Preparation & Safety
Respecting the medicine means being honest about who it isn't for.
Certain natural medicines such as Ayahuasca act on the serotonin system. Combined with certain medications or existing conditions, that risk is real — which is why we check before you book, not after. We cancel when the risk isn't defensible, including after a deposit has been paid, because that's what actually taking this seriously looks like.
A free, 30-minute conversation with no obligation, available in English, Spanish, or German. We’ll discuss your current medications, medical and psychiatric history, and what you’re hoping to explore. You’ll leave with a clear answer about whether participation is appropriate for you — including an honest no when necessary, and guidance on which ceremonies, if any, may still be available to you.
Safety Screening & Contraindications
Medication
SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, lithium, and certain medications affecting blood pressure, heart rate, or serotonin
Mental Health
If you or someone in you your immediate family has psychosis, schizophrenia, and/or bipolar disorder you should not participate
Physical Health
Certain heart conditions Epilepsy/seizure disorders
Liver disease
Gastrointestinal conditions
Pregnancy
Our Precautions
We have oxygen and a written emergency protocol; the nearest clinic approximately a 20-minute drive away
Quick FAQs
I'm on antidepressants. Does that rule me out?
If you are currently taking an SSRI or SNRI, you are not eligible to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony. This is due to the potential for serious drug interactions, not simply as a precaution. If you are considering stopping or changing your medication, that decision must be made with your prescribing clinician — never for the purpose of attending a ceremony alone. We can discuss your circumstances during the screening call and let you know what options, if any, may be appropriate.
What happens if I'm screened out after paying a deposit?
If you are determined to be ineligible during the screening process, your deposit will be refunded, less an approximately 10% processing fee. We want screening to happen before you make travel plans or commit to the full experience.
Is Kambo screened the same way?
No. Kambo has its own separate screening process, with particular attention to cardiovascular health. Being cleared for Ayahuasca does not automatically mean you are cleared for Kambo, and vice versa.
The 4 Weeks Before You Arrive
The ceremony itself may last only a few hours. The preparation begins well before you arrive, and the integration continues long afterward. This page assumes you’ve already completed your screening — if you haven’t, start there first.
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Dietary preparation: Follow the specific food and substance guidelines provided by your practitioner.
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Medication review: If any medication requires adjustment, this must be discussed with and managed by your prescribing clinician — never stopped or tapered on your own.
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Guidance and check-ins: Receive written preparation guidance and stay connected with your guide as your ceremony approaches.
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Set your intention: Give yourself time to consider why you’re coming, what you’re bringing with you, and what you hope to explore — without expecting a particular outcome.
Once your screening call confirms that you’re cleared to participate, you’ll receive a written preparation plan tailored to your circumstances. It’s not a generic checklist; it’s built around what you shared during screening and the ceremony you’re preparing for.
What Holds You Once You're Home
Your preparation plan begins after your screening call confirms you’re cleared to participate. It is written around your specific circumstances and the ceremony you’ve chosen, rather than sent as a generic set of instructions.
Your Retreat Pass includes post-ceremony integration support in your preferred language, giving you space to reflect on your experience and work through what comes up after you return home. For guests who want more structure and ongoing support, Extended Integration Coaching provides twelve weeks of dedicated sessions after the retreat. This coaching is a separate paid add-on and is delivered independently from Europe, not from the centre in Mexico.
