Finding the best ayahuasca retreat center in the world is a difficult undertaking. Best is subjective, and the truth is, what is best for one person might not be best for you. When it comes to spiritual work it's crucial to follow your own inner guidance and intuition. Still, many factors will have a big impact on your experience that should be highly regarded, such as safety and reputation, to ensure that you have a positive and beneficial ayahuasca experience. There are red flags to look for, and having spent over 10 years in the ayahuasca community, we have heard it all, from incredible stories of transformations to disheartening stories of neglect, negligence, and death.

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Putting this list together wasn’t easy. Finding truly authentic and safe retreats requires careful discernment. We researched the highest-rated options, combed through discussions on Reddit and other forums, and reviewed each retreat’s website and offerings. In narrowing down our choices, we focused on safety protocols, the experience of facilitators, respect for tradition, and overall reputation. Here are our top five recommended ayahuasca retreats worldwide.

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1. New Life Rising (Costa Rica & USA)

With a base in Costa Rica and now expanding to select locations in the USA, New Life Rising has been offering transformative retreats and ayahuasca ceremonies since 2014, making it the longest-running retreat in Costa Rica. It holds the distinct honor of being one of the most highly rated retreats with a growing community of over 3,000 participants. Founded by Matthew Mormello and Jeanae White, both trained in the Peruvian Mestizo traditions, this retreat emphasizes authentic ceremonies, intimate groups of 12, a trauma-informed approach, and integration support.

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Why New Life Rising Stands Out:

• Open Since: 2014

• Primary Focus: Intimate Groups, Trauma-informed approach, and complementary therapies

• Group Size: 12 maximum participants for personalized support, fostering deep connections and a family-like atmosphere.

• Facilitators: Matthew and Jeanae, a husband and wife team with over a decade of experience, guide ceremonies with traditional Icaros and instruments.

• Additional Therapies: Includes Hatha yoga, therapeutic massage, group sharing circles, nature excursions, and integration support

• Safety Protocol: Rigorous and comprehensive medical screenings, CPR-certified facilitators, First-Aid kits and on-site AED device ensure physical and emotional safety.

• Price Range: Mid-range pricing at $3000 - $4500 per participant for 6 - 8 day retreats.

• Community impact: Has a close relationship to the community in Iquitos, Peru, supporting several independent families and craftsmen. Also offers a scholarship program to make the experience accessible to those with financial limitations. 

• Reputation and Reviews: Top-rated and boasting over 400 five-star reviews across platforms like Google, TripAdvisors, AyaAdvisors, and RetreatGuru. Rated 5 stars overall.

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2. Takiwasi Center (Tarapoto, Peru)

Located in Tarapoto, Peru, the Takiwasi Center is one of the oldest retreat centers in Peru. With a truly unique approach, Takiwasi blends ancient indigenous traditions with a Western medical approach, employing psychiatrists and shaman alike. Founded by Dr. Jacques Mabit, Takiwasi integrates Amazonian plant medicine with psychological and spiritual therapies, drawing thousands of participants seeking healing and personal growth. The center is recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Health and is renowned for its addiction rehabilitation program alongside its spiritual retreats.

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Why Takiwasi Center Stands Out:

• Open Since: 1992

• Primary Focus: Integration of traditional Amazonian medicine, psychological therapy, and addiction rehabilitation.

• Group Size: Varies, typically 8-15 participants per retreat, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive environment.

• Facilitators: Experienced Shipibo and mestizo shamans lead ceremonies, supported by a team of psychologists, medical professionals, and trained facilitators.

• Additional Therapies: Includes psychotherapy sessions, master plant diets, purging rituals, group workshops, and integration support.

• Safety Protocol: Comprehensive medical and psychological screenings, on-site medical staff, and adherence to strict safety protocols to ensure participant well-being.

• Price Range: Affordable pricing, approximately $1,300 for 8-day retreats, with longer programs available for addiction treatment.

• Community Impact: Takiwasi supports local indigenous communities through sustainable practices, employs local healers, and funds social projects in the San Martín region of Peru.

• Reputation and Reviews: Highly regarded with over 300 positive reviews across platforms like AyaAdvisors and RetreatGuru, praised for its professional approach and transformative outcomes. Rated 4.8 stars overall.

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3. Casa Del Maestro (Iquitos, Peru)

Located near Iquitos, Peru, in the small rural village of Genaro Herrera along the Ucayali River, Casa Del Maestro Ayahuasca Plant Medicine Center has been offering transformative ayahuasca retreats since its founding. This family-run center, led by Maestro Don Alberto Torres Davila, provides authentic Amazonian plant medicine experiences in a serene, jungle setting on 200 acres of ancestral land. Known for its intimate and traditional approach, Casa Del Maestro emphasizes safe, educational, and deeply healing retreats.

 

Why Casa Del Maestro Stands Out:

• Open Since: 2020, however, owner Maestro Don Alberto Torres Davila worked at another retreat for 17 years prior to opening his own.

• Primary Focus: Authentic ayahuasca ceremonies, plant dietas, and integration, with an emphasis on personalized healing and education about traditional practices.

• Group Size: Up to 16 to create a sense of community & lasting personal meaning.

• Facilitators: Mestizo traditions led by Maestro Don Alberto Torres Davila, a highly respected curandero and ayahuasquero, and his son Maestro Eliseo.

• Additional Therapies: Includes plant dietas, educational workshops, jungle hikes, swimming trips, yoga, guided meditation, group sharing circles, and art workshops.

• Safety Protocol: Pre-retreat health screenings, a “no medications” policy to avoid interactions with ayahuasca’s MAO inhibitors, and continuous support from an experienced team.

• Price Range: $2300  all-inclusive 9-day with 5 ceremonies

• Community Impact: Deeply integrated with the local community in Genaro Herrera, employing Maestro Alberto’s family and local staff, using locally grown plants for ayahuasca brews, and supporting sustainable practices in the region.

• Reputation and Reviews: Highly regarded with positive reviews across platforms like AyaAdvisors and Reddit, praised for its authenticity, safety, and transformative experiences. Rated 4.8 stars overall.

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4. Temple of the Way of Light (Iquitos, Peru)

Located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos, Peru, the Temple of the Way of Light has consistently been one of the biggest names in the ayahuasca retreat community. It is a pioneering shamanic healing center dedicated to providing authentic plant-medicine experiences with Shipibo healers. The center emphasizes deep healing, spiritual awakening, and cultural preservation, having supported thousands of guests from over 30 countries.

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Why Temple of the Way of Light Stands Out:

• Open Since: 2007

• Primary Focus: Traditional Shipibo plant-medicine healing and long-term spiritual transformation.

• Group Size: 23 participants for 12-day retreats 

• Facilitators: Four highly experienced Shipibo healers (two female, two male) lead ceremonies with traditional icaros, supported by Western facilitators trained in integration.

• Additional Therapies: Includes yoga, art therapy, floral baths, group sharing circles, and a comprehensive integration program with post-retreat support.

• Safety Protocol: Stringent health and safety measures, including in-depth medical and psychological screenings, on-site first aid, emergency protocols, and a contract with a medical clinic in Iquitos.

• Price Range: Mid-range $4400 - $5700 for 12-day retreats with 6 ceremonies. Longer programs are available.

• Community Impact: Actively supports Amazonian communities through reciprocity projects, employing over 50 local staff, and preserving Shipibo cultural and medicinal traditions.

• Reputation and Reviews: Highly respected with over 400 positive reviews across platforms like AyaAdvisors, TripAdvisor, and RetreatGuru, praised for safety, professionalism, and transformative experiences. Rated 4.7 stars overall.

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5. Arkana Spiritual Center (Sacred Valley, Peru)

Located in the Sacred Valley near Urubamba, Peru, along the Vilcanota River, Arkana Spiritual Center has been offering transformative ayahuasca retreats for about a decade. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, this center provides a serene setting for healing and spiritual exploration, guided by authentic Shipibo shamans. Known for its professional staff and holistic approach, Arkana’s Sacred Valley location attracts thousands of participants seeking profound transformation.

 

Why Arkana Stands Out:

• Open Since: Approximately 2015

• Primary Focus: Traditional Shipibo plant-medicine ceremonies combined with holistic therapies, focusing on deep healing, spiritual awakening, and integration.

• Group Size: Max 18 participants, fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere with personalized attention from shamans and facilitators.

• Facilitators: Experienced Shipibo maestros and maestras, such as Maestra Justina, lead ceremonies with traditional icaros, supported by trained Western facilitators for integration and care.

• Additional Therapies: Includes yoga, breathwork, sound healing, group sharing circles, temazcal (sweat lodge), San Pedro and Rapé ceremonies, and excursions. SAFETY NOTE: ARKANA OFFERS BUFO AS AN ADDITIONAL OPTION DURING RETREATS, WHICH IS UNSAFE TO COMBINE WITH AYAHUASCA.

• Safety Protocol: Rigorous medical and psychological screenings, on-site facilitators, and adherence to traditional ayahuasca dieta protocols ensure participant safety and comfort.

• Price Range: Mid-range at $3000 - $4,700 for a 7-day retreat.

• Community Impact: Supports local communities by employing Shipibo healers, preserving cultural traditions, and sourcing organic ingredients for meals.

• Reputation and Reviews: Highly rated with over 400 five-star reviews across platforms like TripAdvisor, AyaAdvisors, and RetreatGuru, praised for its authenticity, safety, and transformative experiences. Rated 4.9 stars overall but reduced to 4.6 due to the offering of Bufo with Ayahuasca.

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