Introduction
In recent years, ayahuasca tourism has skyrocketed, attracting thousands of seekers looking for spiritual awakening, deep healing, or personal transformation. This sacred Amazonian brew, long used by Indigenous shamans for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, offers a powerful psychedelic experience that many describe as life-changing. However, as demand increases, so do concerns surrounding safety, ethical practices, and criminal activities linked to this booming industry.
The US Embassy in Peru and the Costa Rican Health Ministry have both issued new warnings advising travelers to reconsider their plans due to growing reports of health complications, unregulated retreats, and even deaths tied to ayahuasca ceremonies.
So, are these risks overblown government scare tactics, or is there a real cause for concern? Should you still pursue ayahuasca in Peru—or elsewhere? And if you do decide to go, how can you ensure a safe and ethical experience?
This deep-dive article will cover everything you need to know about the current state of ayahuasca travel, including risks, government warnings, safe alternatives, and how to vet legitimate retreat centers.
Understanding the US Embassy’s Latest Ayahuasca Warnings
What Did the US Embassy Say?
The US Embassy in Peru has previously issued warnings regarding ayahuasca tourism in 2012, 2013, and 2022 due to safety concerns. However, their January 2025 warning is stronger than past advisories. It explicitly urges Americans to avoid ayahuasca and kambo retreats due to escalating risks.
The warning highlights the following dangers:
- Recent deaths and overdoses at ayahuasca retreat centers.
- Serious health complications from plant medicine interactions.
- Rising reports of violent crimes, including sexual assault, robbery, and fraud at some retreat centers.
These aren’t new concerns, but the stronger language suggests either a rise in reported incidents or increased pressure from US authorities to warn citizens before they travel.
Are Officials Overreacting?
Some argue that the embassy’s stance reflects a Western skepticism of plant medicine rather than an objective safety concern. However, others note that ayahuasca tourism lacks standardized safety protocols, leading to preventable tragedies.
Regardless of motive, the government’s warnings have made some travelers more hesitant to embark on an ayahuasca journey—while others remain undeterred.
Costa Rica’s Health Ministry Joins the Warnings
While Peru remains the global epicenter of ayahuasca retreats, demand has surged in Costa Rica, where many commercial centers cater to Westerners. Historically, authorities have turned a blind eye to these operations—but that appears to be changing.
On January 28, 2025, the Costa Rican Health Ministry issued a public warning against both ayahuasca and ibogaine (another plant medicine used for addiction therapy).
Their main concerns include:
- Ayahuasca lacks legal sanitary registration, meaning its use is officially unregulated and potentially illegal in Costa Rica.
- The government is asking residents and tourists to report unlicensed retreat centers.
- Unlike Peru, Costa Rica has no strong legal or Indigenous protections ensuring safe and ethical ayahuasca use.
This crackdown has left many Costa Rica-based retreats operating in legal uncertainty. Travelers risk having their ceremonies raided or shut down, adding another layer of unpredictability for those seeking the medicine there.
How Real Are the Risks of Ayahuasca Use?
1. Physical Health Risks
Ayahuasca is generally safe when administered properly—but serious medical emergencies can arise, especially for unprepared participants.
Key health risks include:
- Heart complications: Ayahuasca interacts negatively with antidepressants (SSRIs), blood pressure meds, and stimulants, which can dangerously elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
- Severe dehydration from purging: The intense vomiting and diarrhea (known as “La Purga”) can lead to dangerous fluid loss if not managed properly.
- Kambo risks: Some retreat centers offer kambo (a frog venom-based ritual), which can be fatal for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure.
2. Psychological and Emotional Risks
While ayahuasca can provide deep emotional healing, it can also exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues.
Potential psychological effects include:
- Acute anxiety, panic, or psychotic breaks, especially in people prone to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD.
- Traumatic “bad trips”—an overwhelming experience may lead to long-lasting distress, paranoia, or depression.
3. Crime, Assault, and Exploitation at Retreat Centers
With ayahuasca’s profitability surging, bad actors have entered the retreat business, taking advantage of tourists unfamiliar with local customs or safety measures.
Dangers include:
- Fake shamans & scams: Some retreat operators lack authentic knowledge and are more interested in financial gain.
- Sexual assault allegations: Multiple reports have surfaced of women being assaulted by self-proclaimed shamans under the influence of ayahuasca.
- Criminal activity targeting tourists: Some retreats operate in regions prone to robbery, drug-related crime, or even violent assaults.
4. Cultural and Ethical Issues
The high prices charged at Western-run ayahuasca retreats often exclude Indigenous locals, further fueling tensions about spiritual exploitation.
Concerns include:
- The commercialization of sacred traditions—ayahuasca, a deeply spiritual tool, has been repackaged as an expensive wellness trend.
- Ethical tourism concerns—some question whether ayahuasca tourism truly benefits local communities or just enriches outside entrepreneurs.
How to Safely Experience Ayahuasca (If You Still Choose to Go)
If you still feel called to experience ayahuasca, harm reduction is key. Here’s how to make the experience as safe and ethical as possible.
1. Choose a Reputable Retreat
A high-quality retreat should:
✅ Be run by Indigenous elders or experienced facilitators.
✅ Screen participants for medical contraindications.
✅ Be transparent about safety, training, and pricing.
✅ Have positive, verifiable reviews on trusted platforms like Reddit r/Ayahuasca or AyaAdvisors.
2. Work With Preparation & Integration Experts
A well-prepared participant is far less likely to have complications. Consider:
🔹 Pre-ceremony coaching: Helps prepare the mind for intense visions and emotions.
🔹 Post-ceremony integration: Assists in processing challenging experiences.
3. Harm Reduction Approaches
If you decide to participate, ensure the retreat has:
- Medical staff on-site.
- Clear emergency protocols.
- Strict safety regulations for all participants.
Key Takeaways
🔹 Government Crackdowns: The US Embassy and Costa Rica’s Health Ministry have warned against ayahuasca tourism due to safety, legal, and ethical concerns.
🔹 Health Risks Are Real: Ayahuasca can interact negatively with certain medications, mental health conditions, and heart issues.
🔹 Criminal Activity Is Rising: Some unregulated retreat centers have been linked to assaults, fraud, and unsafe practices.
🔹 Cultural & Ethical Concerns: The growing popularity of ayahuasca raises questions about exploitation, commercialization, and accessibility.
🔹 Safer Alternatives Exist: Psilocybin therapy, ketamine-assisted treatment, or legal retreats in Jamaica and Oregon may provide safer, regulated options.
Final Thoughts: Is Ayahuasca Still Worth the Risk?
While ayahuasca can be immensely healing, it's not without its dangers. Unethical retreat centers, rising crime rates, and government restrictions are making safe access to ayahuasca more difficult than ever.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go—but if you do, challenge yourself to seek only the safest, most ethical, and culturally respectful experiences possible.
Your well-being and long-term integration matter just as much as the experience itself.
