10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats In Peru 2024 (Updated)

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We're so excited you've chosen to discover the life-changing world of Ayahuasca Retreats, and trusted us to guide you in some research as we dive into the 10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats In Peru for 2024. With an increasing interest in the healing power of psychedelics, Ayahuasca has garnered attention from researchers and seekers alike. As the psychedelic movement gains momentum, Peru has emerged as a sought-after destination for those seeking profound experiences with this sacred plant medicine. Amidst the plethora of choices available, it is essential to understand the various factors that contribute to a safe and transformative retreat. Join us on this journey as we explore the top Peru Ayahuasca Retreats for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

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Before we begin, we would like to stress the value of safety in any retreat you may partake in. For deeper insights into what makes up a safe and quality plant medicine retreat, check out the results from our recent plant medicine retreats survey.

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1. If you’d like a holistic understanding of your opportunities to improve your quality of life or if this is your first time with Ayahuasca, this short quiz will help you assess your level of mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness for this powerful and sensitive work.

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2. If you’d like to understand more about the nature of psychedelic healing work, human potential, and who and what you really are, watch the video below.

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Like most things in life, there are a broad variety of Ayahuasca retreat options, and a number of factors that effect the safety, quality, and the cost of an ayahuasca retreat that you may want to take into consideration:

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Safety: Many smaller operators are not in a position to invest in safety, but this is something you will want to prioritize. Choose a retreat that does in-depth screening to ensure your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.‍

Legality:  The best practitioners who have dedicated their lives to medicine work typically live in locations where it is legal. Seek out legitimate “above ground” operations to minimize stress and worry.).

‍Size of the group: The size of the group can significantly impact your ayahuasca journey. Larger retreats with 20, 50, or even 100 participants can feel chaotic and limit the personal attention you may receive from facilitators. To ensure a more intimate and focused experience, consider opting for a retreat with a smaller group of around 8 to 15 people.

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Length of the retreat: Rushing through the ayahuasca experience can hinder its profound effects. Instead of choosing shorter retreats with only a few nights, it's recommended to go for a more extended period, preferably at least a week. This will allow you the time needed for deeper exploration and healing.

Comfort: Opt for a retreat that prioritizes your physical comfort. Investing a little extra to have your own bedroom where you can decompress and integrate your experiences, especially if it's your first time, can make a significant difference. Your future self will thank you.

Cosmology: The energy, atmosphere, and worldview of the retreat center and ceremony leaders play a crucial role in your journey. Select a retreat that aligns with your own disposition. This alignment can enhance the profound effects of the ayahuasca experience.

Holistic approach: Choose an organization that embraces a holistic approach to working with ayahuasca medicine. Look for options that offer support and guidance for your mental and emotional evolution. Be cautious of providers who claim that the medicine alone will solve all your problems, as a comprehensive and holistic approach to healing is crucial.

Service: Prioritize a retreat center that caters to your individual needs. Consider whether they take the time to understand you and your intentions for the experience, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. A personalized approach can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your journey.

Booking process: Before finalizing your booking, make sure to speak with the retreat provider directly. Some centers do not connect with participants individually, which is not ideal. Direct communication helps ensure the best match for your needs.

Expertise: Seek out organizations that prioritize healing and possess a wide breadth of expertise to guide your transformation. Look for facilitators and healers who are positive, grounded, and have a genuine passion for their work.

Reputation: Take the time to research the reputation of the retreat provider. A quick Google search can reveal valuable insights and experiences shared by previous participants. This information can help you make an informed decision.

Ethical Treatment of Staff: Consider the treatment of staff by the retreat organization when choosing a center. Opt for organizations that value their staff and pay them fairly. A center that supports its team's well-being is more likely to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for your own transformational journey.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure a transformative and enriching ayahuasca retreat experience that aligns with your needs and aspirations. Remember, this powerful medicine requires careful consideration of the setting and support to unlock its full potential. If you're in a position to do so, you may also like to consider a private retreat.

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If our recommendations above feel aligned for you, and you'd like to explore a journey with Behold Retreats, apply below.

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Looking for a little more guidance for one of the most important decisions of your life? Watch this video.

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Psychedelics & Ayahuasca Ceremonies: The world is changing. Are you?

After nearly 6 decades of prohibition, psychedelics are coming back in a big way, with institutions such as the Imperial College in London, Johns Hopkins University, and Harvard studying, the antidepressant effects of psychedelics such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and the trauma healing power of Ayahuasca. These studies have shown the potential of psychedelics to help with a variety of mental health concerns, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, addiction, depression, and recurrent negative behaviors.

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What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a South American ancestral medicine from the Amazon, revered as one of the most precious gifts from Mother Earth. The healing that can be found during a plant medicine ceremony on one of the many Peru ayahuasca retreats available can be positively life-changing, and as the psychedelic movement grows in popularity, the range of options available when it comes to choosing a retreat can make the process a bit overwhelming. This abundance of options can lead to "analysis paralysis", causing us to either give up, or choose a retreat impulsively. Choosing a place to have your experience may be one the most important decisions you'll ever make, and it's important to choose your retreat with diligence and care.

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Thinking of Choosing one of these Peru Ayahuasca Retreats?

Before committing to a retreat, we highly recommend you do your research and come well prepared.

Ayahuasca is not a party drug. It is an incredibly strong psychedelic substance with hallucinogenic properties that will send you on an all-night journey into the depths of your consciousness.

Disclaimer! It is important that those on prescription medications are monitored by doctors or similar professionals before any ayahuasca ingestion, for safety purposes. There are many drugs and medications that are contraindicated with ayahuasca and can be very dangerous. Always seek medical advice before undertaking any healing modality.

Ayahuasca, which contains the powerful psychedelic DMT (the “spirit molecule”), was first formulated by Indigenous South Americans of the Amazon basin, and is now used in many parts of the world along with other psychedelics such as San Pedro and Peyote. This psychedelic brew is made by brewing leaves from the Chacruna plant (psychotria viridis) and banisteriopsis caapi vine, and is used in Indigenous communities for ceremonies led by a shamanic guide. 

Ayahuasca is legally used in Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Brazil, where ayahuasca shamanism finds its roots. In the USA, and most of the world, Ayahuasca is not legal, although there have been religious exceptions to use ayahuasca as a sacred sacrament in Brazilian ayahuasca churches such as Santo Daime. We strongly recommend you proceed only where legal and safe.

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The Ayahuasca Healing Experience

Andean shamans typically guide the Ayahuasca sessions in spiritual retreats in sacred places in Peru as an ancient healing practice.

Cusco (Cuzco) is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Andes Mountains, South America, and is a popular destination for ayahuasca tourists seeking a more spiritual travel experience in Peru, well known for ayahuasca ceremonies and retreats.

But buyer beware! - As Ayahuasca has gained much popularity in the West, Ayahuasca tourism is booming and there are many people taking advantage of this business opportunity without your safety and well-being in mind, claiming to be an 'Ayahuasca Shaman' with no proper experience.

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If you're ready for a big shift in your life, want to be guided by experts, and you're committed to doing the necessary mental and emotional work, apply for a free consultation here.

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UPDATE: As Peru continues to crack down on illegal retreat centers, many are considering Costa Rica and Mexico instead.

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Top 10 Ayahuasca Peru Retreats in or near Peru:

1. Behold Retreats Ayahuasca Retreat, Costa Rica

While not in Peru itself, Behold Retreats hosts world-class Ayahuasca retreats in nearby Costa Rica. Behold Retreats will facilitate a bespoke healing Ayahuasca Journey for you, tailoring to your personal needs and preferences. We believe this experience to be one that most people call "the most transformative experience of their lives" therefore we highly recommend going with the best care.

Behold also works with 5-Meo-DMT (Bufo) in Mexico and Portugal, and Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) in Costa Rica.

Their expert staff will help you determine if you would like to have traditional ayahuasca ceremonies led by an indigenous shaman or Shipibo maestro, or if you would rather experience a modern, Western approach. Additionally, you will be able to request various healing modalities, such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, energy work, a flower bath, and body work, as well as a special plant diet based on your needs. 

With a core group of high-quality healers and facilitators, all of whom have been leading ayahuasca ceremonies for decades, and world-class medical protocols and screening processes adopted from expert advisors and research institutions, you are sure to be in the best hands possible.

What makes Behold Retreats stand out further is their one-of-a-kind, 7-week Ayahuasca retreat program designed to elevate your consciousness. The program entails 3 weeks of remote coaching before your ceremony and 3 weeks post-retreat for integration, and will help you to release lower-level emotions and energy blockages, free yourself from limiting beliefs, enhance your meta-cognition and mindfulness, and embody your future self. They also are one of the few who faciliate only small group ceremonies, which is pivotal to your safety.

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Apply for a free consultation here.

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2.  Private Ayahuasca Retreat, Costa Rica

We would like once again to just stress the importance of legality. Hence we are putting a private option within Costa Rica as our second choice.

If you’re looking to have the ultimate spiritual healing journey, you want to consider attending a private Ayahuasca experience. The deepest and most profound healing can be achieved working one on one with a healer.

You can find an Ayahuasca Shaman or Facilitators who are experts in not only Ayahuasca medicine, but also the master Ayahuasca dieta to enrich your experience further, or even combine it with a yoga retreat. 

We recommend enlisting guidance from a company such as Behold Retreats for your ayahuasca experience, who curates private retreats with top-quality facilitators, healers, coaches and therapists to assist  you in elevating your consciousness.

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3. Gaia Tree Center Ayahuasca Retreat Peru

Gaia Tree Center is a trusted Ayahuasca center located near the city of Iquitos in Peru, offering traditional shamanic healing with plant medicine during immersive retreats with a native shaman. At the same time, they are supported by Western therapeutics and Eastern psycho-spiritual modalities, with a focus on integration.  

Their retreats include either a 7 or 10 day journey with special meditations, an optional Kambo ceremony, and guided jungle excursions. For your benefit, they keep their ceremonies with Ayahuasca limited to a maximum of 12 people.  Their healing retreats are led by several indigenous Shipibo healers, with a reputation as masters of Ayahuasca. Enjoy the beautiful ritual of Icaro (medicine song) and dive deep into your journey.

If you’re up for an adventure, they have a 3-week journey that will take you deep into the jungle and to the heights of the Andes mountains in Peru. Get ready for a spiritual awakening and deep healing with this sacred plant medicine, as this ayahuasca retreat program will help you experience a deeper connection with the native land and shamanic traditions of Peru. 

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4.  Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat Peru  

This spiritual healing retreat works with both Ayahuasca and San Pedro, guided by authentic shamans with over 100 years of extensive shamanic healing knowledge. You will receive personal shamanic treatments during your ayahuasca ceremony, as well as two healing plant baths and a Pulsario treatment. 

Their ayahuasca brew is unique, as they include the heart-opening medical plant Bobinsana. Their program is a 15 day journey, one you only find at intensive ayahuasca healing retreats, and is designed for you to go into deep healing. 

Your room will overlook the jungle, and you will have the opportunity to visit the Belen Market, Monkey Island, the village of the Yagua Indians, the Lupuna tree, take a boat trip to the Amazon river, and visit local Peruvian jungle villages. 

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So many beautiful options!

If you're looking for a holistic, modern approach to plant medicine with world-class guidance and facilitation, and you're ready to do the mental and emotional work required to get the benefits, apply for a free consultation here.

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5. Pachamama Temple Ayahuasca Retreat Peru

At this Traditional Ayahuasca Healing Center, located in Pucallpa, Peru, you will be lead by an experienced team who work with the traditional plants of the Amazon Rainforest to bring healing and happiness, on either a 7 or 12 day ayahuasca retreat. 

In the Pachamama Temple, they run their ayahuasca ceremonies in a slightly unconventional way, as the maestros have the freedom to conduct the ceremonies and adjust their Icaros according to the needs of the group or individual. In addition to the Shaman, there are facilitators trained in psychotherapy to help guide you during your healing ceremony and during integration circles. 

Their ayahuasca brew is made the traditional way, from only the Ayahuasca vine and the Chacruna plant. While the attraction of the deep jungle nature is not fully present at this retreat center, you will have the opportunity to explore Pucallpa and surrounding villages and to learn about the Shipibo culture through classes on arts, crafts, language, and history. 

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6. Flower of Life Ayahuasca Retreat Peru

Located in the Amazon Rainforest, in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, you will find this Ayahuasca Retreat center right on the river. Their ceremonies are led by Shipibo Maestros with over 30 years of experience, and include a San Pedro ceremony.  They also work with a Kokáma curandero (native healer) and tabaquero, who will provide plant remedies as needed and do work helping clear people with the Master plant Tobacco. 

You will spend 8 days in their Ecolodge in either a cottage with a private bathroom or shared dormitory style accommodation. Your retreat will include 4 ayahuasca ceremonies, daily floral baths, 1 steam bath with medicinal plants, and boat ride and swim with pink dolphins. 

They are also very focused on dietary health, with green juices and superfoods provided, catering to vegan and vegetarian diets. A portion of their earnings help support native communities of Peru, including the Shipibo and Kokama communities, and projects in the Amazon Jungle.

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7. Nimea Kaya Ayahuasca Retreat Peru 

This retreat center is located on 25 acres of land in the lowland jungles of the Amazon, about an hour flight away from the city of Lima, Peru, offering 8-9 day ayahuasca retreats guided by Shipibo Healers, known as Curanderos. 

Their ayahuasca tea is made on-site with no admixtures, just the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and chacruna leaves, and guests even have the opportunity to to assist in the brewing process, and to drink the medicine they helped to brew. 

Their ceremony space is situated in the midst of beautiful native plants and trees to help you connect with Mother Earth, with a maximum of 16 retreat participants. With your safety in mind, they always have a minimum of five staff members, in addition to the Shipibo healers, during ceremonies. 

After every ceremony you will have a chance to share your experience with other guests during their integration circles, as well as one on one support from staff members. Accommodations range from shared tambos, to private suites with balconies or patio decks for those looking for more intimate spaces.

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8. Ayahuasca Foundation Ayahuasca Retreat Peru 

If you’re looking for a more luxury ayahuasca retreat experience, this place is for you. Located in the heart of 120,000 acres of pristine rainforest in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve, on the bank of the Nanay river, you will find this ayahuasca retreat center and research center.  Accommodations include comfortable private rooms with full electricity and ensuite bathrooms, personal fans, river-view balcony and hammock deck, as well as a massage room, yoga studio, and activity rooms. 

Programs are either 8 days, 2, 3, or 4 weeks long, and are facilitated by bi-lingual apprentices who can offer complimentary treatments such as yoga, mediation, breathwork, massage, and counseling. The ceremonies are intimate, with a maximum of 12 participants, and led by Shipibo Curanderos who are also experts in master plant dietas. 

Additional healing treatments include plant baths, vapor baths, smoke baths, inhalants, purgatives, the plant dieta, and internal or topical medicinal plant treatments with sacred medicine such as the coca leaf . There are also many recreational options for explorers, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and ethno-botanical walks. 

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9. Caya Shobo Ayahuasca Retreat Peru

Caya Shoco offers intensive ayahuasca healing retreats in accordance with the traditional Shipibo healing method at their beautiful Amazon rainforest sanctuary near Iquitos, Peru. 

This special ayahuasca diet retreat is hosted by the founders Miguel and Becky, and attended by Shipibo maestros as well as other experienced facilitators from the Caya Shobo community. In addition to the 8 ayahuasca ceremonies you will attend on this retreat, you will also have a personally prescribed plant dieta treatment. 

The Shipibo Tribal Council has officially endorsed this retreat center for the authenticity and expertise of their master Onayna healers (maestra Onanya, maestro Onanya) and for the quality of their in-house ayahuasca brew. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands, not only with the maestros but with their team of western facilitators who carry extensive knowledge of Amazonian shamanic plant medicine.

Retreats are limited to a maximum of 20 participants and accommodation consists of personal tamobos or shared double rooms. Integration support is available during the retreat, as well as after, to help you harness the continuous healing benefits of the sacred plants. 

Unique to this retreat center, they offer a sacred plant medicine for women healing retreat, guided by Shipibo Maestras and female facilitators, creating a space for powerful transformation through women supporting women.

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10. Blue Morpho Ayahuasca Retreat Peru

The Blue Morpho Jungle Lodge is located near the Itaya River in the Peruvian Amazon, surrounded by lush, vibrant rainforest on 180 acres of private reserve. Their staff have been guiding plant medicine and healing ceremonies for over 45 years with Mother ayahuasca. 

This private and personalized experience is guided by one of the most powerful healers in the Ucayali River region. As a Master shaman, Alberto has led over 5000 scared plant ceremonies, and specializes in ayahuasca, sanango, and amazonian trees. 

The modern lodge has a massive network of hiking trails, isolated meditation bungalows, beautiful gardens, a large deck and swimming pool, private lake and lake house, ceremonial house, library, private guest bungalows and villas. 

Common areas with wifi give space for recreation, discussions, art, yoga, and relaxation, and you will be treated to meals prepared by specially trained chefs. You will also have the chance to experience san pedro, sanango, and the ayahuasca plant dieta. 

Want to know the right questions to ask to help you select a great retreat? Check out our free guide here.‍

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Want to know the right questions to ask to help you select a great retreat? Check out our free guide here.

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Machu Picchu Ayahuasca

If you are looking to combine ayahuasca ceremony with a tour of Machu Pichu, there are some retreat centers who might offer a guided tour or trek through part of the Inca trail such as Arkana Spiritual Center.

Immerse yourself in a mystical tour through sacred sites of the Inca, including the mountain Huayna Picchu, and explore the towns of Ollantaytambo, Aguas Caliente, Pisac, Iquitos, Urubamba, and Puerto Maldonado. Get to know the indigenous people and culture of the region while you're on this incredible pilgrimage.

Good to know: Many people experience altitude sickness while climbing the Inca Trail or visiting Machu Picchu because of the high altitude. You may even feel the effects when arriving at Cusco. It is recommended to spend a few days resting in Cusco to get acclimatized before trekking or going on an intensive ayahuasca retreat. Coca leaves are also known to help with relieving symptoms of altitude sickness.

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Ayahuasca Lima

You can also find Ayahuasca retreats in the country's capital, Lima. Although we don't recommend combining an evening out in the Barranco district enjoying spicy food and a pisco sour with ayahuasca consumption - in fact that would be possibly quite dangerous.

If you are hoping to stay near Lima, or a commercial city, you may be able to find indigenous groups in the nearby jungle city Tarapoto for your ayahuasca ceremony. The cloud forest provides a bit more space for quiet contemplation and meditation outside the big city.

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Still Need Help Choosing an Authentic Retreat?

We would be honored to guide you in choosing the best ayahuasca retreat for your needs. Whether you decide to undergo your shamanic retreat with us, or with another leading retreat center such as soltara healing center or gaia sagrada, we are here for a free consultation to help you on your way. Behold Retreats coordinates expertly guided retreats with ayahuasca, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo Alvarius) with highly experienced facilitators. Reach out to us to set up a complimentary discovery call and we can point you in the right direction.

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5-MeO-DMT in Tepoztlan, Mexico

Ayahuasca in Costa Rica

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