When people talk about life-changing experiences with Ayahuasca, few stories are as powerful as that of Sam Believ. He himself is the testament of the life changing power of this medicine. Once an offshore oil and gas engineer, Sam made a bold decision to step away from this soulless world and dedicate his life to the healing potential of Ayahuasca. Today, he is the founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia, host of the Ayahuasca Podcast, and one of the most respected voices in the plant medicine movement.
A Life Transformed by Ayahuasca
Samās first encounter with Ayahuasca in 2020 was nothing short of profound. The sacred Amazonian brew not only gave him clarity about his own life but also revealed a mission: to make authentic Ayahuasca ceremonies accessible and affordable to people from all walks of life.
While many retreats in Peru, Costa Rica, and beyond charge $2,000ā$3,000 or more, Sam envisioned something different. He believed that true healing should not be a luxury, but a right. That vision became LaWayra. Where you can find retreats starting from $645.
Building LaWayra: The Best-Rated Retreat in South America
Located in the mountains of Antioquia, Colombia, just one hour south of MedellĆn, LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat was born in 2021. What started as a passion project quickly grew into one of the highest-rated Ayahuasca retreats in South America, with more than 650 five-star Google reviews as of 2025.
LaWayra stands out for several reasons:
– Authentic lineage: Ceremonies are led by indigenous shaman with many generations of experience.
– Affordability: Retreats start from just $645 for 4 days, making it one of the most accessible retreats in the world.
– Integration: Guests receive ongoing support to make sense of their experiences and bring lessons into everyday life.
– Community & care: Sam and his team create a safe, welcoming environment where participants feel like family.
These values have helped LaWayra host thousands of guests from across the globe, many of whom describe their stay as the most transformative experience of their lives.
The Ayahuasca Podcast
Beyond the retreat, Sam extends his mission through the Ayahuasca Podcastāa platform that has quickly become a leading voice in the psychedelic space. With 100+ episodes, Sam has interviewed world-renowned figures like Dr. Gabor MatĆ©, Dennis McKenna, Rachel Harris, and Julian Vayne, as well as countless individuals whose lives have been transformed by Ayahuasca.
The podcast offers a down-to-earth, honest look at everything from trauma healing to the neuroscience of plant medicines, making it an invaluable resource for anyone curious about Ayahuasca.
A Mission Bigger Than Himself
Samās vision is not only about running a retreat. Itās about rebranding Colombiaāa country long associated with negative stereotypesāinto a global hub for ancestral medicine and healing tourism.
He is also working on a feature-length documentary with Emmy-nominated director Sam Lipman-Stern, has launched educational projects like Ayahuasca Day (July 5th), and is currently writing a comprehensive book on Ayahuasca healing, aiming to be the most practical, accessible guide ever written on the subject.
Why Sam Believās Story Matters
Samās journey is a testament to the power of courage, vision, and purpose. From a meaningless life, to becoming one of the most recognized figures in the Ayahuasca world, he has proven that when we follow our calling, we can impact thousands of lives.
Through LaWayra, his podcast, and his broader mission, Sam is helping people connect, heal, and growāshowing the world that Ayahuasca, when approached with respect and authenticity, is not just a plant but a pathway to transformation.
Having the experience of hosting 1000s of people at LaWayra (the best rated Ayahuasca retreat in South America) being a guest on more than 30 podcasts himself, filming a documentary about Ayahuasca, writing a book about Ayahuasca, conducting scientific studies on Ayahuasca and interviewing more than 100 experts makes Sam truly an expert in the field. A perfect person to have as a guest on a podcast to introduce any audience to the topic or Ayahuasca.
Sam is a bridge between tradition and science. Down to earth, clear and relatable.
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.
