This guide helps you connect deeply with yourself before arriving, ensuring you meet the medicine with clarity, openness, and respect. When you ask yourself how to prepare for an ayahuasca retreat, remember that the process is much more than a checklist. It is a journey of body, mind, and spirit.
Why ayahuasca diet preparation is important
Preparing isn't just about packing your bag or booking your flight — it's a journey that starts long before you arrive in the jungle. For many, this preparation marks the beginning of a much deeper inner shift.
Start by reflecting on your intention. Ask yourself: why am I feeling called to work with ayahuasca? Your reasons might be clear, or they might come into focus over time. Some come seeking clarity after trauma or loss, others long for a deeper connection with themselves, with nature, or with something greater. There's no right answer — only your truth.
We also encourage you to speak with someone you trust: a facilitator, a therapist, or someone who's journeyed before. And remember, feeling nervous is normal. At Madre Selva, we welcome you just as you are.
Setting a clear intention before your journey
The inner work starts long before the first cup. In the weeks before your retreat, take space to slow down and listen inward. Reduce screen time, especially social media and news. Avoid overstimulating content like violent films, video games, or endless scrolling.
Instead, make space for quiet: walks in nature, journaling, meditation, breathwork. You don't need to "fix" anything — just observe. Emotional preparation also means softening expectations. Let go of the idea that one ceremony will "solve" everything.
The pre-retreat diet
Avoiding certain foods is not a restriction, but a respectful offering to the plants themselves. In the two weeks before arrival we recommend avoiding:
- Alcohol, recreational drugs and cannabis
- Pork, red meat and heavily processed food
- Excess salt, sugar, spices, and fried or fermented foods
- Caffeine and energy drinks
- Sexual activity, to preserve your energy
Medication and health
Some medications — especially antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), certain blood pressure medication and other substances — can be dangerous in combination with ayahuasca. Always be completely honest in your health questionnaire and never stop medication without the guidance of your doctor. We review every application personally during the intake call.
What to pack for the jungle
- Light, long-sleeved clothing and something warm for the nights
- A flashlight or headlamp (red light preferred for ceremony)
- Natural, unscented insect repellent and sunscreen
- A journal, reusable water bottle and comfortable sandals
- Any personal items that help you feel grounded
We'll walk alongside you through every step — preparation, ceremony, and integration — so you never have to feel alone in this process.
Ready to walk this path with us?