Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada — Sacred Healing in the Jungle

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Deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Colombia, far from the noise of everyday life, Ayahuasca Sierra Ancestral offers one of the most authentic and carefully held plant medicine retreats in South America. Over six transformative days, you will participate in three Ayahuasca ceremonies led by experienced shamans, move through yoga and meditation, explore jungle waterfalls, and rest in tropical-chic casitas surrounded by lush mountains and birdsong. If you have been called to work with Ayahuasca in a safe, professional, and deeply supportive environment, this retreat is worth your full attention.

What to Expect

The heart of this retreat is three full Ayahuasca (Yagé) ceremonies, each guided by Shaman Carlos and his assistant Giovanny — practitioners trained in the Colombian Siona tradition by Taita Aristides Piaguaje, with over 3,000 individual ceremonial experiences between them. Ceremonies are calm and inward-focused, designed for deep personal healing rather than communal singing or dancing. You will be held in a dedicated Maloca (sacred ceremony space) with hammocks, blankets, and the presence of experienced healers throughout the night.

Between ceremonies, the retreat keeps you grounded and nourished. Days include:

• Yoga and meditation sessions tailored to help integrate plant medicine experiences
• Rapé ceremonies — sacred tobacco and plant powder to clear the mind
• A waterfall tour to the natural pools of Marinka and Pozo Azul near Minca
• A cacao and coffee farm tour at a local finca
• A healing massage by a trained practitioner using essential oils
• An art workshop for creative expression and integration
• A ceremonial plant bath on the final morning before departure

All organic meals are prepared by their in-house chef María at Comida Restaurant, with vegetarian and raw food options available. Coffee, tea, detox juices, and water are included throughout. The property spans 10 hectares of tropical land with a river, mango and avocado trees, and free-roaming macaws.

Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is designed for both beginners and intermediate participants. If you have never worked with Ayahuasca before, the small group size (maximum 10 participants) and the experienced facilitation team make this an ideal first experience. Every participant receives a pre-retreat consultation with the shaman to set intentions and address any concerns before the ceremonies begin.

It is a strong fit if you are seeking:

• Deep emotional or psychological healing
• A safe, structured first experience with plant medicine
• A full-spectrum retreat combining ceremony, yoga, nature, and rest
• Authentic Colombian shamanic tradition (Siona / Putumayo lineage)
• Luxury jungle accommodation without sacrificing spiritual depth

Please note: Women in their menstrual period are not able to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies. The retreat is facilitated primarily in Spanish, with English also spoken by the team.

Please note: Women in their menstrual period are not able to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies. The retreat is facilitated primarily in Spanish, with English also spoken by the team.

Dates & Pricing

The retreat runs for 6 days / 5 nights with flexible arrival dates. Pricing depends on your accommodation preference:

• Shared Double Casita — from $1,000 USD per person
• Private Single Casita — from $1,300 USD per person
• Private Double Casita (couple or friends) — from $2,500 USD total

All packages include 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies, Rapé ceremonies, yoga and meditation, guided excursions, a healing massage, 5 nights accommodation, and all organic meals and drinks. As a bonus, you will receive a complimentary Sunset in Minca experience overlooking the sea. A 100% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

Location & How to Get There

Sierra Ancestral Resort is nestled at La Tigrera, Km 7, on the road to Minca — about 20 minutes by taxi from Santa Marta, and just 10 minutes by motorcycle from the village of Minca. The nearest airport is Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), approximately 30 minutes from the resort.

• By taxi or mototaxi: ~15,000–30,000 COP from Santa Marta; ~15,000 COP from Minca
• By bus: Bus from Mercado Público to Minca, exit at Tigrera Km 7. Look for the yellow “Sierra Ancestral” gate (~9,000 COP)
• Airport transfer: The retreat team can organize transportation directly from SMR airport

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth — where high mountains, Caribbean coast, jungle waterfalls, and indigenous communities converge. The setting alone makes this retreat extraordinary.

Why Book Through Us?

We feature only retreats that meet our editorial standards for safety, authenticity, and guest experience. Ayahuasca Sierra Ancestral has earned strong reviews from 16 verified travelers on Tripaneer across accommodation, meals, location, and activity quality. Booking through our link on Tripaneer costs you nothing extra — it supports Ultimate Retreat Guide so we can keep discovering and reviewing the world’s best healing retreats for you.