When people think of Ayahuasca, they often imagine visions or purging. But anyone who’s sat in ceremony knows: the true heart of the experience is the music.
At LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat, medicine music isn’t just background — it’s a sacred language. And at the center of this symphony is Taita Fernando, a renowned shaman and gifted multi-instrumentalist.
Some people told us LaWayra is the Ayahuasca retreat with the best music out of all the other retreats.
Taita Fernando: Shaman, Healer, Musician
More than a spiritual guide, Taita Fernando is a true artist. He plays dozens of ancestral instruments, from native flutes to panpipes, drums, ocarinas, seeds, and string instruments. His voice carries deep lineage, and his presence is felt in every note.
What makes ceremonies at LaWayra truly unique is the presence of a full live band accompanying him. Together, they create an immersive and powerful musical journey:
- Christian – Guitar and vocal harmonies
- Donovan – Charango (a traditional Andean string instrument)
- Nico – Drums and percussion
- David – Matracas and rhythmic textures
- Taita Fernando – Flutes, panpipes, vocals, and more
Why Music Matters in Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Medicine music is not entertainment. It’s a healing tool — a way to move energy, open the heart, and guide the inner experience. At LaWayra, the music is live, intentional, and rooted in tradition. It:
- Opens visionary states
- Helps navigate difficult emotions
- Supports emotional release and purging
- Creates unity and a sense of safety
This musical support is one of the most consistently praised aspects of the LaWayra experience — and for good reason.
Ceremony music starts one hour after the first cup is served. It starts with just one person playing a guitar and quietly singing. As the night progresses, the music gets louder and more cheerful. It ends the ceremony with celebratory music with entire band playing.
What Makes LaWayra Stand Out
LaWayra isn’t just known for its music. It’s widely regarded as one of the best Ayahuasca retreats in the world. Here’s why:
Indigenous Lineage and Authentic Brew
- Led by Taita Fernando, from the Inga lineage
- Ayahuasca is grown, brewed by Taita and his family.
Medical Safety Protocols
- Detailed health questionnaire and physical checkup on arrival
- Doctor on staff, with medical kits and stretchers available
- Hospital just 8 minutes away (never used, but fully prepared)
Ideal for First-Time Participants
- One facilitator per three guests ensures unmatched support
- Pre-retreat four-hour video course included
- On-site workshops on ceremony preparation and integration
Thoughtful Ceremony Structure
- Four ceremonies in one week, including a rare day ceremony
- Twenty-six hours between arrival and the first ceremony
- Built-in rest days to support emotional processing
Integration Support
- Post-retreat integration course included in the price
- Affordable one-on-one coaching with a team of experienced coaches
- Monthly alumni group calls and a private online community
High-Quality Facilities at a Fair Price
- Modern Maloka with eight bathrooms — one if the best out there
- Swimming pool, private cabins, hammocks, and mountain views
- Nutritious, organic, and delicious food that follows the Ayahuasca dieta
Transparent Pricing
- Clear, upfront pricing with no vague donation models
- Starting at $645 for four days or $995 for a full week
International Recognition and Legitimacy
- LaWayra had a booth at the Psychedelic Science 2025 Conference
- Founder of LaWayra Sam Believ also hosts the Ayahuasca Podcast and is producing a documentary
A Real Community
- Guests stay in touch, organize reunions, and return year after year
- Motto: “Come for Ayahuasca — stay for the community”
Final Thoughts
LaWayra is more than just a retreat. It is a home for those on a healing path. It offers not only safe and traditional ceremonies, but also powerful music, strong community, and the depth of integration that helps people change their lives.
If you are looking for an Ayahuasca retreat that brings together real medicine, deep tradition, expert support, and transformative music, LaWayra is the place.
Sam Believ is the founder and CEO of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat, the best-rated Ayahuasca retreat in South America, with over 520 five-star Google reviews and an overall rating of 5 stars. After his life was transformed by Ayahuasca, he dedicated himself to spreading awareness about this ancestral medicine to help address the mental health crisis. Sam is committed to making Ayahuasca retreats affordable, accessible, and authentic, with a focus on care, integration, and the involvement of indigenous shamans. He is also the host of the Ayahuasca Podcast.
