In the heart of Colombia, just an hour from Medellín, Lawayra Ayahuasca Retreat shines as South America’s best-rated Ayahuasca retreat. With over 600 five-star Google reviews and 300+ video testimonials, LaWayra combines unparalleled reputation, affordability, cultural authenticity, and comprehensive support, making it the top choice for those seeking a transformative Ayahuasca experience. Here’s why LaWayra stands above the rest in South America.
Unrivaled Reputation
Lawayra’s reputation is unmatched, boasting over 600 Google reviews with a flawless 5-star rating, making it one of the most trusted Ayahuasca retreats worldwide. Complemented by 300+ video testimonials, these reviews highlight the retreat’s transformative ceremonies, professional staff, and safe environment. Participants consistently praise the care provided by the team, led by Taita Fernando Jojoa, ensuring a profound and supportive experience that resonates long after the retreat ends.
Gold-Standard Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount at LaWayra. The retreat features a rigorous medical screening process with detailed questionnaires, an on-site doctor conducting physical checkups upon arrival, and a hospital just 8 minutes away for emergencies—though it has never been needed. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical kits and stretchers, LaWayra maintains a 1:3 facilitator-to-participant ratio, ensuring personalized attention from a highly experienced, multilingual team fluent in English, Spanish, German, Russian, and French.
Authentic Indigenous Tradition
Lawayra is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Inga tribe from Colombia’s Putumayo region. Ceremonies are led by Taita Fernando Jojoa, a revered shaman who began training at age 7 and has been a Taita for 12 years. Taita Fernando grows and prepares his own Ayahuasca, ensuring an authentic connection to the medicine. The retreat honors indigenous culture while welcoming a global community, offering a respectful and meaningful experience. A rare day ceremony, a practice reserved for advanced shamans, adds a unique and powerful dimension to the retreat.
Affordable Excellence
Starting at just $645 for a multi-day retreat, LaWayra offers exceptional value without compromising quality. The retreat includes four ceremonies over one week, thoughtfully spaced with rest days to prevent overwhelm, and a 26-hour acclimation period before the first ceremony. The state-of-the-art Maloka, the largest of any retreat, features eight bathrooms to accommodate purging, a critical aspect of Ayahuasca ceremonies. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, comfortable shared rooms, and 10 private cabins. The food, adhering to the traditional Ayahuasca dieta, is fresh, organic, and delicious, providing nourishment while respecting cultural practices.
Comprehensive Preparation and Integration
Lawayra excels in preparing and supporting participants. A 4-hour preparation video course and on-site workshops, including a ceremony workshop and a “Navigating Your Psychedelic Experience” workshop, equip attendees with the tools to approach their journey confidently. Post-retreat, LaWayra offers a post-retreat integration course included in the price, monthly group calls for past participants, and an online community for ongoing support. For personalized guidance, affordable one-on-one integration coaching is available with a choice of over three experienced coaches, ensuring lasting benefits from your experience.
A Vibrant Community and Global Influence
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 travel together. The retreat’s founder, a dedicated advocate for Ayahuasca, hosts the Ayahuasca Podcast, has interviewed nearly 100 top experts (including Gabor Maté and Dennis McKenna), and is producing a documentary on the medicine. LaWayra’s presence at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference underscores its scientific legitimacy and leadership in the psychedelic field, further supported by its global network and endorsements from prominent figures.
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 “donation” fees—ensures affordability. By hiring local workers, the retreat contributes to the local economy, offering opportunities to engage with the community and practice your Spanish.
Why LaWayra is South America’s Best-Rated Retreat
Lawayra’s unmatched Google review volume, gold-standard safety, authentic Inga shamanic lineage, affordable pricing, and robust preparation and integration support make it South America’s top-rated Ayahuasca retreat. Whether you’re seeking healing, personal growth, or connection, LaWayra’s world-class facilities, experienced team, and vibrant community create an unparalleled experience. Its commitment to cultural respect, scientific legitimacy, and community-building sets it apart as a leader in the region.
Ready to experience South America’s best-rated Ayahuasca retreat?
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.
