Introduction: An Outsider Looking In
I didn’t grow up around crystals, chakras, or sacred plants—unless you count chamomile tea. My life, up until recently, has been pretty grounded in the practical: work, responsibilities, and a general curiosity about the world that didn’t leave much room for spiritual exploration ✨.
So when the opportunity to attend a traditional Yagé (Ayahuasca) ceremony near Medellín came up, I said yes—not because I considered myself particularly “spiritual,” but because I was curious. It just so happened it was my birthday so perhaps the stars were aligning. What draws people from all over the world to the Amazon for this sacred brew? Could there be something in it for someone like me?
Preparing for the Retreat: Not Quite Jungle-Trained
The organizers sent a thorough email outlining what to pack and how to prepare. Truthfully, I glanced at it more than I read it. You’re not meant to eat meat, drink alcohol, take drugs prior to the ceremony. Lesson learned. Some of the items—like a poncho —weren’t suggestions, but apparently vital given the number of ponchos on show. Given I was staying at the retreat for a few days I put my bags in a storage facility which was super easy and convenient.
🎒Here are a few essentials you’ll need during the ceremony to ensure you are comfortable and well prepared, to ease the nerves:
- 🧥Poncho & comfortable layers – it gets chilly at night.
- 💡Headlamp – for navigating dark garden paths when the medicine is working its magic.
- 💦Water bottle & tissue paper – you’ll thank yourself later.
- 🧘♀️A yoga mat & sleeping bag for comfort when you choose to sit or lie down.
- 📒A journal – it’s good to take notes of key messages during the ritual.
- Travel insurance – should be a must have for all traveller particularly those with a daring side.
Arrival at La Ceiba: Welcome to the Unknown
The retreat was about an hour outside Medellín, nestled in lush, remote and beautiful surroundings. I arrived smoothly by hiring a car with GetRentACar, excited. Lots of people travel on scooters as this is the quickest way to get around because of the traffic in the city – you might want to book in advance with Bikesbooking. You can also get taxis. There wasn’t a formal check-in desk—just people in varying states of calm, prepping by the fire or seeking solitude, meditating to set clear intentions of what was to lay ahead, on their yoga mat🧘.
Everyone was friendly, and despite feeling like a newcomer to this world, I was quickly welcomed in 🤝. I found a my place on the floor, and was handed a bucket 🪣(an essential part of the ceremony…). One detail I appreciated: the sense of community. Everyone was there for their own reason, but it didn’t feel judgmental or exclusive.
The Ceremony: A Powerful, Raw, and Real Experience
The ceremony opened with the shaman talking in Spanish. I didn’t catch every word, but I could feel the serious and sacredness of the moment I had read so much about in The Sherman and Ayahuasca. Then came the drink—a small cup of thick, earthy liquid known as Yagé ☕. It’s not winning any taste awards 🤮, but the impact is immediate.
For the first 20 minutes, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Then waves of heat hit my stomach, and the room began to shift. I started to see closed-eye visuals—vivid, surreal patterns that gradually deepened. Around me, others were processing their experience in their own way—some in silence, some in cathartic release.
It’s hard to describe what I saw or felt in detail—it’s personal, like trying to explain a dream that changed you. But I will say this: something sacred was at work. I felt both incredibly small and deeply connected to something greater, my spirit perhaps 🕊️.
The Inner Journey: Emotional, Insightful, and Deeply Moving
For someone who hasn’t explored many spiritual practices, the experience was surprisingly profound. Emotions came up—memories, people, moments I hadn’t thought about in years. There were moments of joy, sadness, clarity, a real journey into understanding ones self better.
I cried from what felt like a release of tension I didn’t know I was holding. The Yagé didn’t necessarily “show me the truth,” but it offered me a new perspective—one that I’m still processing. And that’s the beauty of it: it plants seeds which may take days or weeks to bloom. Everyone’s experience will be slightly different and it is up to us to process that information and use it to do better.
The Morning After: Integration & Reflection
As dawn broke, the medicine gently released its grip. A traditional band played music by the fire who had been playing during the evening – they were amazing! – and the group slowly came back to earth, our version of reality. There were a small closing rituals, some more medicinal tobacco (offered by a very eager participant), and gentle conversation about our experience (nothing too personal).
While I wouldn’t describe the retreat as highly structured, it was clear that the facilitators cared. That said, I would have appreciated a bit more guidance throughout the night, perhaps the group of 60 was too big. At times, it felt like you were left to your own devices—an exhilarating, but also slightly vulnerable experience.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes – but next time, I’d look for a smaller, for a more guided experience and a personable shaman. While this retreat gave me an incredible entry point, I now realize the value of one-on-one support in these settings, especially for those of us who aren’t fluent in the language – either Spanish, or the spiritual one.
Still, I’m grateful. This wasn’t about “getting high” or chasing visions. It was about healing, curiosity, and seeing the world (and myself) through a different lens. And I’ll carry that with me.
Tips for Curious First-Timers
- Do your prep – read the info, pack well (essential products above), and avoid heavy foods beforehand.
- Set clear intention – it gives the experience direction however there is no knowing what your unique journey will go.
- Be open, not expectant – it’s not always what you think. The books in this article helped me a lot.
- Allow integration time – insights can continue to unfold for days.
- Respect the space and the people in it – everyone’s on their own path.
Final Thoughts: Spirituality Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
If you’re like me—curious, respectful, but new to spiritual experiences—Yagé might open a door you didn’t know existed. Not everything will make sense, and that’s okay. You don’t need to become a jungle monk to appreciate what plant medicine can offer.
Sometimes just showing up with humility is enough to begin.
Helpful Resources
- 🌿 Retreat ayahuasca ceremonies listing in Colombia
- 📘 “The Cosmic Serpent” – Jeremy Narby