In 2025 embarking on an Ayahuasca retreat in Peru is a profound journey into the self, set against the backdrop of the Amazon jungle. This guide is designed for those from North America and Europe, detailing travel logistics, and spotlighting retreats praised by the Reddit Ayahuasca community for their authenticity and transformative experiences. We’ll also cover costs and what’s included to help you plan your spiritual voyage.
The Allure of Peru for Ayahuasca:
Peru’s deep connection with ayahuasca, home to indigenous tribes like the Shipibo, offers an unmatched authenticity. Here, the ritual is not just a ceremony but a piece of living culture.
Travel Details for North American Visitors:
- Flights:
- Direct flights to Lima from cities like New York or Los Angeles are common with airlines like Delta, American, or United.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours from the East Coast, 9-10 from the West Coast.
- Visa: North Americans don’t need a visa for stays up to 183 days.
- Currency: U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but having Peruvian Sols is practical for smaller transactions.
Travel Details for European Visitors:
- Flights:
- Expect connections via cities like Madrid or Amsterdam with airlines such as KLM or Iberia.
- Flight Duration: Generally 12-14 hours including layovers.
- Visa: EU citizens have visa-free entry for up to 183 days.
- Currency: Euros can be exchanged for Sols; carry some local currency.
Top Ayahuasca Retreats in Peru:
(I am not affiliated with any of the below retreats nor can I vouch for their quality or safety – I am simply collating a list for you to do your own research)
| Retreat Name | Location | Website | Cost (USD) | Retreat Duration | Key Features | User Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etnikas Ayahuasca Retreats | Sacred Valley, Cusco | etnikas.com | $1,200-$2,500 | 3-7 days | Integration of modern and ancient medicine, recognized by the Ministry of Health of Peru. | Highly praised for safety, transformative experiences, and professional care. Over 450 reviews on TripAdvisor with an average of 5 stars. |
| Temple of the Way of Light | Near Iquitos, Loreto | templeofthewayoflight.org | $2,000-$3,000+ | 12 days | Focus on Shipibo plant-spirit healing, yoga, and self-inquiry. Highly safe and well-reviewed. | Known for safety, deep spiritual experiences, and excellent integration support. |
| Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat | Indiana, near Iquitos | kawsayretreat.com | $1,720 (7-day) | 7-15 days | Offers both Ayahuasca and San Pedro, intimate setting with family atmosphere. | Positive for deep healing, safety, and luxurious accommodations relative to other jungle retreats. |
| Nimea Kaya | Near Pucallpa, Ucayali | nimeakaya.com | $2,000-$2,500 | 9 days | Focus on personal healing and transformation, includes yoga and meditation. | Praised for genuine healing experiences, though some mention the cost. |
| Gaia Tree Center | Near Iquitos | gaiatreecenter.com | $1,400-$2,600 | 7-12 days | Traditional Shipibo healing with a focus on community and sustainability. | Good for those seeking traditional experiences, with positive feedback on the healing process. |
| Ayahuasca Foundation | Near Pucallpa, Ucayali | ayahuascafoundation.org | $1,200-$2,500 | 10-18 days | Offers both women’s retreats and general healing retreats, with a strong focus on integration. | Users highlight the depth of healing and the authenticity of the Shipibo tradition. |
| Soltara Healing Center | Near Iquitos, Loreto | soltara.co | $3,500-$7,000+ | 7-14 days | Luxury retreat with medical screenings, wellness activities, and professional facilitators. | Known for luxury, safety, and a holistic healing approach but higher cost. |
| Arkana Spiritual Center | Sacred Valley, Cusco | arkanainternational.com | $1,500-$3,000 | 7-10 days | Combines shamanic practices with modern wellness, includes yoga and meditation. | Reviews focus on the safety, accommodations, and the integrity of the shamans. |
| Tierravida Benxote | Near Iquitos | tierravidabenxote.com | $1,800-$3,000 | 7-14 days | Family-run, traditional healing with a focus on community and sustainability. | Praised for genuine experience and community feel. |
| Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat | Near Iquitos | spiritvineretreats.com | $2,000-$3,000 | 7-11 days | Emphasis on personal transformation with a holistic approach, includes yoga and therapy. | Life-changing experiences reported, with emphasis on spiritual growth. |
| Entheogens Peru Soul Sanctuary | Calca, Cusco | entheogensperu.com | $1,500-$2,500 | 7 days | Focuses on spiritual awakening, includes plant dietas and workshops. | Users report profound experiences and a connection with nature. |
| Shamans of the Amazon | Near Iquitos | shamansoftheamazon.com | $1,200-$2,200 | 7-14 days | Traditional healing with an emphasis on the Shipibo tradition. | Positive feedback on the authenticity of the experience, though some mention the facilities are basic. |
| Marosa Ayahuasca Retreat | Pucallpa | marosaretreat.com | $1,800-$2,800 | 7-10 days | Family-owned, focusing on authentic Shipibo practices, living with the tribe. | Highly positive reviews for cultural immersion and authenticity. |
| Sapan Inka | Pisac, Sacred Valley | sapaninka.com | $1,600-$2,600 | 7-10 days | Integrates psychology with traditional methods, includes Machu Picchu tours. | Well-reviewed for small groups and personalized attention. |
| Hummingbird Retreat Center | Near Iquitos | hummingbirdretreatcenter.com | $1,500-$2,500 | 7-14 days | Focus on healing trauma, includes multiple healing modalities. | Mixed reviews, some praise healing depth while others note organizational issues. |
| Aya Healing Retreats | Near Iquitos | ayahealingretreats.com | $1,000-$2,000 | 7-14 days | Emphasizes safety and preparation, with a focus on individual healing. | Positive for safety measures and authentic experiences. |
| AyaAdvisors (Various Retreats) | Various locations in Peru | ayaadvisors.org | Varies | Varies | Platform for finding retreats, includes reviews and safety tips. | Useful for comparing multiple retreats but not a retreat itself. |
| Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat | Near Iquitos | awakeningsayahuasca.com | $1,300-$2,300 | 7-10 days | Focus on spiritual awakening, includes plant dietas. | Positive for personal transformation, though some mention basic accommodations. |
| Refugio Altiplano | Near Iquitos | refugioaltiplano.org | $1,200-$2,000+ | 7-14 days | Offers various packages with an emphasis on plant medicine and jungle activities. | Good for those wanting a blend of retreat and adventure, with positive reviews on staff. |
Additional Travel Considerations:
- Booking: Retreats can book up quickly; plan and book well in advance.
- Preparation: Follow dietary and mental preparation guidelines provided by each retreat.
- Post-Retreat: Allow time for integration; consider visiting less intense areas like Cusco.
- Safety: Research thoroughly; positive experiences from Reddit users are a good indicator of authenticity and care.
