Ayahuasca Retreats in California:
A Comprehensive Guide

California, known as an American hub for consciousness and holistic wellness, has a strong interest in ayahuasca. Both spiritually awakened locals and curious visitors seek psychedelic retreats to expand their awareness and deepen their personal growth in major cities across the state, such as Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego. However, ayahuasca remains illegal in California due to its DMT content, a Schedule I controlled substance. While some churches operate under religious exemptions, most ceremonies take place in underground circles, making legal options for a spiritual quest limited.

Ayahuasca ceremonies in California are available through underground circles and a few religious organizations that claim legal exemptions, but the brew remains illegal under federal and state law.

Churches and Retreats in the US
Some religious organizations in the U.S., such as branches of the Santo Daime and União do Vegetal (UDV) churches, have received legal American exemptions to serve Ayahuasca as a sacrament. These churches operate under strict guidelines and may require membership for participation. However, outside of these recognized religious groups, most Ayahuasca ceremonies in California and the U.S. are held in private, underground settings, which carry legal risks.

• União do Vegetal (UDV): This Brazilian-origin church won a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 2006, affirming its right to use ayahuasca, known as Hoasca, for religious purposes across the country.
• Santo Daime: Several branches of this church have secured legal rights to use ayahuasca in their rituals. Notably, three Santo Daime churches in Oregon received federal exemptions, and a registered church operates legally in Los Angeles, California.
• Church of the Eagle and the Condor (CEC): Based in Arizona, the CEC reached a settlement with federal agencies in 2024, allowing it to import and use ayahuasca for religious ceremonies. This marks the first time a non-Christian church has received such protection in the U.S.

Clinics / Centers / Rehabs / Ayahuasca Camps
There are no legally sanctioned Ayahuasca clinics or retreats in California. While some wellness centers offer alternative plant medicine experiences, they do not serve traditional Ayahuasca. Those seeking a safe and legal American retreat often choose to travel to countries where Ayahuasca is fully legal and practiced in its indigenous cultural context.

In California, where ayahuasca remains a controlled substance, some organizations operate under specific legal frameworks to offer ceremonial experiences.

Nothern and Southern California:
When considering participation in any ayahuasca retreat, it's crucial to research each center thoroughly, understand their protocols, and ensure they align with your personal intentions and safety requirements.

Agape Ayahuasca Sanctuary
Agape Ayahuasca Sanctuary is a multi-sacrament church located in San Diego, California, offering ayahuasca ceremonies within a spiritual community setting. They provide retreats that include traditional ceremonies, integration therapy, and a focus on creating a safe and sacred space for participants.

Origen Sagrada
Origen Sagrada, a well-known center in Warner Springs, California, offers a distinctive five-day retreat experience. What makes this retreat unique is its connection to Brazilian traditions, featuring ceremonial songs and traditional shamanic attire during Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Latin America

Several reputable ayahuasca retreat centers operate in Latin America, providing immersive experiences in regions where the use of ayahuasca is legal and culturally integrated:


Gaia Sagrada, Ecuador
Gaia Sagrada is an ayahuasca retreat center located in Ecuador, offering authentic shamanic healing ceremonies. They provide a safe and supportive environment for participants seeking profound personal growth and healing.

APL Shamanic Journeys [link],
APL Shamanic Journeys, originally based in Europe, is recognized for its commitment to the authentic Amazonian tradition. As one of Europe's top-rated retreat centers, its main location is in Spain, with additional retreats held throughout the year in Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru—offering greater accessibility for participants from the United States. What sets APL apart is its unwavering dedication to authenticity and cultural preservation, ensuring its practices honor and actively support the Shipibo communities, safeguarding the lineage and integrity of their shamanic traditions.

Temple of the Way of Light, Peru
The Temple of the Way of Light is a traditional plant-medicine shamanic healing center located in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. They offer intensive ayahuasca retreats with female and male Shipibo healers, focusing on deep healing and spiritual therapy.

Soltara Healing Center,
Soltara Healing Center, located in beautiful resorts in Costa Rica and Peru, blends traditional Shipibo shamanic practices with accessibility for a global audience. In Costa Rica, the center offers additional shamanic treatments in a tranquil resort setting, while in Peru, it provides a deeply immersive Amazonian experience guided by experienced Shipibo healers. Both locations emphasize traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies, featuring sacred songs known as "icaros."

1. Legal Uncertainty – Ayahuasca remains a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S., meaning most retreats operate in a legal gray area. Even religious organizations with exemptions (such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal) are limited in availability and require membership. Underground ceremonies carry legal risks for both organizers and participants.
2. Lack of Traditional Setting – Ayahuasca originates from Amazonian shamanic traditions, where ceremonies are led by experienced indigenous healers. In the U.S., many facilitators lack authentic lineage training, and ceremonies may not fully honor traditional rituals.
3. Limited Spiritual Guidance – Unlike retreats in Peru, Ecuador, or Brazil, where Onanya (Shipibo healers) or other indigenous gurus conduct ceremonies, U.S. retreats often rely on facilitators without deep traditional training. This may impact the effectiveness and authenticity of the experience.
4. Weaker Plant Medicine Quality – The preparation and sourcing of ayahuasca are crucial. In South America, brews are made by seasoned shamans using fresh, locally harvested Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. In the U.S., sourcing high-quality and traditionally prepared ayahuasca is more difficult, and some underground retreats may use weaker or impure brews.
5. Higher Costs – Ayahuasca retreats in the U.S. tend to be significantly more expensive than those in South America, sometimes costing $2,000+ for just a few days, whereas a full retreat in Peru or Ecuador can be more affordable and include additional healing practices, like plant dietas.
6. Lack of Immersive Environment – Traditional ayahuasca experiences take place in natural jungle settings, enhancing the connection with nature and the medicine. U.S. retreats are often held in urban or suburban areas, which can reduce the depth of the experience.

For those seeking an authentic, legal, and immersive ayahuasca tour, taking a trip to South America remains the best option.

Due to all these factors, the cost of a retreat in California is significantly higher than in Latin America, yet the quality is often lower.

The cost of an Ayahuasca retreat in California is typically higher than in South America due to several factors:

1. Legal Risks & Licensing – Some organizations operate in a legal gray area or under religious exemptions, which may involve legal expenses and restrictions that increase costs.
2. Venue & Accommodation – Many retreats take place in upscale or private venues, often in nature-focused locations, which come with high rental and maintenance costs.
3. Facilitator Fees – Unlike traditional Amazonian retreats led by indigenous shamans, U.S. retreats often employ Western facilitators and therapists, who charge higher fees.
4. Ayahuasca Importation – Since Ayahuasca is not legally cultivated in the U.S., sourcing the brew from South America involves additional costs for importation, transportation, and preparation.
5. Limited Availability – With fewer legal or semi-legal options, demand is high, allowing retreat organizers to charge premium prices.

As a result, a weekend retreat in California can range from $1,500 to $3,500, while longer programs may cost $5,000 or more, significantly higher than retreats in Peru, Ecuador, or Brazil.

We've established that California may not be the ideal choice for an Ayahuasca retreat, but here’s a quick overview of the prices available on the market. Please note that mentioning the organizations below does not imply our endorsement or recommendation.

1-2 Day Retreats:

- Origen Sagrada offers a weekend retreat (2 nights) for $950, which includes two Ayahuasca ceremonies, healing sessions from elders, and shared accommodations.

3-5 Day Retreats:

- El Sol Retreats and some similar organizations provide a 3-day retreat with two Ayahuasca ceremonies, including treatments and internal system cleanses with price range from $1,000 to $1,500.

1 Week or Longer Retreats:

- Gaian Rhythm hosts a weeklong retreat in Joshua Tree, California, featuring five Ayahuasca ceremonies and one Hauchuma session, with shared room accommodations, priced at $1,700.

Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on the specific retreat offerings and amenities. It's essential to research each retreat thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your intentions and provides a safe, supportive environment.

There are many questions people might have. Discover the most common below:

No, Ayahuasca is not legal in California, as it contains DMT, a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. and state law. Some religious groups like União do Vegetal (UDV) and Santo Daime have federal exemptions, but most retreats operate in a legal gray areaor underground, carrying risks. For a fully legal experience, many travel to Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, or Spain, where Ayahuasca is practiced traditionally.

Ayahuasca (or «iowaska» / «ayawaska») is a sacred Amazonian tea traditionally used by indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual insight. It is a brewed tea made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis, which contain DMT, a powerful psychoactive compound. When consumed in a ceremonial setting, guided by experienced shamans, Ayahuasca is known for inducing deep introspection, emotional healing, and visionary experiences.

The best country for an Ayahuasca experience depends on what you're looking for. If you seek full immersion, the Amazon and Peru offer an authentic setting, though it comes with challenges like basic accommodations, jungle humidity, and mosquito bites. Alternatively, you can choose a more comfortable retreat in a structured environment, for example in Spain, where the physical setting is easier but the mental and emotional journey remains intense. Whatever you decide, ensure you trust the hosts and that they uphold the highest standards of authenticity and quality.

An Ayahuasca retreat is not a conventional rehabilitation center, but it can offer profound therapeutic and transformative experiences. Many individuals turn to these retreats to work through trauma, addiction, or emotional struggles. Unlike rehab facilities that follow structured medical and psychological protocols, Ayahuasca retreats revolve around ceremonial plant medicine practices, often rooted in indigenous traditions. The focus is on spiritual exploration, self-awareness, and inner healing. While these retreats can be deeply meaningful, they are not a substitute for professional medical or rehabilitation treatment for serious conditions.