Planning a spiritual journey in the heart of Peru? This 5-day Ayahuasca retreat in Cusco offers more than just a trip — it promises a chance for personal transformation through sacred ceremonies conducted by seasoned Amazonian shamans. For $936 per person, you’ll stay in comfortable private or double rooms at the Wayllapampa retreat, partake in three powerful Ayahuasca sessions, and enjoy guided interpretations and organic meals.

What we love most? First, the expert guidance provided by trained shamans and translators ensures you feel supported and safe amid the intense, often emotional rituals. Second, the organically prepared diet and volcanic water detoxification make this retreat not only spiritually enriching but also physically cleansing.

A possible consideration? The strict dietary and preparatory requirements, including fasting and abstinence from sex, alcohol, and meat, may be challenging for some travelers, especially those new to plant medicines. But if you’re serious about a profound experience, these preparations help deepen your journey.

This retreat suits those seeking more than a typical tour—it’s ideal for open-minded travelers ready for introspection, spiritual connection, and emotional catharsis. If you’re curious about sacred plant medicines and willing to commit to the preparation, this experience could be life-changing.

Key Points

Authentic Spiritual Experience: Guided by Amazonian shamans, the ritual emphasizes deep spiritual connection.
Comprehensive Program: Includes three Ayahuasca ceremonies, interpretations, organic diet, and detoxification.
Comfortable Accommodation: Private and double rooms at Wayllapampa provide a peaceful setting.
Preparation Is Key: Dietary restrictions and detox prep are essential for safety and effectiveness.
Expert Guidance: Multilingual assistants and experienced shamans support the process.
Value for the Price: At $936, it offers a full, immersive experience with all essentials included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day Cusco Ayahuasca Retreat

If you’re considering a trip that combines spiritual awakening with culture, this Cusco Ayahuasca retreat deserves a serious look. It’s designed for those who want to go beyond superficial tourism and seek genuine insight and healing, guided by indigenous Amazonian shamans. Let’s break down what makes this experience stand out — and what you might want to consider.

While in Cusco, here are other experiences we've covered

Location and Accommodation

The retreat takes place in the tranquil surroundings of the Wayllapampa retreat center, situated near Cusco. The setting is intentionally peaceful, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection and ceremony. Each participant gets a private or double room, making rest and privacy a priority after each powerful ritual.

The comfort level is notable — after intense ceremonies, having a cozy, personal space to process your experiences can make all the difference. You’ll find the accommodations simple yet adequate, with a focus on creating a calm environment conducive to healing.

The Journey Begins: Day 1

On the first day, the focus is on preparation. You arrive after a fast, which is crucial for clearing the body of toxins and ensuring the medicine’s effectiveness. The day begins with a Coca Leaf Reading, a traditional Andean ritual that helps set intentions. Next, a Cleansing of Negative Energies kicks off your spiritual detox.

In the evening, the first Ayahuasca ceremony takes place — a moment that many find emotionally intense but ultimately illuminating. The shamans lead the ritual with respect, emphasizing the sacred nature of the medicine. Afterward, you’ll rest, likely feeling the effects of the ceremony settling in.

Day 2: Reflection and Guidance

The morning starts with a nourishing breakfast, preparing you for the interpretation of visions and experiences with the shaman. This session is invaluable — hearing from experienced guides helps translate the often cryptic visions into meaningful insights.

The afternoon offers free time — a chance to relax, soak in the natural surroundings, or take a dip in the pool. The second Ayahuasca session in the evening deepens your journey, often bringing new visions or emotional releases. Feedback from previous participants highlights the expert guidance of the shamans and the supportive atmosphere created throughout these sessions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 3: Integration and Nature

This day is designed for integration. You enjoy a special organic diet curated under the shaman’s guidance, which is believed to enhance the effects of the medicine and promote physical cleansing. It’s a day to reflect more deeply on your visions, with private consultations available.

A highlight is an outdoor walk through rivers and hills with an assistant, offering a grounding experience. Many find this helps solidify the emotional and spiritual insights gained so far, especially as you reconnect with nature. You are encouraged to relax and let the experience unfold naturally.

While you're exploring Cusco, here are other experiences we've looked into

Day 4: The Final Ceremony

The last day’s ceremony marks a significant culmination. You wake up refreshed and have free time — whether for swimming, meditation, or simply resting. The final Ayahuasca session is often described as the most powerful, with guides emphasizing its importance for closure and transformation.

Post-ritual, you’re gently taken back to your room to process the experience. Reviewers often mention feeling a sense of clearing emotional baggage and gaining clarity about personal issues.

Day 5: Farewell and Messages

The farewell morning begins with a breakfast and sharing of experiences. The shaman provides visions’ interpretations and offers messages from the medicinal plant. The retreat concludes with a ceremony of offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and a flowering bath of Love, symbolizing gratitude and new beginnings. Afterward, you return to Cusco, carrying not just memories but insights that could influence your future.

Practical Details and What It All Means

Transportation and Group Size

The retreat includes private transport from Cusco to the retreat center and back, which adds a layer of comfort and convenience. While the exact group size isn’t specified, the presence of multiple shamans and translators suggests a well-supported, intimate environment rather than a crowded tour.

Price and Value

At $936, the retreat covers accommodation, all ceremonies, expert guidance, meals, and detoxification. Given the depth and authenticity of this experience, many find it offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of three ceremonies, personal interpretations, and the supportive environment.

Dietary and Preparatory Requirements

Preparation is essential. The personal diet at least three days before, avoiding sex, alcohol, drugs, meat, and medications, is designed to maximize safety and spiritual openness. The volcanic water detoxification, recommended a day before, helps rid the body of toxins, enhancing both safety and the strength of the experience.

This level of preparation might be demanding for some, but it’s standard in serious Ayahuasca work, ensuring participants are physically and emotionally ready.

Authenticity and Support

Feedback indicates that the guides and shamans are knowledgeable and caring. Their ability to interpret visions and provide emotional support is often praised, helping participants feel safe during intense moments. The inclusion of a translator and assistants ensures clear communication, which can be crucial for first-time users or international travelers.

Who Will Love This Retreat?

This experience is best suited for spiritually curious travelers, those seeking deep emotional healing or personal insight. It’s ideal for individuals comfortable with fasting, detox, and contemplative practices. If you’re keen on authentic indigenous rituals and willing to engage fully, this retreat offers a meaningful pathway into sacred plant medicine.

The Sum Up

For anyone interested in exploring Ayahuasca within a supportive, well-organized setting, this Cusco retreat offers a compelling option. It combines authentic ceremonies with comfortable accommodation, expert guidance, and careful preparation, making it suitable for those serious about a transformative experience. The inclusion of interpretative sessions and organic diets adds layers of depth that can lead to lasting insights.

While the commitment to dietary restrictions and fasting might seem daunting, many find these necessary steps for a safe and profound journey. The attention to detail — from transportation to post-ceremony interpretations — shows a genuine effort to support participants holistically.

If you’re ready to embrace a spiritual challenge, open your mind, and seek clarity from sacred medicines, this retreat could be just what you need. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate skilled guidance, a peaceful environment, and meaningful ceremonies rooted in indigenous traditions.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation from Cusco to the retreat center and back is included, making logistics straightforward.

How many Ayahuasca sessions are there?
There are three sessions scheduled: one on the first night, one on the second, and the final on the fourth day.

What language is the retreat conducted in?
Guides and interpreters operate in Spanish, English, and Quechua, ensuring clear communication for all participants.

Do I need to prepare before the retreat?
Absolutely. You should follow a personal diet at least three days before, avoiding sex, alcohol, drugs, meat, and medications. Detoxification with volcanic water is also recommended.

Is alcohol or meat allowed during the retreat?
No, the retreat emphasizes strict dietary restrictions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What is included in the price?
Accommodation, three Ayahuasca sessions with shamans, volcanic medicinal water, meals, transportation, and interpretation services are included.

Can I take photos or record during ceremonies?
Yes, assistants can take photos or record videos without interrupting, allowing you to keep a personal memory of your experience.

What if I can’t attend the entire retreat?
The retreat has a set schedule, and participation in all ceremonies is recommended for the full experience.

Is this suitable for first-timers?
While some first-timers do participate, the intense nature of Ayahuasca suggests that those with some openness to spiritual work and willingness to follow strict preparations will benefit most.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothing, a towel, any personal medications (if permitted), and an open mind. The retreat provides most essentials, but check with the organizer for specific recommendations.

This Cusco Ayahuasca retreat offers a deeply immersive chance to explore sacred medicines with expert guidance, in a setting designed for safety, comfort, and spiritual growth. It’s a serious but rewarding journey for those committed to personal discovery and transformation.