everyone deserves a
safe space to heal.
we’re a community helping make ayahuasca
feel accessible to everyone.
Authentic Ancestral
Medicine Retreat in
Colombia
We combine authentic and pure medicine, strong shamans from long lineage (Taitas), amazing environment (set and setting), and caring integration, all at the best prices.
We don’t just give you medicine; we provide solid integration that helps you turn your ayahuasca experience into long-lasting positive change in your life.
Join one of our all-inclusive Ayahuasca Retreats.
what we’re all about:
Community & Connection
Healing doesn’t have to be heavy. Our retreats remind you that growth can also feel warm, connected, and even joyfu.
Safe & Supportive Environment
Perfect for first-timers. With a facilitator for every 2–3 guests, you’ll be cared for every step.
Authentic Ancestral Medicine
Guided by Taita Fernando Jojoa, an Inga shaman with deep ancestral wisdom.
Surrounded by Nature
Set in the lush Colombian mountains near Medellín, our retreat center blends nature, comfort, and care.
upcoming retreats
$695 USD
Designed for guests who have already worked with the medicine and are looking for a focused refresher or realignment.
7 days retrat
$1145 USD
Designed for guests who have already worked with the medicine and are looking for a focused refresher or realignment.
7 days retrat
$1645 USD
Designed for guests who have already worked with the medicine and are looking for a focused refresher or realignment.
South America´s highest
rated ayahuasca retreat.
learn about the medicine
Podcast october 2025
When Body and Spirit Align
In a world dominated by logic and science, few experiences challenge and expand the mind quite like Ayahuasca.
Podcast · September 3, 2025
The Unseen
Connection
In a powerful episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ explores the harmony between physical healing.
Podcast · September 1, 2025
From offshore oil engineer to founder
When people talk about life-changing experiences, few compare to Sam’s journey from offshore oil to nner discovery.
the wisdom is ancient. the science is catching up.
At LaWayra, we love pairing ancient wisdom with real brain science. That’s why we partner with researcher Luke Jensen from NewMind Technologies to explore how Ayahuasca affects the brain using gentle qEEG brain mapping.
qEEG is a simple, non-invasive way to look at your brain’s electrical activity. It shows patterns related to calm, focus, emotional processing, and regulation. By comparing maps before and after ceremony, we get a clearer picture of how the nervous system shifts through the healing experience.
Luke’s research already reflects what many people feel intuitively: plant medicine can create real, measurable changes in areas connected to mood, clarity, and emotional balance. And because every brain map is unique, it highlights how personal each journey really is.
It gives people a clearer picture of what’s unfolding inside during the healing process. qEEG offers a way to “see” the internal shifts that can sometimes be hard to describe.
Luke’s team also offers optional neurofeedback after the retreat to support integration and help the brain settle into calmer, more balanced patterns.
what happened when they said yes to the medicine
real stories from people who found clarity, healing,
and a new way forward.
about our team
Our ceremonies are led by Taita Fernando Jojoa, who comes from a long Inga family lineage in Putumayo. He grew up with this tradition, trained from a young age, and has been serving as a Taita for over a decade. He brings a steady, grounded presence and is also a wonderful musician.
Around him is a team that blends local roots and international experience. We have musicians and facilitators from Putumayo who carry the traditional side of the work, and team members from around the world who bring structure, communication, and strong facilitation skills. It’s a group that works well together, trusts each other, and creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere for guests.
We’re also supported by well-trained volunteers from different countries who help keep everything running smoothly and add a friendly, welcoming energy.
Ayahuasca, also known as Yagé in Colombia, is a sacred plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous cultures for spiritual healing and self-discovery. With traditions dating back 4,000 to 8,000 years, Ayahuasca has always been revered as a powerful medicine. During a ceremony, participants may experience profound personal insights, emotional release, and a connection to higher consciousness. Each journey is unique and guided by the experienced facilitators at Lawayra.
Yes, our ceremonies are conducted with safety as a top priority. Our facilitators are highly trained and experienced in creating a secure and supportive environment. We also conduct thorough health and safety screenings to ensure participants are fully prepared for the experience.
When choosing where to drink Ayahuasca, three main considerations are crucial:
Who is serving the Ayahuasca? Our ceremonies are led by Taita (shaman) Fernando Jojoa, a highly respected practitioner from the Inga tribe in the Putumayo region of the Colombian Amazon. Taita Fernando comes from a long lineage of medicine practitioners, with traditions passed down through generations. He has been a Taita for 12 years and began his training at the age of 7, drinking medicine three times a week for 10 years.
Who prepares the Ayahuasca? The Ayahuasca served at Lawayra is cultivated, prepared, and served by Taita Fernando and his family, ensuring authenticity and the highest respect for traditional methods.
Are there any contraindications? Understanding potential contraindications, including medications and the mental and emotional health of participants, is essential. Lawayra’s intake form includes detailed questions about medications and mental health history to ensure the safety of each participant.
By addressing these three elements, we ensure that the Ayahuasca experience at Lawayra is both safe and transformative.
Our retreats are open to adults who meet the health and wellness criteria outlined in our intake process. We welcome individuals from all walks of life who are seeking:
- Spiritual Growth: Deepening their connection to the sacred and exploring higher states of consciousness.
- Emotional Healing: Addressing past traumas, finding peace, and cultivating emotional resilience.
- Personal Transformation: Gaining clarity, breaking through limiting patterns, and fostering a renewed sense of purpose.
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, all participants must complete a detailed health and wellness screening during the intake process. This helps us assess physical, emotional, and psychological readiness for the retreat.
Please note that individuals with certain medical conditions, those on specific medications, or those currently experiencing severe mental health challenges may not be eligible for participation. If you are unsure, we encourage you to contact us for a confidential consultation to determine suitability.
Lawayra Ayahuasca Retreat is located near Fredonia, Colombia, approximately one hour south of Medellín, Colombia.
To reach the retreat, the nearest airport is José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín. From Medellín, Lawayra offers a convenient shuttle service from a designated meeting point to the retreat center. Detailed instructions and meeting point information will be provided upon booking.
Preparation includes following a specific diet (known as a dieta), abstaining from certain substances, and setting intentions for your retreat participation. Preparation is as important as sitting in ceremony. After registration, you will receive detailed guidelines to help you prepare for the experience.
Our facilitators are experienced in Ayahuasca ceremonies and provide compassionate support throughout your journey. They guide the ceremonies, assist with integration, and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
ntegration is a vital part of the healing journey and is as important as both preparation and ceremony. We provide post-retreat support, including group sharing, one-on-one guidance, and resources to help you incorporate insights from the ceremony into your daily life.
You can book a retreat through our website by filling out the registration form. Pricing details, available dates, and payment options are listed on our retreat page. Feel free to contact us with any questions.