What happens During an Ayahuasca Ceremony at LaWayra Retreat Hey there! I’m Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Retreat. I understand that stepping into the unknown can be a tad daunting, so let me walk you through exactly what happens during one of our Ayahuasca ceremonies. Every step is designed with care, keeping your comfort and safety in mind. 5PM – Settling In: First things first, everyone finds a cozy spot on their mattresses. Take this time to relax and mentally prepare for the journey ahead. We provide you with very comfy floor mattresses. 5:30PM – Breathing and Meditation: We guide you t ..read more

Who is Taita? Understanding Colombian Ayahuasca Tradition If you’re exploring the world of ayahuasca, especially in Colombia, you might’ve come across the term ‘Taita“. Taita, in many indigenous Colombian cultures, is more than just a title. It’s a mark of deep respect, denoting a healer or a shaman, specifically one who conducts ayahuasca ceremonies. Another meaning for the word Taita is father. A Taita isn’t just someone who serves the brew; he is a custodian of ancient knowledge and traditions. They’re versed in the songs, rituals, and practices that have been passed down generations. Their ..read more

What is Ayahuasca? Ayahuasca is a combination of two primary ingredients: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the DMT schrub either chagro “Diplopterys cabrerana” or chacruna  “Psychotria viridis”. The unique blend of plants gives Ayahuasca its characteristic properties. When consumed, individuals often report intense emotional, psychological, and sometimes spiritual experiences. It’s not merely about seeing visions; it’s about understanding oneself and the universe in profound ways. How is Ayahuasca prepared? 1. Harvesting with Respect: Indigenous shamans traditionally harves ..read more

How Is Ayahuasca Made? A Glimpse into an Ancient Brew Sam Believ here, founder of LaWayra retreat. One of the most frequent questions we get is: “How is ayahuasca made?” Well, let’s journey together into the creation of this ancient, transformative brew. At its core, ayahuasca is a combination of two primary ingredients from the Amazon rainforest: 1. Banisteriopsis caapi vine: Often referred to as the “vine of the soul,” this component contains MAO inhibitors, which are vital for the next ingredient to be effective. 2. Leafs of a shrub containing DMT Chacruna in Peru and Brazil and Chagro in C ..read more

You might be asking yourself can Ayahuasca help with Anxiety? Anxiety and stress is rampant in todays society. I personally suffer from it occasionally and Ayahuasca really helps. Lets see how it might be helping. Understanding Anxiety: Anxiety can be a heavy burden to carry. The constant worries, the racing thoughts – it’s like being trapped in your own mind. I’ve been there, and I know many others have too. So, how can Ayahuasca help? Gaining Clarity: Ayahuasca has a way of putting things into perspective. It’s like stepping back and looking at your thoughts from a distance. This shift in pe ..read more

Hey everyone, Sam Believ from LaWayra retreat here. I want to share a personal story, on how I healed my allergies with Ayahuasca, something a bit different from our usual posts. For years, I battled allergies. Since I was a little kid. The sneezing, itching, and constant discomfort became a normal part of my life. I was allergic to house dust, to cats, to pollen and tons of other things. When I started drinking Ayahuasca I wanted healing from depression and help finding direction in life, what I did not look for and did not expect was relief from physical issues. Surprisingly I got relief fro ..read more

Sam Believ from LaWayra retreat here. One of the most talked-about aspects of the Ayahuasca journey is the purge. I remember when I first looked into Ayahuasca this was one of the things that scared me the most, puking. I was trying to find ways to avoid it. If only I knew. It’s a deeply cathartic and transformative part of the experience, but why does it happen? Let’s shed some light on this mysterious process.   Physical Detoxification: At its core, Ayahuasca is a combination of two primary plants – the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Chagro leaf. These powerful botanicals initiate a ..read more

Ayahuasca Reading List: Essential Books to Prepare for Your first Retreat If you’re gearing up for an Ayahuasca retreat at LaWayra, or simply curious about this transformative South American brew, diving into some essential readings can enhance your understanding and make your experience all the more profound. I prepared a reading list for you and I will separate it in 2 parts. Books I have read and books I am planning to read. None of those books are mandatory to have read before your first ceremony, but reading some might allow you to be better versed in psychedelic lingo and history. Books ..read more

How to prepare for an Ayahuasca Retreat: A Step-by-Step Guide Embarking on an Ayahuasca retreat is more than just a journey to a beautiful location; it’s a deep dive into the self, offering opportunities for profound insights and healing. However, like any transformative experience, the more you prepare, the more fulfilling and impactful your journey will be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you ready yourself for an Ayahuasca retreat. 1. Dietary Preparation Ayahuasca works best when your body is clean. In the weeks leading up to your retreat, consider adopting a simple, clean diet. Avoidin ..read more

How to set an Intention for Your Ayahuasca Ceremony: A Practical Guide Setting a clear intention for an Ayahuasca ceremony is akin to charting a course for a journey. It provides direction and purpose, guiding you through the profound and often transformative realms of the Ayahuasca experience. But how do you go about setting an intention? Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate this essential step. 1. Reflect Deeply Begin by asking yourself: Why am I embarking on this journey? Whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, spiritual connection, or personal growth, understanding your ‘why’ is ..read more