Ayahuasca Retreats in the UK: Best Ceremonies for
2025

Ayahuasca (or «iowaska» / «ayawaska» tea) ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, as more individuals turn to them for spiritual and emotional healing. Seminars and retreats are emerging across various locations in the country, reflecting this growing interest. However, conducting these ceremonies in the UK comes with its own set of challenges, which we will explore in detail throughout this article.

In the United Kingdom, Ayahuasca is classified as a Class A substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 due to its DMT content, rendering its use, possession, and distribution illegal. Consequently, most ceremonies take place in private, underground settings, typically led by not experienced so-called gurus and guides. Although these events provide a space to explore traditional practices, they are not without risks, including legal complications, safety concerns, and the absence of proper regulation.

Due to strict legal restrictions on Ayahuasca in the UK, many individuals interested in experiencing its spiritual and therapeutic benefits choose to attend such events in neighboring European countries where its use is permitted. Countries such as Portugal, Spain or Costa Rica have more flexible regulations in terms of its legality, allowing Ayahuasca to be used legally in specific contexts, often under the guidance of experienced facilitators or within religious frameworks. These locations provide a safer and more legally secure environment for participants to engage in traditional ceremonies.

In Ireland, the legality of Ayahuasca is unequivocal: its possession, use, and distribution are strictly prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, where its psychoactive ingredient, DMT, is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This designation reflects the belief that DMT has no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse, leaving no room for exemptions, even for spiritual or religious purposes. Importing Ayahuasca, even for personal use, is a criminal offense, with customs authorities actively monitoring for prohibited substances. Unlike some countries that allow Ayahuasca under cultural or religious frameworks, Ireland’s strict legal environment has pushed those seeking Ayahuasca experiences to travel abroad to countries where it is legal or tolerated. However, any attempt to bring Ayahuasca or its components back into Ireland risks severe legal repercussions, as the law remains firm in its prohibition of such substances. More on Legal Status of Ayahuasca in the World [article]

The legal status of Ayahuasca is a complex interplay between religious freedom and strict drug control laws, creating a challenging legal landscape. The International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS) highlights this complexity in its report on the Santo Daime church, a spiritual organization known for incorporating Ayahuasca into its rituals. While Santo Daime has sought to use Ayahuasca under the protection of religious freedom, a landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling in several jurisdictions categorized Ayahuasca as a restricted substance due to its DMT content, aligning it with tightly controlled drugs. This ruling has significant implications, as it not only limits the church's ability to conduct ceremonies but also raises broader questions about balancing spiritual practices with public health and safety concerns. The case underscores the tension between preserving cultural and religious traditions and enforcing international drug laws, leaving Ayahuasca in a legal gray area in many regions.

In Spain, the legal status of Ayahuasca is complex but not strictly prohibited, as it falls into a gray area. Ayahuasca itself is not classified as an illegal substance, which allows people and groups to use it for personal or spiritual purposes if done respectfully and within the bounds of local regulations. While there have been arrests and legal cases involving Ayahuasca, these were often due to other reasons, not specifically the use or distribution of Ayahuasca. As of January 2024, no one has been convicted in such cases, and Spanish courts have ruled that Ayahuasca is not controlled under international agreements or Spanish law. This creates an environment where its use is possible, but the lack of clear rules can still cause some legal uncertainty.

In popular tourist destinations like Malaga, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Barcelona, many retreat centers offer Ayahuasca ceremonies. However, it’s important to remember that taking this sacred medicine is a profound experience, not something to mix with a party vacation. Ayahuasca often involves deep mental and emotional work, requiring focus, energy, and supportive facilitators with expertise in this field. For this reason, we strongly recommend keeping Ayahuasca retreats separate from other vacation activities to fully honor the process and its transformative potential.

In Portugal, the legal status of Ayahuasca remains ambiguous, as its key ingredient, DMT, is classified as an illegal substance, yet Ayahuasca itself is not explicitly regulated. This creates a legal gray area where Brazilian spiritual groups like Santo Daime, which incorporate Ayahuasca in their rituals, face challenges in gaining official recognition. While Portugal is known for its progressive drug policies, including decriminalization of drug use for personal possession, this approach does not provide clear protections for the use of Ayahuasca, even in religious or spiritual contexts. Cases of possession or distribution have led to legal scrutiny, and Santo Daime’s attempts to operate under the framework of religious freedom have encountered significant obstacles. Portugal’s position reflects a delicate balancing act between upholding religious liberties and enforcing drug control policies, leaving practitioners and facilitators navigating uncertain legal territory. Meanwhile many retreats operate in Portugal without facing any significant legal consequences or prosecution.

The distance between Europe and the Amazon Rainforest creates a challenge in preserving the authenticity of Ayahuasca ceremonies. To offer genuine experiences, many European retreats invite shamans from the Amazon, which can significantly increase costs. This added expense often affects the pricing of retreats in countries such as the UK, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Before booking, it’s crucial to verify the legal status and reputation of the retreat center you’re considering. Below, we provide examples of centers in various European countries, but be sure to carefully evaluate all aspects before proceeding with your plans.

Based in Portugal, Sinchi Runa emphasizes deep introspection and silence as part of its retreat experience. Their 9-day programs, priced at around $2,199 per person, include a holistic integration process with healing modalities such as breathwork, yin yoga, meditation, and massage.

Selecting a safe Ayahuasca retreat in the United Kingdom requires careful consideration due to its underground nature and the legal restrictions surrounding DMT.

1. Start by verifying the staff of the retreat, ensuring facilitators have credible expertise and provide clear details about ceremony preparation and health screenings.
2. Look for experienced gurus who understand Ayahuasca’s effects and have robust safety protocols, including a support team for emergencies and post-ceremony integration.
3. Lastly, research the retreat’s reputation through reviews and recommendations, prioritizing those that respect traditional practices and prioritize participant well-being. By evaluating these factors, you can ensure a meaningful and secure experience.

Several factors influence Ayahuasca retreats in Europe, shaping their accessibility, cost, and authenticity.

1. Legal regulations play a major role, as Ayahuasca’s key ingredient, DMT, is often classified as a controlled substance, leading to retreats operating in legal gray areas or underground settings.
2. Authenticity is another critical factor, as European retreats often bring in shamans who are Amazonian residents to uphold traditional practices, which can increase costs due to the significant expenses associated with travel from the Amazon to Europe. The location also impacts pricing and demand, with retreats in countries like Portugal and the Netherlands benefiting from more relaxed laws compared to stricter environments in the UK or Ireland.
3. Additionally, retreat quality and offerings vary widely, from basic, budget-friendly setups to luxurious experiences with extensive integration programs, making participant research essential to ensure safety and alignment with their goals.

Retreats in Europe can start as low and cheap as 500 euros for a trip cost, but it’s important to note that such options may not meet all the recommended criteria for a safe and authentic experience. Luxury retreats with high prices also do not guarantee authenticity. Carefully evaluate all available options, as taking Ayahuasca is a profound journey that can significantly impact your emotional and mental well-being.

For the most authentic spiritual experience, the ideal choice is to travel to the Amazon, the heart of the Ayahuasca tradition, where you can be confident in the shaman’s expertise and the quality of the brew. If traveling to the Amazon isn’t an option, opt for a center in Spain or Portugal that prioritizes these factors and strives to maintain the authenticity of the Ayahuasca experience.

The safety of Ayahuasca retreats depends on various factors, including the quality of the retreat, the experience of the facilitators or shamans, and the physical and mental preparedness of the participants. When conducted responsibly, with proper screening, experienced facilitators, and a supportive environment, Ayahuasca retreats can be safe and transformative experiences. However, potential risks exist, including adverse reactions to the brew, psychological distress, or physical side effects. These risks are higher if the retreat lacks proper medical screenings, trained staff, or if the participant has undisclosed health conditions or is on contraindicated medications.

Ayahuasca ceremonies have been explored as a potential alternative or complement to traditional rehab programs for addiction recovery, but their effectiveness depends on various factors. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that Ayahuasca can help individuals address underlying emotional trauma, gain insights into destructive behaviors, and experience a sense of spiritual renewal. However, it is not a medically supervised treatment and lacks the structured support found in traditional rehab programs, such as ongoing counseling, group therapy, and aftercare. For some, Ayahuasca may serve as a powerful tool within a broader recovery journey, but it is not a standalone solution and carries risks, particularly for those with certain mental health conditions. Combining Ayahuasca with professional guidance and integration therapy may yield the most effective outcomes. We advise visiting Takiwaci Center website to learn how this center located in Peru help people with addictions.