When Ayahuasca Goes Wrong: What You Need to Know Before You Say Yes

Ayahuasca is often spoken of with reverence, as a sacred plant teacher, a portal to deep healing, a life-changing experience. And while all of that can be true, there’s a side that doesn’t get talked about enough:

Sometimes ayahuasca goes wrong. And it’s important to understand why, so you can protect yourself, your process, and your path.

This post isn’t meant to scare you - it’s meant to empower you with the information you deserve.

What Does “Going Wrong” Even Mean?

When people say their ayahuasca journey “went wrong,” it usually means one or more of the following:

• They didn’t feel safe or supported during the experience

• They had a medical or psychological reaction that wasn’t handled properly

• They left more confused, disoriented, or ungrounded than when they arrived

• They were in an environment that felt exploitative, performative, or chaotic

• The experience opened deep wounds without adequate integration support

Ayahuasca is not inherently dangerous, but how and where you do it matters more than you think.

Why It Happens

1. Lack of Experience or Integrity in the Facilitators

One of the biggest red flags is a retreat center led by people with little experience, little cultural respect, or no safety protocols. This can lead to careless guidance, unsafe ceremonies, and energetic overwhelm.

2. Poor Screening Practices

Ayahuasca should not be combined with many pharmaceuticals (especially antidepressants) or certain psychological conditions. If a retreat doesn’t ask about your health or medications - run.

3. Too Many People, Too Little Support

Large groups might be cheaper, but they rarely offer the attention you deserve. One facilitator for 20+ guests is a recipe for neglect.

4. No Integration Support

Drinking ayahuasca is only part of the story. If you aren’t helped to process what comes up, the retreat can feel destabilizing, even traumatic.

How to Avoid a “Wrong” Experience

We’re not here to gatekeep ayahuasca. But we are here to advocate for safe, intentional, and respectful spaces. Here’s what to look for:

• Small groups and personal support

• Experienced indigenous shamans, not self-proclaimed healers

• Medical and emotional screening before arrival

• Clear communication and transparency

• Structured integration support after ceremonies

• A retreat center that prioritizes healing, not marketing

What If You’ve Already Had a Difficult Experience?

First: you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. Many people have walked through challenging or disappointing retreats and come out the other side with deeper clarity, especially after finding the right support to process it.

Integration coaches, trauma-informed therapists, bodyworkers, and future experiences in safer spaces can all help.

Ayahuasca Is Not a Trend - It’s a Teacher

At Pandorita, we’ve witnessed the full spectrum of this work: from breakdowns to breakthroughs, grief to grace. And we’ve also met guests who came to us after “bad retreats,” still carrying confusion, shame, or pain.

We hold those stories with care. We honor the courage it takes to try again. And we remain committed to doing this work with integrity, not intensity.

If you feel the call, trust your intuition and take your time choosing the space that feels safe, grounded, and real.

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Curious About a Safer Way In?

Our 11-day retreats in Costa Rica are intentionally slow, spacious, and guided by Shipibo shamans with decades of experience. Small groups. Deep care. No hype.

Explore more here or reach out if you have questions. We’re always happy to talk, even if you’re just exploring.