Ayahuasca Retreats in New York: Where to Begin Your Journey

Ayahuasca (or «iowaska», «ayawaska») has captured the curiosity of many New Yorkers looking for deeper meaning, personal insight, or spiritual growth, but is it legal to drink it in New York? This article breaks down where and how New Yorkers can safely experience ayahuasca, whether within underground circles in the city or at trusted retreat centers abroad. We’ll also tackle key questions about legality, safety, and what to expect if you decide to take this powerful step.

In the United States, ayahuasca is largely illegal due to its active ingredient, DMT, being classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law. This means it’s considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, there are narrow exceptions: certain religious groups, such as the UDV and Santo Daime churches, have been granted federal permission to use ayahuasca in ceremonial contexts. A few cities, like Oakland and Santa Cruz, have also decriminalized natural psychedelics, but this does not legalize them federally. Outside of these exceptions, possessing or serving ayahuasca can result in legal consequences. As a result, many Americans choose to travel abroad to experience it legally and safely.

While ayahuasca remains illegal in New York, underground ceremonies continue to exist, quietly organized by individuals or small groups in areas like Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Hudson Valley, and upstate New York. These gatherings are often held in private homes, rented spaces, or Airbnbs and are typically led by self-appointed “shamans", some with little or no formal training. Booked through word-of-mouth, these ceremonies mostly operate without oversight, medical screening, or integration support, making them legally risky and potentially unsafe. Although some New Yorkers choose to attend these events, it’s important to understand that they fall completely outside any legal or health protection frameworks. The only lawful use of ayahuasca in the U.S. takes place within a few federally recognized religious groups, such as União do Vegetal (UDV) and Santo Daime, but these churches currently have no official presence in New York State. For those seeking a safe and supported experience, traveling to countries where ayahuasca is legally practiced, like Peru, Colombia, or Costa Rica, is strongly advised.

Ayahuasca can be a powerful and transformative plant when used with care, proper guidance, and in a safe setting. But underground ceremonies, by their very nature, exist outside the law, and organizers often cut corners to minimize costs. This can mean no proper medical screening, untrained or self-proclaimed facilitators, questionable ceremony spaces, and little regard for cultural authenticity or participant preparation. The risks are significant, especially when seeking ayahuasca as part of a spiritual quest.

Medically, without screening or supervision, participants may unknowingly combine ayahuasca with medications or conditions that can cause serious reactions - ranging from hypertensive crises to serotonin syndrome. Emotionally, the experience can be overwhelming if not properly paced. A single, high-dose ceremony with no prior preparation or follow-up support can lead to emotional flooding, too much, too fast, which is often how trauma is formed. In short: what’s meant to be healing can, without the right structure, cause more harm than good.

We can differentiate the risks of underground ceremonies into three key categories:

Legal liability: Ayahuasca is illegal under both federal and state American law in New York. Participating in an underground ceremony could expose you to arrest, fines, or prosecution, especially if the event is raided or reported.

Health & safety concerns: Without proper medical screening, there’s no way to ensure participants are physically or psychologically prepared. This can lead to serious complications, including dangerous drug interactions, heart issues, or overwhelming emotional responses.

Authenticity and expertise: Many underground American facilitators use titles like “shaman” or “healer,” but lack formal training, cultural grounding, or ethical accountability. This increases the risk of poor guidance, unsafe dosing, and mishandling of vulnerable emotional states.

As of now, there are no legally recognized ayahuasca churches operating in New York. While certain religious organizations have received federal exemptions to use ayahuasca in their ceremonies, none of these groups are based in the state. For example, União do Vegetal (UDV) was granted the legal right to import and serve ayahuasca under the 2006 Supreme Court ruling (Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita), but their branches are located in other parts of the U.S., not New York. Similarly, the Santo Daime Church, which gained federal permission in 2009 to brew and use ayahuasca sacramentally, maintains communities primarily in Oregon and California. Newer groups, like the Hummingbird Church and other emerging psychedelic churches, are attempting to follow similar legal pathways but are mostly active in Western states. Their legal standing remains uncertain and may be subject to future legal challenges.

There are no legal ayahuasca clinics, retreat centers, or therapeutic camps in New York, as federal and state laws prohibit its use outside very specific religious exemptions. While you may come across some retreat-like offerings online, these typically operate under a legal gray area, claiming religious or spiritual framing but without formal recognition or protection. In the broader U.S., a few retreat centers exist, often under the umbrella of veteran-focused nonprofits or religious organizations and may offer medically supervised ceremonies or treatment in states where enforcement is lax or protections nominal (e.g., via RFRA). However, none of these are licensed, regulated, or officially present in New York. That means any claim of a “clinic” or “center” here is likely informal, unregulated, and legally unsupported. If you're seeking a valid and professionally supported experience, your safest option remains traveling to countries with established legal frameworks such as Peru, Colombia, or Costa Rica, where retreats operate openly in culturally rooted, safe settings.

For your clarity and comfort, here’s a simple breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide where to have your ayahuasca experience:

Drawbacks of Ayahuasca Retreats in the U.S.

• Legal Risks

Ayahuasca is still classified as a Schedule I substance in the U.S., making it illegal to possess or serve outside a handful of federally protected religious groups. Most ceremonies operate in legal grey zones, leaving both organizers and participants exposed to potential prosecution.

• Disconnected from Tradition

Many U.S.-based ceremonies lack connection to the indigenous cultures and traditions that have safely held ayahuasca for generations. This often leads to experiences that are less grounded, less structured, and lacking in cultural integrity or spiritual depth.

• Limited Safety Measures

With no official regulation, many ceremonies skip essential elements like health screenings, trauma-informed support, and proper integration. There’s often no medical staff on-site, and in case of a crisis - you're on your own.

• One-Night Format

Unlike immersive multi-day retreats abroad, ceremonies in the U.S. are often one-off events. This rapid «weekend» format can be too intense for many, offering little time to build trust, prepare emotionally, or process the experience afterward.

Why Retreat Abroad May Be the Better Option
If you’re seeking a deeper, safer, and more authentic journey, international retreats offer distinct advantages:

• Legal Protection: In countries like Peru, Colombia, and Costa Rica, ayahuasca is legal and openly practiced under national and cultural frameworks.

• Cultural Lineage: You’ll work with experienced shamans or facilitators trained in traditional medicine, offering spiritual and ritual context that enhances the process.

• Thoughtful Structure: Reputable retreats include preparation, medical screening, multiple ceremonies, and integration support ensuring a more intentional and supported journey.

• Natural Setting: Being immersed in nature and away from daily distractions allows for deeper introspection, calm, and connection with the medicine.

In summary, while it may seem more convenient to seek ayahuasca in the U.S., the reality is often risky and incomplete. Traveling to a legally recognized, well-structured retreat abroad not only offers greater safety—it allows you to engage with this medicine the way it was meant to be: respectfully, responsibly, and with the guidance it deserves.

As mentioned, in New York, it is not legal to serve or consume Ayahuasca outside of a few rare religious exemptions. As an organization, we respect both the law and the traditional integrity of the medicine, and we do not recommend participating in underground or unregulated ceremonies. Instead, here are the top three legal retreat options closest to New York.

If you're based in New York and considering an ayahuasca experience, the safest choice is to look outside the U.S.entirely. Still, knowing what to look for, whether abroad or when assessing any retreat is essential. Here are key points to guide your decision:

Legitimacy of the Center

• Look for retreats in countries where ayahuasca is legal and culturally integrated (e.g., Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil). This ensures ceremonies are conducted within a protected and supported framework.
• Verify if the retreat has legal authorization to operate, especially if they reference religious or indigenous exemptions.
• Be cautious of centers that advertise secrecy, ask for payments in crypto only, or avoid direct answers about legal status.

Experience and Credentials of Facilitators

• The lead facilitator or guru should have years of training, ideally within a traditional lineage or under the guidance of recognized teachers.
• Ask about the medical screening process and whether facilitators are trained in trauma-informed care or crisis management.
• Ensure there's a team, not just one person, ideally including a medical professional or at least someone with first-aid certification.

Reputation and Participant Reviews

• Research the retreat online: read Google reviews, forums (like Reddit or AyaAdvisors), and third-party blogs.
• Look for consistency in positive feedback, especially around safety, respect, and support during and after ceremonies.
• Be wary of centers with overly polished marketing but no real participant testimonials or independent mentions.

Structure and Integration Therapy

• A good retreat offers more than just the ceremony, it should include preparation guidance, integration sessions, and follow-up resources.
• Multiple ceremonies spaced out over several days are safer and more effective than a single high-dose session.
• Ask if they provide integration support or therapy, such as group sharing, access to therapists, or post-retreat coaching.

Environment and Setting

• Retreats located in natural, peaceful environments (e.g., the jungle, mountains, or ocean) offer better conditions for deep inner work.
• Avoid places that squeeze ceremonies between tourist activities or lack space for reflection and rest.

In short, if you're serious about working with ayahuasca, your best option is to travel to a country where it's legal, respected, and practiced with care. While underground options in New York exist, they come with avoidable risks. Investing in a safe, authentic, and supportive retreat abroad can make all the difference in the quality and outcome of your experience.

The cost of an ayahuasca retreat can vary widely depending on several key factors. Understanding what goes into the pricing can help you choose a retreat that aligns with your budget and expectations. Here are the main elements that influence the cost:

• Duration of the Retreat: Longer stays generally cost more, as they include more ceremonies, meals, lodging, and support.
• Location: Retreats in countries where ayahuasca is legal and culturally embedded (e.g., Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica) often offer better value compared to underground options in the U.S.
• Quality of Facilities: Higher-end retreats offer private accommodations, high-quality meals, wellness amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings.
• Number of Ceremonies: More ceremonies typically mean higher costs due to the need for more facilitators, preparation, and recovery time.
• Staff and Expertise: Centers with experienced native shamans or gurus, medical personnel, therapists, and integration coaches often charge more but provide a safer and more comprehensive experience.
• Group Size: Smaller group retreats usually cost more per person but offer more personalized attention.

Approximate Price Range by Duration
Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay based on retreat length:

• 1-day ceremony (often local and underground): $150–$500
• 3-day retreat: $600–$1,200
• 5-day retreat: $900–$2,000
• 7-day retreat: $1,500–$3,500
• 8-day or longer retreat: $2,000–$4,500+

Prices may include meals, lodging, airport transfers, integration sessions, and additional wellness activities, but always read the fine print. Some retreats offer scholarships or sliding-scale pricing, especially in South America.

While cost is a practical consideration, it should be weighed alongside safety, legitimacy, and the overall integrity of the center. A cheaper option may cut corners on essential support, while a well-run retreat can offer life-changing value that goes far beyond the price tag.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Ayahuasca retreats. This section aims to provide clear and concise information to help address common participant concerns.

Yes, Ayahuasca can cause temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and emotional or physical discomfort. It is also contraindicated for individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions and for those taking medications like antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), so proper screening is essential.

An Ayahuasca shaman is a traditional practitioner trained in the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca and other plant medicines. They guide the experience through rituals, songs (called icaros), and energetic techniques to support participants throughout the process. Their experience is rooted in Dietas with Teacher Plants - a core discipline for becoming a healer in Peruvian Shipibo tradition.

Ayahuasca retreats in New York typically range from one to three days, depending on the organizer and structure. However, since Ayahuasca is illegal in the U.S., the quality of the brew can be unreliable, which may affect both its safety and effectiveness.

No, psychedelic retreats are not legal in New York. While some may advertise spiritual or ceremonial experiences, there are no licensed or officially recognized psychedelic retreat centers operating in the state. For a safe and legally supported psychedelic retreat, it's best to consider countries where such practices are regulated, like Peru or Costa Rica.

Ayahuasca tours and retreats are legal in locations like Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica, where traditional and spiritual use is protected and culturally embedded. These countries often host regulated retreat centers with experienced facilitators, offering participants a safe environment for their spiritual quest. In contrast, most Western countries, including the U.S. and much of Europe, consider ayahuasca a controlled substance, making unregulated ceremonies and tours legally risky.

Ayahuasca is often called the "mother of all plantas" because in Amazonian traditions, it is considered the most powerful teacher plant. It is believed to guide and reveal the wisdom of other medicinal plantas, serving as a spiritual gateway to understanding nature, healing, and oneself.

To get to an Amazon ayahuasca retreat, you’ll typically fly into a major city like Lima (Peru), Bogotá (Colombia), or Manaus (Brazil), then take a domestic flight or boat ride to a jungle hub such as Iquitos or Pucallpa. From there, retreat staff usually arrange ground or river transport to the center. It’s essential to confirm logistics with the retreat in advance, as access to remote areas often involves multiple steps and can depend on weather or seasonal conditions.