Traditional Ayahuasca Ceremony

Discover traditional ayahuasca ceremonies in South America at Refugio Altiplano, where sacred healing rituals unfold deep in the forests of Peru.

What Is the Ayahuasca Ceremony?

This ceremony is a spiritual and profoundly transformative experience rooted in the shamanic traditions of South America. Led by experienced shamans and centered around the psychoactive brew ayahuasca, it is known for its ability to bring about altered states of consciousness and support spiritual healing.

What Happens During a Ceremony?

Ayahuasca ceremonies are held in a safe setting under the care of an experienced shaman. After drinking the brew, participants enter a journey that may include:

• Vivid visions that can continue for hours
• Emotional release, supporting emotional healing
• Spiritual growth and transformation

Is Prior Experience Required?

No previous experience is needed to join our shamanic ayahuasca ceremonies. Even with advanced shamanic techniques, the dosage and ceremonial work are carefully adapted to each person’s needs and intentions.

Individualized Experiences

Each participant moves through the experience at their own pace. For people dealing with serious physical or emotional challenges, our staff usually recommend a 12 day retreat with the option to extend, depending on progress. Decisions are made in person after the first ceremony. Any questions can be discussed before arrival.

Safe & Comfortable Environment

The ceremony takes place in a protected and comfortable atmosphere, with our shamans working in coordination with ayahuasca as they guide the experience.

Acclimatizing to Ayahuasca - the Initial Steps

The first ceremony is gentle, with a small dosage that gives each guest time to adjust to a moderate trance state. The appropriate amount varies from person to person and is quickly adjusted during and after the first ceremony.

Our Traditional Ayahuasca Ceremony Itinerary

On ceremony nights, the last meal is at 2pm. Our guides will pick you up from your house and take you to the ceremonial temple at 7:30pm. Please bring a pillow, a blanket, a water bottle, and a flashlight. You may sit or lie down and allow your body and mind to soften through deep, steady, slow breathing.

Stages of Our Ayahuasca Ceremony

The Ceremony Begins

When the ceremony starts, the space is prepared and the spirits of the jungle are invited to join. After the shaman drinks, guests are invited one by one to take their dose. The amount begins small and may be increased or reduced according to your capacity, desires, metabolism, and goals. This is an important part of the healing and evolutionary process, and one reason why it is wise to drink with a capable, compassionate, and experienced shaman.

Prayer and Darkness

Once everyone has taken their dose, a prayer is offered and the candles are extinguished. Ayahuasca is best experienced in total darkness. The shaman then begins singing beautiful icaros, and the effects of the medicine start to unfold. Throughout the ceremony, the shaman continues to engage with participants, guiding their journeys and clearing energetic blockages. If you purge or need the bathroom, our shaman and support staff will assist you and ensure your safety and comfort.

The Conclusion of the Ceremony

At the end of the ceremony, the shaman lights a candle, dismisses the spirit allies, and checks on each participant individually. As the trance fades, guests may speak with one another about their experiences. When you are ready, our guards will carefully guide you back to your house. The medicine continues to work, and most guests prefer to rest in bed through the night and into the early morning, listening to the jungle and absorbing the healing and illumination of the ceremony.

A Safe Environment

We understand that the jungle setting and strong medicine introduce guests to an exotic and mysterious world unlike anything they are used to at home. Rest assured that while you are at Refugio Altiplano Healing Center, you will be safe and well cared for. The shamanic therapy you begin at the Refugio continues in the modern world, communicating through the subconscious mind and dreams.