How to prepare for Ayahuasca
Motivation
Its best to feel a calling, an intuition, because embarking on a journey to an Ayahuasca retreat requires courage, faith and an open-hearted commitment, its not an 'experience box' to tick off, though if you do think of it that way you may well change your mind after just one ceremony!
Don't worry if you do not follow all of the advice given here, just do what you can and what feels right. Perhaps take life a little less seriously? It should be fun as much of the time as possible! We are after all spiritual beings having a physical experience with the aim of learning things we can take with us when our physical bodies 'give up the ghost'. A high happy vibe is what we are aiming for, right?
The preparation for such a profound undertaking greatly influences the depth and effectiveness of the experience.
Here are some key suggestions :-
Food and Drink
Nutrition is a controversial subject, for many reasons, so you may find some differences between the advice given here and that from other sources.
"Let food be your Medecine"
No two people have the same dietary requirements. No one person has the same dietary requirements throughout their life.
Preparation for Ayawaska ceremonies and for a serious 'Dieta' for shamanistic training is somewhat different. The following is the less stringent regime for ceremonies.
Physical detox
Preferably six weeks before the first ceremony (using common sense and depending on your normal diet) slowly reduce stimulants like, sugar, spices, alcohol, recreational drugs, and then caffeine a few weeks before the retreat. This helps to detoxify your body and may allow for a clearer, more profound experience and will significantly reduce purging and nausea during the ceremonies. Drinking pure water is essential at all times.
NB - C Sativa (merry wana) - for heavy users this can still be in the body 90 days after last use. For occasional tokers 2 weeks before should suffice.
The Shamans describe the personality of Ayawasca as being 'jealous' - she doesn't like mixing it with other plant mediated spirits except under special circumstances (this is what a Curandero level Shaman finds out).
NB- Spices - this is controversial. For example you will be offered the Amazonian equivalent of Tumeric (Cuisador = 'The Carer') as a condiment with your food during you stay. It has almost miraculous healing qualities for the vast majority of people.
NB- Salt - insufficient salt over a long period will make you ill so I repeat - use your common sense and listen to your body. Being mineral deficient in an environment where you will sweat more than usual isn't good.
Lastly - All nutritious food is alive before its cooked and still has a consciousness after! Consequently there is a lot of sense in eating and drinking with a sense of gratitude. The old customs of saying a prayer of thanks before your meal comes from that knowledge. Water in particular can absorb good vibes straight from the heart.
Reduce Distractions
A week or two before the retreat, begin to limit your exposure to digital and social media especially for an hour before going to sleep. This helps to cultivate a state of presence and calm, allowing for greater mental clarity during your retreat. By stepping back from digital noise, you mentally and physically detox thus making space to become more receptive to the subtle insights and experiences in your healing process.
Spend Time in Nature
Focus on sensations like the sunlight and wind on your skin. Recall the childlike curiosity and wonder of exploring nature, ponder on how small seeds grow into tall trees, caterpillars become butterflies, or bees make honey. This will enhance the likelihood of a transformation within yourself. Use all of your senses especially smell. Experience the mystery of nature’s wisdom and power, remembering that you, too, are part of its mystery and magic.
Consider practising one or both of the two fundamental forms of meditation for a minimum of 10 minutes each (there are of course many types):- an open/ transcendental form and a mindfulness/focused form.
Breathwork and Yoga can support mental clarity and emotional resilience and focused breath control can be very helpful before and during the ceremonies. The sun salutation first thing in the morning is excellent.
Fitting all this into your daily routine may not be possible in your individual circumstances so please don't get at all stressed if you only follow a little of the advice given here.
Work out what you can fit into your life and try to do it the same time each day. Go to bed at the same time and do not look at screens for at least an hour before that - failing that use yellow/orange coloured specs to reduce blue light input. It's good to welcome the sun during first light or at least before it rises more than 30 degrees as the form of blue light in the morning helps empower you and wake you up for the rest of the day.
Spend time in nature, focusing on sensations like sunlight on your skin or the breeze around you, tuning into the subtle energies of the environment. Recall the childlike wonder of exploring nature, pondering how small seeds grow into tall trees, caterpillars become butterflies, or bees make honey. Experience the mystery of nature’s wisdom and power, remembering that you, too, are part of its mystery and magic.
Have faith in the process- trust it and yourself
Practice Gratitude
Build and maintain a practice of gratitude by writing daily in a journal, noting things you’re grateful for, and acknowledging others for their positive impact on your life. It might be helpful to make a list of all the things that are going right in your life, including problems.
Reflect on positive experiences and notice how they make you feel, deepening your awareness of gratitude and positivity.
If you feel one of the higher emotions during a ceremony you might be amazed at how fantastic the experience can be.
Have faith in the process - trust in yourself and remember the universe is on your side and will help you when you use your higher emotions via the law of attraction.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Each Ayahuasca ceremony is a unique journey of healing and self-discovery. While every shaman and facilitator works in their own way, the essence remains the same: to open a space where the spirit of Ayahuasca can cleanse, guide, and teach.
Ceremonies usually begin after nightfall (around 6:30 p.m.) and last between two and four hours. Once participants are called to drink, candles are extinguished and the shaman begins protective rites — singing sacred icaros and invoking the medicine’s protective energy through traditional tobacco (mapacho).
Throughout the night, the shaman may visit each person, sensing what is needed and offering individual healing and protective songs called Icaros. Assistants remain nearby to provide quiet support. Some participants prefer to rest on their mattress afterward, while others return to their casitas.
Please be aware that the effects of Ayahuasca differ hugely and that the end of your experience may not be the end for everybody. The conclusion of the Shaman's part in the ceremony is marked by the lighting of a candle.. When this occurs, you may choose to remain in the Mallorca or retire to your casita. Whichever you choose, please respect the experiences of your fellow participants and move quietly, causing the minimum of disturbance to allow their journey to finish peacefully. Avoid bright lights and unnecessary talk.
Group Size and Setting
Ayahuasca is an intimate and deeply personal medicine. For this reason, we limit each ceremony to a maximum of twelve participants, ensuring calm, safety, and personal attention.
Large groups — sometimes exceeding thirty people — can create unnecessary intensity. The medicine works through physical and energetic cleansing, often involving purging, tears, sweating, or emotional release. A smaller, contained space supports a smoother, more grounded experience.
Ayahuasca ceremonies will be held in one of three places.
1. In your own Casita for a fully private ceremony .
2. In one of the highest graded casitas for small groups .
3. In the main Maloca for a maximum of 12 people.
What should I bring and wear to the ceremony?
A bottle of water (more will be provided if you run out).
A flashlight (preferably with a dimmer and red light setting).
Loose comfortable clothing (including a second layer and socks if you want to stay around after the ceremony through much of the night - possibly a blanket too). If you have clothing which has positive meaning to you, then wear that.
A pillow from your bed.
Preparation on the day of the ceremony
Eat your final light meal at lunchtime so you have a fairly empty stomach.
Avoid strenuous activity after lunch-
Relax, read a book, listen to calming music, enjoy conversation or just stillness on your own. Maybe meditate or do some Yoga or gentle stretching or a slow walk amongst the plants - whatever makes you feel nice and relaxed .
State of mind
Ayahuasca is the spirit of the Earth herself. Our bodies, made from her elements respond naturally to her guidance. The cleansing process — including purging — is how she helps clear what no longer serves you. This is why your six-week preparation and detox are so important.
Your first ceremony?
You may bring a clear question into the ceremony, or simply allow your thoughts to drift naturally without engaging with them, observing what unfolds.
Cultivating feelings of gratitude, appreciation, serenity, or love often guides the experience toward light and insight.
If the journey becomes challenging, know that this too is a form of healing — the medicine revealing what needs attention.
A strong physical release or “purge” simply means that deep cleansing is taking place.
During the Experience
When the medicine begins to work, remain relaxed. Focus on your breath — slow, steady, and deep. If you know a calming breathing practice, use it; if not, simply exhale longer than you inhale to settle the nervous system.
Let your thoughts come and go like clouds — there is nothing to resist. The first ceremony is often an introduction, a meeting rather than a lesson. Later ceremonies may reveal deeper insights.
Whether the journey feels light or challenging, both are forms of healing. Trust that the process is intelligent and compassionate.
What can happen?
Anything from apparently nothing at all to light visions, to things beyond ordinary imagination - the point is to not expect or try to direct anything- go with the flow and enjoy.
After the Ceremony
When the Shaman's part in the ceremony concludes, a candle will be lit. remain where you feel most comfortable. Assistants are always present if you need support. Please respect others’ space — some may wish to remain silent and solitary for a while. Always quietly ask permission to approach.
The next morning, fresh fruit and tea are brought to your casita. Breakfast is served at 10.30 , followed by a sharing circle where participants reflect together. Individual meetings with the shaman (who speaks excellent English) are available for deeper understanding and integration.
The day after a ceremony is best spent gently — resting, walking, meditating, or relaxing in a hammock. Integration begins in stillness.
Kambo Ceremonies
At RA we have two separate tribes of Giant Monkey Frogs. One living by the pond close to the chickens and the other in the second fish farm. Both tribes joined us after the project started- this is deemed to be very fortuitous and indicative of approval from Mother Nature (Ayahuasca) by the local people.
The ceremonies involve applying a waxy exudate from the Giant Monkey Frog to wounds on the skin. It contains a complex mix of peptides which act powerfully on the nervous, cardiovascular, immune and gastrointestinal systems. It triggers a detoxification process , resets the immune system , brings mental clarity, possibly removes spike proteins , promotes fertility and virility, reduces chronic pain, anxiety, treats chronic eczema and for indigenous people promotes a successful hunt. Many feel more confident, spiritually sensitive and capable for long after the ceremony.
Absolute contraindications (never safe)
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Cardiovascular disease
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History of stroke or aneurysm
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Chronic kidney failure
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Epilepsy or seizure disorders
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Use of SSRIs, MAOIs, or other antidepressants
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Recent major surgery or serious infection
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Low blood pressure or dehydration
It is normally performed in the morning and lasts about 2 hours for a group ceremony.
The initial effects typically last for 10-20 minutes but can last much longer in some cases.
After fasting for 8 - 12 hours and then drinking 1 - 1.5 litres of water
1. A shaman uses a hot stick to burn small holes in the skin to which Kambo is applied
2. The body purges , normally by vomiting (with or without nausea), and sweating or sometimes defecating .
3. Heart rate and blood pressure elevates
4. The face - particularly the lips swell so that one can actually look frog like for a short time!
Detox time is very fast as the compounds are peptides ( small proteins ) which are quickly broken down. Consequently it is safe to do the day before or even the morning of a ceremony day.