10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats UK in 2025 (Updated)

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The sacred Ayahuasca Calling offers guests the most unique opportunity for transformative experiences and spiritual growth. For the full explanation of the plant Ayahuasca and what to expect during the Ayahuasca Experience, further reading may be found here, otherwise read on for safety recommendations and specific retreats for this powerful decision.

Introduction

If you're reading this, you probably feel the pull towards a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth - but most likely you also might not know exactly where to begin. Ayahuasca retreats offer a unique opportunity to uncover the deepest parts of your consciousness and launch healing. As plant medicine becomes increasingly recognized for its potential to address mental health issues and enhance overall well-being, finding the right retreat is crucial. This guide presents the top 10 Ayahuasca Retreats in the UK (and nearby) for 2024, ensuring you choose a safe, supportive, and transformative experience.

Psychedelic drugs (or plant medicines as we prefer to call them) have gained recognition for their potential in addressing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression through the ceremonial uses of Ayahuasca and other medicinal plants like Psilocybin and Bufo (DMT). By combining the Ayahuasca ceremony with sacred spiritual practices, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and even healing massage, participants reach profoundly altered states of consciousness, generating potentially life-changing insight, when integrated properly. The profound Ayahuasca experience is guided by shamans, healers, and facilitators, who will also help with this Integration following your meeting with Mother Ayahuasca.

Like most things in life, there are a broad variety of Ayahuasca retreat options, and a number of factors that effect the safety, quality, and Cost of an Ayahuasca Retreat.

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Table of Contents

• Mental and Spiritual Readiness Quiz (optional but highly encouraged)
• 11 Tips for choosing the safe and transformative Ayahuasca Retreat in UK
• 10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats UK (or close by)
• Conclusion

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Mental & Spiritual Readiness

The outcome of a person’s retreat depends upon 3 things: their readiness, their preparation, and their ability to select a high-quality, safe, and transformation retreat.

1. To assess your level of mental and spiritual readiness, take this short quiz.
2. To understand more about the Ayahuasca plant and the Ayahuasca Experience, and to prepare for a retreat, check out our guide.

If you're feeling the call and ready to choose a retreat, congratulations!

This is a momentous occasion in your life. We encourage you to view the below video before proceeding to the Top 10 Retreats listings.

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11 Tips for Choosing a Safe and Transformative Ayahuasca Retreat in UK

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Kindly note, even if you do not participate in a Behold retreat, we strongly urge you to take the following tips very seriously. This experience will be disarming and can be quite a large undertaking. Please proceed with caution and do your own research along with our helpful tips, we have also put together a list of 40 Reasons to Attend an Ayahuasca Retreat that we think will serve you. If you have further questions, just ask! We are here to guide.

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Safety First: Unfortunately, many small retreat centers are not in a position to make meaningful investments into screening and safety. Our recommendation is to choose a retreat provider that does in-depth medical and psychological screening to protect your safety and well-being, and the experience of the whole group on retreat. ‍

Legality:  Experienced practitioners who have dedicated their lives to plant medicine typically live in locations where the work is legal, so that their work can be conducted “above ground”. Our recommendation is to travel to legal locations where you can benefit from legitimate healers who operate above the radar, so you can truly relax on retreat.

Group Size: It's common for retreats to have 20, 50, even 100 people in ceremony, which can be energetically way too chaotic. In a large group, you are less likely to receive the level of attention from healers that you deserve. Our strong recommendation is to choose a retreat with an intimate group of, 5-15 people. For those of you in a position to do so, you may also like to consider applying for a private retreat.

‍‍Comfort: We recommend you choose a retreat where you are confident you will be physically comfortable and have your own private bedroom to decompress and integrate, especially if this is your first time. Go for the full jungle-immersion on your second retreat, your future self will thank you later.

‍‍Alignment: Select a retreat that feels aligned with your values and allows your own subjective experience to unfold naturally. The way in which the retreat and its ceremony leaders conduct themselves will have a material effect upon your experience.

‍‍Holistic approach: Work with an organization that takes a holistic approach to working with plant medicine, and has options to support and guide your mental and emotional evolution alongside the retreat. If a provider implies that "medicine will solve all your problems", proceed with caution.

‍‍Service: Select a transformation retreat that you believe can meet your individual needs. Consider whether or not they've taken the time to get to know you and understand you, or it's more of a take it or leave it retreat center.

Booking Process: Speak with the provider before finalizing your booking. If the provider does not have a screening process in place during the booking process, anyone could be sitting next to you in the ceremony. Some people are not in the right place to work with this powerful plant medicine, and it is the responsibility of the organizers to ensure that only people who can handle ayahuasca are accepted onto the retreat.

Expertise: Find an experienced organization that you believe has the necessary expertise to support your journey. Look for retreat organizers and facilitators who seem supportive and grounded, as they will be a key part of your journey throughout your retreat experience.

‍Reputation: Make sure that you research the provider you are considering. A reputable retreat center will have an online presence with all the relevant information about the retreat. It is crucial to see testimonials from previous retreat attendees, as they serve as evidence that the organization is trustworthy and capable of facilitating the experience you are looking for.

‍Volunteers: It is important to endorse ethical plant medicine practices by choosing an organization that compensates its team members. Regrettably, many retreat centers tend to rely on a revolving door of young, enthusiastic, and overworked volunteers, often failing to provide fair pay to healers. If the individuals supporting your retreat are not leading fulfilling lives themselves, they may not be adequately equipped to guide you on your own journey. When engaging with potential retreat centers, do not hesitate to inquire about their policies regarding fair compensation for their staff.

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Looking for guidance for one of the most important decisions of your life? Watch this video.

We encourage you to take the time and energy to do your research, follow your intuition, and to know why you are choosing a specific retreat.

If our recommendations above resonate with you, and you'd like to explore a transformational plant medicine journey with Behold Retreats and join us on one of our upcoming retreats we are happy to facilitate. We encourage anyone who is interested in partaking in a ceremony to do so in countries where it is legal.

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The 10 Best Ayahuasca Retreats UK (or close by)

Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine with a long history of use in indigenous Amazonian cultures. It has gained increasing popularity in recent years as a means of spiritual growth and self-discovery, and many people travel to participate in Ayahuasca retreats in countries where the substance is legal. If you are considering attending an Ayahuasca Retreat in the UK this year, there are many options to choose from. 

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To help you find the best retreat for your needs, we have compiled a list of the top 10 Ayahuasca Retreats UK or close to the UK based on factors such as reputation, safety, and the qualifications of the facilitators. Whether you are a seasoned Ayahuasca participant or entirely new to plant medicine, these retreats offer a safe and supportive environment for your journey of transformation.

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Here are some Ayahuasca Retreats or ceremonies in the UK (or nearby) that we highly recommend to get a transformational 2024 experience.

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1. Ayahuasca Retreat Portugal - Behold Retreats in Portugal

Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Due to legal grey areas in the United Kingdom, Behold Retreats does not facilitate Ayahuasca in the UK, but we do offer some close-by options. If you are wondering, "Where to do Ayahuasca in UK", there are very few places listed below in the UK serving Ayahuasca. As we mentioned safety being #1 on the list of considerations, we recommend taking a short flight to beautiful Portugal, where Behold Retreats offers a holistic and modern approach to plant medicine refined over serving 1,500+ clients. The organization curates and facilitates life-changing plant medicine journeys with an emphasis on client goals, preparation, and integration.

Located in Portugal, Behold Retreats offers a sanctuary for spiritual growth and healing. The retreat center provides a safe, supportive environment with experienced facilitators and shamans.

Guests of Behold Retreats can choose their medicine (Read more about Which Plant Medicine is right for me?), guests may also choose their locations, and other options for example a small group retreat overlooking the jungle in Costa Rica or perhaps a culturally immersive encounter in the golden mountains of Mexico with 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo).

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Alongside Ayahuasca Retreats, Behold also facilitates Psilocybin Retreats (Magic Mushroom Retreats) and Bufo Retreats in Portugal in Europe.

For those who do choose to attend upcoming retreats in the UK with another facilitator, Behold Retreats still offers high quality coaching before and after your retreat, and we can point you in the direction of a trusted retreat within the country.  

Apply for a free consultation and mention our Coaching Programs with a plant medicine expert to share your individual needs and preferences, and to understand whether (or not) there is a mutual fit.

Group retreat sizes are smaller than most retreat centers - typically no more than 10-12.

Client safety and confidentiality are given the highest importance, and healers, facilitators, therapists, and coaches have decades of experience under their belt.

Read and educated yourself as much as possible before answering your calling, once you're feel really ready apply for a free consultation.

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2. Ayahuasca Retreat Amazon - Shamanic Space Retreat Center

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Located in the Amazonian jungle, Shamanic Space offers intensive Ayahuasca healing spiritual retreats with Shipibo plant doctors. Founded by the Peruvian-born Shaman Rubén Orellana and the American psychotherapist and shamanic practitioner Michele Costa Lukis, the center is dedicated to safe and legal Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, which are held in the Amazonian jungle to provide an authentic and deeply healing experience. The center also offers healing retreats in the UK, such as the Shamanic ‘Walking in Wales’ weekend, which do not include ayahuasca but help participants get to know the center better before attending a Peruvian Ayahuasca journey.

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‍3. Ayahuasca Retreat North American - Behold Retreats Costa Rica

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Located in the lush Costa Rican nature, Behold Retreats combines ancestral wisdom from various cultures with outdoor activities to offer a fresh perspective on life. The center ensures well-being on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes luxury accommodations, several ayahuasca ceremonies, designed to be transformative and providing deep insights. Between ceremonies, participants have ample time to unwind, introspect, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Activities such as yoga and meditation are also available.

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4. Ayahuasca Retreat Colombia - Origen Sagrada

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Located in the Andes mountains just outside of Medellin, Colombia, Origen Sagrada is a community dedicated to Ayahuasca healing. The center is surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful flowers, providing an idyllic setting for healing.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, where participants drink the brew under the guidance of experienced facilitators. The ceremonies are intended to provide deep healing on spiritual, mental, and emotional levels.

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5. Ayahuasca Retreat Ireland - Pachamama Shamanic Healing in Ireland

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Located in Ireland, Pachamama Shamanic Healing offers 4-day Ayahuasca retreats. The center provides a supportive environment for self-discovery and personal growth, guided by experienced therapeutic counselors rather than shamans.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes ayahuasca-assisted therapy sessions, along with deep healing psychotherapeutic processes of integration, emotional release, and sound therapy. The ceremonies are accompanied by the sounds of shamanic instruments like drums and Tibetan bowls.

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6. Ayahuasca Retreat Netherlands - Acsauhaya in the Netherlands

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

As popularity grows for Ayahuasca Retreats in Europe, this center is located in the Netherlands. Acsauhaya Shamanic Retreat Center is situated in grasslands at the foot of a large nature reserve. The center provides an ideal venue to reconnect with nature.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, held in a renovated Dutch farmhouse. Each retreat includes fresh vegetarian meals, two Ayahuasca ceremonies, an integration toolkit, and private and group sharing circles.

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7. Ayahuasca Retreat Portugal - Sinchi Runa in Portugal

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Nestled in the rolling hills above the Algarve coast in Portugal, Sinchi Runa is a well-known Ayahuasca center that offers a deeply authentic experience.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, along with daily homemade organic meals, integration exercises, and therapeutic activities. Transfers to and from the retreat venue are included.

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8. Ayahuasca Retreat Spain - Union in Arutam in Spain

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Located on the island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Union In Arutam is based on Shuar Amazonian Shamanism tradition and has been conducting Ayahuasca ceremonies for over twelve years.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, held in quiet locations deep in nature. Preliminary interviews ensure participants are ready for the intense journey. Other medicinal plants, such as San Pedro, are also offered.

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If you’re curious about more options and locations for an Ayahuasca Retreat, you may check out our full retreats list.

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Still need some help choosing a retreat?

We would be honored to guide you in choosing the best retreat for your needs. Behold Retreats coordinates expertly guided retreats with Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo Alvarius) with highly experienced facilitators. Reach out to us to set up a complimentary discovery call and we can help point you in the right direction.

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Conclusion

These top 10 Ayahuasca Retreats in the UK and nearby offer unique opportunities for healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. By considering factors such as the reputation and experience of the retreat center, the qualifications of the facilitators, and the overall safety and comfort of the environment, you can make an informed decision and choose a retreat that aligns with your individual goals and needs. Whether you are seeking to overcome personal challenges, deepen your spiritual practice, or simply explore the transformative potential of ayahuasca, these retreats provide a supportive and nurturing environment for your journey of transformation.

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Check out our FAQ for quick answers to your important questions:

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Q: What is the significance of the ceremony in an Ayahuasca retreat?

A: The Ayahuasca ceremony is a ritualistic practice where participants consume the Ayahuasca brew. This is typically led by a shaman who chants icaros (sacred songs) to guide and protect the guests. The ceremony is a crucial aspect of the retreat, fostering a deep spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical cleansing experience. A single Ayahuasca retreat may include multiple Ayahuasca ceremonies throughout the stay.

Q: Why do people attend an Ayahuasca retreat?

A: People attend an Ayahuasca retreat for a variety of reasons, including personal growth, spiritual awakening, and healing from past traumas. Many report it to be a life-changing experience due to the deep introspective insights provided by the Ayahuasca plant. The psychoactive effects of the brew, containing DMT, can foster significant breakthroughs in one’s life and health.

Q: Are Ayahuasca retreats safe?

A: Ayahuasca retreats can be safe if conducted in reputable retreat centers by experienced and knowledgeable shamans or facilitators. Safety protocols typically include pre-screening, Ayahuasca diet (dieta) recommendations, and ongoing support during and after the ceremonies

Q: What should I expect from attending a traditional Ayahuasca ceremony in the UK?

A: Attending a traditional ayahuasca ceremony in the UK offers a life changing experience. Participants often encounter a deep inner healing process guided by experienced curanderas or Shipibo healers. Each ceremony typically includes singing of icaros, drinking of ayahuasca, and supportive integration sessions. A safe space is maintained throughout the night to ensure guest’s comfort and well-being.

Q: How has the situation with Covid-19 affected Ayahuasca retreats in the UK?

A: Due to Covid-19, Ayahuasca retreats have integrated safety protocols including reduced group sizes, regular sanitization, and health checks. Some retreats also offer flexible cancellation policies and dates during en temporada baja. For updated information, check with individual retreat centers about their specific Covid-19 measures.

Q: How do I choose an Ayahuasca retreat that is right for me?

A: Choosing an Ayahuasca retreat involves considering factors like the retreat center's authenticity, the experience level of the facilitators, the integration program offered, and the location, such as near London or other preferred areas near you. Reviews and recommendations from past participants can also be helpful but we strongly suggest reading into the legality within the country as well.

Q: What preparations are necessary before attending an Ayahuasca retreat?

A: Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat requires following a specific ayahuasca diet that excludes certain foods and substances to cleanse the body. Mental and emotional preparations are also crucial, which may include setting intentions for the ceremony and understanding the potential effects of ayahuasca.

Q: Are there any Ayahuasca retreats in the UK that offer healing with Ayahuasca near London?

A: Yes, there are several Ayahuasca retreat centers near London that offer healing with Ayahuasca. These centers provide various programs including traditional ceremonies, integration support, and additional healing practices like sweat-lodge and ecstatic dance. Researching each center’s offerings can help you choose the best fit.

Q: What are the benefits of integrating an Ayahuasca experience post-ceremony?

A: Integrating an ayahuasca experience helps solidify the insights and healing gained during the ceremony. Integration programs may include counseling, group sharing, and continued support. This process ensures the benefits of the ayahuasca healing are assimilated into everyday life for long-term wellbeing.

Q: What kind of facilities and accommodations can I expect at these retreats?

A: Facilities at ayahuasca retreats in the UK vary but often include comfortable lodging, communal spaces, and natural surroundings. Some retreats offer amenities like a hammock for relaxation, private rooms, healthy meals, and additional wellness activities. It’s important to inquire about specifics when booking to ensure it meets your needs.

Q: Is there a particular time of year that is best for attending an Ayahuasca retreat?

A: Ayahuasca retreats are held throughout the year, but attending in en temporada baja can offer a more intimate experience with smaller groups and potentially lower costs. Each season has unique benefits, so consider personal preferences and the type of experience desired when choosing a time to attend.

Q: Can attending an Ayahuasca retreat have long-term benefits?

A: Yes, attending an Ayahuasca retreat can have profound long-term benefits, often described as life changing. Participants may experience deep emotional healing, enhanced self-awareness, and lasting positive changes in mental health and wellness. It’s essential to participate in the integration program for sustained benefits.

Q: Are the retreats accessible for beginners or those new to Ayahuasca?

A: Many Ayahuasca retreats welcome beginners and provide comprehensive guidance and support. Staff at these centers are typically well-versed in handling first ayahuasca experiences, ensuring that newcomers are well-prepared and feel supported throughout their journey. Always check with the retreat center for specific provisions for beginners.

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