Ayahuasca retreats in Spain have become increasingly popular as more people seek spiritual growth, emotional healing, and personal transformation through the traditional Amazonian brew. These retreats typically involve guided ceremonies where participants consume Ayahuasca under the supervision of experienced facilitators or shamans, often in serene and natural settings. The retreats offer a structured environment where individuals can explore profound psychological and spiritual experiences, usually combining the Ayahuasca ceremonies with meditation, yoga, and therapeutic holistic practices such as breathwork and psychotherapy. While Ayahuasca remains a controlled substance in many parts of the world, Spain has become a notable destination for these retreats due to a more permissive legal environment, attracting both locals and international visitors looking for profound personal insights and healing.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive brew that originates from the Amazon basin, particularly among indigenous peoples in countries like Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. The brew is made by combining two primary ingredients:
Banisteriopsis caapi: This vine contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, which are crucial for making the psychoactive components orally active.
Psychotria viridis: This plant contains N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychoactive compound.
Combining these ingredients is crucial because the body’s enzymes usually break down DMT before it can have any effect if taken orally. However, the MAOIs in the Banisteriopsis caapi vine inhibit these enzymes, allowing the DMT to enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to its potent psychoactive effects.
Effects and Experience
Ayahuasca is known for inducing intense, often profound psychedelic experiences that can last for several hours. These experiences can include:
Visual and auditory hallucinations: People often report vivid visions, sometimes of geometric patterns, mythical beings, or significant personal experiences.
Altered states of consciousness: Users may experience a deep connection with nature, the universe, or a higher spiritual plane.
Emotional and psychological insight: Many individuals report having revelations about their personal lives, relationships, or past traumas, often leading to a sense of healing or transformation.
Physical effects: The experience is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, which many cultures consider a form of spiritual cleansing.
What typically happens in Ayahuasca ceremonies?
Ayahuasca ceremonies are carefully structured rituals designed to guide participants through the intense and transformative experience of consuming the Ayahuasca brew. While the exact format of these ceremonies can vary depending on the cultural background, the facilitator, and the setting, they typically follow a general pattern:
Preparation
- Setting Intentions: Participants are often encouraged to set personal intentions for the ceremony, focusing on what they hope to learn, heal, or understand through the experience.
- Diet and Fasting: Before the ceremony, participants may follow a special diet called “dieta,” which usually involves abstaining from certain foods, alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity. This preparation is believed to enhance the effects of the Ayahuasca and reduce physical discomfort during the ceremony.
The Ceremony
- Sacred Space: The ceremony usually occurs in a sacred or ceremonial space, often at night. The environment is prepared to be peaceful, safe, and conducive to introspection.
- Guidance by a Shaman or Facilitator: A shaman, curandero (healer), or experienced facilitator leads the ceremony. They are responsible for administering the Ayahuasca, guiding the participants, and ensuring their safety throughout the experience.
- Consuming Ayahuasca: Participants consume the Ayahuasca brew, usually in one or more doses. The shaman or facilitator might say a prayer, chant, or bless the brew before it is consumed.
- The Experience: After drinking the Ayahuasca, participants typically sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable position. The effects take hold within 30 to 60 minutes and last several hours. During this time, participants may experience vivid visions, emotional releases, physical sensations, and deep reflective insights.
- Icaros (Sacred Songs): The shaman or facilitator often sings traditional songs called icaros throughout the ceremony. These songs are believed to guide the participants’ journeys, offer protection, and facilitate healing.
- Purge (La Purga): Many participants experience purging, which can involve vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, or crying. This is considered a physical and spiritual cleansing, helping to release negative energies or emotions.
Integration
- Sharing and Reflection: After the effects of Ayahuasca wear off, participants may gather to share their experiences and reflections. This is often seen as a crucial part of the process, helping individuals understand their visions and emotions.
- Ongoing Integration: The days and weeks following the ceremony are essential for integrating the insights gained during the experience. Participants might engage in practices like journaling, therapy, or continued meditation to process and apply their experiences to their lives.
Safety and Support
- Supportive Environment: Throughout the ceremony, facilitators are on hand to offer support if participants experience challenging emotions or visions. Safety protocols are usually in place to address any physical or psychological issues that may arise.
- Post-Ceremony Care: Participants are often encouraged to rest and care for themselves after the ceremony, as the experience can be physically and emotionally taxing.
Ayahuasca ceremonies are profoundly spiritual and personal experiences. Given the brew’s powerful and potentially life-altering effects, they are often approached with reverence and respect.
Choosing the Right Retreat Experience
Several factors should be considered when selecting an Ayahuasca retreat centre in Spain to ensure a safe, supportive, and transformative experience. Here’s what to look for under the aspects of a retreat:
Accommodation
The quality and type of accommodation can significantly impact your overall experience. Retreats range from rustic, eco-friendly lodges to more comfortable, modern facilities. As the ceremonies occur during nighttime, some retreats have everyone sleep on a mat in the hall where the ceremony occurs. Consider what level of comfort you need to feel safe and relaxed. Some people prefer a basic, nature-immersed setting, which is often cheaper and encourages a deeper connection with the environment, while others might need more amenities to feel at ease. Ensure that the retreat provides clean, safe, and private spaces for rest, especially since the Ayahuasca experience can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Shaman
The shaman or facilitator leading the ceremony is one of the most critical aspects of the retreat. An experienced and reputable shaman will guide you through the Ayahuasca journey with care and wisdom, ensuring your safety and helping you navigate the spiritual and psychological aspects of the experience. Research the shaman’s background, their training, and the traditions they follow. Finding someone who communicates well and makes you feel comfortable and supported is also essential. A good shaman respects your process and provides guidance and protection throughout the ceremony. There seem to be many different styles and roles that the shaman plays depending on the tribe from which the tradition originated, such as the popular Shipibo tribe from Peru or the Huni Kuin and Yawanawá Tribe from Brazil. There might also be no shaman, just some experienced facilitators holding the space. So it is worth checking these things before deciding.
Number of Retreat Participants
The number of participants at a retreat can influence the intimacy and depth of your experience. Smaller groups often allow for more personalised attention from the shaman and a stronger sense of community among participants. In contrast, larger groups might offer more diverse perspectives but can feel less intimate(and usually less expensive). Consider what environment you thrive in—whether you prefer a more private, focused experience or a broader group dynamic. Smaller retreats can also provide more time for individual integration and sharing, which can be crucial for processing your experience.
Other Plant Medicines Used
Many Ayahuasca retreats incorporate other plant medicines, such as San Pedro (Huachuma), Hapé, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or Kambo, to complement the Ayahuasca experience. If Hapé or Kambo are offered, it is usually optional and may be an additional cost to the retreat, so check with the organiser.
Disclaimer
The authors of this post do not condone the use of illegal drugs. The information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical or mental health disease or condition. The information should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical or mental health evaluation from an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional in your area. Please consult with such a professional to determine if ayahuasca is appropriate for you. Review My Retreat disclaims any liability, loss, injury, or damage from using or applying the information on this website or from your informed decision to partake in Ayahuasca.
Top 9 Ayahuasca Retreats in Spain 2025
Spain has some of the best ayahuasca retreats in Europe. Below, you will find the top ayahuasca retreats in Spain for healing and transformative experiences, catering to different budgets and requirements. Choosing a retreat for an experience with ayahuasca should be done with plenty of research. It is a powerful medicine for the body and mind.
Avalon Retreats
Avalon Retreats in Barcelona offers a profoundly transformative experience of self-discovery. The retreats are designed with a strong integration program, including personalised care, ensuring participants can fully process and integrate their experiences.
The ceremonies are led by experienced shamans from traditions such as Shipibo and Yawanawá, bringing authentic Amazonian healing practices to Avalon’s serene and supportive environment. In addition to the plant medicine ceremonies, Avalon Retreats offer a variety of holistic activities, including yoga, meditation, holotropic breathwork, and silent ecstatic dance. The retreats are held in a charming, rustic boutique hotel set within the peaceful countryside of the Costa Brava, offering a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in nature.
Participants also benefit from one-on-one guidance sessions, integration workshops, and wellness services to support lasting transformation and healing. Avalon Retreats provide a comprehensive approach that blends ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic practices, making it an ideal choice for those seeking deep healing and personal growth in a beautiful, safe, and nurturing setting.
Location: Outside Barcelona
Price: Luxury
Max Participants: 25
Length: 4 – 6-day Retreats available
Vine of the Soul
Vine of the Soul Retreats in Valencia, Spain, offers a truly transformative experience. Set in a peaceful natural environment, this retreat is an oasis of deep healing and self-discovery. The intimate setting, with a maximum of eight participants, ensures personalised support with a 2:1 facilitator ratio.
The ayahuasca ceremonies are conducted with great care, creating a safe and sacred space for profound inner work. Additional healing options, including Kambo, Peyote, San Pedro and Bufo Alvarius (5-MEO-DMT), further enrich the journey. Comfortable accommodations and delicious plant-based meals contribute to a deeply restorative experience.
Integration support is exceptional, with pre-retreat preparation, daily sharing circles, and post-retreat follow-ups. The retreat offers immersive nature excursions, morning movement sessions, and a traditional Temazcal ceremony for further grounding and renewal.
The facilitators are highly skilled and genuinely dedicated to each participant’s well-being. Every detail is designed to nurture rest, reflection, and transformation.
If you seek a profound healing experience in a safe and caring environment, Vine of the Soul Retreats is an outstanding choice.
Location: Valencia
Price: Mid Range
Max Participants: 8
Length: 2 to 5-day Retreats available
APL Shamanic Journeys
APL Shamanic Journeys is a leading Ayahuasca-focused retreat centre in Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. The centre is known for its commitment to blending the ancient wisdom of Amazonian shamanism with modern therapeutic approaches. Their retreats are guided by authentic Peruvian shamans, ensuring a traditional and transformative experience. These retreats also incorporate holistic elements such as guided meditations, yoga, and nutritious meals, making them well-rounded for those seeking profound spiritual and personal growth.
APL Shamanic Journeys emphasizes safety and integration. Its facilitators are trauma-informed and have psychology backgrounds, which helps provide a secure and supportive environment for participants. The retreats typically feature small group settings to ensure personalized attention and a high comfort level, blending luxury accommodations with strict adherence to traditional ceremonial practices.
For those looking to experience Ayahuasca responsibly and authentically, APL Shamanic Journeys offers a profound opportunity to connect with sacred plant medicines under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Location: Malaga
Price: Luxury
Max Participants: Unknown
Length: 4 or 7-day Retreats available
OMMIJ
Om-Mij’s Ayahuasca retreats in Spain are held at the “Be Free” Retreat Centre, a 10,000m² estate designed for deep spiritual healing. The centre features a large outdoor area for activities like yoga and meditation, and creative workshops, a swimming pool, vegetable garden, and a 450m² terrace with barbecue facilities. The finca, a 900m² three-story building, includes a kitchen, ceremony room, and ten guest rooms, offering double or 5-bed accommodations. The retreat is currently priced at €745 for a 3-day retreat and €1295 for a 5-day retreat.
Location: Alicante
Price: Mid-range
Max Participants: 16
Length: 3 or 5-day Retreats available
Amoraleza
Amoraleza offers shamanic retreats in Spain, focusing on deep healing and self-transformation through Brazilian-style Ayahuasca ceremonies. These retreats are held between May and September and are available in 3-day and 5-day formats. The ceremonies are eclectic, incorporating live music and guided by experienced facilitators—additional healing medicines such as Rapé and Sananga are also offered. The community emphasizes a supportive environment with vegan, high-vibration meals and opportunities for integration before and after the retreat.
Location: Granada
Price: Mid-Range
Max Participants: Unknown
Length: 3 or 5-day Retreats available
Pachamama Shamanic Healing
A beautiful retreat centre in Mallorca, led by a friendly local Mallorcan shaman and his shaman wife from Bolivia. It is well organised with good food and integration workshops, yoga, and other activities. There is also the opportunity to try Kambo and Bufo Alvarius at an additional cost while at the retreat. The only criticism is that there are too many people (40+ retreatants) for the space size(you all sleep in the hall together). You often feel bunched together without much personal space, which keeps prices low compared to other ayahuasca retreats. They also do an annual trip to Colombia to visit many different ayahuasca retreat centres.
Location: Mallorca
Price: Budget
Max Participants: 40
Length: 3-day Retreats available
Union in Arutam
Union in Arutam Ayahuasca Retreat Center in Tenerife has been a spiritual and personal growth sanctuary for over twelve years. The retreats, deeply rooted in Native American ancestral traditions, offer a path to wisdom, healing, and a deeper understanding of life. The ceremonies are conducted in serene, natural surroundings, utilizing medicinal plants such as Ayahuasca, Tobacco, and San Pedro. These experiences are carefully guided by experienced shamans, including the occasional presence of Arutam Ruymán, a revered figure known for his profound knowledge and healing abilities.
Before joining the ceremonies, participants undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they are ready for the journey. The retreats focus on physical and mental healing and emphasize the importance of ecological balance, meditation, and responsibility. The experience fosters a deep sense of community, with participants often forming lasting bonds through shared moments of clarity, inspiration, and connection with nature.
The retreats are held in a peaceful countryside house with dormitories and showers, offering comfort while maintaining a close connection to nature. Meals are provided, including breakfast on both days and lunch before the second ceremony, ensuring participants are well-nourished throughout their transformative experience.
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Price: Budget
Max Participants: 20 -25
Length: 1 or 2-day Retreats available
Ayahuasca Marbella
The 4-day Ayahuasca retreat by Marbella Ayahuasca offers a deeply immersive journey of self-discovery and healing in the serene landscapes of Marbella. Over four days and three nights, you’ll participate in two Ayahuasca ceremonies and one Psilocybin ceremony, guided by experienced facilitators. These ceremonies provide a sacred space to explore your inner world, confront challenges, and gain profound insights.
You’ll stay in comfortable accommodations, and all meals will be provided. A private chef will craft delicious, nourishing dishes to support your journey. The retreat also includes daily yoga classes, artistic expression activities, a guided hike, and breathwork sessions to enhance physical and spiritual well-being.
This retreat offers a holistic approach to healing, blending ancient plant medicine with modern practices to help you achieve lasting personal growth and transformation.
Location: Marbella, Malaga
Price: Mid-Range – Currently from 1599 Euros
Max Participants: 6
Length: 4-day Retreats available
The Opah
The Opah 5-Day Ayahuasca Retreat offers a transformative experience in a serene environment, combining traditional Amazonian ceremonies with modern comforts. Participants are guided through three Ayahuasca ceremonies, meditation, and integration workshops to foster profound personal growth and healing. The retreat focuses on connecting with nature and exploring consciousness, all within a supportive and safe setting. With expert facilitators, the retreat ensures a profound journey into self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
Location: Malaga
Price: Luxury
Max Participants: 20 -25
Length: 5-day Retreat available
Safe Spirit
Safe Spirit offers retreats in Spain and Tenerife focused on personal growth and spiritual awakening through entheogenic plants like Ayahuasca, Kambo, and Bufo Alvarius. These retreats combine traditional shamanic practices with modern therapeutic techniques such as meditation, breathwork, and energy healing. The environment is designed to be supportive and tailored to individual needs, ensuring a safe and transformative journey for participants seeking to reconnect with their true selves and unleash their potential.
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Price: Mid-range
Max Participants: 12
Length: 3-day Group Retreat available
Conclusion
Ayahuasca retreats in Spain offer a unique and transformative journey for those seeking deep healing and personal growth. These retreats offer more than just the use of Ayahuasca; they provide a comprehensive healing experience that integrates other sacred plant medicines like San Pedro and Rapé, along with yoga, meditation, and ecstatic dance.
For those who wish to deepen their healing with a plant medicine retreat, Spain has everything you need to know for a transformative and healing experience. Every experience is different, and the healers in the Amazonian tradition, with their extensive experience, ensure that you are guided on a safe and sacred path to personal growth and deep healing.
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