Preparation

Understand what ayahuasca is and isn’t

Before participating, take time to educate yourself about ayahuasca, its origin, how it works, and the effects it can have, both positive and challenging.

But equally important: understand what ayahuasca is not. It is not a magic pill, not a shortcut, and not something that does the work for you. Research points to preparation quality as one of the key predictors of what follows, during ceremony and long after (Rux et al., 2024, Frontiers in Psychology). The brew opens a door. What you bring through it, and what you do afterwards, is where the real work happens.

Choose wisely

Drink only with a trustworthy facilitator, shaman, or retreat centre, ideally through direct personal referrals, not just online reviews. A reliable provider will offer clear pre-ceremony guidance and conduct a thorough medical assessment. Most importantly, they won’t try to convince or advise you to drink ayahuasca. The choice should always be yours.

Be mindful of anyone making promises of healing, visions, or specific outcomes. A grounded retreat honours the mystery of the process and avoids claims it cannot guarantee. Facilitators who are true to themselves, and to the people they welcome, create space; they don’t promise results.

Know what you drink

Inform yourself about the source and composition of the brew. The distinction between traditional ayahuasca and ‘anahuasca’ (analogous brews made with non-traditional plants) is especially relevant outside South America, where local or even synthetic substitutes are sometimes used, occasionally without full disclosure.

Be especially cautious with added plants like datura, which may induce intense experiences but can also be physically and psychologically harmful. A trustworthy facilitator will be transparent about the ingredients and their origins.

Your medical history

Be open about any medications or health conditions, both physical and mental. Ayahuasca can interact dangerously with certain substances and conditions, especially SSRIs, MAOIs, stimulants, heart issues, high blood pressure, or a personal or family history of psychosis.

Before making travel plans, make sure ayahuasca is safe for you. Any responsible retreat centre will include a proper medical assessment. If you’re unsure, consult a healthcare provider who understands both ayahuasca and your medical background.

Preparing body & mind

In the days around the ceremony, give your body and mind space to settle. Most facilitators will share specific guidelines, typically avoiding alcohol, recreational substances, certain foods, and intense stimulation. These aren’t arbitrary rules; they help you arrive more open and receptive.

A traditional dieta, usually 3 to 7 days of avoiding salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, red meat and pork, and sexual activity, is meant to calm the system and heighten inner awareness. If that feels too intense, a lighter ‘cleanse’ can still help: eat simple, plant-based meals, stay hydrated, eat early, get proper sleep, and reduce screen time and overstimulation.

Beyond the physical, prepare your emotional and mental space too. Practices like meditation, journalling, quiet time in nature, or talking with someone you trust can help you arrive with more calm, presence, and openness.

Setting your intention

Reflect on why you are drawn to this experience. A clear, honest intention can anchor and guide you during the ceremony and beyond. This intention might be a question, a theme, or even a gentle request to the plant itself, such as: ‘Show me what I need to learn.’ You might also take time to notice the different voices or feelings within you, some curious, some cautious, some perhaps seeking clarity or healing. Simply acknowledging these parts, without trying to change them, can bring a sense of calm and inner coherence.

Intention doesn’t need to be dramatic or perfectly articulated. It just needs to be yours. Hold it gently, though. An intention gripped too tightly becomes just another expectation, and the ceremony may have something entirely different in store.

Letting go of expectations

Approach the experience with as much openness as you can. Let go of assumptions about what should happen. Some people experience vivid visions, others feel subtle shifts. Some journeys are blissful; others are difficult and confronting. All are valid, and none are a measure of whether the experience ‘worked.’

Be cautious about consuming too many accounts of other people’s experiences beforehand. Every journey is different, and other people’s stories, however well-intentioned, can quietly shape what you expect to happen. That expectation then gets in the way of what actually does.

Research suggests that unmanaged expectations are among the strongest predictors of difficult integration afterwards (Gomes, 2017). Not because expectations are wrong, but because rigid ones leave no room for what actually arrives. Try to stay curious, humble, and receptive, before, during, and after the ceremony.

Practical logistics

Plan to travel with flexibility in mind. Follow the packing list from the retreat centre. When possible, block off a full day, or more, before and after the retreat for rest and reflection. The days either side of ceremony matter more than most people expect.

Connect before you arrive

If the opportunity exists, connect with other participants before the ceremony, whether through an introductory gathering, a shared meal, or even a brief conversation. Even if that’s not possible, knowing that you’ll be held within a group, not doing this alone, can itself be grounding.

Research on ayahuasca outcomes shows that community connection is one of the strongest protective factors for integration (Cowley-Court et al., 2023, Frontiers in Psychology, n=1,630). The relational container doesn’t begin at ceremony; it begins whenever you first meet the people you’ll share it with.