An Ayahuasca retreat could be the best experience of your life, or it could leave you worse off, confused, or traumatized.
Your outcome depends upon 3 things: your readiness, preparation, and your ability to choose a high-quality retreat.
Introduction
If you’re reading this, you probably feel the pull towards a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth – but most likely you also might not know exactly where to begin. Ayahuasca retreats offer a unique opportunity to uncover the deepest parts of your consciousness and launch healing. As plant medicine becomes increasingly recognized for its potential to address mental health issues and enhance overall well-being, finding the right retreat is crucial. This guide presents the top 10 Ayahuasca Retreats in the UK (and nearby) for 2024, ensuring you choose a safe, supportive, and transformative experience.
Psychedelic drugs (or plant medicines as we prefer to call them) have gained recognition for their potential in addressing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression through the ceremonial uses of Ayahuasca and other medicinal plants like Psilocybin and Bufo (DMT). By combining the Ayahuasca ceremony with sacred spiritual practices, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and even healing massage, participants reach profoundly altered states of consciousness, generating potentially life-changing insight, when integrated properly. The profound Ayahuasca experience is guided by shamans, healers, and facilitators, who will also help with this Integration following your meeting with Mother Ayahuasca.
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 Cost of an Ayahuasca Retreat.
Table of Contents
- Mental and Spiritual Readiness Quiz (optional but highly encouraged)
- 11 Tips for choosing the safe and transformative Ayahuasca Retreat in UK
- 10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats UK (or close by)
- Conclusion
Mental & Spiritual Readiness
The outcome of a person’s retreat depends upon 3 things: their readiness, their preparation, and their ability to select a high-quality, safe, and transformation retreat.
- To understand more about the Ayahuasca plant and the Ayahuasca Experience, and to prepare for a retreat, check out our guide.
If you’re feeling the call and ready to choose a retreat, congratulations!
Here are 12 recommendations to help you avoid sketchy options and choose a safe and transformational experience:
Kindly note, even if you do not participate in a Behold retreat, we strongly urge you to take the following tips very seriously. This experience will be disarming and can be quite a large undertaking. Please proceed with caution and do your own research along with our helpful tips, we have also put together a list of 40 Reasons to Attend an Ayahuasca Retreat that we think will serve you. If you have further questions, just ask! We are here to guide.
Safety First: Unfortunately, many small retreat centers are not in a position to make meaningful investments into screening and safety. Even if you’re fine, someone else on retreat might not be, which can affect the overall experience. Our recommendation is to choose a retreat provider that does in-depth conversational, medical, and psychological screening to protect your safety and well-being.
Legality: Experienced practitioners who have dedicated their lives to plant medicine typically live in locations where the work is legal, so they don’t have to live in a state of uncertainty about their work Our recommendation is to travel to legal locations where you can benefit from legitimate healers who operate above the radar, so you can truly relax on retreat.
Size of the group: It’s common for retreats to have 20, 50, even 100 people in ceremony, which can be chaotic to say the least. In such large groups you are less likely to receive a sufficient level of attention from the facilitators. Our recommendation is to choose a retreat with an intimate group, in the range of 8-15 people.
Length of the retreat: Shorter retreats feel rushed, do not support the cultivation of meaningful relationships, and can limit what can be achieved in time available. We recommend you spend at least a week for an ayahuasca retreat to give your mind, body, heart, and soul the attention it deserves.
Comfort: We recommend you choose a retreat where you are confident that you will be physically comfortable and have your own private bedroom to decompress and integrate, especially if this is your first time. Go for the full jungle mosquito immersion another time, your future self will thank you later.
Alignment: Select a retreat that feels aligned with your values and allows your own subjective experience to unfold naturally. There are many different worldviews out there and having a different worldview pushed on you through the retreat may not be in your highest healing interests. This is also particularly relevant for first-timers.
Holistic approach: Work with an organization that takes a holistic approach to working with plant medicine, and has options to support and guide your mental and emotional evolution alongside a retreat. If a provider implies that “medicine will solve all your problems”, proceed with caution.
Service: Select a retreat that you believe can meet your individual needs. Are you being treated as a human, or as participant #22 in their fourth retreat this month? Consider whether or not they’ve taken the time to get to know you and understand you, or it’s more of a take it or leave it retreat center.
Booking process: Take the time to speak with the provider before finalizing your booking. If the provider does not have a screening process in place during the booking process anyone could be sitting next to you in ceremony. Some people are not in the right place to work with this powerful plant medicine, and it is the responsibility of the organizers to ensure that only people who can handle ayahuasca are accepted onto the retreat.
Expertise: Find an organization that emphasizes healing, and you believe has the breadth and depth of expertise to guide your transformation. Look for facilitators and healers who have a lightness of being and a sparkle in their eyes. Healing work is all about the transmutation of energy, so you are looking for people who have the energy you aspire to. If they aren’t able to keep their energy right, that tells you quite a bit about either where they are at and their capabilities.
Reputation: At a minimum, Google the provider, you may be surprised by what you find. If there’s not much information, that is also information. A reputable retreat center will have a professional online presence with testimonials from previous retreat attendees. This is essential for you to see that they are a legitimate organization who you can trust to contain this powerful experience.
Volunteers: Please support ethical plant medicine work by selecting an organization that pay their team. Unfortunately, it is common practice for retreat centers to cycle through young, eager, and worn out volunteers and/or not pay healers fairly. If the people supporting your retreat aren’t living their best lives , they’re not going to be able to lead you to yours. Don’t be shy to ask this question directly when you speak to prospective centers.
Who you choose to attend an Ayahuasca retreat with is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions in your life, especially the first time.
We encourage you to take the time and energy to do your research, follow your intuition, and to know why you are choosing a specific retreat.
If our recommendations resonate with you, and you’re ready to step into your full power, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
We encourage you to take the time and energy to do your research, follow your intuition, and to know why you are choosing a specific retreat.
Go in-depth about how to Have a Safe Ayahuasca Experience.
The 10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats UK (or close by)
Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine with a long history of use in indigenous Amazonian cultures. It has gained increasing popularity in recent years as a means of spiritual growth and self-discovery, and many people travel to participate in Ayahuasca retreats in countries where the substance is legal. If you are considering attending an Ayahuasca Retreat in the UK this year, there are many options to choose from.
To help you find the best retreat for your needs, we have compiled a list of the top 10 Ayahuasca Retreats UK or close to the UK based on factors such as reputation, safety, and the qualifications of the facilitators. Whether you are a seasoned Ayahuasca participant or entirely new to plant medicine, these retreats offer a safe and supportive environment for your journey of transformation.
Here are some Ayahuasca Retreats or ceremonies in the UK (or nearby) that we highly recommend to get a transformational 2024 experience.
1. Ayahuasca Retreat Portugal – Behold Retreats in Portugal
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Due to legal grey areas in the United Kingdom, Behold Retreats does not facilitate Ayahuasca in the UK, but we do offer some close-by options. If you are wondering, “Where to do Ayahuasca in UK“, there are very few places listed below in the UK serving Ayahuasca. As we mentioned safety being #1 on the list of considerations, we recommend taking a short flight to beautiful Portugal, where Behold Retreats offers a holistic and modern approach to plant medicine refined over serving 1,500+ clients. The organization curates and facilitates life-changing plant medicine journeys with an emphasis on client goals, preparation, and integration.
Located in Portugal, Behold Retreats offers a sanctuary for spiritual growth and healing. The retreat center provides a safe, supportive environment with experienced facilitators and shamans.
Guests of Behold Retreats can choose their medicine (Read more about Which Plant Medicine is right for me?), guests may also choose their locations, and other options for example a small group retreat overlooking the jungle in Costa Rica or perhaps a culturally immersive encounter in the golden mountains of Mexico with 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo).
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Alongside Ayahuasca Retreats, Behold also facilitates Psilocybin Retreats(Magic Mushroom Retreats) and Bufo Retreats in Portugal in Europe.
For those who do choose to attend upcoming retreats in the UK with another facilitator, Behold Retreats still offers high quality coaching before and after your retreat, and we can point you in the direction of a trusted retreat within the country.
Apply for a free consultation and mention our Coaching Programs with a plant medicine expert to share your individual needs and preferences, and to understand whether (or not) there is a mutual fit.
Group retreat sizes are smaller than most retreat centers – typically no more than 10-12.
Client safety and confidentiality are given the highest importance, and healers, facilitators, therapists, and coaches have decades of experience under their belt.
Read and educated yourself as much as possible before answering your calling, once you’re feel really ready apply for a free consultation.
 | New Psilocybin Retreat in Portugal These all-inclusive 6-nights will allow you the space to unplug, immerse yourself in Portugal’s pristine nature, and focus on your healing with the guidance of our expert team. Ready to find peace and expand your known existence? Begin Your Journey |
2. Ayahuasca Retreat Amazon – Shamanic Space Retreat Center
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Located in the Amazonian jungle, Shamanic Space offers intensive Ayahuasca healing spiritual retreats with Shipibo plant doctors. Founded by the Peruvian-born Shaman Rubén Orellana and the American psychotherapist and shamanic practitioner Michele Costa Lukis, the center is dedicated to safe and legal Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, which are held in the Amazonian jungle to provide an authentic and deeply healing experience. The center also offers healing retreats in the UK, such as the Shamanic ‘Walking in Wales’ weekend, which do not include ayahuasca but help participants get to know the center better before attending a Peruvian Ayahuasca journey.
3. Ayahuasca Retreat North American – Behold Retreats Costa Rica
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Located in the lush Costa Rican nature, Behold Retreats combines ancestral wisdom from various cultures with outdoor activities to offer a fresh perspective on life. The center ensures well-being on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes luxury accommodations, several ayahuasca ceremonies, designed to be transformative and providing deep insights. Between ceremonies, participants have ample time to unwind, introspect, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Activities such as yoga and meditation are also available.
4. Ayahuasca Retreat Colombia – Origen Sagrada
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Located in the Andes mountains just outside of Medellin, Colombia, Origen Sagrada is a community dedicated to Ayahuasca healing. The center is surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful flowers, providing an idyllic setting for healing.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, where participants drink the brew under the guidance of experienced facilitators. The ceremonies are intended to provide deep healing on spiritual, mental, and emotional levels.
5. Ayahuasca Retreat Ireland – Pachamama Shamanic Healing in Ireland
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Located in Ireland, Pachamama Shamanic Healing offers 4-day Ayahuasca retreats. The center provides a supportive environment for self-discovery and personal growth, guided by experienced therapeutic counselors rather than shamans.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes ayahuasca-assisted therapy sessions, along with deep healing psychotherapeutic processes of integration, emotional release, and sound therapy. The ceremonies are accompanied by the sounds of shamanic instruments like drums and Tibetan bowls.
6. Ayahuasca Retreat Netherlands – Acsauhaya in the Netherlands
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
As popularity grows for Ayahuasca Retreats in Europe, this center is located in the Netherlands. Acsauhaya Shamanic Retreat Center is situated in grasslands at the foot of a large nature reserve. The center provides an ideal venue to reconnect with nature.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, held in a renovated Dutch farmhouse. Each retreat includes fresh vegetarian meals, two Ayahuasca ceremonies, an integration toolkit, and private and group sharing circles.
7. Ayahuasca Retreat Portugal – Sinchi Runa in Portugal
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Nestled in the rolling hills above the Algarve coast in Portugal, Sinchi Runa is a well-known Ayahuasca center that offers a deeply authentic experience.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, along with daily homemade organic meals, integration exercises, and therapeutic activities. Transfers to and from the retreat venue are included.
8. Ayahuasca Retreat Spain – Union in Arutam in Spain
Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Located on the island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Union In Arutam is based on Shuar Amazonian Shamanism tradition and has been conducting Ayahuasca ceremonies for over twelve years.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, held in quiet locations deep in nature. Preliminary interviews ensure participants are ready for the intense journey. Other medicinal plants, such as San Pedro, are also offered.
If you’re curious about more options and locations for an Ayahuasca Retreat, you may check out our full retreats list.
Still need some help choosing a retreat?
We would be honored to guide you in choosing the best retreat for your needs. 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 help point you in the right direction.
Conclusion
These top 10 Ayahuasca Retreats in the UK and nearby offer unique opportunities for healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. By considering factors such as the reputation and experience of the retreat center, the qualifications of the facilitators, and the overall safety and comfort of the environment, you can make an informed decision and choose a retreat that aligns with your individual goals and needs. Whether you are seeking to overcome personal challenges, deepen your spiritual practice, or simply explore the transformative potential of ayahuasca, these retreats provide a supportive and nurturing environment for your journey of transformation.
Check out our FAQ for quick answers to your important questions:
Q: What is the significance of the ceremony in an Ayahuasca retreat?
A: The Ayahuasca ceremony is a ritualistic practice where participants consume the Ayahuasca brew. This is typically led by a shaman who chants icaros (sacred songs) to guide and protect the guests. The ceremony is a crucial aspect of the retreat, fostering a deep spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical cleansing experience. A single Ayahuasca retreat may include multiple Ayahuasca ceremonies throughout the stay.
Q: Why do people attend an Ayahuasca retreat?
A: People attend an Ayahuasca retreat for a variety of reasons, including personal growth, spiritual awakening, and healing from past traumas. Many report it to be a life-changing experience due to the deep introspective insights provided by the Ayahuasca plant. The psychoactive effects of the brew, containing DMT, can foster significant breakthroughs in one’s life and health.
Q: Are Ayahuasca retreats safe?
A: Ayahuasca retreats can be safe if conducted in reputable retreat centers by experienced and knowledgeable shamans or facilitators. Safety protocols typically include pre-screening, Ayahuasca diet (dieta) recommendations, and ongoing support during and after the ceremonies
Q: What should I expect from attending a traditional Ayahuasca ceremony in the UK?
A: Attending a traditional ayahuasca ceremony in the UK offers a life changing experience. Participants often encounter a deep inner healing process guided by experienced curanderas or Shipibo healers. Each ceremony typically includes singing of icaros, drinking of ayahuasca, and supportive integration sessions. A safe space is maintained throughout the night to ensure guest’s comfort and well-being.
Q: How has the situation with Covid-19 affected Ayahuasca retreats in the UK?
A: Due to Covid-19, Ayahuasca retreats have integrated safety protocols including reduced group sizes, regular sanitization, and health checks. Some retreats also offer flexible cancellation policies and dates during en temporada baja. For updated information, check with individual retreat centers about their specific Covid-19 measures.
Q: How do I choose an Ayahuasca retreat that is right for me?
A: Choosing an Ayahuasca retreat involves considering factors like the retreat center’s authenticity, the experience level of the facilitators, the integration program offered, and the location, such as near London or other preferred areas near you. Reviews and recommendations from past participants can also be helpful but we strongly suggest reading into the legality within the country as well.
Q: What preparations are necessary before attending an Ayahuasca retreat?
A: Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat requires following a specific ayahuasca diet that excludes certain foods and substances to cleanse the body. Mental and emotional preparations are also crucial, which may include setting intentions for the ceremony and understanding the potential effects of ayahuasca.
Q: Are there any Ayahuasca retreats in the UK that offer healing with Ayahuasca near London?
A: Yes, there are several Ayahuasca retreat centers near London that offer healing with Ayahuasca. These centers provide various programs including traditional ceremonies, integration support, and additional healing practices like sweat-lodge and ecstatic dance. Researching each center’s offerings can help you choose the best fit.
Q: What are the benefits of integrating an Ayahuasca experience post-ceremony?
A: Integrating an ayahuasca experience helps solidify the insights and healing gained during the ceremony. Integration programs may include counseling, group sharing, and continued support. This process ensures the benefits of the ayahuasca healing are assimilated into everyday life for long-term wellbeing.
Q: What kind of facilities and accommodations can I expect at these retreats?
A: Facilities at ayahuasca retreats in the UK vary but often include comfortable lodging, communal spaces, and natural surroundings. Some retreats offer amenities like a hammock for relaxation, private rooms, healthy meals, and additional wellness activities. It’s important to inquire about specifics when booking to ensure it meets your needs.
Q: Is there a particular time of year that is best for attending an Ayahuasca retreat?
A: Ayahuasca retreats are held throughout the year, but attending in en temporada baja can offer a more intimate experience with smaller groups and potentially lower costs. Each season has unique benefits, so consider personal preferences and the type of experience desired when choosing a time to attend.
Q: Can attending an Ayahuasca retreat have long-term benefits?
A: Yes, attending an Ayahuasca retreat can have profound long-term benefits, often described as life changing. Participants may experience deep emotional healing, enhanced self-awareness, and lasting positive changes in mental health and wellness. It’s essential to participate in the integration program for sustained benefits.
Q: Are the retreats accessible for beginners or those new to Ayahuasca?
A: Many Ayahuasca retreats welcome beginners and provide comprehensive guidance and support. Staff at these centers are typically well-versed in handling first ayahuasca experiences, ensuring that newcomers are well-prepared and feel supported throughout their journey. Always check with the retreat center for specific provisions for beginners.
