For many people interested in ayahuasca, one question comes up repeatedly: where should you go for your first ceremony?
While Peru and Brazil are often the most recognized destinations, Colombia has quietly become one of the best places for newcomers seeking a safe, supportive, and authentic introduction to this traditional Amazonian medicine.
According to Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat, the ideal retreat isn’t necessarily the one deepest in the jungle. Instead, it’s the one that combines experienced indigenous guidance, careful preparation, modern safety standards, and comprehensive integration.
From Engineer to Retreat Founder
Sam’s own journey into ayahuasca wasn’t planned.
Originally from Latvia, he worked as a marine engineer in the offshore oil and gas industry, earning an excellent salary while feeling increasingly disconnected from his life. After years of chasing financial success, he realized that money alone wasn’t bringing happiness.
He left his career, traveled across South America, and eventually settled in Medellín, Colombia. During a difficult period that included depression and personal loss, he discovered ayahuasca.
What began as a search for healing gradually evolved into a completely different calling.
After several ceremonies, Sam felt inspired to dedicate his life to helping others experience the medicine in a safe and supportive environment. That vision eventually became LaWayra, one of Colombia’s most highly regarded ayahuasca retreat centers.
Why Colombia Deserves More Attention
Although Peru is widely associated with ayahuasca, Colombia has equally rich indigenous traditions surrounding the medicine, often known locally as yagé.
One reason Colombia remained less well known is that much of the international psychedelic tourism developed elsewhere during previous decades. As a result, many Colombian traditions remained closely connected to indigenous communities rather than becoming heavily commercialized.
Visitors today benefit from authentic ceremonial practices while enjoying modern infrastructure, comfortable accommodations, and relatively easy travel.
For many first-time participants, this combination offers the best of both worlds.
Designed for First-Time Participants
One aspect that makes LaWayra different is its emphasis on preparation.
Rather than arriving and drinking ayahuasca immediately, guests spend their first full day becoming familiar with the environment and learning how to approach the experience.
Preparation includes educational workshops, intention setting, meditation, yoga, and group discussions. Participants also complete medical screening before arriving to help ensure the medicine is appropriate for them.
By the time the first ceremony begins, guests understand what to expect and have already formed meaningful connections with the group.
This thoughtful preparation often helps reduce anxiety while creating a stronger foundation for healing.
A Ceremony Rooted in Colombian Tradition
The ceremonies themselves follow the Colombian Inga tradition led by an experienced indigenous taita.
Unlike some traditions that remain almost entirely silent throughout the night, Colombian ceremonies often incorporate beautiful live medicine music alongside traditional chants. Guitar, charango, drums, flutes, and maracas gradually accompany the ceremony as it unfolds, creating an atmosphere that many participants describe as deeply moving.
The ceremonies begin in silence, allowing the medicine to take effect naturally before the music gradually guides participants through different stages of the experience.
Throughout the night, facilitators remain available to provide support whenever needed.
Safety Comes First
Choosing the right retreat is one of the most important decisions anyone considering ayahuasca will make.
Sam believes safety begins long before the first ceremony.
Medical screening, experienced indigenous leadership, trained facilitators, proper dosing, integration support, and proximity to modern medical care all contribute to a responsible retreat environment.
LaWayra is located approximately one hour outside Medellín, surrounded by nature while remaining easily accessible if medical assistance were ever required.
This setting allows participants to experience the tranquility of the Colombian countryside without the logistical challenges often associated with remote jungle travel.
The Importance of Integration
For Sam, the ceremony itself is only one piece of the process.
The real transformation happens afterward through integration.
Each participant receives guidance on processing their experience, reflecting on the lessons they received, and applying those insights to everyday life. Sharing circles encourage participants to discuss their experiences openly while learning from one another’s perspectives.
Rather than chasing extraordinary visions, the emphasis remains on creating meaningful and lasting changes after returning home.
A Retreat Focused on Healing
Over the years, thousands of guests have visited LaWayra seeking support for depression, anxiety, addiction, emotional trauma, and personal growth. While every journey is different, many describe leaving with greater emotional clarity, renewed purpose, healthier relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Ayahuasca is never presented as a miracle cure or a shortcut to transformation.
Instead, it is approached with respect—as one powerful tool within a much larger process of healing.
For those considering their first ayahuasca retreat, Colombia offers something unique: authentic indigenous traditions, experienced guidance, modern safety standards, and an environment specifically designed to help participants feel supported from the moment they arrive until long after the ceremonies have ended.
Listen to the whole podcast episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/20EeyUa6idGO6sZBfZI4Bb