Ayahuasca Experience in Colombia – One Woman’s Journey in 2019
When Sarah boarded her flight from Europe to Medellín, she wasn’t looking for a vacation. She was seeking something deeper—healing from years of unresolved grief, clarity about her life path, and a reconnection to something she couldn’t name. What she found in her ayahuasca experience in Colombia would stay with her forever.
In this guide-meets-story, you’ll walk with Sarah through her journey at Camino al Sol, an authentic ayahuasca retreat in Colombia. Along the way, you’ll also learn what to expect if you’re considering this path yourself.
Arriving in Colombia for the Ayahuasca Experience
Sarah’s first impressions of Medellín were filled with color—the eternal spring climate, lush mountains, and the friendly warmth of Colombian people. But just 45 minutes from the city, in the small mountain town of El Retiro, she entered a different world: a ceremonial space immersed in forest, birdsong, and the scent of woodsmoke.
Camino al Sol’s retreat center blends modern comfort with the sacred traditions of yagé (the local name for ayahuasca). Here, ceremonies are guided by Taitas from the Siona and Muinane tribes, whose lineages stretch back countless generations.
Learn more about the traditional yagé ceremony.
The First Night – Embracing the Unknown
Before the first ceremony, Sarah joined a small group of participants for an opening circle. The Taita spoke of respect for the plant medicine, the importance of intention, and the need to surrender to the experience.
The yagé was served in small, handcrafted cups. As she drank, Sarah noticed the earthy bitterness of the brew—an invitation to step into the unknown. The hours that followed brought waves of emotion: childhood memories, moments of forgiveness, and visions that felt both personal and universal.
Healing, Insights, and the Power of Yagé
On her second night, Sarah’s journey deepened. She felt as if the medicine was showing her the root of old wounds she had avoided for years. Through tears and quiet laughter, she realized she was not broken—only disconnected from parts of herself.
This is the essence of an ayahuasca experience in Colombia: not just visions, but profound self-recognition. As Sarah later described it, “The medicine didn’t give me what I wanted—it gave me what I needed.”
Guidance from the Taita and the Ceremony Space
Throughout both nights, the Taita’s icaros (sacred songs) and the rhythmic beat of a drum seemed to guide the energy of the group. Helpers moved quietly, offering water, blankets, or a reassuring presence.
The ceremonial space itself was a living altar—candles, flowers, tobacco, and sacred objects arranged with care. This environment provided both energetic protection and a sense of belonging.
Lessons to Take Home – Integration After Ceremony
Sarah quickly realized that the ceremony is only the beginning. In the days following, she journaled her insights, took quiet walks in the forest, and shared reflections with other participants.
Integration is the bridge between the visions of the night and the realities of daily life. Without it, the lessons can fade. With it, they can transform relationships, habits, and even careers.
Thinking About Your Own Ayahuasca Experience in Colombia?
If you’re considering this path, preparation and safety are everything. Here are some essential tips:
- Medical Screening – Disclose all medications and health conditions to your facilitator.
- Follow the Dieta – Avoid foods and substances that interact dangerously with MAOIs.
- Set Clear Intentions – Approach the medicine with respect, not as a thrill-seeking experience.
- Choose an Authentic Retreat – Work only with recognized indigenous healers in safe, well-held spaces.
For more details on safety, read Is ayahuasca safe?
And if you’re ready to join an authentic ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, Camino al Sol offers small, intimate groups, experienced indigenous Taitas, and full integration support.
FAQ
What makes an ayahuasca experience in Colombia unique?
In Colombia, ayahuasca—known as yagé—is guided by indigenous Taitas with lineages going back generations. The ceremonies often include specific songs, plant baths, and healing practices unique to each tribe.
How should I prepare for an ayahuasca experience in Colombia?
Follow the dieta, stop incompatible medications under medical guidance, set respectful intentions, and ensure you attend a retreat with experienced facilitators.
Is ayahuasca safe?
It can be safe for healthy individuals when taken in a traditional, well-held ceremony with proper screening and guidance. Risks increase if combined with contraindicated substances or used without proper facilitation.