participants to follow a “dieta” or preparation plan at least 1–3 weeks before arrival. This phase is essential for both physical readiness and emotional clarity.

Key preparation steps:

• Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and processed foods
• Avoid medications (especially antidepressants, SSRIs, benzodiazepines) — consult a medical professional
• Set clear intentions for what you hope to gain from the experience
• Disclose medical history honestly on intake forms

💡 Use Best Retreats’ free “Am I Ready for Ayahuasca?” checklist to assess medical and emotional readiness.

🌿 Arrival at the Retreat Center: Environment and Orientation

When you arrive, expect to be welcomed into a nature-rich setting—many retreats are in the Amazon, Andes, or jungle environments.

What happens on arrival:

• Group orientation about the schedule and ceremony structure
• Introductions to the shaman or facilitator (check their credentials in the listing bio)
• Review of safety protocols and emergency support
• Assignment of accommodations (e.g., shared cabins, hammocks, or private huts)

🔍 If something feels off, Best Retreats allows participants to report incidents anonymously to help future travelers.

🌌 During the Ceremony: What It’s Really Like

Ayahuasca ceremonies are often held at night in a maloka (a round ceremonial hut) with dim lighting and a tranquil atmosphere.

Ceremony Structure:

• Setting: You’ll sit or lie on a mat with a bucket (purging is common and not considered negative).
• The Brew: A small cup of bitter ayahuasca, brewed from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis.
• The Effects: Start within 30–60 minutes and can last 4–6 hours. Expect:
  • Visuals (colors, patterns, visions)
  • Deep emotional waves or memories resurfacing
  • Physical sensations (nausea, shaking, euphoria)

Role of the Shaman:

• The shaman may guide the experience using icaros (sacred healing songs) and energy work.
• Trained facilitators are on hand to offer comfort, guidance, or support if participants struggle.

📊 According to ICEERS, 85% of participants feel significantly safer with experienced facilitators present. Always verify facilitator credentials before booking.

🌄 After the Ceremony: Integration and Emotional Processing

The morning after often brings a mix of emotions—relief, peace, or mental fatigue. The integration phase is where meaning is made and long-term growth begins.

Common post-ceremony elements:

• Group sharing circles to discuss the experience
• Journaling, meditation, or nature walks
• Optional 1-on-1 integration support

🔗 Best Retreats recommends exploring other educational resources like the Chacruna Institute for deeper integration insights.

⚠️ Common Risks and How to Stay Safe

While ayahuasca has therapeutic potential, it carries risks—especially in unregulated or unscreened environments.

Potential risks include:

• Psychological distress (panic attacks, trauma resurfacing)
• Medical emergencies due to medication interactions
• Unsafe retreat practices (lack of screening or emergency care)

How to avoid these dangers:

• Book only retreats with verified medical screening and emergency protocols
• Read real participant reviews and incident reports
• Avoid retreats that offer vague answers about facilitator training

🧠 Best Retreats includes safety data, risk transparency, and links to all information on centers to help you avoid red flags.

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🌍 Ready to Explore Trusted Ayahuasca Retreats?

Finding the right retreat can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to guess. Use our curated listings to compare ayahuasca retreats around the world—with filters for safety features, location, facilitator experience, and more.

✅ Over 350+ retreat listings
✅ Risk reports and full bios
✅ Free readiness tools and safety resources

🧭 Start your journey with confidence. Browse ayahuasca retreats now .