How to chose a safe Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia in 2025

The calling to work with ayahuasca—or yagé, as it’s known in Colombia—is profound and sacred. But with that calling comes a responsibility: to approach this ancient medicine with the respect, preparation, and discernment it deserves.

If you’re considering an ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, you’re embarking on a journey that has the potential to transform your life. But like any profound experience, it requires careful preparation and, most importantly, choosing a retreat that prioritizes your safety above all else.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your ayahuasca experience in Colombia is not only transformative but also safe, ethical, and authentic.

What Makes Colombia Special for Ayahuasca?

Colombia is the ancestral home of yagé, where indigenous communities like the Siona, Cofán, and Inga have preserved these sacred traditions for thousands of years. Unlike other South American countries where ayahuasca has become heavily commercialized, Colombia maintains a deeper connection to the original indigenous lineages and their authentic practices.

The Colombian approach to yagé is rooted in relationship—with the plants, the land, the community, and the cosmos. This isn’t about quick fixes or spiritual tourism; it’s about entering into a sacred dialogue with medicine that has guided generations of healers.

At Camino al Sol, we honor this lineage through our partnerships with experienced Taitas from the Siona tribe, ensuring that every ceremony maintains the integrity and safety protocols that have protected practitioners for millennia.

The Foundation of Safety: Proper Medical Screening

Understanding Contraindications

Before we discuss anything else, we must address the medical realities of ayahuasca. The plant medicine contains powerful compounds—primarily DMT and harmala alkaloids—that can interact dangerously with certain medications and medical conditions.

Critical Medication Interactions:

SSRIs and SNRIs: These antidepressants can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome when combined with ayahuasca
MAOIs: Can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes
Stimulants: Including ADHD medications and certain weight loss drugs
Blood pressure medications: May interact unpredictably with harmala alkaloids
Certain antibiotics: Particularly those affecting serotonin

Medical Conditions Requiring Careful Evaluation:

Heart conditions (especially arrhythmias or recent cardiac events)
High or low blood pressure
Liver or kidney disease
Severe mental health conditions (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression with suicidal ideation)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Recent surgeries or medical procedures

The Importance of Professional Medical Screening

A reputable retreat center will require comprehensive medical screening before accepting you into their program. This isn’t bureaucracy—it’s about protecting your life.

At Camino al Sol, our screening process includes:

Detailed medical history questionnaire
Current medication review with our medical advisor
Consultation with your personal physician when necessary
Follow-up questions about any concerning conditions
Clear communication about required medication tapers (always done under medical supervision)

We’ve turned away participants when safety concerns couldn’t be adequately addressed. While disappointing, this commitment to your wellbeing is non-negotiable.

Choosing a Safe Retreat: Red Flags vs. Green Flags

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

Inadequate Medical Screening:

No medical questionnaire or superficial screening
Accepting participants on SSRIs without proper medical supervision
Promising they can “work around” contraindications
No medical professional on staff or on call

Unqualified Facilitators:

Self-proclaimed shamans without legitimate lineage
Facilitators who learned through brief workshops or online courses
Those who mix ayahuasca with other substances (cannabis, psilocybin, etc.)
Anyone promising unrealistic outcomes or “cures”

Poor Safety Protocols:

No trained medical personnel present
Inadequate participant-to-facilitator ratios (should be maximum 10-12 participants per experienced facilitator)
No emergency action plan or nearby medical facilities
Serving excessively large doses, especially to first-time participants

Commercial Red Flags:

High-pressure sales tactics or “limited time” offers
Extremely low prices that seem too good to be true
Marketing that focuses more on luxury amenities than safety and authenticity
No clear refund or cancellation policy

Green Flags of a Reputable Retreat

Comprehensive Safety Measures:

Thorough medical screening with follow-up questions
Licensed medical professional on-site or immediately available
Clear emergency protocols and proximity to medical facilities
Experienced facilitators with verifiable indigenous lineage
Transparent about their safety record and protocols

Authentic Cultural Integration:

Working directly with indigenous communities
Paying fair compensation to native healers
Offering cultural education about the traditions
Emphasizing respect and reciprocity over consumption

Commitment to Integration:

Pre-retreat preparation support
Comprehensive integration programming
Post-retreat follow-up and community
Resources for ongoing support

Transparency and Ethics:

Clear, honest communication about risks and benefits
Detailed information about facilitators’ backgrounds
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Genuine testimonials and references available

The Physical Safety Infrastructure

Location and Facilities

A safe ayahuasca retreat requires more than just good intentions. The physical infrastructure must support both the ceremonial experience and emergency situations.

Essential Facility Features:

Clean, comfortable ceremonial spaces with proper ventilation
Private or semi-private sleeping accommodations
Clean bathroom facilities easily accessible during ceremonies
Kitchen facilities for preparing appropriate meals
Reliable communication systems for emergencies
Transportation access to medical facilities

Medical Preparedness:

First aid supplies and equipment on-site
Trained medical personnel or paramedic available
Clear protocols for medical emergencies
Established relationships with local hospitals
Emergency evacuation plans if needed

Ceremonial Safety Protocols

Before the Ceremony:

Final health check and medication verification
Setting intentions and addressing concerns
Clear communication about what to expect
Establishment of ceremonial boundaries and protocols

During the Ceremony:

Continuous monitoring by experienced facilitators
Medical personnel present throughout
Proper participant spacing and privacy
Emergency protocols immediately accessible
Safe spaces for participants who need additional support

After the Ceremony:

Gradual re-entry support and monitoring
Hydration and gentle nutrition guidance
Integration support and check-ins
Clear protocols for any concerning symptoms

Preparing Your Body: The Dieta and Physical Preparation

Understanding the Traditional Dieta

The ayahuasca dieta isn’t arbitrary—it’s a time-tested protocol that prepares your body and mind for the medicine. This preparation typically begins 7-14 days before your ceremony and continues throughout your retreat.

Foods to Avoid:

Red meat and pork
Fermented foods (cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut)
Aged or cured meats
Chocolate and excessive caffeine
Spicy foods
Excessive salt and processed foods
Alcohol (absolutely no alcohol for at least one week prior)

Recommended Foods:

Fresh fish (in moderation)
Chicken and turkey
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Brown rice and quinoa
Herbal teas
Plenty of clean water

Why These Restrictions Matter: The dieta helps prevent dangerous interactions with the harmala alkaloids in ayahuasca, reduces physical discomfort during ceremonies, and creates a cleaner energetic state for the medicine to work.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Physical safety extends beyond medical screening to include psychological preparation.

Setting Intentions:

Clarify why you’re called to this work
Identify specific areas for healing or growth
Release expectations about specific outcomes
Cultivate openness and surrender

Addressing Fears and Concerns:

Acknowledge anxiety as normal and healthy
Discuss concerns with retreat facilitators beforehand
Consider speaking with past participants
Prepare for challenging emotions or experiences

During the Retreat: Staying Safe in Ceremony

The Role of Surrender vs. Discernment

One of the most important aspects of ceremonial safety is understanding the balance between surrender and healthy discernment. While openness to the experience is crucial, you should never feel pressured to ignore genuine safety concerns.

When to Speak Up:

Physical discomfort that feels dangerous (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe nausea)
Feeling unsafe due to another participant’s behavior
Concerns about the facilitator’s conduct
Need for medical attention or emergency support

Trusting the Process:

Normal ceremony experiences include nausea, purging, emotional intensity, and altered perception
Temporary discomfort is often part of the healing process
The medicine has its own intelligence and timing
Experienced facilitators can distinguish between normal process and genuine concerns

Integration During the Retreat

Safety doesn’t end when the ceremony concludes. The integration period requires its own safety protocols and support.

Immediate Post-Ceremony Care:

Gentle re-entry with facilitator support
Adequate rest and hydration
Light, appropriate nutrition
Time for journaling and reflection
Community sharing when ready

Signs That Require Additional Support:

Persistent confusion or disorientation
Severe emotional distress
Inability to eat or sleep for extended periods
Thoughts of self-harm
Disconnection from reality lasting beyond normal integration period

Legal Considerations in Colombia

Current Legal Status

Ayahuasca (yagé) exists in a complex legal space in Colombia. While not explicitly scheduled as a controlled substance, it’s not formally regulated either. The medicine exists in what many consider a legal gray area, with indigenous communities maintaining traditional usage rights.

Key Legal Points:

Indigenous communities have constitutional protection for traditional plant medicine use
Tourist participation exists in an unregulated space
Law enforcement generally doesn’t target legitimate spiritual retreats
International travel with ayahuasca remains illegal

Protecting Yourself Legally:

Work only with established, reputable retreat centers
Ensure your retreat operates transparently with local authorities
Don’t attempt to transport any plant materials across borders
Understand that legal protections may be limited for non-indigenous practitioners

Choosing Camino al Sol: Our Commitment to Safety

At Camino al Sol, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation upon which every aspect of our retreat is built. Our approach to safety encompasses medical, psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.

Our Safety Protocols

Medical Excellence:

Comprehensive screening with follow-up by medical professionals
Licensed healthcare provider on-site during all ceremonies
Established relationships with local medical facilities
Emergency protocols practiced regularly by all staff

Cultural Authenticity:

Direct partnerships with Siona Taitas with generations of lineage
Fair compensation and reciprocity with indigenous communities
Respect for traditional protocols and timing
Ongoing cultural education for all participants

Psychological Support:

Experienced integration facilitators trained in trauma-informed care
Small group sizes ensuring adequate attention for each participant
Pre-retreat preparation calls and post-retreat follow-up
Access to ongoing integration support and community

Our Experienced Team

Our facilitators bring together indigenous wisdom and modern safety protocols:

Indigenous Lineage Holders:

Taitas from the Siona tribe with multi-generational plant medicine training
Deep understanding of traditional safety protocols
Ability to navigate challenging ceremonial situations with wisdom and skill

Integration Specialists:

Western-trained practitioners experienced in psychedelic integration
Trauma-informed care approaches
Understanding of the intersection between indigenous wisdom and modern therapeutic modalities

Medical Support:

Licensed medical professionals with experience in plant medicine contexts
Emergency medical training and equipment
Established protocols for various medical scenarios

Beyond Safety: The Deeper Call

While safety is paramount, it’s important to remember that the call to work with ayahuasca often arises from a deep knowing that transcends rational decision-making. The medicine has its own intelligence, and when approached with proper respect, preparation, and safety protocols, it can facilitate profound healing and transformation.

The goal isn’t to eliminate all risk—that would be impossible and would also eliminate the transformative potential of the work. Rather, the goal is to minimize unnecessary risks while creating a container strong enough to hold whatever the medicine needs to show you.

What Safety Really Means in Sacred Work

True safety in ayahuasca work goes beyond physical protocols. It encompasses:

Emotional Safety:

Being held in a container of love and acceptance
Freedom to experience whatever arises without judgment
Support for processing difficult emotions or memories
Respect for your individual process and timing

Spiritual Safety:

Connection to authentic lineage and tradition
Protection by experienced practitioners who understand the spiritual dimensions of the work
Respect for the sacred nature of the experience
Integration support that honors your spiritual insights

Cultural Safety:

Ethical engagement with indigenous traditions
Fair reciprocity with traditional knowledge holders
Education about the cultural context of the medicine
Respect for the ceremonial protocols that protect practitioners

Making Your Decision: A Checklist for Safe Retreat Selection

Before committing to any ayahuasca retreat in Colombia, use this checklist to evaluate safety standards:

Medical Safety:

[ ] Comprehensive medical screening required
[ ] Clear protocols for medication interactions
[ ] Medical professional on-site or immediately available
[ ] Emergency action plans established
[ ] Access to local medical facilities confirmed

Facilitator Qualifications:

[ ] Verifiable indigenous lineage or authentic training
[ ] Years of experience with ayahuasca facilitation
[ ] Positive references from past participants
[ ] Transparent about their background and training
[ ] Demonstrates cultural respect and reciprocity

Retreat Infrastructure:

[ ] Safe, clean facilities appropriate for ceremonies
[ ] Proper participant-to-facilitator ratios
[ ] Clear communication and emergency protocols
[ ] Integration support included
[ ] Post-retreat follow-up available

Ethical Standards:

[ ] Transparent pricing and policies
[ ] Fair treatment of indigenous partners
[ ] Realistic expectations about outcomes
[ ] Commitment to participant wellbeing over profit
[ ] Clear refund and cancellation policies

Integration: Where Safety Continues

The safety of your ayahuasca experience doesn’t end when you leave Colombia. In many ways, the integration period requires its own safety protocols and support systems.

Creating a Safe Integration Plan

Immediate Integration (First 30 Days):

Gentle re-entry to daily life
Adequate rest and proper nutrition
Journaling and reflection practices
Limited major decisions or life changes
Connection with integration community or therapist

Long-term Integration (Months and Years):

Ongoing practices that support your insights
Regular check-ins with integration support
Gradual implementation of any life changes
Continued connection with plant medicine community
Professional support when needed

When to Seek Additional Support

Sometimes the integration process reveals the need for additional professional support. This isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of wisdom and self-care.

Consider Professional Support If:

Integration challenges persist beyond normal adjustment period
Previous trauma surfaces requiring specialized care
Major life changes feel overwhelming
Relationships are significantly impacted
Mental health concerns arise or persist

Your Journey Begins with Safety

The path of plant medicine is profound, transformative, and sacred. It’s also serious work that requires proper preparation, authentic guidance, and comprehensive safety protocols.

At Camino al Sol, we’ve created a container that honors both the transformative potential of yagé and your fundamental right to safety throughout the process. Our commitment extends beyond the ceremonies themselves to encompass every aspect of your journey—from initial screening through long-term integration support.

If you feel the call to work with ayahuasca in Colombia, we invite you to prioritize safety in your selection process. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to choose wisely.

The medicine has been calling people to healing for thousands of years. When approached with proper respect, preparation, and safety protocols, that calling can lead to profound transformation. But it all begins with making choices that honor both the power of the medicine and the preciousness of your life.

Your journey toward healing and transformation awaits—and it begins with choosing safety, authenticity, and respect for this ancient path of wisdom.

Ready to learn more about a safe, authentic ayahuasca experience in Colombia? Contact Camino al Sol to speak with our team about your individual needs and how we can support your journey with the highest safety standards and deepest respect for the traditions that guide this sacred work.

The Ultimate Guide to a Safe Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia 2025