Guatemala Ayahuasca Retreats & Ceremonies

Ayahuasca — also known as the tea, the vine, and la purga — is a brew made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, though other plants and ingredients can be added as well.

This drink was used for spiritual and religious purposes by ancient Amazonian tribes and is still used as a sacred beverage by some religious communities in Brazil and North America, including the Santo Daime.

Ayahuasca is a traditional plant-based brew that originates from indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest. It has been used for centuries in spiritual and healing ceremonies, particularly in regions of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Rooted in ancient traditions, ayahuasca holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities. Jahendo is trained and initiated with the Huni Kuin tribe of brazil. He studies deeply with Yawanawa, Shipibo, Santo Daime and countless western mentors.

Unlike some countries where Ayahuasca use is heavily restricted, Guatemala occupies a more open space for alternative and spiritual medicines. It operates in a legal gray zone, which allows traditional ceremonies to take place without formal restrictions. This openness, combined with Lake Atitlán’s potent energy vortex, has made Guatemala an increasingly popular destination for those interested in working with Ayahuasca.

Preparing for an Ayahuasca ceremony will make sure your energy and physical vessel are as clear as possible to fully receive the medicine’s wisdom and healing. Please refrain engaging with these substances on ceremony day and it can be beneficial to remove these in the days lead up to your ceremony.

Here are the key practices to avoid as part of your preparation process:

• Alcohol, Cannabis and Recreational Drugs: These may interfere with Ayahuasca’s ability to work harmoniously with your mind and spirit. 
• Caffeine and Stimulants: Avoid coffee, cacao and other stimulants to give your nervous system space to settle and recharge naturally.
• Pharmaceuticals & Medications: Please consult with us about any you are taking prior to joining the ceremony. These may require a longer detox or be  reason to not join the ceremony as the interaction between Ayahuasca and certain medications can be dangerous.

Your diet is also an integral part of your preparation. A clean body helps ensure you are energetically, emotionally, and physically ready for the experience. Here’s what to avoid on ceremony day and it can be beneficial to to remove this food from your diet in the days leading up to your ceremony. 

• Spicy Foods: These can overstimulate your body’s systems.
• Red Meat: Heavier to digest and can weigh down your energy. 
• Fermented Foods: Minimize these as they may interact negatively with Ayahuasca’s components. 
• Sugar and Processed Foods: Stick to whole, nourishing foods to keep your body light and clean. 
• Salt & Oil: Reduce these to promote an alkaline environment within. 

While Ayahuasca holds profound healing potential, it is not suitable for everyone. Here are those who should tread carefully—or avoid it altogether:

• People on Antidepressants or Medications containing Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOIs) or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): The interaction between Ayahuasca and certain medications can be dangerous. 
• Individuals with Severe Heart Problems: The purging process may intensify the physical body’s response, so extreme caution in this case is essential. 

Above all, participating in any Ayahuasca retreat requires a commitment to the work, a willingness to confront shadow aspects of yourself, and respect for the plant’s sacredness.

If this is your first time sitting in an Ayahuasca ceremony then please contact us if you have any questions and to make sure the ceremony is a good fit for you.