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I first heard about ayahuasca when I was backpacking in South America, well over a decade ago! Back then, it was a niche experience for travellers adventurous enough to join a retreat somewhere in the Amazon. They weren’t regulated, and I suspect they weren’t always safe, but I met several backpackers who’d tried it and were nothing but enthusiastic. One girl told me she “saw the universe” on her retreat, while another told me it helped her move past the death of her father.
Even as a sceptic, I can see that if something has the power to help someone with grief or healing, it could be worth exploring.
In recent years, ayahuasca has gained more attention among travellers seeking deeper healing, spiritual insight, and emotional transformation. Thanks to this growing popularity, Ayahuasca ceremonies are now becoming more accessible – with retreat centres offering structured, supportive programmes in locations much closer to home.
As interest grows, so does the need for safe, professional, and culturally respectful spaces where people can explore this powerful plant medicine. For those curious about ayahuasca but hesitant to travel halfway across the world, there are European retreats emerging as a compelling (and much more convenient) alternative.
What Is an Ayahuasca Retreat?
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves. Used ceremonially by Indigenous communities for centuries, it’s known for its intense psychoactive effects and potential to catalyse deep emotional and psychological healing. Read more here.
It’s said to be beneficial in treating substance addiction, healing from trauma, PTSD, and grief, and aiding the symptoms of anxiety, fear, and depression. Today, many also use ayahuasca to help deal with burnout, media overload, and overstimulation from the modern world – a retreat is seen as a way to connect with yourself and commune with your more spiritual side.
Retreats typically involve:
- A series of guided ceremonies led by trained shamans or facilitators
- Preparation and integration support to help participants navigate their experiences
- A structured environment focused on safety, reflection, and personal growth
Alongside the traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, retreats often include complementary practices such as meditation, breathwork, and group sharing circles. Everything is designed to support the healing process or your journey towards spiritual growth.
Are There Any Ayahuasca Retreats Near the UK?
Yes! Although South America remains the “motherland” and traditional home of ayahuasca, there are now a number of retreat centres in Europe. These offer authentic ceremonies within reach of the UK – making the experience much more accessible for those who may not have the time or budget to travel to the Amazon.
If you’re looking for Ayahuasca retreats near the UK, Spain is one of the best options. While the plant isn’t strictly legal in many European countries, a legal grey area in Spain means companies such as Avalon (more on them below) are able to host retreats and guided ceremonies. With plenty of cheap, direct flights from the UK to both Barcelona and Ibiza, where Avalon hosts retreats, these are a much more affordable and convenient alternative to long-haul travel – without compromising on the integrity of the experience.
Staying in Europe also ensures access to professional standards of care and aftercare – as well as having that safety net of dependable, western healthcare to rely on while you’re away!
Why Trust Avalon?
Avalon has established itself as a trusted provider, with retreats held in Ibiza and near Barcelona. Their retreats combine the traditional ceremony and Indigenous wisdom with modern safety and therapeutic support to meet the needs of modern, European attendees! The recent TripAdvisor and Google Reviews all show that this is a provider you can trust.
Key strengths include:
- Experienced shamans and facilitators from Latin America with deep ceremonial lineage.
- Comprehensive safety protocols, including medical screening and pre-retreat consultations.
- Integration support, such as one-on-one guidance, breathwork, and group sharing circles.
- Ethical and professional standards, with clear communication and structured programmes.
What to Expect from an Ayahuasca Retreat
Avalon’s retreats typically span four to six days, with a maximum of 25 participants, and usually include:
- A series of ayahuasca ceremonies led by Indigenous shamans
- Daily workshops and healing practices such as yoga, sharing circles, meditation, forest walks, and art therapy.
- One-on-one integration sessions to help participants process insights and apply them to everyday life.
Who Is Ayahuasca For?
Ayahuasca is not a one-size-fits-all experience. While many people report profound healing and insight, it’s not suitable for everyone. Retreat centres typically screen participants for physical and mental health conditions, and responsible providers will offer guidance on whether the experience is appropriate.
Ayahuasca may appeal to those who are:
- Seeking emotional healing or clarity
- Exploring spiritual growth or personal transformation
- Looking to break through limiting patterns or beliefs
- Open to non-traditional therapeutic approaches
It’s important to approach the medicine with respect, preparation, and a willingness to engage in the integration process afterwards. As Avalon says on its own website, “Ayahuasca is not a magic pill that will instantly solve all your problems”. It’s all about starting a journey towards spiritual wholeness.
Is Ayahuasca Legal in Europe?
Ayahuasca contains DMT, a controlled substance in many countries, including the UK. However, legal status varies across Europe. In Spain and Portugal, ayahuasca is not explicitly banned, which has allowed retreat centres like Avalon to operate within a legal grey area, as long as ceremonies are conducted responsibly and privately. Read more here.
Travellers should always research the legal context of any retreat and choose providers who prioritise safety, transparency, and ethical practice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re open-minded and willing to try something new, an ayahuasca retreat could offer a unique opportunity for personal growth, healing, and spiritual exploration. For travellers from the UK, the emergence of reputable European retreats are making this unique spiritual experience more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, emotional release, or a deeper connection to yourself, approaching ayahuasca with respect and preparation can open the door to meaningful transformation. As always, choose your retreat provider carefully, prioritise safety and integration, and listen to your own readiness before embarking on the journey.
