Want to choose the right Ayahuasca retreat for you as a women? Then read this guide!
An Ayahuasca retreat can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. As women, we have specific needs and considerations in these environments. We’re more in tune with certain dynamics, safety concerns, emotional intimacy, and our bodies’ natural cycles. There are things we don’t always think to check until we’re already in the retreat.
In this guide, I share some considerations and guidance to provide you with clarity, so you can choose a retreat where you feel safe, supported, and comfortable as a woman.
Key takeaways: Ayahuasca Safety Guide for Women
A female facilitator in the space makes a big difference. Women understand women — how we process emotions, what helps us feel safe in ceremony, sharing circles and 1-1 conversations.
It’s important to also heal in the presence of grounded, respectful men. Positive male facilitators — and even fellow participants — can help rebuild trust, safety, and confidence.
Romantic situations, your period, and the comfort of the space can all influence your experience. Choose a retreat that respects boundaries, honors women’s cycles, and maintains a clean, organized space.
Table of Contents
The Ayahuasca Safety Guide for Women
Choosing a retreat where you feel safe, supported, and seen.
Female Facilitation
Women understand women. A female presence supports balance and safety.
Healthy Masculinity
Healing around grounded men helps rebuild trust.
Clear Boundaries
Respect for cycles, space, and consent is essential.
01. The Vetting Process
Research Checklist
- Female facilitators present
- Pre-retreat communication available
- Honest 2–4 star reviews read
- Third-party reputation verified
Trust Your Gut
“Do their answers feel caring — or transactional?”02. Why Female Presence Matters
In Ceremony
Practical and emotional support in vulnerable moments.
In Sharing
Subtle emotional cues are often better recognized.
1-1 Support
Safe discussion of intimate, female-specific topics.
Healing Around Men
Healthy masculine presence can help restore nervous system safety.
03. Boundaries & Romance
Avoid Mixed Signals
- • Late-night private talks
- • Extended physical closeness
- • Romantic language
- • Private room invitations
Red Flags
- • Ignoring consent
- • No reporting process
- • Lack of accountability
Ayahuasca & Your Cycle
Sensitivity can increase during menstruation. Communication matters.
Pro-tip: Ask centers about dosage flexibility.
04. The Physical Container
Cleanliness
Private Spaces
Clear Transport
Nurturing Activities
Do your research to avoid unsafe situations as a woman at an Ayahuasca Retreat
First is safety. On the internet (and through word of mouth) you’ll find plenty of warning stories— about opportunistic shamans or facilitators. These stories deserve your attention, as they can navigate you away from the wrong people to the right people.
At the same time, remember that these bad eggs are in the minority – don’t let it taint your view of all shamans or all retreats. The most negative stories are shared most on the internet, and in reality, the majority of Ayahuasca retreats are safe, respectful, and beautiful.
When doing your research, check:
- Are there female facilitators on the team?
- Can you meet or speak with the team ahead of time?
- Check reviews and testimonials from others—the experience of people who have been there before speak louder than the retreat center. Also not just 5-star reviews, but check the 2–4 star reviews. These are often the most honest.
- Search on multiple platforms—Google, Reddit, etc.
- Do they have experienced staff with a good reputation?
Establish Trust With the Retreat Center
Reach out and have real conversations with the retreat center / team before you book. Ask the harder questions, see how they respond. Get your Ayahuasca safety checklist below.
Pay attention not just to their answers, but how they answer. Follow your gut feeling, and if the energy feels right to you. Do you feel seen, supported, and cared for—or do you feel like they just want to sell you a ticket?
Support by female facilitators at an Ayahuasca Retreat
When choosing an Ayahuasca retreat, one of the most overlooked considerations is if there will be a female facilitator present in the retreat.
Why is this important?
Ayahuasca takes you into a very open, sensitive state. If you don’t feel safe, you can’t fully let go. A female facilitator knows what it’s like to be a woman drinking Ayahuasca for the first time, and how to create a safe space both in and out of ceremonies in order to help you to trust and surrender in your process with the medicine.
Women understand women
There are certain experiences that as women we intuitively understand without needing to explain much to each other. It can be from as big as having shared traumatic experiences relating to men, to as small as what makes us laugh.
Female facilitator in the Ayahuasca ceremony
A grounded female presence in the ceremony can provide a reassuring energy; it tends to be more warm, nurturing and maternal. Her energy brings more of a balance to too much masculine energy.
In ceremonies there are moments when women need very practical help, and having a female facilitator is more appropriate. For example if you need help going to the bathroom, if you need physical support, for someone to sit with you and hold your hand, if you need help to change your clothes etc.
At Harmonica we intentionally have at least one female facilitator in every retreat and ceremony (often two) and it brings a good balance to the energy of the ceremony.
Female facilitator in the sharing circles
When a female facilitator is present in the sharing circles and she shares her perspective and insights, it can resonate differently and more deeply for women in the group.
A lot of our experiences in life are shared human experiences that men also understand / go through. But certain experiences are only shared by women, and in these cases the way we process things can’t be understood in the same way by a man, simply because they are a man (and vice versa). I think there’s humility in admitting that.
I have often found as a female facilitator I can listen to / hear things that women say, that my male counterparts can sometimes miss, that end up being very valuable to have noticed. It creates a bigger space for women to be seen, heard and understood and brings balance to that space.
Female facilitator in personal conversations
The same applies for personal, 1-1 conversations. Certain topics are sensitive and female participants are more comfortable with having them with another woman. So it is very important to have a female facilitator around during the retreat for these personal conversations.
Support of a grounded masculine presence at an Ayahuasca Retreat
There is a value and importance in healing around men. Even if men in your life have been abusive, toxic, absent etc, and may have even caused the wounds you are trying to heal.
For some, it can be tempting to want to go to women-only retreats. Women’s spaces can be nurturing, empowering, and often feel like the safest option. With something like Aya we want to be able to fully surrender. For some people because of certain experiences it feels like the only suitable place for them to fully let go. But not always…
I have seen first-hand, multiple times over, how healing in the presence of healthy masculinity (rather than just the absence of unhealthy masculinity) can be a catalyst in healing our traumas with men. Which ultimately we need to heal to develop a stronger sense of trust, confidence, worth etc within ourselves.
Personal story
For a long time I have been trying to heal the relationship I had with my dad. He was an “absent father” during my childhood, physically and emotionally. I used to have a strong belief that he was never there. It has been the source of a few toxic patterns I have noticed within myself and in relationships – for e.g. having low self-worth, fear of abandonment, codependency, seeking attention from men,… the list goes on.
I wanted to transform those patterns into healthier ones. I made it my intention to explore for more than 1.5 years… and I kept seeing nothing!
Until earlier this year I was in a ceremony – in a more remote setting than usual – I heard some noises in the trees near me in the darkness. I couldn’t tell whether there was a real threat or if I was projecting some fear, but inside me was a real feeling of danger.
I told Sergio, our shaman and my teacher, and is someone I trust a lot. He didn’t brush it off or tell me I was imagining things, but he listened. He got out his flashlight, shone it in the direction I pointed, and checked the trees. He didn’t see anything, but instead of dismissing it, he stayed with me in the experience. He took a few more minutes to say chants and prayers for safety.
In that moment I felt incredibly protected, and then all of my fears went away. That feeling of protection was a paternal one, and it opened up a process within me. Memories started to surface of my dad being with us when we were little, showing me times when he was a present father in my childhood.
I felt safe and taken care of by Sergio (who represented a healthy masculine), and through that I was able to start the process of feeling empathy and love for my dad, which transformed my long-held beliefs about him. Since then something in me feels more secure, more confident.
Positive male role models
It shows the importance of being around positive male role models. During an Ayahuasca retreat this can come through the facilitators, but also through other participants — the number of times I’ve seen a strong masculine man show his vulnerability in a healthy way in sharing circles…
Sometimes, it can be direct — there are lots of positive male role models who come to retreats. Other times, it can come through by simply witnessing men who are working hard to heal and become better humans. This can be exactly the energy we need to be around to reestablish our trust in men, and ultimately humanity. It allows our nervous system to learn, Oh… it can be safe here. I can surrender.
🌿 Women’s Ayahuasca Retreat Safety Checklist
What to look for before you book:
🛡️ SAFETY & TRUST
☐ I feel comfortable reaching out to the retreat team
☐ They answer questions clearly, without pressure
☐ I feel seen and respected — not “sold to”
☐ My intuition feels calm when communicating with them
👩🦱 FACILITATION TEAM
☐ There is at least one female facilitator present
☐ Female facilitators are available during ceremonies
☐ Female facilitators are available for 1-1 conversations
☐ The team has experience holding women in vulnerable states
🧔 MASCULINE PRESENCE
☐ Male facilitators demonstrate grounded, respectful behavior
☐ The team understands trauma-sensitive dynamics
☐ I feel safe healing in a mixed-gender space (or I’ve chosen a women-only retreat intentionally)
🔍 RESEARCH & REPUTATION
☐ I’ve read reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Reddit, etc.)
☐ I’ve read 2–4 star reviews, not only 5-star ones
☐ The retreat has a solid reputation and experienced staff
☐ No unresolved safety concerns stand out
❤️ BOUNDARIES & ROMANTIC DYNAMICS
☐ The retreat has clear boundaries around romantic advances
☐ Facilitators understand difference between interest-based vs predatory behavior
☐ There is an open-ear policy if something feels uncomfortable
☐ I know who to speak to if a boundary is crossed
🌙 MENSTRUATION & BODY AWARENESS
☐ I’ve asked about their approach to drinking Ayahuasca on my period
☐ They respect individual choice and bodily sensitivity
☐ Smaller dosing options are available if needed
🛏️ ACCOMMODATION & COMFORT
☐ The retreat space looks clean and well-organized
☐ Cleanliness is mentioned positively in reviews
☐ Shared rooms are gender-separated (if applicable)
☐ I feel comfortable with sleeping arrangements
🧼 ORGANISATION & ARRIVAL
☐ Clear arrival instructions are provided
☐ Transport to/from the retreat is organized or explained
☐ Communication before arrival feels proactive and supportive
🌸 RETREAT ENVIRONMENT
☐ The retreat includes supportive, restorative practices
☐ The schedule feels balanced — not overwhelming
☐ The overall energy feels nurturing and grounded
✨ FINAL CHECK-IN
☐ I trust my intuition about this retreat
☐ I feel safe, calm, and supported imagining myself there
☐ If something felt off, I give myself permission to say no
Reminder:
You always have the right to remove yourself from any situation that doesn’t feel right.
Safety, respect, and trust are non-negotiable.
Romantic interests and advances at an Ayahuasca Retreat
Ultimately, an Ayahuasca Retreat is a setting for people to work on their individual healing process with the medicine. It can be beautiful to do it alongside others, as part of a group. As with any group, people can sometimes develop romantic feelings, wanted or unwanted. It’s good to be aware of certain dynamics ahead of your Ayahuasca retreat, and that real connection grows after integration, not in the middle of a ceremony.
Here is a more in-depth blog on this big topic, please read: Romance in Ayahuasca retreats.
It covers the different dynamics one should be aware of during retreats such as:
- Romance as a distraction for the real inner work
- Projecting our unfulfilled desires or unmet needs onto someone
- Predatory vs Interest Based romantic advances
- Trauma bonds at retreats (likely not soulmate)
- The “context effect” at retreats
- The “halo effect” at retreats
- Romantic feelings towards the facilitators
- Romantic feelings from the facilitators
One area in particular that is important for women to be aware of is the difference between interest-based and predatory romantic advances. I surface it here and I encourage you to read the rest of the blog on romance:
Predatory vs Interest Based Romantic Advances
An important part of this topic is differentiating between “predatory” and “interest-based” romantic advances. Unwanted romantic advances can show up in both cases, but the origin behind them is very different.
Interest-based romantic advances from men
In my personal life, I have put out signals of interest to guys when I wasn’t interested — being tactile, extra affectionate, laughing harder at their jokes, spending lots of 1-1 time, catching their eyes in a group, etc.
This was often because I liked the attention, rather than actually liking them. It made me feel seen, validated, worth something — things I didn’t feel within myself at the time.
But then when they made a romantic move, I would be annoyed that they crossed that line, then uncomfortable: “Why do they always take it further when I clearly don’t want that?”
Looking back, I wasn’t that clear — in a way my actions signalled romantic interest to them, even if I didn’t have romantic feelings for them. I helped to co-create the situation where they thought they received enough signals from me to think I liked them.
That’s what I mean by interest-based romantic advances — it’s a situation where a man makes a move based on what they understand to be mutual interest.
As a facilitator, I’ve seen this happen with other female participants. It’s not wrong to connect with someone, but it’s important to be aware of how certain actions can be interpreted — extended touch, intimate conversations, staying up late 1-1, saying “you feel like home” or “I feel so safe with you,” cuddling for hours after ceremonies, etc., especially in a retreat environment where emotions are heightened.
If he then makes a romantic move, that doesn’t automatically make him a predator. And I think as women we can understand how we signal interest in a way to prevent these misunderstandings with men.
TIPS:
- Don’t stay up super late in a 1-1 conversation after the ceremony
- Don’t invite them into your room
- Avoid extended cuddles
- Don’t wear super revealing clothes
- Don’t be in situations where you are lying down next to someone / sleeping next to each other
- Don’t tell them super intimate things (even though it might feel true) like “you feel like home to me”
Predatory romantic advances
Obviously there are instances where people make romantic advances and there haven’t been any conscious or unconscious signals – no late night 1-1 conversations, no extended physical touch. In these situations these advances are more predatory and dangerous, and there is a difference between the two.
A good retreat center will have an open-ear policy, a supportive container, and facilitators who understand these dynamics so you can be grounded and focus on the inner work. A good retreat center will be able to distinguish between the two and choose the fair and correct course of action to protect the space and maintain the safety container.
The period and how is the retreat centers approach
Something for women to be aware of when researching retreat centers is their approach towards women drinking Ayahuasca on their period. In some cases, women are not allowed to drink on their periods, in others they are. So it is good to check beforehand!
Read in this blog how to understand the different cultural beliefs around the period, why some people do not like to “mix medicines” and how being on your period can affect your ceremony or vice versa.
My personal relationship with my period and Ayahuasca
One time, on the first day of my period (which like for most people is the most sensitive day), I drank a full cup of Ayahuasca. That experience was overwhelmingly emotional for me and I couldn’t stop crying—my heightened sensitivity along with the full cup was too intense.
Ultimately the lesson was very valuable and it taught me where my line is with drinking Ayahuasca on my period. Now, I usually choose not to drink on the first day of my cycle, and if I would, then I start with half or less.
Generational Trauma is stored in the womb
Our generational trauma is stored in our wombs, and drinking Ayahuasca while on my period has allowed me to work through some intimate bonds with my family and ancestors, particularly my female lineage.
Ayahuasca Helped Me Redefine My Relationship With My Period
It has been a long process but drinking Ayahuasca on my period has helped me gain some understanding about my body and its natural cycles. Before, I related to my period as a pain in the a** that was getting in the way of me living life fully. Now I’m living more in sync with my cycle, I have a new found respect for this natural way to spiritually/emotionally release, and I feel blessed to go through it each month.
Our approach at Harmonica Retreat
At Harmonica Retreat we are open to women drinking Ayahuasca on their period. Our approach is to start with a smaller dose, usually half a cup, to see how you respond to the medicine in that state. It’s always better to start with less, see how you go and then drink more if you don’t feel the effects too strongly 🙂
Accomodations
This might initially sound like a small thing, but the cleanliness and organisation around the house and retreat center can actually be a big indication of how you might feel at a retreat with regards to comfort and safety. When a space is clean and organised it allows energy to flow more easily and brings about a sense of order, calm and peace.
Cleanliness of the space
- These small things can give an overall impression of the place, and how it’s run on a wider level.
- Lack of cleanliness can create a feeling of unease.
- On the flip side a clean space demonstrates care, harmony and peace. A harmonised space allows you to more easily surrender into your process.
TIPS:
- Look at pictures online of the space
- Read the reviews around the cleanliness of the center you are looking at
Gender separated accommodation
For shared rooms, see whether the accommodation is separated by gender—this can make a big difference in feeling safe and relaxed in your own space. For some people they really don’t mind sharing, for others they prefer to be just with women as it gives them more freedom to change in their rooms or freedom with what to wear when they sleep.
So depending on what you prefer it will help you choose a place with that option for you. At Harmonica, our shared rooms are split by gender.
High level of organisation (and tips before arriving)
A well-run retreat center will be proactive with information—not only about the retreat itself, but about arriving in the country, navigating the city, and how to safely reach the center.
At Harmonica, we give clear guidance before arrival, including:
Arriving to the retreat center
- Transport is organised from the city/airport to the retreat center on the day of the retreat starting. Same on the way back.
- When you arrive at the airport, it’s better to book a taxi via Uber to go to the city via the airport wifi. If you go with a taxi, they might tell you a price of 20,000 cop more than what Uber is saying ‘because they need to pay the toll’ but this is a bit of a scam. The price should include the toll price, and does so on Uber.
Getting around in Medellin
- We recommend the safe neighbourhoods of Poblado and Laureles
- We recommend using uber to get around as it’s cheaper and generally safe
- We even recommend good places to go to afterwards for Integration
- We make people aware that Medellín is a developing city who welcomes over 1.2 million tourists per year. It’s a developing city and its dangerous reputation is somewhat outdated. As with any city, have your wits about you — don’t flash your cash openly, and keep your phone and personal belongings close to you. Don’t walk home at night by yourself, get an uber instead.
Is a women’s only Ayahuasca retreat recommended?
As mentioned above, a women’s only retreat can be recommended for certain situations. It provides a very specific kind of container that can be suited to the needs of women going through very specific issues.
Also to know there are a lot of benefits for healing around stable, grounded men, as well as men who are heavily invested in their own healing journeys.
Healing alongside men can be key as well to healing relationships with men (not just romantic). Both spaces have value. It just depends on what feels most supportive for your healing at this time. One consideration can also be a private Ayahuasca Retreat.
Female friendly activities (not essential, but might be an indication on how you’ll feel there)
The retreat’s additional activities can tell you a lot about the overall energy of the place. Even though they are for everyone, heart-opening and restorative practices like cacao ceremonies, sound healing, art therapy etc often reflect a nurturing, supportive atmosphere. Ideally, they are balanced with activities that are intentionally activating (and that likely put a stress on the nervous system) like holotropic breathwork and ice baths. So that it represents a retreat that is super balanced.
Having those female friendly activities included can be an indication on how you’ll feel there.
Closing reflections
It’s important to remember that predatory cases are rare in Ayahuasca retreats — not the norm. Most retreats are run by genuine, caring people who want to hold a safe and respectful space.
The key is awareness. Learn to notice red flags early on, and know that you always have the power to remove yourself from any situation that doesn’t feel right — before it escalates.
Look for the signs of a grounded, trustworthy retreat. Ask the right questions (you’ll find an Ayahuasca Safety Checklist below to guide you), and pay attention to how the team responds.
And most importantly — trust your intuition. If something feels off, it probably is. If it feels safe, calm, and genuine, it likely is too.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ayahuasca Safety Guide for Women
Is a women's only retreat recommended?
Not necessarily. Women-only retreats can be suitable in certain circumstances, but mixed groups with grounded male facilitators can also be safe, deeply healing and help rebuild trust with men.
Why is having a female facilitator important?
A female facilitator understands women’s emotional needs, creates a safe environment, and offers support during vulnerable moments in and outside ceremonies. Also they can help in practical ways like going to the bathroom.
Is it okay to drink Ayahuasca on my period?
This will depend on the retreat center’s approach. Some traditions ask women to abstain, but others allow it and many drink on their period. In the places where it is permitted, start with a smaller dose and listen to your body’s sensitivity.
What if I develop romantic feelings during the retreat?
It happens — emotions are heightened. But try to stay focused on your process and avoid acting on anything until after integration, when clarity returns. Ask yourself, what is it teaching you about your patterns in romance?
How do I know if a retreat is safe and trustworthy?
Check for experienced facilitators, honest reviews, and transparency. A good retreat welcomes your questions and doesn’t pressure you to book. The introduction call will be a good indication of well you’ll be listened to and taken care of during the retreat.
