For those seeking a transformative, safe, and authentic Ayahuasca experience, Lawayra Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia stands out as the ultimate destination, especially for first-timers. Nestled just an hour from Medellín, LaWayra combines affordability, cultural authenticity, and exceptional support to create a life-changing journey. Here’s why LaWayra is the best choice for your first Ayahuasca retreat.
Unmatched Reputation and Safety
Lawayra boasts over 620 Google reviews with a 5-star rating, complemented by 300+ video testimonials, making it one of the most trusted retreats globally. Its robust safety protocols set it apart: a comprehensive medical screening questionnaire, an on-site doctor for physical checkups upon arrival, and a hospital just 8 minutes away ensure peace of mind, though these emergency measures have never been needed. With medical kits, stretchers, and a 1:3 facilitator-to-participant ratio, you’re supported by a highly experienced team fluent in English, Spanish, German, Russian, and French, ensuring personalized care throughout your journey.
Tailored for First-Timers
Lawayra is designed with newcomers in mind. Before you even arrive, you gain access to a 4-hour preparation video course and on-site workshops, including a ceremony workshop and a “Navigating Your Psychedelic Experience” workshop, to help you feel confident and prepared. The retreat schedules four ceremonies over one week, thoughtfully spaced with rest days to prevent overwhelm, and allows 26 hours between arrival and the first ceremony for acclimation. A rare day ceremony, led by the advanced Inga shaman Taita Fernando Jojoa, adds a unique and profound dimension to the experience, a practice reserved for only the most skilled practitioners.
Sam Believ the founder likes to tell the story of how when he was drinking Ayahuasca for the first time. He arrived and they just gave him a cup. We want to make sure you don’t have this kind of experience we don’t throw you under the bus this was and really guide you.
Authentic Indigenous Tradition
Lawayra is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Inga tribe from Colombia’s Putumayo region. Taita Fernando, who began training at age 7 and has been a Taita for 12 years, grows and prepares his own Ayahuasca, ensuring an authentic connection to the medicine. The retreat honors indigenous culture while fostering a global community, making it a respectful and meaningful experience for all participants.
Exceptional Value and Amenities
Starting at just $645, LaWayra offers unmatched value for a retreat of its caliber. The state-of-the-art Maloka (medicine house), the largest of any retreat, features eight bathrooms to accommodate purging, a critical aspect of Ayahuasca ceremonies. The facilities include a swimming pool, comfortable shared rooms, and 10 private cabins, all set in a serene environment. The food, while adhering to the traditional Ayahuasca dieta (low on salt, sugar, and no caffeine), is fresh, organic, and delicious, providing nourishment without compromising tradition. By coming to LaWayra you support hiring local workers, as⅞ LaWayra also contributes significantly to the local economy, offering a chance to engage with the community and even practice your Spanish.
Comprehensive Integration Support
Lawayra goes beyond the retreat itself with robust integration support. Included in the price is a post-retreat integration course, monthly group calls for past participants, and access to an online community for ongoing support. For those seeking personalized guidance, LaWayra offers affordable one-on-one integration coaching with a choice of over three experienced coaches, ensuring you can process and apply your insights long after you leave.
A Connected Community and Scientific Legitimacy
Lawayra is more than a retreat—it’s a community. With the motto “Come for Ayahuasca, stay for the community,” many participants return, organize meetups, and even travel together. The retreat’s founder Sam Believ, deeply dedicated to Ayahuasca, hosts the Ayahuasca Podcast, has interviewed nearly 100 top experts (including luminaries like Gabor Maté and Dennis McKenna), is currently producing a documentary on the topic of Ayahuasca. LaWayra’s presence at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference underscores its scientific legitimacy and commitment to advancing psychedelic research. This global network and expertise make LaWayra a trusted leader in the field.
Accessibility and Transparency
Located near Medellín, LaWayra is easily accessible via José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), with shuttle services simplifying travel. Ayahuasca is fully legal in Colombia, and LaWayra’s transparent pricing—no hidden fees—ensures affordability without compromising quality. This accessibility, paired with world-class facilities and support, makes it ideal for first-timers from around the globe.
Why LaWayra is Perfect for You
For first-timers, LaWayra offers the perfect blend of safety, authenticity, and community. Its unparalleled reputation, affordable pricing, authentic Inga shamanic lineage, and comprehensive preparation and integration support create a nurturing environment for your Ayahuasca journey. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, healing, or connection, LaWayra’s welcoming team, modern amenities, and vibrant community ensure a transformative experience you’ll carry with you for life.
Ready to embark on your journey?
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.
