5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Ayahuasca Retreat
Choosing an Ayahuasca retreat is one of the most important decisions you can make for your healing and personal growth. This sacred medicine opens you up to profound vulnerability and transformation. The "setting"—the people, the place, and the protocols—is not just a detail; it is everything.
In an industry with no formal regulation, the responsibility falls on you to be a discerning guest. Your safety, and the depth of your healing, depend on it.
Asking the right questions upfront is the single best way to protect yourself and ensure you find a center that operates with true integrity. At One Soul Retreats, we welcome these questions. Any trustworthy retreat will.
Here are the 5 essential questions you should ask before you book.
1. "What are your medical and psychological screening protocols?"
This is the most important safety question. Ayahuasca has serious contraindications with many common medications, including SSRIs (as we discussed in this article), and is not suitable for individuals with certain heart conditions or a history of psychosis.
Why it matters: A center that does not have a thorough, mandatory screening process is putting its guests at extreme risk of physical harm or a psychological crisis. A "pay-and-show-up" model is a major red flag.
The One Soul Answer: We have a multi-stage safety protocol. It begins with a comprehensive medical and psychological intake form that is reviewed by our medical team. This is followed by a personal conversation to discuss your history and ensure you are a safe candidate. Your safety is our first priority, and we are not afraid to tell someone "not yet" if the preparation isn't right.
2. "What is the training of your shamans and facilitators?"
It is crucial to know who is "holding the space." Who is brewing the medicine? Who is guiding the ceremony? And who is there to support you if you are having a difficult time?
Why it matters: There is a profound difference between a true Maestro or Maestra—a shaman with decades of training in a specific lineage (like Shipibo)—and a "facilitator" who has simply sat in many ceremonies. The shaman manages the energy of the room and protects the space, while facilitators provide compassionate, hands-on support. You need both.
The One Soul Answer: Our ceremonies are led by authentic, vetted Shipibo shamans with generations of wisdom. They are masters of the medicine and the sacred icaros (songs) that guide the healing. Our facilitators are deeply experienced, compassionate, and trained to support you through every moment—whether you need a hand to hold, water, or just a reassuring presence.
3. "What is your average group size for a ceremony?"
This single question will tell you volumes about the retreat's intention: is it profit or healing?
Why it matters: Imagine being in your most vulnerable state in a room with 30, 40, or even 50 other people, with only a few facilitators. It's impossible to provide adequate support. Large, impersonal groups can feel chaotic and unsupported, leaving individuals to navigate challenging experiences alone.
The One Soul Answer: We make an intentional, non-negotiable choice to keep our retreats small. Our group sizes are intimate, ensuring a high facilitator-to-guest ratio. This means you are seen, you are cared for, and you have personal, individual support whenever you need it. This fosters a deep sense of trust and connection within the group.
4. "What kind of post-retreat integration support do you offer?"
The Ayahuasca ceremony is just the beginning. It's a powerful catalyst that brings insights to the surface. But what happens when you get home?
Why it matters: Integration is the real work. It's the process of taking those profound, abstract lessons and weaving them into the fabric of your daily life. A retreat that just "serves the medicine" and sends you on your way is only offering half the journey. This can leave you feeling lost and unable to sustain the healing you've touched.
The One Soul Answer: We believe integration is just as important as the ceremony. Our commitment to you does not end when you leave. We provide a comprehensive integration program, including follow-up circles, practical tools, and access to a supportive community to help you make sense of your experience and turn your insights into lasting, meaningful change.
5. "How do you honor the traditions and practice reciprocity?"
Ayahuasca is not a wellness trend; it is a sacred indigenous tradition. How a retreat center engages with that tradition speaks to its integrity.
Why it matters: It's important to know that the medicine is being served with respect and that the retreat is not just exploiting a culture. Are they in a right relationship with the indigenous communities? Are they giving back?
The One Soul Answer: We honor the Shipibo lineage that shares this wisdom with us. We work directly with our shamans and their families, ensuring they are compensated fairly and that our practices are in alignment with their teachings. We are committed to reciprocity, giving back to the communities and the land that make this healing possible.
Your Healing Deserves This Level of Care
Use these questions as your guide. Be bold in asking them. Any retreat center that is truly dedicated to your healing will be proud and transparent in its answers.
Your journey is sacred, and you deserve to be in a space that treats it as such.
Comments
Share your thoughts about this article!