Undoubtedly the best place to take Ayahuasca in Peru is in the Amazon jungle in places like Iquitos, however there are also plenty of opportunities to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies in many other parts of Peru, particularly in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

If you spend any time walking around Cusco you’ll soon notice that many tour companies are advertising Ayahuasca ceremonies. It’s important to note that Ayahuasca is a very potent mind-altering substance and is not something to be taken lightly or for recreational purposes. An Ayahuasca ceremony is usually an incredibly intense spiritual experience and you had better be prepared to have your views about life altered for ever!

In my opinion it’s also very important that you take Ayahuasca with an experienced shaman who is able to protect the space and provide help if necessary. Otherwise you run the risk of having a harmful experience that could take some time to fully recover from.

There are probably well over a dozen people running Ayahuasca ceremonies in or around Cusco. The following are people or organisations that I believe to be reliable and will provide you with a positive and safe ayahuasca experience.

Etnikas – Etnikas is a store and shamanic healing centre in the heart of Cusco. They work with over 50 Peruvian shamans and are extremely committed to providing safe ceremonies to participants.

Kush – Kush owns The Shaman Shop in the centre of Cusco. He does 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) which currently cost $70.

Ayahuasca Wasi – Ayahausca Wasi organise  Aya retreats in Pisac in the sacred valley.

El Molle – El Molle is a small sustainable Ayahuasca community in Pisac, near Cusco.