How to Find a Plant Medicine Retreat in South America

“You are a divine being. You matter, you count. You come from realms of unimaginable power and light, and you will return to those realms.” – Terrence Mckenna

Some people come to South America to search for Ayahuasca ceremonies and plant medicine retreats. Others eventually hear grand tales about plant medicine as they travel through South America. And for some, it is a call that becomes hard to ignore.

Gone are the days of having to travel for days into the jungle to find an Ayahuasca shaman (although that is still possible!) Now, you can search ‘plant medicine retreat near me,’ and a host of options will come up. But not all of those options are going to give you the same experience.

Attending a plant medicine retreat in South America can be life-changing, but where you decide to go makes or breaks the experience. A trusted space with an experienced shaman who respects the medicine and you makes all the difference. Plant medicine such as Ayahuasca, Peyote, and San Pedro require care and respect, which you can find with research.

This post is all about helping you find the best plant medicine retreats in South America. And if you want a quick answer, I wholeheartedly recommend Ayllu Medicina. Check out their retreats here.

1. Pick Your Location
2. Check the Itinerary
3. What is included?
4. Participant numbers and facilitators
5. The Retreat’s Preparation and aftercare
6. Atmosphere
7. Reviews 

1. Pick your location

If you are flexible about where you want to attend a plant medicine retreat, then you can move on to the next tips. However, location is important to consider with your retreat! Some people want to attend an Ayahuasca retreat in Peru in the depths of the Amazon jungle, whereas others may be looking for a practical location, they can easily access.

The most important part of the location is that you can reach it and you like the look of it. This is more important if you are attending a week-long plant medicine retreat instead of just a ceremony. You want a retreat setting where you can relax, feel comfortable, and retreat inwards. For example, I attended a plant medicine retreat in Ecuador, with Ayllu Medicina, close to the coast, in a beautiful retreat center tucked away in the jungle.

2. check the Retreat itinerary

Not all plant medicine retreats in South America have the same itinerary.  Check how many ceremonies are included in the itinerary and what else is on offer.

You might want to specifically look for a San Pedro retreat in Ecuador or an Ayahuasca retreat in South America. Or you might like to attend a yoga retreat in Ecuador, which includes plant medicine.

I went to a seven-day plant medicine retreat in Ecuador. It included temazcals (sweat lodges), yoga, art time, a San Pedro ceremony, and two Ayahuasca ceremonies.

The temazcals are incredible medicine to reset and leave behind what no longer serves you. It is important to have space between plant medicine ceremonies to integrate what happens, but decide whether you want personal rest time or retreats that include other activities.

3.  What is included?

Does the retreat offer price plans? And what is included?

Be wary of retreats that do not include food or lodging. Be sure to compare costs with other plant medicine retreats in South America to get a cost average. And remember, the cheapest does not always mean the best deal, and the most expensive does not mean the best.

I had to pay using a price plan as I was still in backpacker mode when I attended the plant medicine retreat in Ecuador. However, after my retreat, I had a greater understanding of how much work goes into a plant medicine retreat and why there are costs associated. I went with an all-inclusive retreat, and despite being on the Ayahuasca diet, the food was delicious and plentiful.

4. Participant numbers and facilitators

Plant medicine retreats are called ‘retreats’ for a reason. It is time to rest and go inward. However, some retreats may be more action-filled and social than others.

Consider whether you want a small intimate retreat or a larger retreat. Check staff-to-participant ratios if you go on a large retreat. Plant medicine retreats can average between five participants to thirty or more.

It can also be helpful to know who is facilitating the retreat and ceremonies, such as whether there is an Ayahuasca shaman.

Who is the medicine man or woman? Do they have the blessing to give medicine? Ayahuasca ceremonies can also be run in different ways depending on their training.

You want to be in a container with experienced healers who know how to work with the medicine and prioritize your safety.  A reputable retreat center will be happy to share some information about the shamans and other staff members.

5. The retreat’s preparation and aftercare

Check what support you will receive before and after the retreat. It is natural to be nervous before and have a lot of questions, so see what information the retreat center provides. For example, if there are Ayahuasca ceremonies, you will usually need to prepare by going on a diet, which helps with physical and mental preparation.

The retreat center may provide a welcome pack or orientation call. They should also ask about the medications you are on and other details, such as your mental health history. You want to be cared for during the process, and if you are on medication, be sure to disclose it.

Your retreat is just the start of the ceremony. When you leave the retreat space, the ceremony truly begins. Ask what the retreat’s aftercare is, such as if they provide a support group or a way to reach out if something comes up for you.

Be wary of retreat centers that are hard to contact. It depends on the experience you want, but if you want to attend a plant medicine retreat, it is helpful to have an easy way to contact them.

If you do not speak Spanish and want to attend a plant medicine retreat in South America, consider searching for one that is bilingual. While it is possible to get by without, it will be a more comfortable experience if you can communicate your needs and understand what is going on.

6. Plant Medicine retreat atmosphere

Where is the retreat center? Check photos and videos of a plant medicine retreat center to get an idea of the atmosphere. You can also ask for more information about the retreat center, such as whether it is open to the public or how secluded it is.

Being surrounded by nature can be the perfect respite to integrate ceremonies and escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. The values of the plant medicine retreat in South America will also be telling.

Do they value time to stop and transform?  Do they support a new way of life? Are there other beneficial practices, such as yoga and breathwork?

During a retreat, you might not feel great, with different emotions and releases coming up. The key is to be in a setting where you feel comfortable and can relax.  It will help you stay centered on your healing journey without distraction.

7. Retreat reviews

When you research ‘plant medicine retreat near me’, a variety of options will come up. But not all offer the same service. Ceremonies, activities, and experiences can differ.

Not all honor the traditions and origins of plant medicines. And not all plant medicine retreats will be the right fit for you. However, it is important to check out reviews when choosing a plant medicine retreat in South America.

Reviews should match the promises of the plant medicine retreat. Whether it is a San Pedro retreat in Ecuador or an Ayahuasca retreat in South America, reviews will help narrow down your options. If you cannot find reviews for a particular retreat, you could reach out to the center directly or ask for recommendations when in South America, but also consider looking elsewhere for a more reputable option.

The Best Plant Medicine Retreat in South America

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a plant medicine retreat in South America. However, these factors will help you find the best setting for your needs. As there are so many different retreats in South America, it is important to take the time to research your options.

Once you pick your plant medicine retreat, you can begin to prepare.

While you can prepare and consider an intention for your week, it is best to have no expectations. The plant medicine ceremonies usually give you the medicine you need, not always what you expect or ask for. The right plant medicine retreat will help you feel as prepared as you can going into the experience and will support you throughout the process.

If you are looking for a plant medicine retreat in Ecuador, consider Ayllu Medicina for a life-changing experience. The ceremonies are run by experienced guides who honor the traditions of the plant medicines. Their plant medicine retreats are set in a beautiful space overlooking the ocean and include Ayahuasca ceremonies, San Pedro ceremonies, delicious cuisine, daily yoga, song circles, and more.

Have you attended a plant medicine retreat in South America? Do you have more questions?
Comment below!