Real Talk: Everything You Need to Know About Ayahuasca Retreat Travel
Listen, I’ve been bouncing around Peru’s ayahuasca circuit for three years now, So let me break down what actually happens when you decide to drink jungle medicine in Peru.
Why Everyone and Their Yoga Teacher is Going to Peru
Five years ago, mentioning ayahuasca got you weird looks. Now? My dentist asked me for retreat recommendations last week. Iquitos went from sleepy jungle town to the “Ayahuasca Capital of the World,” with retreat centers popping up faster than Starbucks in Seattle.
Here’s the thing though—underneath all the Instagram spirituality and gap-year enlightenment seeking, there’s something real happening. I’ve watched cynical investment bankers cry like babies and find their purpose. I’ve seen grieving mothers finally find peace. I went from travel blogger to… a more peaceful thoughtful person. The stuff works. You just need to navigate the circus to find the real deal.
Where to Go (And Where to Run From)
Iquitos: Everyone starts here. It’s like the Times Square of ayahuasca but undeniably convenient. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a retreat center. Some of the established places are solid but pricey. Want my honest take? Skip the famous centers and find the smaller spots 30 minutes outside town. Same medicine, twice the authenticity.
The Stuff Nobody Warns You About
The Purge is Real Everyone talks about visions and insights. Nobody mentions you’ll spend half the ceremony convinced your purging all your weaknesses and issues.
The Characters You’ll Meet
- Trustafarians pretending to be poor while Bank of Dad pays for everything
- That one woman who’s done 300 ceremonies and wants everyone to know
- The skeptic who becomes a true believer by day three
- Someone having a complete psychological breakdown (there’s always one)
- The couple who shouldn’t have come together and definitely won’t leave together
Integration is Where People Mess Up The ceremonies are maybe 20% of the work. The rest happens when you get home and realize you can’t explain any of this to your coworkers. Budget for therapy with someone who won’t think you’ve joined a cult.
Hidden Gem Nobody Knows: Planta Maestra Ayahuasca in Iquitos run by a man named Danny. Simply amazing as he gives you more than the standard Ayahuasca deal. He makes you feel at home, takes you on guide tours and shows you some local animals. I would have to say this is the best place for you to go to relax but also enjoy Ayahuasca as a holiday.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
- Fly into Lima (don’t leave the airport if connecting)
- Domestic flight to your chosen hub
- WhatsApp the center from the airport—they’ll send someone
- Don’t trust taxi drivers who “know a better place”
What to Actually Pack Forget the packing lists telling you to bring crystals and sage. Here’s what you need:
- Headlamp with red light (white light during ceremony = asshole move)
- Slip-on shoes for bathroom runs
- Poncho (you will get rained on)
- Electrolyte packets (the purge dehydrates you)
- Noise-canceling headphones for that one person who won’t stop crying
The Honest Truth
Look, ayahuasca tourism is interesting. You’re paying to get spiritual transformation. It’s not normal western medicine.
But if you’re called to it? If you’ve tried everything else and still feel like something’s missing? If you’re ready to face your shit in a very real way? Then Peru’s waiting for you.
Just don’t be that person who does one ceremony and starts wearing feathers and acting like a hippie. Nobody likes that person.
Final Advice
Do your research, trust your gut, and remember that the jungle doesn’t care about your comfort zone. The best experiences come from surrendering to the chaos while maintaining enough sense to realise you are in a different country and you need to respect some customs.
And please, to the love of your shaman. These people are holding space while you relive your birth trauma. They deserve more than your spare change.
