I came to Lawayra and didn't know what to expect. I went in blind, intentionally. I've struggled with interpersonal relationships for as long as I can remember and I came here 80 percent for the group word circles and 20 percent for the medicine.
I can't say enough about the kindness of the staff and volunteers: Sam, Mark, Claire, David, Mckenzie, Marcus, Taita Fernando, the kitchen staff, the grounds workers, and Nico (chief hugs officer).
The music, the yoga, the food, the nature, the fellow group members, all divine and amazing. Of course it's up to you to put your phone down and truly engage. Seriously, Mark wears many, many hats and he's brilliant in all of them. Listen when he speaks.
The shaman or Taita has been on training since he was seven. He's not some random who went and trained for a few months to learn how to give medicine.
I'm certain you won't find a more affordable retreat that will provide you with as much value. I think it was $800 for 7 days and 4 ceremonies. That includes a shared room and food. You can also choose to sleep in the maloka where the ceremonies take place. The weather is divine and the bugs don't eat you up. I didn't spend a single night in the shared rooms. They have showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, massages to book.
Connecting with the medicine will be your own experience. Lawayra provided everything I needed to feel safe and secure.
The shaman or Taita has been on training since he was seven. He's not some random who went and trained for a few months to learn how to give medicine.
Edit: July 5, 2026. I came back for another week and 4 more ceremonies. My experience is written below:
I came back to La Wayra hoping to learn more about myself. I left with something much deeper.
The facilitators created an environment that felt incredibly safe, loving, and grounded. At no point did I feel like I was being told what to believe. Instead, I was encouraged to surrender to my own experience and trust what arose.
Through the ceremonies, meditation, yoga, music, and group integration, I gained a deeper understanding of my own fear, shame, and the ways my nervous system has been shaped by childhood experiences. More importantly, I left with a greater sense of self-trust and a clearer understanding that love, service, and presence are the path I want to live.
The staff genuinely care about every participant. Their kindness, humility, and selfless service are felt in everything they do.
If you're looking for a place that approaches this work with respect, integrity, and compassion, I can't recommend La Wayra enough. I'm deeply grateful for the experience and know I'll carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life.
Reply from LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat
2024.07.26
Thank you so much Michael.