At Arkana International, your safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment where profound healing can unfold naturally. Ayahuasca, a sacred and powerful plant medicine, is capable of guiding individuals through emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. Since 2015, we have welcomed thousands of guests into our care and developed thoughtful safety protocols to support you through every stage of your journey.
From the moment you arrive, our team is here to support you every step of the way so you can focus on what truly matters: your healing and growth.
Our team of highly experienced shipibo shamans and facilitators are leaders in the field of plant medicine. Maestra Justina, our lead shaman, brings over 45 years of experience working with Ayahuasca and other traditional medicines. Over the years, thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds have entrusted us with their healing journey and have experienced life-changing, positive results.
The wisdom, care, and expertise of our team ensure that you are guided through your experience with confidence and trust. Our dedicated team is here to walk with you every step of the way.
Traveling to South America to experience Ayahuasca is more than a retreat: it is a transformative pilgrimage back to yourself.
Purging is an expected part of an ayahuasca ceremony. Serious medical complications are rare, especially when guests are screened in advance: a 2024 systematic review in the International Journal of Toxicology found serious adverse effects rarely reported in healthy populations. At Arkana Spiritual Center, every guest completes a medical intake and an onboarding medical call before arrival. Our medical director, Dr. Arturo Sáenz, oversees our safety protocols, and our staff and facilitators follow them at every ceremony, whether you join us in the Amazon or the Sacred Valley.
Ayahuasca has been known to help individuals work through various emotional, mental, and physical challenges. These include:
The plant medicine works by helping you confront, release, and heal deeply held traumas and limiting beliefs. With proper guidance and support, you will have the opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self, fostering deep transformation and healing.
To ensure that your Ayahuasca experience is safe, meaningful, and transformative, we ask you to follow these important guidelines:
By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the safety and success of your healing journey.
To ensure safety, individuals with the following medical conditions cannot participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies:
Individuals diagnosed with these conditions are at increased risk for complications. Ayahuasca can trigger unwanted manic episodes or exacerbate certain symptoms, so safety remains our top priority.
Guests with chronic conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure must consult with our team before booking. Eligibility to participate will be determined based on individual circumstances and risk factors.
To prevent dangerous reactions, avoid the following:
* If you currently take any kind of medications and would like to participate in one of our retreats, please write to us so we can properly advise you on the specific safety protocol for your prescription(s). To see how each medication class interacts with ayahuasca, read our guide to ayahuasca safety and contraindications.
These guidelines ensure the medicine can work effectively and help you achieve deep, lasting transformation.
We are honored and privileged to be recognized by independent review sites as one of the most reputable Ayahuasca Centers in the world. Since 2015, more than 1,000 guests have left five-star reviews on AyaAdvisors, TripAdvisor, and Google, each reflecting the quality and care we bring to our work. Choosing the right Ayahuasca Retreat Center doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We invite you to read our guests' experiences and discover what makes Arkana such a truly magical place.
