Ayahuasca is the plant-based psychedelic brew used in Amazonian ceremonies. For a few thousand years, it stayed in these jungles, but with the benefit of modern travel and shamans travelling the world, it’s now accessible in Europe.
In just a few decades, it’s moved from British underground circles and to BBC documentaries and parliamentary debate. It’s not quite mainstream wellness culture just yet, but it’s close, and it’s Spain that is leading the way…
How ayahuasca moved from fringe to front page
Prince Harry’s public disclosure that he had used ayahuasca as part of processing grief was a huge moment. It showed that even the most privileged among us, with all the riches, still turned to plant medicine and wellness when his clinical approach didn’t suffice in processing trauma.
That’s not to say this alternative medicine is alternative science. Quite the opposite. Brain imaging research at Imperial College London found that DMT (active in ayahuasca) produces an increase in connectivity across the brain. It’s most pronounced changes are in regions associated with imagination and higher cognitive function. The UK’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology has published a briefing on psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly for conditions like depression and PTSD. It’s something that, actually, is happening in other places in the world and the UK is behind on.
Why Spain has become the go-to destination for British seekers
DMT is a Class A substance in the UK, and while cultural perceptions of it are softening, the law is the law. Domestic ceremonies are not formally allowed, but Brits have hit the lottery on their beloved holiday destination, Spain, who have decriminalised such compounds.
Over in Barcelona, there is a legal setting that makes it possible to set up legitimate retreats with the real substance and genuine shamans. One of the main frictions about going to an Amazonian ceremony is the money and distance, which is why ayahuasca retreats in Spain are booming right now.
What separates a genuine ceremony from a themed retreat
The environment is not yet mature enough to just trust any old retreat. This is where the due diligence comes in. Quality comes down to whether the practitioner carries a genuine lineage. Quechua and Shipibo traditions take years of training and the mastery of icaros: Healing songs delivered tailored to individual participants (a therapeutic tool, not just ambient music). Their absence is a red flag.
Because there are some clinical considerations (e.g., ayahuasca interferes with SSRIs), it’s important that the provider is asking all these questions. You also get what you pay for when it comes to group size and guardians-to-participant ratios.
Finding a provider for UK participants
Ayahuasca retreats near the UK are growing in numbers but Avalon is a well-regarded option. They work with shamans from Peru’s Sacred Valley in the Quechua tradition and run small-group retreats near Barcelona. The pre-booking medical screening will put you at ease, while the post-retreat support is where the real value kicks in. Integration is super important but often undervalued, especially when going for trauma and healing.
Do the research, mention it to your GP, and if you decide to move forward, find a provider that treats your safety seriously and doesn’t compromise on providing authenticity – this isn’t something to skimp on.
