Ayahuasca Ceremony

The night the jungle asks you to sit still.

A traditional ceremony held at The Sanctuary, near Tulum, guided by a practitioner trained within a living lineage.

“I spent the first hour of the ceremony furious that nothing was happening. By the third, I understood that had been the point.” - James

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What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a traditional plant preparation most commonly made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine together with a DMT-containing plant such as Psychotria viridis. It is taken within ceremony, guided by an experienced practitioner, and is typically experienced as a journey lasting several hours.

The experience itself is difficult to put into words — and no two people experience it in exactly the same way. Some describe vivid memories, emotions, visions, or a profound sense of connection. Others experience something quieter or altogether unexpected. There is no single experience to expect, and no particular outcome we promise. You come to meet the medicine, and whatever the experience holds for YOU.

A Living Tradition, Carried Forward

The name ayahuasca comes from Quechua and is commonly translated as “vine of the soul” or “vine of the dead.” The medicine has deep roots across the Amazon, where Indigenous communities have maintained distinct traditions of preparation, ceremony, song, and healing for generations. Among the Shipibo-Konibo people of Peru, for example, ayahuasca is known as oni, and icaros — ceremonial songs traditionally sung by practitioners — play an important role in the work. These traditions are not simply aesthetic elements of a retreat. They are part of a living body of knowledge passed from one generation to the next.

At Lumina, our approach is rooted in respect for the traditions and for the practitioners who carry them forward. This is not something improvised for a retreat brochure. It is ceremonial work that deserves preparation, experience, and care.

What you may experience

Deep reflection — thoughts, memories, emotions, or relationships may come into focus in unexpected ways.
Physical sensations — nausea, vomiting, changes in temperature, trembling, or other strong physical sensations can occur during ceremony. Experiences vary from person to person.
A different perspective afterward — some people notice shifts in how they think or feel in the days that follow. Others may not. This is why integration is an important part of the journey, whatever your experience holds.

We don't promise transformation, and we don't tell you what your experience should be. We provide careful preparation, experienced guidance, and support throughout the process. What you take from the experience — and what you choose to do with it afterward — is yours.

How the night unfolds

Late afternoon — Arrive at The Sanctuary, settle in, and meet with your guide. There’s time for any final questions before the ceremony begins.
Early evening — Gather around the fire, connect with the group, and prepare to enter the ceremony space.
After dark — The ceremony begins and typically lasts four to six hours, with your guide present throughout.
Overnight — Rest at The Sanctuary, with support available as you settle back into yourself.
Morning — Share breakfast and gather for a gentle morning circle, creating space to reflect on the experience before the day begins.

The People Behind Lumina

Behind every ceremony, retreat, and conversation at Lumina are real people who care deeply about how this work is approached. Our team brings together practitioners and guides with different backgrounds, experiences, and roles, united by a shared commitment to care, respect, preparation, and responsible practice. Get to know the people behind the work.

Priyananda Shaktipat

Priyananda began his spiritual journey in India and brings more than 35 years of experience in holistic practices including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, tantra, and shamanic traditions. He is the creator of Conscious Touch Therapy and Kundalini Activation and has extensive experience working with traditional plant medicine ceremonies across Latin America, including Indigenous communities in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico.

Kala Shakti

Kala Shakti has more than 10 years of experience guiding personal growth and wellbeing through yoga, meditation, bodywork, and ancestral practices. A yoga and meditation teacher and bodywork therapist, she focuses much of her work on helping women reconnect with their sensuality, vitality, and inner strength. She is also a facilitator of mushroom, Ayahuasca, peyote, and San Pedro ceremonies.

This medicine isn't right for everyone and your safety comes first.

It acts on the serotonin system. SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, lithium, and certain blood pressure medications can interact with it dangerously — which is exactly what the free consultation call is for, before anything is booked. That’s why every Lumina journey begins with a free consultation. We review your health and medications and tell you honestly if this experience is appropriate for you.

Preparation & Safety