Ayahuasca In Peru a Quick Guide

Last Updated on June 13, 2021 by James Bustamante

Hundreds of people from around the world come to Peru to hike the Inca Trail, travel to Machu Picchu, scale Huayna Picchu, take in views of the Sacred Valley, a huge variety of reasons.

Another set of travelers come for more of a mind altering experience. There have been many travelers throughout the years that ask about the famous (some would even say infamous) Ayahuasca in Peru.

This medicinal plant, also known as yagé, is a native vine of the Amazon basin. Locals use this ancient plant to produce a powerful psychoactive substance for their age old rituals.

The resulting ayahuasca drink is used as a traditional spiritual medicine by the native tribes from around Cusco for thousands of years.

This mystical solution has become incredibly popular with travelers from all walks of life. Droves travel to Peru to see the wise ayahuasca shamans and visit their retreats.

Many who have tried it says it helps them with addiction, anger issues, personal discovery and even with serious illnesses. 

Quick Tip: If you’re looking to find your own shaman, make sure to check out the Cusco city center. Many shamans have small offices near restaurants and travel agencies.

What are the Effects of Taking Ayahuasca in Peru?

Some say its effects can be life-altering, others mention profound spiritual revelations and insights into the nature of life, the universe, and even into their own psyche.

Many believe that it helps you reach a state of enlightenment, even coming closer to understanding a higher power. 

But let’s not get too carried away just yet. Various procedures have to be carried out as Ayahuasca is usually provided with a trained shaman that helps guide you.

These sessions can be accompanied by intense hallucinations and a greatly altered perception of reality, time and space seem to skew and your emotions will be much more intense, with effects usually lasting between 4 to 8 hours.

Most travelers have a positive experience with ayahuasca, however it can be a bit of a trip, so don’t take this adventure if you feel unprepared.

Your brain will be highly impressionable while under the effects of ayahuasca, so it’s important to steady yourself and try to understand how this may affect your experience.

It not only affects your mind but also your body as most people tend to feel groggy and a bit of a headache after the experience. As with any drug, it should not be taken excessively or with other medication. 

Quick Tip: Leave the Ayahuasca ceremony for the tail end of your trip. This is something you’ll most definitely want to do after you have already done your hikes to Machu Picchu.

Is The Ayahuasca Experience For You?

This really depends on what you want as there are definitely some risks to be had. However, if taken correctly and with proper guidance this experience can be life-changing.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s take a brief look at the ceremony. 

These ceremonies are normally conducted in with small groups of visitors, usually around 5 to people, but it can reach up to 20.

They are usually carried out during the night, but a few shamans prefer the early morning hours.

Each Ayahuasca lodge has its own ceremonial secrets so the exact details will depend on which one you chose. However, there are a few practices that most ceremonies have in common.

First of all, the participants gather and greet each other, usually seated in a circle. Each person involved will have a bucket or some kind of container for vomiting.

The shaman will be in the center of the circle where he will begin with a prayer used to request protection for the ceremony. After that, the ayahuasca tea is distributed to each participant for consumption.

At this point, the shaman will begin to sing, these songs or chants are known as “icaros.” These chants are used to summon a variety of healing spirits that will protect the participants while under the effect of this medicine.

This part of the process takes between 30 to 45 minutes. Most first time participants may feel a bit nauseous and vomit as the tea takes its effect.

In fact, vomiting is actually considered an important part of the experience as it supposedly helps to cleanse the body and spirit from negative influences, giving way to your rebirth.

Chanting will continue throughout the ceremony along with other musical forms like instrumental drum playing. The shaman may also stimulate your senses by blowing tobacco smoke or incense in your general direction.

Shamans tend to have a few assistants that help the participants with some simple needs such as getting fresh water or going to the bathroom. 

Where to Take Ayahuasca in Peru?

We get this question all the time. There are places for Ayahuasca from Lima to Machu Picchu.

Ceremonies for Ayahuasca are best provided throughout the jungles of Peru, with parts of Cusco, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Only certified Ayahuasca Chaman’s should be leading these ceremonies and the location matters.

There are a variety of lodges that specialize in providing this service within these cities, some can be found going deeper into the jungle. As with any new experience, we recommend doing plenty of research before choosing your location.

You can even book it along with your Machu Picchu reservations while on a trip through the Sacred Valley, the main valley of the Inca.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Peru be sure to check out the other Journey Machu Picchu articles that cover everything related to Peru and Machu Picchu travel.

Ayahuasca in Peru Diet Information

According to the shamans, there is a strict dietary guideline you will need to follow before going through with anything related to trying Ayahuasca. 

The following information has been suggested by a professional that has worked with retreats for over 30 years. We are not suggesting to adhere to the following rules. Speaking with your physician should always be the first step to having a pleasant and safe experience. 

What Foods Should Be Avoided?

It begins with restricting several items you might consume on a regular basis. These will include things such as alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and even something as common as chocolate. Drugs of any kind should also be restricted at least 7-14 days prior to the sessions. 

In addition, any type of canned food should also be left out of your diet. This is to make sure there are a few food additives as possible in your system at the time of the retreat.

Start by avoiding red meat, pork, cold cuts, spicy food, and meals that are high in salt or sugar. Carbonated drinks such as sodas that have sugar as well as food coloring are also on the list of items you should not consume. 

Foods to Leave Out For Ayahuasca

• Sugary foods
• Foods high in sodium
• Red meats and pork
• Spicy food
• Carbonated drinks  like sodas
• Anything with high amounts of artificial coloring

What to Consume?

Shamans will suggest sticking to high-quality foods such as organic fruits and vegetables as well as white meats like chicken and fish. 

• Organic fruits and vegetables
• Chicken or fish

It is also suggested to not take prescription medication at least 7 days before the retreat. This includes antibiotics, contraceptive pills, and even vitamins in pill or in the form of injections (such as vitamin B shots).

Of course, you will have to consult with your medical professional before stopping any medication that has been prescribed to you. If your medication is not something that can be paused for a period of 7 days then Ayahuasca is not the right option for you. It is key to always consult with your physician at all times before trying Ayahuasca. 

Ayahuasca Centers Will Refuse Service

Any Ayahuasca center will reserve the right to refuse any sort of treatment to anyone with the conditions listed below.

• Pregnancy
• Heart Surgery
• Uses a Pacemaker 
• High Blood Pressure
• Blood-Related Diseases
• Mental Illness such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar

Additional Points on Ayahuasca

Experts on Ayahuasca treatments also state that if someone is taking antidepressants they will probably not be accepted into an Ayahuasca retreat in Peru. Again this goes back to medication that can be stopped at least 7 days prior to the Ayahuasca sessions, and antidepressants are not something that can be cut off without having consequences. 

Pregnant women are also not eligible to participate in anything related to Ayahuasca. In some instances, people can become very nauseous during the sessions. The resulting symptoms might hurt the fetus as well as the parent. 

It is also suggested to abstain from any sort of sexual activity at least 2 days before doing Ayahuasca. Shamans insist that this might reduce the energy levels needed for ceremonies. 

What To Eat The Night Before The Ayahuasca Ceremony?

It is recommended that the evening prior to the ceremony you have a medium-sized to a large, healthy meal. Restricting the foods already mentioned on this list of course. The following day the schedule demands fasting throughout the entire day except for water. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ayahuasca in Peru