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Ayahuasca Retreats in the UK: Best Ceremonies for 2026
By Boris, Lead Facilitator of APL Journeys · Updated October 2026
Ayahuasca (also spelled iowaska or ayawaska) is illegal in the UK. Its active compound, DMT, is a Class A drug, and UK courts treat the ayahuasca brew as a preparation containing DMT, so possessing, supplying or importing it is a criminal offence with no religious exemption.
Ceremonies that do take place in the UK, including in London, run underground, so there is no legal ayahuasca retreat near you in England or anywhere else in the UK. Most people from the UK who want to drink ayahuasca in a safe, structured setting travel abroad, usually to Spain, Portugal or Peru. Below: what the law says, what underground ceremonies involve, where people go instead and how to choose a retreat.
Ceremonies that do take place in the UK, including in London, run underground, so there is no legal ayahuasca retreat near you in England or anywhere else in the UK. Most people from the UK who want to drink ayahuasca in a safe, structured setting travel abroad, usually to Spain, Portugal or Peru. Below: what the law says, what underground ceremonies involve, where people go instead and how to choose a retreat.
Ayahuasca Retreat UK: Understanding the Legal Status
Is ayahuasca legal in the UK? No. Two laws apply:
• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. DMT is a Class A drug. Maximum penalties are up to 7 years in prison for possession and up to life for supply or production.
• Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. It bans the supply of any substance that affects mental functioning, which also covers ayahuasca.
The question has been tested in court. In R v Aziz (2012), the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of a man who served ayahuasca in ceremonies and rejected his religious freedom defence. Earlier arrests of Santo Daime members in the UK did not lead to prosecution, but that was for lack of evidence and did not make ayahuasca legal.
The same laws apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so there is no part of the UK where an ayahuasca or DMT retreat is legal. One point people often miss: bringing ayahuasca home from a retreat abroad counts as importing a Class A drug.
For other countries, see our guide to ayahuasca legality by country.
• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. DMT is a Class A drug. Maximum penalties are up to 7 years in prison for possession and up to life for supply or production.
• Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. It bans the supply of any substance that affects mental functioning, which also covers ayahuasca.
The question has been tested in court. In R v Aziz (2012), the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of a man who served ayahuasca in ceremonies and rejected his religious freedom defence. Earlier arrests of Santo Daime members in the UK did not lead to prosecution, but that was for lack of evidence and did not make ayahuasca legal.
The same laws apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so there is no part of the UK where an ayahuasca or DMT retreat is legal. One point people often miss: bringing ayahuasca home from a retreat abroad counts as importing a Class A drug.
For other countries, see our guide to ayahuasca legality by country.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies in the UK
and London: What to Know
Ayahuasca ceremonies in London and elsewhere in the UK, sometimes advertised as "DMT retreats" or "plant medicine retreats", are illegal. Nobody can run them openly, and that shapes everything about them:
• No proper screening. Ayahuasca interacts dangerously with some antidepressants and other medications. Underground groups rarely run a full health and medication check.
• Unknown brew. There is no way to know how the brew was made, how strong it is or what else is in it.
• No emergency plan. If something goes wrong, organisers have a strong reason not to call for help.
• Unclear lineage. Many facilitators have not trained within an indigenous tradition.
In eight years of running programs, we have met many participants who first drank ayahuasca in UK living-room ceremonies. The most common thing they tell us is that nobody asked about their medication and nobody was there the next day to talk it through.
• No proper screening. Ayahuasca interacts dangerously with some antidepressants and other medications. Underground groups rarely run a full health and medication check.
• Unknown brew. There is no way to know how the brew was made, how strong it is or what else is in it.
• No emergency plan. If something goes wrong, organisers have a strong reason not to call for help.
• Unclear lineage. Many facilitators have not trained within an indigenous tradition.
In eight years of running programs, we have met many participants who first drank ayahuasca in UK living-room ceremonies. The most common thing they tell us is that nobody asked about their medication and nobody was there the next day to talk it through.
Journey Beyond the UK:
Ayahuasca Retreats in Europe
Because ayahuasca is illegal in the UK, most people travel to Europe or South America for a retreat. The legal situation differs a lot from country to country, and "legal" claims are often exaggerated, so here is where things stand in 2026 for the countries closest to the UK. For a full country-by-country overview, see Is Ayahuasca Legal?
UPCOMING
Ayahuasca Retreats
Ayahuasca Retreats
SPAIN
Led by Peruvian Maestros, grounded by European safety, and held in premium ocean-front center.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
PERU
Deep immersion in the heart of the Amazon. Retreats and Master Plant Dietas at our one-of-a-kind camp.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Ocean Front Ceremonies
The Source of Tradition
We Are Here to Guide You
Choosing a retreat is a big decision. Our team is available to discuss your specific needs in a pressure-free environment.
Personal Support Before, During, and After Your Retreat
Why is it Important to Choose a Proper Ayahuasca Center:
Ireland
In Ireland, DMT is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and there is no religious exemption: in 2017 a Dublin court rejected religious freedom as a defence in a Santo Daime import case. Ceremonies in Ireland carry the same legal risk as in the UK. Read more in our guide to ayahuasca retreats from Ireland.
Netherlands
In October 2019 the Dutch Supreme Court ruled that ayahuasca falls under the Opium Act, the country's drug law, and that importing it is illegal even for religious use. Despite its liberal reputation, the Netherlands is not a safe legal choice for an ayahuasca retreat. Read more in our guide to ayahuasca in the Netherlands.
Spain
In Spain, drinking ayahuasca is not a criminal offence. The brew itself is not listed as a controlled substance, although its active compound DMT is, and almost every ayahuasca case that has reached a Spanish court has ended in acquittal. That is why Spain is widely seen as one of the most favourable countries in Europe for ayahuasca ceremonies.
Spain is also where Shipibo maestros from Peru most often hold ceremonies in Europe. APL Journeys runs a 7-day ayahuasca retreat in Spain with Peruvian maestros of the Shipibo lineage and on-site therapists.
Many retreats in tourist areas such as Ibiza or Barcelona are short and mixed with holiday activities. Ayahuasca asks for focus and rest, so choose a program built around preparation and integration, not a party week.
Spain is also where Shipibo maestros from Peru most often hold ceremonies in Europe. APL Journeys runs a 7-day ayahuasca retreat in Spain with Peruvian maestros of the Shipibo lineage and on-site therapists.
Many retreats in tourist areas such as Ibiza or Barcelona are short and mixed with holiday activities. Ayahuasca asks for focus and rest, so choose a program built around preparation and integration, not a party week.
"In Europe, those who want to work properly with ayahuasca should travel to places where Shipibo maestros are actually present, such as Spain, or go directly to South America. Ayahuasca is inseparable from the people who carry the knowledge. Without the lineage, the ceremony loses its foundation."
Shipibo Onanya aka "The Last Shaman" with decades of experience in the traditional Amazonian ayahuasca ceremony.
Portugal
In Portugal, personal possession of drugs, including DMT, has been decriminalised since 2001: it is an administrative matter, not a crime. Supplying ayahuasca is still an offence, and ayahuasca is not regulated separately, so retreats there also operate in a grey area. More in our guide to ayahuasca retreats in Portugal.
2 Best Ayahuasca Retreats Near England: Top Picks for 2026
There are no legal ayahuasca retreats in the UK, so the best options for people in England, Scotland and Wales are a short flight away. Before booking any retreat, check who leads the ceremonies, how participants are screened and what happens after the last night. Two options near England:
APL Journeys Retreats
Spain
A 7-day program on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, about 1 h 40 min from Seville airport and 2 h 30 min from Malaga. Four ceremonies are led by a Shipibo Onanya from Peru, in a group of around 14 people with roughly one team member for every 3 to 4 participants.
Most participants in our Spain programs come from the UK. Ceremonies, integration circles and talks are held in English, with a translator for the maestro, and most of the practitioners on our support team with theraputic credentials are based in the UK: they fly in for each program and stay in touch online afterwards.
Every participant goes through screening and an 18-lecture preparation course before arrival, with group integration after each ceremony. 2026 prices: €2,650 (shared apartment), €3,300 (private room), €3,500 (private apartment); flights and airport transfer are not included.
Want to go deeper? Our 8-day retreats and plant dietas in Peru take place in the Amazon itself, with dates in 2026 & 2027.
Most participants in our Spain programs come from the UK. Ceremonies, integration circles and talks are held in English, with a translator for the maestro, and most of the practitioners on our support team with theraputic credentials are based in the UK: they fly in for each program and stay in touch online afterwards.
Every participant goes through screening and an 18-lecture preparation course before arrival, with group integration after each ceremony. 2026 prices: €2,650 (shared apartment), €3,300 (private room), €3,500 (private apartment); flights and airport transfer are not included.
Want to go deeper? Our 8-day retreats and plant dietas in Peru take place in the Amazon itself, with dates in 2026 & 2027.
Shipibo Onanyas for APL Shamanic Journeys
Sinchi Runa
Portugal
Based near Faro in the Algarve, Sinchi Runa runs formats from 3-day weekends to 8- and 10-day programs with periods of silence and plant dietas. Check their current dates and prices directly before booking.
What Participants from the UK Say
"I was very much called to do ayahuasca for a few years now, but was very sceptical as I've heard many horror stories… I really wanted to find the right place so I would feel my absolute best, safest and comfort. From the bottom of my heart thank you so so much."
David, United Kingdom
"The best place in Europe to connect with Ayahuasca… I'm truly happy that these guys were my guides to the ancient tradition of shamanism."
Bob, Scotland
Read more reviews
David, United Kingdom
"The best place in Europe to connect with Ayahuasca… I'm truly happy that these guys were my guides to the ancient tradition of shamanism."
Bob, Scotland
Read more reviews
Travelling to Spain from the UK
• Flights. Direct flights to Malaga and Seville leave from London and many other UK airports and take about 2 h 30 min to 2 h 50 min.
• Airport transfer. A group transfer runs from Malaga (about 2 h 30 min) or Seville (about 1 h 40 min). The cost is shared between participants and is not included in the program price.
• When to book. Book flights only after your application has been approved.
• After the program. Plan at least three quiet days before going back to work.
• Airport transfer. A group transfer runs from Malaga (about 2 h 30 min) or Seville (about 1 h 40 min). The cost is shared between participants and is not included in the program price.
• When to book. Book flights only after your application has been approved.
• After the program. Plan at least three quiet days before going back to work.
Safety First: Choosing a Secure Ayahuasca Retreat in the UK
Wherever you go, these six checks matter most:
- Screening before you pay in full. You should fill in a health and medication questionnaire and get a decision from the team.
- Who leads the ceremonies. Ask which tradition the ceremony leader trained in, for how long and with whom.
- Team size. Ask how many team members are present during ceremonies, not only how many work at the centre.
- Preparation and integration. A good program starts weeks before arrival and does not end on the last morning.
- Emergency plan. Ask how far the nearest hospital is and who decides when to call for help.
- Honesty about the law. A centre that promises ayahuasca is "fully legal" everywhere in Europe is not telling you the whole story.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Ayahuasca Retreats Near the UK
For someone travelling from the UK, the total cost of an ayahuasca retreat is the retreat itself plus flights, the airport transfer and a few quiet days afterwards. Typical retreat prices in 2026:
• Weekend, 2–3 days, 1–2 ceremonies (Europe): €400–1,000. Cheap, but rarely includes screening, preparation or integration.
• 5–7 days, 3–4 ceremonies (Europe): €1,500–3,500. The usual format for a full retreat.
• Luxury, 7 days (Europe): €5,000 and more. Private rooms and extras; the ceremonies themselves are the same.
• 8–12 days in the Amazon (Peru): from about $2,900, plus long-haul flights. The deepest immersion, often with plant dietas.
Neither end of the range guarantees safety or authenticity: very cheap offers usually skip screening, and high prices often pay for comfort rather than for the ceremonies. Our 7-day program in Spain costs €2,650 to €3,500 depending on accommodation. Full breakdown: Ayahuasca Retreat Costs.
• Weekend, 2–3 days, 1–2 ceremonies (Europe): €400–1,000. Cheap, but rarely includes screening, preparation or integration.
• 5–7 days, 3–4 ceremonies (Europe): €1,500–3,500. The usual format for a full retreat.
• Luxury, 7 days (Europe): €5,000 and more. Private rooms and extras; the ceremonies themselves are the same.
• 8–12 days in the Amazon (Peru): from about $2,900, plus long-haul flights. The deepest immersion, often with plant dietas.
Neither end of the range guarantees safety or authenticity: very cheap offers usually skip screening, and high prices often pay for comfort rather than for the ceremonies. Our 7-day program in Spain costs €2,650 to €3,500 depending on accommodation. Full breakdown: Ayahuasca Retreat Costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayahuasca in England
Is Ayahuasca Legal in the UK?
No. DMT, the active compound, is Class A under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the courts have rejected religious exemptions.
Can I Bring Ayahuasca Back from a Retreat Abroad?
No. Bringing it into the UK counts as importing a Class A drug.
Are There Ayahuasca Retreats in Scotland, Wales or London?
Not legal ones. UK drug law applies across the whole country, so any ceremony there runs underground.
What is the Best Country for an Ayahuasca Ceremony?
For the deepest experience, the Amazon itself, where the tradition comes from. Closer to the UK, Spain and Portugal are both under 3 hours by air from London, and Spain is where Shipibo maestros from Peru most often hold ceremonies in Europe.
What Are the Best Ayahuasca Retreats for People in the UK?
Retreats in Spain or Portugal led by an experienced ceremony leader, with screening, preparation and integration. See our two recommendations above.
How Much Does an Ayahuasca Retreat Cost for Someone from the UK?
A full 5–7 day retreat in Europe usually costs €1,500–3,900, plus flights and transfer. Weekend ceremonies are cheaper but rarely include proper screening.
Are Ayahuasca Retreats Safe?
It depends on the centre. Screening for medications and health conditions, an experienced ceremony leader, enough team members during ceremonies and a clear emergency plan matter most.
Who Should Avoid Ayahuasca?
People taking antidepressants or other medications that interact with ayahuasca, people with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, people with serious heart conditions, and anyone who is pregnant. A responsible centre screens for all of these and asks you to speak to your doctor before changing any medication.
Do I Need Previous Experience?
No. Many of our participants in Spain are drinking ayahuasca for the first time, which is why preparation starts weeks before arrival.
Reviewed by
Pepe Franchini Vasquez
Pepe Franchini Vasquez
Shipibo Onanya with 40+ years of experience in traditional Amazonian plant medicine.
UPCOMING
Ayahuasca Retreats
Ayahuasca Retreats
SPAIN
Led by Peruvian Maestros, grounded by European safety, and held in premium ocean-front center.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
PERU
Deep immersion in the heart of the Amazon. Retreats and Master Plant Dietas at our one-of-a-kind camp.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Ocean Front Ceremonies
The Source of Tradition
We Are Here to Guide You
Choosing a retreat is a big decision. Our team is available to discuss your specific needs in a pressure-free environment.
Personal Support Before, During, and After Your Retreat
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