LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Colombia

If you are considering ayahuasca in Colombia, LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat has operated near Fredonia, about an hour from Medellín, facilitating plant medicine sessions in a mountain setting. The not-for-profit center supports participants with authentic ceremonies led by Taita Fernando Jojoa of the Inga tribe, emphasizing integration for lasting change. Offerings include 4- to 18-day retreats with 2-10 ceremonies, priced from $545, blending ancestral wisdom with yoga and meditation. It is worth noting the serene landscape and strong community vibe, with glowing 5-star reviews for profound healing, though minor logistical critiques like food portions exist, without major safety issues reported as of August 2025.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: A tranquil property near Fredonia, Antioquia, Colombia, with mountain views and jungle-like serenity for immersive healing, an hour from Medellín International Airport.
• Approach: Inga-led ancestral ceremonies using ayahuasca, with small groups and additions like guided meditation, word circles, and optional tobacco ceremonies or massages.
• Suitable For: Those seeking authentic Indigenous experiences or preferring supportive, community-focused settings in Colombia, with feedback highlighting value for emotional breakthroughs and spiritual growth.
• Costs: From $545 for 4-day (2 ceremonies) to higher for 18-day (10 ceremonies) retreats, covering meals, lodging (shared rooms or private cabins), integration; flexible scheduling.
• Overall Assessment: Strong on authenticity and integration, with minor logistical room for improvement. Directory evaluation: B+ (notable for not-for-profit ethos, opportunities in food consistency).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Participants in LaWayra ayahuasca sessions in Colombia frequently highlight powerful ceremonies, with 2024-2025 reviews noting profound, life-altering experiences guided by Taita Fernando’s masterful icaros and music. The caring community draws praise, with accounts on Retreat.guru and Google emphasizing warm, family-like support fostering trust, averaging 5/5 from hundreds of reviews. Experiences include the stunning location near Medellín, with mountain settings grounding spiritual journeys, and integration focus ensuring lasting impact, though some note small food portions or basic amenities. Aggregated from various entries: Strong on healing, slightly mixed on logistics.

We encourage sharing your perspective through our submission form to maintain current insights.

🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca and r/Psychonaut, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no confirmed cases of theft, sexual misconduct, or criminal activity directly connected to LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia have emerged.

• Theft: Public forums, ICEERS data, and news searches reveal no accounts of stolen belongings or valuables at LaWayra plant medicine ceremonies.
• Sexual Misconduct: Searches across Reddit, Facebook, news databases, and ICEERS show no complaints, allegations, or legal issues involving LaWayra staff or guides in ayahuasca sessions. While broader ayahuasca retreat risks exist, no LaWayra-specific cases were documented.
• Crime: No arrests, police involvement, or violence linked to LaWayra appears in Google News, Colombian media, retreat forums, or ICEERS documentation.

That said, a 2023 Reddit post mentioned severe nausea from strict diets, and some 2024 reviews noted logistical hiccups like small food portions or basic shared rooms, though no formal harm escalated. LaWayra’s online reputation remains clean with 5/5 ratings, alongside general ayahuasca hazards like psychological strain in unregulated environments noted in ICEERS studies. No publicly available reports of additional incidents exist.

New update as of August 2025: Recent Retreat.guru and AyaAdvisors reviews from July 2025 praise authentic, safe facilitation with no new concerns, though a forum post noted occasional water pressure issues not impacting ceremonies.

🔍 Critical Notes

LaWayra’s ayahuasca programs in Colombia seek to provide meaningful transformation through Inga-led frameworks and group support. Positive aspects include word circles and integration workshops that assist in applying insights to daily life, with Taita Fernando’s icaros fostering deep connection. However, considerations include the 2023 nausea from strict diets potentially amplifying discomfort, minor logistical critiques like food portions or shared room basics, and no on-site medical staff beyond facilitators, which could heighten risks during ceremonies. LaWayra is notorious for large ceremonies, sometimes rumored up to 35 people. Regulatory contexts: Colombia permits plant medicine with variable oversight, but Fredonia’s rural setting adds isolation. Direct confirmation of dietary protocols, facilitator expertise like Taita Fernando’s lineage, and emergency measures is advisable, given occasional reports of logistics in similar Antioquia retreats.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

For LaWayra ayahuasca retreats in Colombia, screening involves a questionnaire assessing medications, health conditions, and intentions, with strict guidelines on avoiding contraindicated drugs like SSRIs or blood pressure meds. Preparation encompasses a 2-4 week diet avoiding alcohol, marijuana, and tyramine-rich foods, complemented by post-session integration through word circles and optional massages. Reports indicate thorough vetting, but general ayahuasca research suggests approximately 55 percent of participants encounter transient challenges like heightened anxiety, particularly without sufficient groundwork. For individuals addressing trauma, benefits may include emotional reconnection, yet avoidance is recommended for those on certain medications due to interaction risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential prior to engaging in ayahuasca sessions in Fredonia, Colombia.

🧪 Brew Substance

LaWayra employs traditional ayahuasca, prepared by Taita Fernando with ancestral Inga methods, forming a preparation rooted in cultural wisdom for profound effects on body, mind, and spirit. Participants report it facilitates deep catharsis with emotional and visionary insights, while add-ons like tobacco ceremonies enhance grounding. Supplementary elements like icaros and guided meditation aid therapeutic processes. Those expecting conventional potency should align with preferences for plant medicine engagements in Colombia, noting the emphasis on pure, additive-free brews.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Colombia: Situated near Fredonia, Antioquia, an hour from Medellín, the venue provides a serene mountain setting with jungle-like grounds conducive to quiet ceremonies. View retreat location.
• Setting: Immersed in peaceful landscapes with pools and nature trails for reflection and reconnection.
• Style: Emphasizes Inga ancestral elements with inclusions like yoga, meditation, word circles, and spiritual cleanses. Large ceremonies. Group interactions promote trust, incorporating traditional icaros without dependency.

Practical guidance: Arrive via Medellín International Airport (Jose Maria Cordoba); free pickup from Medellín at this spot at 1:50 PM, or $75 private airport transport; stay options like Casa Clandestina Guest House (+57 312 7659066) available; advance reservations suggested for 2025.

Should You Book?

LaWayra presents a viable option for ayahuasca retreats in Colombia, particularly for those valuing authentic Inga-led ceremonies and community support over luxury. With high satisfaction from attendees rating it 5/5 for profound outcomes and caring teams, it suits exploration of healing or purpose. Nevertheless, if robust amenities or medical oversight are priorities, minor logistical critiques like food portions warrant review. Should preparation and integration align with your needs, it may prove beneficial; thorough evaluation is recommended. Book Ayahuasca Retreat.

The Team & Story

Initiated by Taita Fernando Jojoa and Sam (retreat founder), LaWayra originated from a not-for-profit vision of sharing Inga ancestral medicine for transformation. The team includes experienced facilitators and a kitchen crew, oriented toward empathetic assistance. The narrative centers on fostering inner peace through pure medicine, influencing programs that support lasting change and community giving. The approach prioritizes guidance, with skills in icaros and integration circles.

Prep & Integration Tips

Prior to participation: Start 2-4 weeks out with an MAOI-compatible diet (no alcohol, marijuana, tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese); disclose all medications, especially SSRIs or blood pressure drugs, via questionnaire. Bring comfortable attire, electrolyte drinks, jacket, swim gear, hygiene items, and cash for extras. Following: Document reflections in integration journals, engage in word circles, or arrange professional support. Effective integration sustains benefits; avoid abrupt returns to routine activities and stressful environments. Consider post-retreat coworking.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings are managed through LaWayra’s platform; consult their schedule for details. Colombia programs: 4-day (2 ceremonies) from $545, 7-day (4 ceremonies), 11-day (6 ceremonies), or 18-day (10 ceremonies), encompassing ceremonies, nutrition, lodging, and supportive activities. Book Ayahuasca Retreat.

See more in The Complete List of Ayahuasca Retreats in Colombia