Lawayra is an incredible retreat center for first timers and the experienced. The facilities are fabulous. the Maloka is spacious and serene with plenty of toilets for the patients. The cabins are well done, common areas are inviting, the pool is clean and refreshing and the recently installed sauna a special treat. The abundant flowers and trees create a garden like atmosphere. The real treasure of the center is the community of volunteers and staff who are understanding, competent, nurturing, experienced and create a safe welcoming environment. Taita Fernandez is special, tailors each ceremony for every patient, is quite approachable and he is an incredible musician. I recently completed a week long retreat and recommend this center for anyone interested in an amazing ayahuasca experience.
I had a vision to seek out a shaman and he happed to be at Lawayra
Now I have very bad memory I have not left my house in 15 years. Let alone go-to Columbia.
I've had a lot of pain in my life. And I have went throw colon cancer 16 years ago. And my shaman and I did a spirit quest 2 years ago. So I made up my mind.
Then I finley had the money to go on a 7 day retreat. Now it was scary at first. But I book the Taxi and holte. I felt very safe.
On my arrival I was treated with kindness. And after a very short time I felt Loved. Sam has gone way out on the limb. To make one of the best Ayahuasca experience. To make you feel safe.
The security there was amazing. I felt like I was home. And OMG the view. Sam is all in on this dream of his. And it's done amazing job on me.
And Sam even let me Beta test his spa with him. A very clean place. And the food is amazing.
This is not a place you go-to get high. It's one of the best healing retreats. They slowly give you medicine. To see how your body will react. At the same time monitor your blood pressure. They
Take notes on how they can help you.
Me myself I had spinal meningitis in 1988 and my mind is messed up my memory is shot. And my life was at it's end.
This retreat made me hole again. I gain so much insite. Even my stop hurting. My bowl movement went back to normal on the 3 night.
The pool was perfect. And the staff was supper good. O did I tell you about the clay bath. You be so invigorated by it. Then on the last Ayahuasca ceremony we did a herbal bath. My skin never been this soft.
My metal state has improved a great deal My overall body has improved a great deal I would suggest anyone having personal problems to addiction to feeling lonely or not loved or don't know how to love this place is for you if you've been raped or been beaten this is the place for you.
And with all this Sam working on adding a ice bath.
And they have a great store. You got to try this place.
And if you see a bad review on this place. Some times people come with a chip on there shoulder. And not with a open mind. Sam has went all out. And he not doing it for him self or money. He doing it to heal people.
I came here a broken hearted man. Ready to die. And I left a totally new person. Loving life.
And I want to thank all the Staff. I never felt so loved in my life.
And by the way. Go with a 7 day + retreat and get the most amazing body massage.
This is a honest review. I was not bribed on anyway to leave a good review. If you look at my reviews counts. I have aways told the truth. They get 5 STAR review. A must go place for a Ayahuasca retreat to HEAL.
I am looking for the proper words to explain my journey in Lawayra ! professional volunteers, amazing people, beautiful environment, safe place to get the experience, full of LOVE and humanity … reasonable cost, proper behaviours, right attitude, oh my GOD , all together … this was my experience with them for 2 ceremonies. Nicko , Taita, Monica and others provided such a wonderful experience for each of us. If you are looking for a unique experience in your life, don’t hesitate to register for this journey. I am planning to visit them again next year and actually it was very hard to say goodbye to this amazing team. I am blessed I simply googled them and found such an amazing place to experience the medicine . I am open to share my experience with you in case you would like to know more about my journey. Highly recommended … you can trust them from the first minute you start your journey with them …
I went for an 11 day retreat at LaWayra and, summed up in one sentence it was the best decision and most profound experience of my life thus far. I felt safe immediately. The team is nothing short of miraculous. The volunteers and facilitators the care of everyone with so much kindness and respect that I had tears of joy in my eyes at times. They are all very responsible, mindful and are always immediately, quietly, and unobtrusively at your side if you need any help.
Taita Fernando (the shaman) is an extraordinary, kind and wise man for whom I have the highest respect and love. You are in very good hands with him. The best hands in fact.
In terms of facilities I found LaWayra wonderful as well. All that was important was there. Excellent food. I had a cozy cabin. The location is breathtaking with a view of the whole valley that I could never get enough of.
To sum it all up: if you ever want to get away from everything for a while to venture inside of yourself, learn, grow, and work on whatever it is you feel you need to work on, I can think of absolutely no better and safer place than LaWayra.
Many thanks to the entire staff, to Taita Fernando, and to the founder, Sam, for creating this wonderful space and for holding it with such heart and soul. I'll definitely be back.
Since the first chat over the phone and then on WhatsApp with Aliya, while facing life- challenges, it felt the right decision to make.
As soon as I arrived in that space, I felt positive and peaceful energy. The land, the surrounding, the flora and the mountains all over around the retreat centre is something that literally blows your mind. That view is still with me, and most of all I truly enjoyed the waterfalls nearby with its natural clay.
I was staying in a female shared dorm, which there is what you need while your staying, however I visited one of the private cabin from a friend I met there (yes! You are going to meet beautiful people to connect with, and perhaps life long friends), and it was pretty new and beautifully made, with all the comfort, personal space and toilet, and the plus was a balcony with a lovely hammock overlooking the vast green.
The food was really good, as well the kitchen staff very friendly and welcoming, greeting you with a ‘bienvenido’ at every meal.
The experience with the medicine has been mostly pretty mild, yet gentle and profound, but I believe that each of us has different approach and experience, as we may know.
The gifted team, from Monica, such a beautiful and inspiring young leader, to all of them, with so much knowledge, integration, compassion and understanding, let you feel safe in such a sensible and challenging space, from the start to the end. And the Taita, the most gentle yet powerful Maestro. Oh and his music. Still resonating in my heart!
It’s a not easy thing to do indeed, but if you are looking for a plant medicine retreat in Colombia, I would not hesitate to go to LaWayra.
I had a few experiences in different parts of the world, from Spain, to UK and Peru, and this has been the most safe yet beautiful place I’ve been. This is at least under my experience and sound judgement.
Hope to go back again in the future and perhaps bring my family and/or friends.
Thank you LaWayra. Very grateful to have been part of this journey with you. 🌸
If you received the call from mother Ayahuasca THIS is the place to go. No words can decide what paradise and safe place Sam and his team have created here. Come, trust, heal. With love.
My time at Lawayra was a deeply powerful and life-changing experience. This was my second time here, and once again, the team and volunteers were incredible. Everyone’s experience is handled with so much care, love, and professionalism. I felt safe, supported, and genuinely transformed by the time I left. I would highly recommend Lawayra to anyone seeking healing, clarity, and personal growth.
This is such an absolutely amazing place, it was a lifechanging experience for me and am so grateful for everything I experienced here. I can only recommend it to everyone. The staff is just fabulous. Thank you from the nottom of my heart!
What an amazing journey. The location and the people, were incredibly supportive during one of the most challenging experiences of my life. The process is not easy but if you are brave and determined you will undoubtedly achieve breakthroughs. Be prepared to break down and rebuild. Love to all the team at Lawayra. I might see you in 12 months for a refresher 🤣
Lawarya was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and cared for by such a wonderful team. Everyone was incredibly attentive, polite, kind, and genuinely respectful—it made all the difference.
The energy of the place is something special. You can feel the intention, the warmth, and the love in everything they do. It’s not just about the experience itself, but the people you meet along the way. I connected with some truly amazing souls here, and those connections made it even more meaningful.
Choosing to come to Lawarya was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me space to grow, reflect, and experience something beautiful on a deeper level. I’m beyond grateful for the care, the guidance, and the memories I’m taking with me.
If you’re thinking about coming—trust that feeling. It’s a special place with truly special people.
Lawayra offers more than a person could ever expect. I have never been anywhere where close relationships with strangers (staff and fellow guests) are developed so quickly. The staff are incredible, the grounds are beautiful, it is so peaceful and the bonds developed here are real. There is so much love here shared by all.
This place will forever remain in my heart. I am extremely grateful that the opportunity to come here knocked on my door!
My gratitude for LaWayra is truly beyond words. This is not just a beautiful retreat in nature — it is a space held with deep care, compassion, and genuine heart. My journey here has been profoundly transformative, offering insight, healing, and a sense of connection I will carry with me for life.
The team creates an atmosphere of safety, trust, and warmth that allows you to fully surrender to the process. I feel incredibly thankful for the love and dedication that fills this place. I will definitely return to continue this healing path and hopefully one day give back as a volunteer to support others in this sacred environment.
Much love to LaWayra 💛
There are no words to fully express the love and gratitude I have for this space and retreat. LaWayra is not only a stunning place, it is filled with love, patience and understanding. My experience with ayahuasca has been to say the least, transformative. I will forever be grateful for the team, the safety and the energy this beautiful retreat provides. I will absolutely be back for more healing and more than likely as a volunteer to pay it forward in this heart centered space. Viva a LaWayra!
An absolutely beautiful and connective experience. I’ve never felt so held, loved, and seen by people in such a short period of time. By far the most meaningful and hopeful experience I’ve ever had. Excited to stay connected with everyone and return to continue my journey.
The team is very well trained and prepared. I felt safe, supported, and well guided throughout the entire experience.
Even before leaving home, the emails and WhatsApp messages helped me feel well prepared for the retreat. I was a bit scared to go by myself since it was my first time, but everything went smoothly and I had no problems.
I booked a hotel in Medellín, arriving one day before the retreat and leaving one day after, so I wouldn’t feel rushed with airport transportation. The immigration line was quite long, so plan accordingly.
I used Uber from the airport to the hotel and from there to the meeting point — no issues at all. The bus to LaWayra was on time, and a team member was there to welcome us.
Everyone is very kind. The cleaning and cooking crew were amazing. Everything was extremely clean and well organized. The food was incredible.
I’m leaving now feeling very calm and supported during this post-retreat integration period.
****This review was voluntary. I was not bribed as mentioned on previously lower reviews.
My experience with the medicine was beyond beautiful this time. My biggest takeaway has been finding comfort within the discomfort.This time apart from a few visions , the medicine acted majorly upon my emotions . It gave me immense emotional and physical pain during the ceremonies which at some point questioned my choice to go through the process. Though it helped me realize the bottled up emotions throughout my lifetime and how it in fact it has been affecting me physically as well.
The team ensured that the patients received the care and held the safe space for opening up. The facilitated word circles allowed us to be seen and connect with the shares as well. I ‘d totally recommend the me medicine as well as Lawayra who’d want to experience in the safest set and setting
My second time at LaWayra and I cannot imagine going anywhere else. Sam has created a safe healing space, Taita Fernando is a wise, kind, very skilled shaman and the volunteers are beyond compassionate. I am filled with gratitude for this profound, life-changing experience x2.
This was my first experience with ayahuasca, and I’m deeply grateful that it was with Lawayra.
The level of preparation and education they provide beforehand made a meaningful difference in how I understood my journeys. Having that context helped me make sense of what arose, both during ceremony and afterward.
What stood out most was the reverence with which ayahuasca is treated. Lawayra places a strong emphasis on healing, growth, and intention, and it never felt sensationalized or casual. There is a clear respect for the medicine and the process, which created a container that felt safe and grounded.
The volunteers and facilitators were truly exceptional. Every person I interacted with carried a calm, gentle energy that made it easy to feel supported and cared for. Their presence alone helped foster a sense of safety, and it was clear they were there with genuine compassion and attentiveness.
The grounds are beautiful and serene, which added to the overall sense of peace and reflection. Meals were nourishing, healthy, and clearly prepared with so much attention and care.
The group word circles were especially helpful for beginning to process what came up during ceremony. Sharing and listening within the group created connection and normalization. I also appreciated that facilitators and volunteers were always available outside of these circles if additional support or conversation was needed.
Over the course of the week, I was able to reconnect with parts of myself that I hadn’t fully realized how disconnected I had been from. The experience helped me come back into relationship with myself in a deeply meaningful way. I feel like I’ve come home to myself, and I’m genuinely looking forward to building on this sense of connection and growth in my daily life.
Overall, Lawayra offered a thoughtful, well-held, and deeply supportive introduction to ayahuasca. I felt respected, cared for, and encouraged to approach the experience as a meaningful part of my healing and growth.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lawayra. Until next time! ❤️
My time at Lawayra has been amazing, transformative, and truly eye-opening. This beautiful place created a safe and intentional space for deep inner work. Through the process, I was able to reconnect with and begin healing my inner child.
The facilitators were incredible. I truly could not have gone through this experience without the support of the wonderful staff. I felt seen, heard, and fully supported every step of the way. Their presence made it possible to surrender and trust the process.
I leave with deep gratitude for the growth, clarity, and healing that began here.
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