Ayahuasca is often surrounded by mystery. Some people know it through headlines, documentaries, or famous athletes who have spoken publicly about their experiences. Others are simply curious about whether this traditional Amazonian medicine could help them find greater clarity, healing, or purpose.

For Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia, the answer isn’t found in dramatic visions alone. Instead, he believes ayahuasca is ultimately about reconnection—to yourself, to nature, to community, and to a deeper understanding of life.

More Than a Psychedelic Experience

Although ayahuasca contains naturally occurring psychoactive compounds, Sam emphasizes that reducing it to “just another psychedelic” misses the bigger picture. Indigenous cultures have worked with this medicine for thousands of years within carefully developed ceremonial traditions.

Unlike recreational substances, ayahuasca is approached as a medicine. The ceremony itself includes preparation, intention, music, experienced guidance, and a safe environment that supports emotional and psychological healing.

While some participants experience vivid visions, many others report emotional breakthroughs, physical releases, forgotten memories resurfacing, or profound conversations with themselves. Every journey is unique.

Healing Begins with Connection

At LaWayra, the retreat philosophy centers around three words: Connect. Heal. Grow.

According to Sam, healing begins with connection. Modern life often leaves people disconnected from their emotions, relationships, nature, and even their own bodies. An ayahuasca retreat creates space to rebuild those connections before expecting lasting transformation.

Interestingly, participants don’t begin drinking ayahuasca immediately upon arrival. The first day is dedicated entirely to preparation. Guests get to know one another, attend educational workshops, discuss intentions, and learn how to navigate challenging emotions that may arise during ceremonies.

This preparation helps create trust within the group and allows participants to enter the experience feeling supported rather than overwhelmed.

There Are No “Bad Trips”

One of Sam’s most refreshing perspectives is his rejection of the phrase “bad trip.”

Instead, he distinguishes between productive and unproductive experiences. Difficult emotions are not considered failures—they are often exactly what the medicine is trying to bring into awareness.

Problems arise when people resist what surfaces instead of allowing themselves to process it.

For this reason, set and setting remain essential. A safe ceremonial environment, experienced facilitators, and proper preparation can make the difference between simply enduring a difficult experience and genuinely healing through it.

Why Community Matters

Many people expect ayahuasca healing to be an entirely personal process. In reality, one of the most transformative aspects of a retreat is often the community itself.

During group sharing circles, participants openly discuss experiences, fears, childhood memories, and personal struggles. As social masks disappear, genuine human connection begins to emerge.

Sam jokes that the easiest way to make friends as an adult is to attend an ayahuasca retreat.

Many guests stay in touch long after returning home, continuing to support one another through integration and life changes. In a world where loneliness has become increasingly common, simply being surrounded by people who understand your journey can become an important part of healing.

Colombia’s Hidden Tradition

While Peru is often considered the world’s ayahuasca destination, Colombia has equally deep indigenous traditions surrounding the medicine, where it is commonly known as yagé.

According to Sam, Colombia’s difficult international reputation during previous decades unintentionally protected many of these traditions from becoming overly commercialized. Today, ceremonies remain closely connected to indigenous lineages, and experienced taitas (traditional healers) continue to preserve generations of knowledge.

Colombia itself has also changed dramatically. Visitors who arrive expecting outdated stereotypes often discover a country filled with breathtaking landscapes, welcoming communities, vibrant culture, and rich spiritual traditions.

Preparation Goes Beyond Diet

Physical preparation before an ayahuasca retreat is important. Participants are typically asked to avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, certain medications, and highly processed foods before arriving.

Mental preparation, however, is equally valuable.

Journaling, reflecting on intentions, having honest conversations with loved ones, and approaching the experience with openness all help create a more meaningful journey. Rather than expecting ayahuasca to “fix” everything, participants are encouraged to view it as a tool that works best when combined with personal responsibility and integration afterward.

A Journey That Continues After the Ceremony

For Sam, the ceremony itself is only the beginning.

The real transformation happens in the weeks and months afterward as people apply the lessons they’ve learned to everyday life. Better relationships, healthier habits, greater emotional awareness, and renewed purpose often emerge gradually rather than overnight.

Ayahuasca is not a shortcut to enlightenment. Instead, it can become a catalyst that helps people begin living more consciously.

For those who feel genuinely called to explore this path, the goal isn’t simply to have an extraordinary experience. It’s to return home carrying lasting changes that continue shaping everyday life long after the ceremony has ended.

Listen to the whole podcast episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zrjyFqiv0lDTyzjkU6IkD