Find Authentic Retreats in Fredonia Colombia

"I decided to wait a while before leaving a review. There is often an afterglow effect with hallucinogens and I wanted to wait for things to settle a bit before making any comments on my experience at Lawayra. It seems more honest that way. I'll also add that the former facilitator and a volunteer left a few months ago, and things are a lot less structured and professional now at this retreat than in the past. With that being said, my experience overall was just okay. There were a few circumstances that really reduced the quality of the experience. And some things came across as a bit disrespectful to the medicine and the seriousness of this ancient tradition. Lawayra is cheaper than many other retreat centers. That itself doesn't make the place bad, but I do think that a cheaper price does invite SOME people who may take things a lot less seriously. You can end up with people who do things such as talk during ceremonies, people who bring processed junk food to the center because they refuse to stick to the diet, people who spend all their free time on their phones, etc. As a participant I had no say over other people's actions, which I accept. But as a paying customer, I expected the environment to be a bit more strict and rigid and to hold the guests accountable so that everyone can get the most from their experience. The people who are a part of your group can really affect the atmosphere at the retreat. The place is quite small for the amount of people who are there at any given time. Ayahuasca opens you up to other energy which is why it's so important to have a solid environment to drink the medicine and work through the processes. Lawayra was a place full of distractions. WiFi stays on full time and I often saw people occupying their minds with Facebook and Netflix and whatever else. It was frustrating that the people running the facility aren't more strict with such things. Phones and social media can easily be as addictive and harmful as drugs or alcohol. Some people might go to an Ayahuasca center in the hopes of disconnecting for a little while. Socializing was overly encouraged, rather than quiet introspection and taking time to self reflect. There were times when it was difficult to find a quiet place to rest due to all the loud conversations, music, construction noise, etc. It became more of a social event or party than anything else. People were even playing rap music on a speaker at one point. Something I never expected to experience at an Ayahuasca center. I'm also not sure how we were expected to be able to relax and be well rested, when the ceremonies would often keep us up until 1 or 2am and then construction workers show up at 6am and immediately start using grinders and other loud equipment. I am not writing this review to trash talk Lawayra or the people who own and operate the place. I only want those who are considering this retreat to have the opportunity to see both sides. I think that it is common for these retreats involving plant medicine that most people who have a less than optimal experience remain quiet rather than say anything bad or negative most of the time, but I'd rather speak my mind. I didn't walk away from my experience completely empty handed. The medicine is strong and the music is beautiful. The taita is a good guide. But the retreat just didn't really seem optimized for deep work and healing. They appeal more to the crowd who want to experiment or want a cool story or pictures for Instagram. If you're searching for a more authentic experience or somewhere to do deep healing, I would recommend going elsewhere. They often said at the retreat that there are many different traditions related to consuming Ayahuasca and that everyone does it differently. But to me they seemed overly dismissive of getting negative input from the guests (or seeming offended by it honestly). There was a strong my way or the highway type of attitude and that's fine. The inability to handle negative criticism in an empathetic and constructive manner is what made me decide to never return to Lawayra. Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope it was helpful. Good luck on your journey."

"Sam's guidance and discourse, about how to take and manage the medicine, demonstrates an especially impressive vocabulary about who participants should manage and make maximum benefit from the experience. To properly describe what such deep journeying is about, and how it so foundationally heals and restores our souls, is not at all easy, even among many more experienced, but Sam explains it in manners that are especially user-friendly and educational."

"In a world where sadly even sacred Ayahuasca is often improperly served among retreat centers that are not always honoring every consideration as to who and how sacred medicines are served and how to hold proper ceremony, Lawayra is doing a fine job, staffed and managed by entirely capable, and ethically super sound team."

"I undertook four ceremonies (three nighttime and one daytime ceremony) in the Fall of 2023 with LaWayra, and my time with them has been nothing short of life changing. First, being a recent college grad traveling the world on a gap year student budget, I conducted a bunch of research into affordable ayahuasca retreats. LaWayra was the most ideal combination between affordability and credible reviews all over the internet (including on Reddit). One tip I wish I knew before booking - book directly on LaWayra’s website instead of on third party sites like retreat guru. Third party sites charge much more for the same ceremony. Use the money you saved to tip the retreat staff! The ceremony, housekeeping, and volunteer staff are an incredibly skilled, warm-hearted, and attentive individuals. I’m vegan, and there was plenty of solid vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The taita’s presence was a supremely warming presence during ceremonies, and the combination of healing music, pre-ceremony mediation, and the pristine nature around the ceremony center were amazing additions to ceremonies. Group sizes of 15-25 are a great balance between individualized attention from ceremony staff before, during, and after ceremonies and a diverse community from all over the world with a wealth of different life stories and purposes for pursuing the healing power of ayahuasca. I came into the ceremony looking to challenge the limits of my perception and to unroot my most ingrained worldviews and beliefs. During the ceremonies, I’ve traveled to fantastical dimensions and had visions/experiences that have fundamentally changed the way I view the world and my place on earth, spirituality, and the bonds between the living/nonliving, human and non human entities of the world. I am forever grateful to the healing and revelatory powers of the medicine whose lessons will profoundly shape me for the rest of my life."

"Lawayra is a magical place. The experience I have had in the week I spent here has been life-changing. It gave me new optimism for the future and provided me answers to questions I did not even know I had. The place is very well managed, it's clean, the food is good, and there is plenty of kind and attentive staff to make you feel safe and at home. Here, I would like to express my thanks to the whole team, Sam, Jarrod, the Taita, the cooks, cleaning ladies, musicians, dogs, and everyone else who helped me have this amazing experience. If you feel the calling for Ayahuasca, I cannot recommend this place enough. "

"Taita Fernando was so attentive through every ceremony ensuring every participants experience with the plant medicine was safe & beautiful. His musical talents bring the ceremony experience full circle with his soothing voice along with his guitars & flutes. He went out of his way to ensure everyone was safe & takes the space seriously. I enjoyed how we connected at the last ceremony & am eternally grateful for his support & validation on my journey & how I was feeling. He understands a woman is powerful & respects us as a whole. I wish I could truly put into words just how powerful yet calming his presence is & I wish him nothing but the best on his journey in shamanism. Thank you Taita! "

"Jarrod brings emotional intelligence, plant medicine expertise experience with a genuine heart & passion for the person that is partaking of the medicine. He truly cares for the person as a whole and tirelessly supports each & everyone’s experience with integration therapy. From group settings to one on one sessions, Jarrod will ensure you walk away with full confidence in understanding your personal experience. His professionalism throughout the entire retreat not only made me feel comfortable opening up but he also made me feel safe; even if outside sources out of our control may have made me feel otherwise. He more than understands every person is unique & will tweak & cater his own professional style to that individual so that they too feel comfortable & safe. He has a beautiful soul that you can’t help but notice & he touches every other soul around him with his warm embrace & helps guide your light to shine through the darkness. Through his integration therapy you are taught by Jarrod that your ‘cracks’ in life are part of the process so that your own self love & light can shine through!"

"I'll try to say things not mentioned often in other reviews: -If you're skeptical as to why there are only 5 star reviews, its because every single thing that you could think to complain about LaWayra feels so insignificant in the wake of the experience that you couldn't imagine taking even half a star off the rating. -It's not a luxurious place, though there are many projects in the works to turn it into one. It's going to be an extremely interesting place in 6 months and beyond. -Take bug spray and be prepared for a wet environment (you're in the clouds) and you likely wont be able to wash any clothes during you stay so pack accordingly. -The experience is different for everyone, don't have any expectations based on somebody elses experience. -Jarrod and the team at LaWayra are lovely people that kept me feeling safe and taken care of -I personally didn't have a very strong connection to the Ayahuasca and I was the only person not to, in a group of roughly 20 people. i still was so glad to have gone through the experience for the little connection i had, and for the lifelong friendships and realizations i picked up. -Really try and respect the diet, especially for drugs. I wish i had stopped smoking weed sooner, i feel confident it blocked my connection to the ayahuasca."

"A bond that will stay with you forever. You are in capable and loving hands. I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend. "

"I had been wanting to take ayahuasca in a ceremonial setting for healing, learning, and growth for a number of years, but—mistrustful of many retreat center’s prioritization of profit and mass production over accessibility and traditionally-grounded healing—I waited for a recommendation to come my way. Eventually, I realized that recommendation wasn’t coming, so I decided to find one. Causes and conditions led to me to LaWayra, and, knowing nothing, I arrived skeptical. In my intention journalling, I asked, “Does this place operate in full good faith with integrity, seeming genuine, invested, personal, and whole-hearted, or does it seem co-opted by the exploitative profit motive—a ‘Westernized’ plug-and-chug business concerned with maximization, brand, and reputation?” After spending a week there and participating in four ceremonies, I believe LaWayra and it’s staff are the former—genuine, honest, dedicated. Of course it is a business—money is an (unfortunate) reality of the modern world; of course it is not a perfect paradise—no where is. But centrally, it is a safe, nurturing environment staffed by dedicated, generous, hard-working people who are working to facilitate healing and are open to all feedback. Above all else, even as a cynical, mistrusting person, I had a wonderful experience and plan to return. Also, because I know I wondered about it, I believe the low price point reflects a genuine interest in broad(er) accessibility to this powerful medicine so that is is not solely the domain of celebrities and C-suites who want to have a Shamanic Drug Experience™️ in the jungle. If you’re skeptical of the low price, just pay them more, and wah-lah, you’ve paid a lot for Ayahuasca. Arrive with love, humility, and reverence for the medicine and the community, and you will open to new horizons."

"Sam, Jarrod, and Oliver as well as the rest of the team at Lawayra were very helpful. Choosing the right Ayahuasca retreat is a big decision. I can confirm that Lawayra takes a well-informed, effective, and safe approach to help people connect with the medicine. Group discussions and private journaling help bring people together and lead to lasting changes. Personally, I was in a very low place before this retreat week. I don't think this single-handedly "fixed me" but it was a big step in the right direction. Everyone in the group was great to build relationships with. I highly recommend it. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll see progress. The only small issue is toilet access. When I was there, we only had 2 toilets for the group. Sam was in the process of building a larger toilet / shower block though, which will help. But that's literally it. The setting, taita / shaman ceremonies, food, everything else was already perfect!"

"Great place to heal and escape from everyday madness The retreat is based in a nice little house in the middle of the jungle with a beautiful landscape. The Team is preparing you for your Journey and is helping while every step of the process. Espcially for me as a First-Timer this was very helpful. The experience itself is different for everyone, but all people felt a strong bonding within the group. Also the Food was very Good and Place was cleaned every day more than one time. Thanks a lot"

"There aren’t enough good things I can say about Lawayra. If you’re considering it or your intuition led you here, you will be in the care of the best of the best. I have been sitting in ceremonies for five years across multiple countries and with many different shamans but this by far was the most profound and most impactful because of the people that helped to make it happen and because they are truly in integrity with this work. The facilitators were absolutely incredible, every single one of them..Sam, Jarrod and Christian. The Taita as well, he was phenomenal and such a pure and selfless soul. The medicine was really special. I don't think I ever felt more safe, anywhere but especially to do this deep work. There was so much support for integration and processing and connection not only with them but with the group. I am already planning to come back and will continue to share this with others because what they are doing here is authentic, genuine and real. "

"I attended a four day retreat in March for the first time and couldn’t highly recommend LaWayra more. The four days felt like a perfect amount for a first time, not too overwhelming but I liked that there was more than one ceremony. The program leaders make the entire experience feel safe and supportive. Beyond just being great facilitators, Sam and Jarrod go above and beyond to give guidance and listen and talk through anything, especially tough moments. The finca is surrounded by beautiful nature and is so convenient from Medellín. The people I attended with felt more like family after the four days than friends - it’s something that I’m sure bonds you forever. I loved that this retreat is led by a true indigenous Taita, the spiritually of the medicine is taken extremely seriously, and that there is integration during and optionally after the retreat. It’s beyond worth the value. Now that I’ve been to LaWayra, I don’t think I would be able to go anywhere else for this type of work, and I am even returning sooner than expected to continue the healing process. "

"Really incredible experience with Sam and all the other team members that make the experience possible. Definitely worth booking this!"

"I felt i was supported throughout the whole experience by trusted and knowledgeable team of helpers. The taita was attentive and assisted on so many levels of health and mental requirements. Far surpassed any expectations and i can't wait to return to deepen my journey. Big thank you 😊 🙏 ❤ "

"I decided to do an ayahuasca retreat after years of battling depression, and I’m so happy I did. From the moment I stepped foot onto the retreat space, I felt a sense of calm automatically wash over me. I had been nervous about taking the medicine but Sam, the taita, and his team helped ease my worries. They took very good care of me and the others every step of the way. The live music, beyond being a fantastic touch became critical to my healing journey; and the word circles that followed every ceremony helped me feel less alone with my struggles. 10/10 for sure "

"This place is amazing! The most important aspect for for me was to feel safe going into a medicine experience, and the location, the team and the way things were organised did exactly that. I was able to relax, let go, and let the medicine do its work, and it really was a life experience I’ll treasure . I’m very grateful for the team here, the Taita, and especially the kitchen staff; everything here is made with love! I will be back, that’s for sure (and not just for the food, lol). Much love guys!"

"This is it. All humans can benefit from this place if it calls to them. I can’t explain how much my experience here has helped me connect with myself, the planet, and an awesome group of strangers. The incredible beautiful people that run the show here are such important players in this thing called life and I can’t express my gratitude enough. Modern society is a bit messed up and the experience you get with this medicine and these people is the perfect antidote provided by Mother Nature. Shake you preconceptions not only of this medicine as something taboo, but all the things that you let run your life and prevent you from truly living. The location is just as amazing as the people and the experience you get from the medicine. I don’t even know how to some this up, words simply can’t capture the uncapturable beauty of life but this journey has allowed me to participate in life again and I finally feel free to be myself and live as we are all meant to live. I hope if you read this and are on the fence it helps you make the decision to commit to opening your heart to life. I have not been paid to write this and I swear I’m not crazy haha, unless you accept that we are all crazy, as we are all just trying to figure out this thing called life :) "

"I had a wonderful experience at lawayra! So much so that i went back a week later. The place is very rustical in tje heart of colombian nature, you really can feel the place's magical energy. The shaman was discreet with a friendly smile and seemed to know what he was doing! I had some deep revelations about myself and my mind was blown with regards to the potential of the medicine. I would have loved more bathrooms for the guests but i did learn about myself that i now can survive a backpacking experience too! I loved the colombian staff, very friendly and warm. Would definitely recommend! "

"I felt totally safe with Sam around. He is very honest, direct, and down-to-earth. I would do another Ayahuasca retreat with him."

"I felt totally safe with him. You note that he comes from a long lineage of Taitas of the Amazonian forest. He knows exactly what to do. I'm sure he helped me heal a bit."

"I totally loved the retreat. Everything was great: • the team of Sam Believ: excellent space holding and a lot of sharings • shaman (Taita): very experienced and great presence • Nice healing music by Cesár (live guitar and singing) • Location: in the middle of nature with stunning views over the surrounding mountains, totally quiet and no neighbors at sight • food: basic and healthy • other participants: warm, open-minded I did a 5-day retreat and I think a key success factor for me was the long duration. This way, I could bond deeply with the other participants and do 2 ceremonies. there were four ceremonies, but I skipped two due to my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome."

"I could not have picked a better place for an Ayahuasca retreat. I had such an amazing experience. Great people, supportive environment, great vibes, great music, and a real shaman from the indigenous in Putumayo "

"I feel very fortunate to have selected this retreat as my first Ayahuasca experience. A lot of of genuine care is put into your comfort and healing process throughout the entire time there. I got exactly what I needed out of the experience and felt so well cared for. Seeing everyone’s transformation throughout the week was also extremely impactful. Good food, comfy beds, gorgeous location, incredible music…I cannot imagine it being any better. I will cherish my time there and hope to go back soon."

"Great organization, I felt right at home. It was a life changing experience and the crew knows what they are working with. Lots of love and compassion, definitely go here when you’re ready "

"Amazing retreat for Ayahuasca. My experience was wholesome and complete. I had an intense deep journey with the medicine and I can tell you that they care about your well-being, safety, and healing. I also love how everything is included, which allows you to only focus on yourself and your healing. This review is written a week or so after, and l since day 1 of coming to my regular life, i can see how much the medicine/experience has shifted my reality both internally and externally. Thank you Sam, Taita, and Team 🤍"

"Wow what a experience, all the credits for the whole team! Words can't discripe, the overall retreat was great! Wel organized, good setup, amazing food and so on..! Highly recommended! Don't hesitate and book this retreat! "

"This was the perfect place for Ayahuasca. Sam and his crew are very accommodating and professional. They genuinely care about your healing and are not in it for the money. This experience has completely changed my life in a positive way and I will continue to come here in the future. Highly recommend. "

"I had an amazing healing experience with Taita Gonzalo. His medicine is strong. I came away from the experience refreshed and full of energy. I would highly recommend. "