Atmosphere

Features

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

Psycho Travels operates ayahuasca ceremonies in Guarne, Colombia, located 45 minutes from Medellín. The retreat is led by Antonio Benavides, a shaman with over 42 years of experience from Putumayo in the Colombian Amazon.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Forested mountainous area in Guarne, 37-38 kilometers from Medellín, offering both outdoor forest settings and covered areas near campfires for ceremonies.
• Approach: Day ceremonies from 8am-4pm with groups of 6-8 participants, led by experienced Amazonian shaman with Western medical supervision available throughout
• Suitable For: First-time participants and those seeking emotional healing with integration support, particularly suited for those preferring accessibility over remote jungle locations
• Costs: Pricing varies from approximately $200-$2000 depending on duration and support level, with shuttle service available for additional $10
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: B (notable for experienced shaman and medical supervision, some concerns about limited online presence verification).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Website testimonials describe transformative experiences with participants praising the gentleness and guidance of facilitators Orion and the shaman Antonio (Taita). Guests frequently mention feeling safe and supported throughout their journeys, with multiple visitors returning for additional ceremonies. Reviews emphasize the love and care received from the team, with participants describing life-changing experiences and successful integration processes. The presence of medical staff during ceremonies receives positive mentions, contributing to participants’ sense of security. Many testimonials highlight the intimate group size and personalized attention as significant factors in their healing experiences.

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, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no safety incidents were found.

• Theft: No reports of theft or financial misconduct found across checked platforms and sources.
• Sexual Misconduct: No allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior found in available sources.
• Crime: No criminal charges, arrests, or legal issues found in public records or online discussions.

Limited presence on major review platforms and Reddit discussions may indicate either newer operations or smaller scale, making comprehensive verification challenging.

New update as of March 2026: No new incidents reported.

🔍 Critical Notes

The retreat operates with experienced leadership, featuring a shaman with over four decades of Amazon training and Western medical supervision during ceremonies. Their day ceremony schedule (8am-4pm) differs from traditional nighttime practices but aligns with their stated preference for solar energy healing. The location offers convenience being close to Medellín while maintaining a natural forest setting. However, the retreat has limited presence on major review platforms outside their own website, making independent verification of claims challenging. The operation appears smaller-scale compared to major retreat centers, which could be either beneficial for intimacy or concerning for oversight. Colombia’s legal framework for ayahuasca in ceremonial contexts provides regulatory protection.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

The retreat implements medical screening protocols, advising against participation for individuals with psychosis, schizophrenia, epilepsy, heart conditions, recent surgeries, or other serious health concerns. Women during menstrual cycles are also advised not to participate. They provide access to a Western-trained doctor through WhatsApp for pre-ceremony health consultations and medication interaction reviews. As with all psychedelic experiences, individuals should consult with qualified healthcare providers familiar with ayahuasca before participation, particularly those with mental health conditions or taking medications.

🧪 Brew Substance

The retreat uses authentic ayahuasca prepared from fresh chacruna leaves (Psychotria viridis) and Banisteriopsis caapi vine, not pre-made mixtures or imported brews. They also offer rapé, sacred Amazonian plants known for spiritual and consciousness-enhancing effects. Their website notes that their Yagé is stronger than that used in many other retreats.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Colombia: Located in the mountainous region of Antioquia, Colombia, near Medellín – known for its year-round spring-like climate and lush Andean landscapes
• Setting: The retreat takes place in Guarne, a forested area just 38 kilometers (45 minutes) from Medellín. The facility offers options to ceremony in a South American forest setting or under covered areas near campfires
• Style: Ceremonies run during daytime hours from 8am to 4pm, as the shaman prefers working with solar energy rather than nighttime energy. First ayahuasca cup is served at 9:15am, with optional second cup at 12:30pm. Activities include integration sessions, energy cleansing with guayra plant, and evening bonfire gatherings

Practical guidance: Shuttle service available from Medellín for $10, with pickup at 7:30am. The retreat’s proximity to Medellín provides easy airport access via José María Córdova International Airport. Booking appears to be through WhatsApp contact or website inquiry rather than online reservation system

Should You Book?

This retreat may suit those seeking an authentic ayahuasca experience with experienced shamanic guidance while maintaining accessibility to urban amenities. The day ceremony schedule and small group size appeal to first-time participants or those preferring less intense settings than remote jungle locations. However, individuals seeking extensive online reviews, larger established operations, or nighttime traditional ceremonies should consider alternatives. The limited independent verification of operations may concern travelers prioritizing thoroughly documented safety records.

The Team & Story

Antonio Benavides leads ceremonies with over 42 years of ayahuasca experience, born in Putumayo Northeast Amazon in southern Colombia, who decided to leave the jungle to bring his teachings to the city. Orion Scalaberni serves as facilitator and integrator, working closely with the shaman and providing ongoing guidance to participants. The team describes themselves as a professional group with over 25 years of collective expertise in ayahuasca healing arts.

Prep & Integration Tips

Pre-ceremony preparation includes dietary guidelines and medication interaction screening through their WhatsApp consultation process. Integration support features post-ceremony reflection sessions, energy cleansing rituals with guayra plant, and evening bonfire gatherings for processing experiences. The retreat emphasizes ongoing integration work, with facilitators available for continued guidance after participants return home.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Booking appears to be handled through WhatsApp contact at +573003875253 or through the website inquiry system. Two-day retreats are recommended for deeper healing work, with shuttle service and integration support included.