How to Choose the Right Ayahuasca Retreat in Medellín
Choosing a retreat is the first act of responsibility. This guide shows how to evaluate options in Medellín: lineage, safety, group size, and integration. For a full city overview, see our main page on ayahuasca in Medellín.
Common Pitfalls When Choosing an Ayahuasca Retreat in Medellín
Before you decide, watch for these red flags. They’re simple to spot and can save you from unsafe or inauthentic spaces.
- No medical intake or health questionnaire — This is non-negotiable. Without proper screening, medications (e.g., SSRIs) and conditions can create real risks. Learn more in our Ayahuasca Safety Guide.
- Large, crowded groups with minimal support — If one or two facilitators are responsible for dozens of participants, personal care and safety protocols suffer.
- Unclear lineage or training — Authentic guides can name their teachers, years of apprenticeship, and permissions to serve medicine.
- Guarantees of instant healing — Real work is a process. Promises of “miracles” or guaranteed outcomes are a red flag.
- No integration support — Aftercare (circles, guidance, community follow-up) is part of the medicine. Without it, insights fade. See: A Healing Journey is Not a Straight Line.
- Hidden fees or vague pricing — Transparency about what’s included (ceremonies, lodging, meals, transport) reflects respect for participants.
- Ambiguous location or permissions — Retreats should state where ceremonies are held and under what permissions/agreements they operate.
What to do instead: Choose retreats that provide a thorough medical intake, keep groups intentionally small, are transparent about lineage and pricing, and offer clear integration support. For a full city overview, see our main page on ayahuasca in Medellín.
How to Identify an Authentic Ayahuasca Retreat
Authenticity is recognizable in practice: clear lineage, real safety protocols, respectful containers, and support before and after ceremony. Use this checklist to evaluate any ayahuasca retreat in Medellín (or elsewhere) with clarity and care.
- Lineage & Permissions — Guides can name their teachers, years of apprenticeship, and the permissions under which they serve. Beware of vague biographies or “self-initiated” claims. Learn how we approach this on Camino al Sol – About.
- Medical Screening — A thorough intake reviews medications (e.g., SSRIs/MAOIs), conditions, and past history. No screening = a hard no. Read our Ayahuasca Safety Guide.
- Group Size & Support Team — Small, intentionally sized groups with an adequate ratio of facilitators to guests; dedicated guardians/spotters present all night.
- Sacred Container — Clear house rules, respectful use of icaros (healing songs), privacy for purging, and a sober support team. No substances beyond the medicine.
- Transparent Program & Pricing — You know what’s included (ceremonies, lodging, meals, transport, integration), what’s optional, and what’s not on offer. No upselling during ceremony.
- Integration & Aftercare — Circles, guidance, and community follow-up are offered. The team encourages slow, grounded integration (not chasing peak experiences). See: A Healing Journey is Not a Straight Line.
- Location & Logistics — Clear, lawful venue arrangements; practical details for transport, sleeping spaces, bathrooms, hydration, and emergency plans are provided in advance.
- Ethics & Claims — No promises of “instant cures,” no pressure to drink, no exploitation of vulnerable guests. Consent is ongoing and respected.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Who trained you, and for how long? Under what permissions do you serve?
- What does your medical intake look like? How do you handle medication conflicts?
- What is the typical group size and facilitator-to-guest ratio?
- What’s included in the price (ceremonies, meals, lodging, transport, integration)?
- How do you support guests during challenging moments in ceremony?
- What integration resources do you provide after the retreat?
Next step: For a city-wide overview, venues, formats, and preparation tips, see our main page on ayahuasca in Medellín.
Retreat Types You’ll Find Near Medellín
Use this comparison to understand common retreat formats around Medellín. These are archetypes, not endorsements. Always verify lineage, safety protocols, and integration support before booking.
| Retreat Type | Tradition & Lineage | Safety & Support | Style & Comfort | Ideal For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camino al Sol | Rooted in ancestral wisdom | Thorough screening; small groups; guardians present all night | Eco-centered, intimate setting | Deep seekers prioritizing authenticity and safety |
| Budget option (e.g., Lawayra) | Amazonian influence; verify teacher and permissions | Basic intake; confirm facilitator-to-guest ratio | Simple logistics; shared spaces | Budget-conscious guests who still verify safety |
| Medical-level oversight (e.g., Harmonica) | Experienced team; ask about clinical protocols | Robust support; integration care emphasized | Functional comforts; nature-oriented | Guests who want extra screening and structure |
| Luxury experience (e.g., Ayahuasca House) | Hospitality-forward; confirm lineage & permissions | Full support; clarify on-call guardians | High-end amenities; private rooms common | Comfort-oriented travelers |
| Integration-focused (e.g., Aya Retreat) | Combines plant work with breathwork/circles | Community follow-up; scheduled integration calls | Mid-level accommodations | Seekers wanting continued guidance after ceremony |
How to use this table: Pick the type that matches your needs, then verify medical intake & safety, choosing criteria, and format details before booking.
Camino al Sol’s Approach
At Camino al Sol, just outside Medellín in El Retiro, we hold ceremonies that balance accessibility with deep tradition. Small groups, respectful preparation, and integration support allow guests to walk their path with safety and sincerity.
“I have always felt safe during ceremonies, and this community has become like family to me. The respect for the medicine is unmistakeable.”
Our focus is not on offering miracles, but on guiding each person to discover their own truth. As our elders say, the real ceremony is life itself.
Planning Your Journey
- Clarify Your Intention — Healing, clarity, or connection—know why you’re coming.
- Prepare Your Body — Follow dietary guidelines, avoid substances, rest well.
- Choose the Right Container — Look beyond cost and ask: does this space feel safe, transparent, and respectful?
- Plan for Integration — Set aside time afterward to journal, walk in nature, and carry insights into your daily life.
