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Blog

We are bringing you insight to the retreat world. The blog can be an inspiration for the retreat travelers as well as for retreat professionals and venue owners. Enjoy and please let us know if there is some topic that you would be happy to read about

  • 14.05.2024
  • Katy Wright

Ayahuasca retreats in Europe

Once exclusive to indigenous tribes in the Amazon, Ayahuasca ceremonies are now performed globally, with masters of the tradition accompanying both newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike through often life-changing experiences at ayahuasca retreats in Europe and beyond.  


Why go on an ayahuasca retreat in Europe?


With so many profound benefits experienced by participants – including spiritual insights, increased empathy, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe - it’s easy to see why this once-niche practice has become so popular.


Of course, not everyone can afford the time or the cost of travelling to the Amazon to experience the benefits of ayahuasca. Luckily, however, there are plenty of trained therapists, facilitators, shamans and traditional medicine practitioners offering ayahuasca at retreats taking place across the globe, including in Europe. What’s more, these retreats are held in safe and comfortable venues that are highly conducive to the experience.


What happens on an ayahuasca retreat?


In some ways, an ayahuasca retreat is much like a yoga retreat or meditation retreat in that it offers participants the chance to spend time in a beautiful location doing something that is beneficial to their health, among likeminded people, for anywhere between 3 and 14 days.


Ayahuasca retreat venue in Spain


And, as with many other wellbeing getaways, ayahuasca retreats promise personal healing and spiritual transformation during that time. However, on an ayahuasca retreat, that healing and transformation comes in a very different form: plant medicine. 


Explore ayahuasca retreats in Europe


Usually given in the form of a drink during a dedicated ceremony, Ayahuasca is typically made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub and contains a potent hallucinogenic compound commonly known as DMT.


Ayahuasca ceremony at a retreat in Europe
After drinking it, people can experience intense visual and auditory hallucinations, profound insights, and emotional release, and this can last for up to 6 hours. During this time, participants are accompanied by trained and experienced facilitators, whose job it is to make sure everyone feels safe and supported.


Standard itinerary for a 3-day ayahuasca retreat


Day 1:


15.30 – 18.00: Participants are invited to arrive well in advance of the evening’s events, allowing them time to first become familiar with the venue and its surroundings.


18.00: Light meal or snack (it’s generally not advised to eat a hearty meal before an ayahuasca ceremony, with physical reactions to the medicine being possible)


18.30 – 20.00: The people leading the ceremony will prepare the ayahuasca and make sure participants know what might happen during the ceremony, so that they feel prepared and reassured.


20.00 – late. With the effects lasting anywhre between 3 and 6 hours, the Ayahuasca ceremony goes on well into the night. Often, participants choose to stay in the room afterwards to sleep.


Group lying down at ayahuasca retreat in Europe


Days 2 & 3:


10.00 - 11.30: Optional Kambo (frog poison) healing session to detoxify the body and mind and prepare participants for the coming nights.


12.00 - 15.00: Integration session - the whole group comes together to discuss their experiences the previous night, and is followed by optional one-on-one sessions to facilitate deeper integration.


15.00 - 18.00: Light refreshment, time for rest, exploring the surrounding nature, and preparing inwardly for the coming night ceremony.


18.00 onwards: See previous day


Day 4:


9.00 – 10.00: Breakfast


11.00 – 15.00: Group and individual integration sessions (for those who need or want it, post-retreat support is sometimes available in the form integration sessions via video call)


15:00: Departure


Group hug at an ayahuasca retreat in Europe


Ayahuasca retreats in Europe 2024


There are numerous ayahuasca retreats in Europe listed on the ZenBooking platform, taking place in countries as varied as Germany, Austria, Spain, Tenerife, Norway, Finland and Sweden, and led by various practitioners, some of whom are Westerners who’ve trained in the Amazon, and some who come direct from a Shamanic lineage and have had the tradition passed down by elders.


Indigenous Ayahuasca Master


Because ayahuasca can induce a very profound and intense experience with moments of extreme vulnerability, it’s important to choose a retreat that is run by people with whom you feel a natural affinity, and whose background and training give you a deep sense of reassurance. So, grab a brew (just a standard tea for now!) and take some time to look through our selection of ayahuasca retreats in Europe:



Explore all ayahuasca retreats in Europe

More articles
  • 11.06.2024
  • Katy Wright

Into the Wild: Leadership Development on Retreat

Your success and uniqueness as a leader depend on many things, including ongoing investment in your professional growth. But this needn't - indeed, shouldn't - be limited to traditional types of management training... Some of the world's greatest leaders, from JFK to Gandhi to Jane Goodall have integrated personal and spiritual discovery into their leadership - an understanding of themselves that has guided their decisions and positively influenced their relationships, resulting in the galvanization of their teams, rapid progress, and impactful change.  Getting to the 'essence' of your leadership requires a deep, introspective journey that aligns your personal values with your professional goals. Cindy Lobo’s Soul Leadership Retreat offers just that—a transformative experience designed to elevate your leadership skills through novel techniques and profound self-discovery. Leadership development that goes beyond the norm Cindy Lobo’s Soul Leadership Retreat is not just another leadership program; it is a unique experience set against the stunning backdrop of Tanzania. This eight-day retreat is specifically crafted for experienced leaders - senior managers, C-suite executives and management consultants working on both the public and private sectors - who are ready to transcend conventional leadership boundaries and embrace a holistic approach to leadership development. Explore the essence of leadership development Leadership is about more than just guiding a team; it’s about leading oneself. Cindy emphasizes this core principle throughout the retreat by taking participants through a variety of activities designed to deepen their self-awareness and leadership acumen, including: Cacao ceremonies: These traditional ceremonies help leaders open their hearts and minds, fostering a deeper connection with their inner selves. Cindy explains, "The cacao ceremonies are a powerful way to open up emotionally, allowing leaders to connect with themselves and their teams in a more meaningful way." Workshops on leadership wisdom: These sessions focus on using not just the head, but also the heart and gut brains, to make well-rounded and insightful decisions. Cindy shares, "True leadership comes from an alignment of mind, heart, and gut. Our workshops are designed to integrate these three centers of intelligence to enhance decision-making and leadership effectiveness." Nature walks and wildlife safaris: Immersing in nature helps leaders to understand their place in the world and gain a fresh perspective on their roles and responsibilities. "Being in nature allows leaders to disconnect from their daily pressures and reconnect with their inner wisdom," says Cindy. The Journey to inner transformation through leadership development From the moment you arrive in Tanzania, the journey is meticulously designed to strip away the layers of conditioned behavior and reconnect you with your core essence. The retreat begins at a boutique lodge in Arusha, surrounded by lush gardens, before moving to the Maasai plains where participants stay in eco-lodges built by the Maasai people themselves. Cindy notes, "Our unique locations are chosen to provide a serene and inspiring environment that supports deep personal and professional growth." Fire Ceremony: Symbolic renewal One of the most powerful moments of the retreat is the fire ceremony. Here, participants symbolically let go of aspects of their leadership that no longer serve them. Surrounded by the Maasai community, this ritual is a profound and unforgettable experience that marks a new beginning for many leaders. Cindy remarks, "The fire ceremony is a transformative experience where leaders release old patterns and embrace new ways of being. It’s a moment of profound renewal and clarity." The Soul Leadership Retreat with Cindy Lobo: Practical details The Soul Leadership Retreat is held twice a year, with the next session scheduled from November 1st to 8th. The retreat accommodates a small, intimate group of up to six participants to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Participants are advised to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, where they will be picked up and transported to the retreat location. "We keep our groups small to ensure each leader receives the personal attention and support they need," Cindy notes. For more information and to book your spot, visit Cindy's Soul Leadership Retreat listing on ZenBooking. Is this leadership development retreat right for you? Cindy's Soul Leaderships retreat in Tanzania is ideal for seasoned leaders across various sectors—whether you’re leading a multinational corporation, a non-profit organization, or a growing business. If you are ready to step back and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your leadership style, so that you can make meaningful changes that resonate throughout your organization, then this retreat is for you​​. "Our participants leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for their leadership journey," says Cindy. Join the leadership development conversation To get a deeper insight into what the Soul Leadership Retreat entails, listen to our latest Retreat Tales podcast episode with Cindy Lobo on YouTube or on Spotify. Explore all of Cindy's retreats in Tanzania: Soul Leadership Retreat | Ngare Nanyuki, Momela, Tanzania 8-Day Inner Goddess Retreat | Zanzibar, Tanzania 8-Day Relax & Rewire Transformational Retreat | Arusha, Tanzania Soul Nurturing Retreat 1-1 | Ngare Nanyuki, Momela, Tanzania You might also like this New Age Leadership Retreat for Women, taking place in Mallorca, Spain, in October 2024.


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