Ayahuasca Experience: What It's Like to Journey Within

We’ve been holding space for ayahuasca ceremonies for over eight years now, guiding more than 2,000 people through this deeply personal journey. With time, we’ve developed a rich understanding of the process—but what continues to humble us is how no two journeys are ever the same. Each person comes with their own story, and each encounter with the medicine unfolds in its own way.
In this article, we want to take you beyond definitions and into real experiences—into the heart of what it means to sit with ayahuasca. You’ll hear directly from those who’ve journeyed with us, sharing what they felt, discovered, and brought home with them. These stories are as unique as the individuals behind them, but together they offer a glimpse of what it means to truly meet yourself.

Ayahuasca (or «iowaska» / «ayawaska») is a sacred brew originating in the Amazon rainforest, traditionally used by Indigenous tribes in spiritual and healing rituals. For them, it’s more than a plant—it’s a teacher, a portal to the spirit world, and a powerful tool for cleansing and vision.
Today, seekers from all walks of life are turning to this medicine, not only in search of a hallucinogenic trip, but also for emotional release, clarity, and a deeper connection to themselves. In contemporary retreats, ancient wisdom is entrusted to trained shamans and supported by experienced facilitators, ensuring a space of care, safety, and depth. It’s not always easy, but it is always meaningful.

There is no one answer to this question—ayahuasca (or «auwashka») meets each person where they are. Physically, the hallucinogenic experience can include nausea, shaking, sweating, or vomiting—commonly referred to as "the purge." This is often a release not just of physical toxins, but of emotional and energetic burdens.
Mentally and emotionally, it can be intense. Deep-seated memories may surface. Long-held beliefs may unravel. Some people encounter powerful visions, symbolic imagery, or ancestral presences. Others feel an overwhelming sense of peace, unity, or divine love.
A common theme, especially in the most extreme experiences, is the softening—or even dissolution—of the ego. The boundaries of identity melt, and people often see their life from a higher perspective. While the process can be challenging, it frequently leads to a clarity and lightness that lingers long after the ceremony ends.

General reflections often speak louder than science. They reveal the nuances, the mystery, and the profound emotional impact of ayahuasca. We are very proud that our participants review us so highly and that we have excellent reviews on various platforms. We truly value this feedback and take great pride in the trust and gratitude expressed by those who journey with us. Here are just a few of the beautiful testimonials and moments that have touched us deeply.

We honor the privacy of those who come to us, but with permission, we share this story because it speaks to the core of what healing can look like.

She was a survivor of human trafficking. Free, but still haunted. Her spirit was strong, and she showed up fully to all four ceremonies. But it was during the final one that something remarkable happened: she asked to remove her makeup.
The next morning, in the sharing circle, she explained that the makeup had always been her armor, her way of keeping the world at bay. But under the influence of the medicine, she no longer felt the need to hide. The world no longer felt like a threat.
That simple act, wiping off her makeup, became a symbol of release. And when she returned home, she founded a center to support others who had survived trafficking.

Her story reflects a theme we see often. As one guest shared [link]:

“I was suffering from severe depression and PTSD and I felt completely lost in life. After a week in their care, my depression and PTSD are gone. I can feel a profound calm and happiness in my heart.”

Another wrote [link]:

“There are no adequate words to explain the profound healing I experienced. Through ayahuasca and the support I received, I cleared trauma that had haunted me for 50 years.”

Ayahuasca often reveals truth in surprising ways.

One man came to explore his divorce; it was his first ayahuasca experience. Initially, he spoke only of betrayal—his wife had cheated, and he felt abandoned and wronged. However, through the ceremonies, a new perspective began to emerge.
By the end, he said something quietly powerful:

“I can’t blame her for needing love and warmth. I didn’t have it to give, so she had to look for it elsewhere.”

That moment of clarity softened his grief. He left lighter, not because the pain was erased, but because he had found understanding. He had found forgiveness.

Another participant put it this way [link]:

“Ayahuasca showed me a new way to perceive life. I forgave myself. I forgave others. It was a heart-opening experience that changed the way I understand relationships.”

For many, the first ceremony is just the beginning.
People return not out of restlessness, but because they feel the call again, like a door that opened once and is now inviting them deeper.

One woman, Sherrie, first joined us in 2022. Her first retreat brought answers, clarity, and peace. But by late 2024, she felt something stir within. She came back, not with fear, but with trust [link].

“The second experience can only be described as a miracle. I returned with an open heart and mind. With the help of the medicine and the space held for me, I integrated parts of myself I didn’t know were still in pain. I left feeling whole.”

Her story is not uncommon. Some return after a year, others after five. Ayahuasca doesn’t always reveal everything in one sitting. Sometimes, it whispers: There’s more to see.

Before stepping into ceremony, preparation matters. It’s not about perfection, it’s about intention.

1. Mental preparation
Set a clear intention. Ask yourself: What am I ready to look at? Practice journaling or meditation to open up emotional awareness.

2. Physical preparation
Follow a clean dieta. This usually means avoiding alcohol, red meat, processed foods, and medications like SSRIs. Your body will thank you, and so will the medicine.

3. Spiritual preparation
Spend time in nature. Sit with silence. Connect with your heart. This is sacred work, approach it with reverence

There are many retreat centers in the world, but each offers something different. Here’s a quick overview of trusted spaces to consider:

In this section, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Ayahuasca.

No. Ayahuasca is not addictive and doesn’t cause cravings or dependence. In fact, it’s often used to help treat addiction.

Most people report profound, lasting changes. These can include emotional clarity, inner peace, and a deeper sense of connection.

Research is key. Look for centers with strong reputations, trained facilitators, and a focus on safety, tradition, and integration.

The use of ayahuasca in modern healing practices has grown significantly in recent years, with many people seeking it for emotional healing, trauma release, and spiritual growth. Traditionally used by indigenous cultures in the Amazon for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, ayahuasca is now utilized in therapeutic settings to help individuals address issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. The powerful brew, which contains the hallucinogenic compound DMT, can facilitate deep introspection, promote emotional clarity, and even foster profound personal insights, helping individuals process past traumas and reconnect with their sense of purpose.

The events that unfold during an ayahuasca ceremony can significantly impact the emotional and psychological journey. From the onset of the brew's effects to moments of deep reflection, participants often experience a strong wave of emotions, from vulnerability to euphoria. These events help create an environment that facilitates profound self-discovery, and the intensity of the experience can leave a lasting impact on one's life.

Yes, the legality of ayahuasca plays a crucial role in determining where and how it is used in events or ceremonies. In some countries, its use is legally protected for traditional or religious purposes, allowing participants to engage in ceremonies without fear of legal repercussions. In other places, strict laws may limit its accessibility, shaping how and where such powerful events can be experienced.