As women, we have specific needs at an Ayahuasca retreat
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 at the retreat.
Female facilitation
Women understand women. A female presence brings balance and safety.
Healthy masculinity
Healing around grounded men helps rebuild trust.
Clear boundaries
Respect for cycles, space and consent is essential.
Research your Ayahuasca retreat
Online and by word of mouth you’ll find warning stories about opportunistic shamans or facilitators. They deserve your attention — they steer you away from the wrong people.
But the bad eggs are the minority. Most Ayahuasca retreats are safe, respectful and beautiful.
The most negative stories are the most shared online.
- Are there female facilitators on the team?
- Can you meet or speak with the team ahead of time?
- Have you read the 2–4 star reviews — often the most honest?
- Have you searched multiple platforms — Google, Reddit and more?
- Do they have experienced staff with a good reputation?
Why a female facilitator matters at an Ayahuasca retreat
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 — and how to create a space where you can trust and surrender.
female facilitator in every Harmonica retreat & ceremony — often two
In ceremony
A warm, grounded energy that balances too much masculine energy — and practical help in vulnerable moments: going to the bathroom, physical support, holding your hand, changing clothes.
In sharing circles
Her insights can resonate more deeply with women. She often hears the subtle things women say that male counterparts may miss — so women feel seen, heard and understood.
In 1-1 conversations
Some topics are intimate and female-specific. Many women are more comfortable discussing them with another woman.
“There are certain experiences that as women we intuitively understand without needing to explain much. It can be from as big as having shared traumatic experiences relating to men, to as small as what makes us laugh.”
Healthy masculinity: the value of healing around men
Even if men in your life have been abusive, toxic or absent — and may have caused the very wounds you are trying to heal.
The absence of unhealthy masculinity
The presence of healthy masculinity
Grounded male facilitators
Who listen, protect and don’t dismiss.
Fellow participants
Strong men showing vulnerability in a healthy way in sharing circles.
Men doing the work
Simply witnessing men working hard to heal and become better humans.
It allows the nervous system to learn — “Oh… it can be safe here. I can surrender.”
A personal story from one of our female facilitators
- The wound
For a long time I tried to heal my relationship with my dad — an “absent father”, physically and emotionally. It showed up as low self-worth, fear of abandonment, codependency.
- The waiting
It was my intention for more than 1.5 years — and I kept seeing nothing. Until one ceremony, in a remote setting, I heard noises in the trees and felt real danger.
- The healthy masculine
Sergio, our shaman, didn’t brush it off. He shone his flashlight into the trees, stayed with me, and sang chants and prayers for safety. I felt incredibly protected.
- The shift
Memories surfaced of my dad being present when we were little. Empathy and love replaced long-held beliefs. Since then, something in me feels more secure, more confident.
“That feeling of protection was a paternal one — and it opened up a process within me.”
Romantic feelings at an Ayahuasca retreat
A retreat is a setting to work on your own healing. As in any group, romantic feelings can develop — wanted or unwanted. Emotions are heightened, so it helps to be aware of the dynamics.
- 01
A distraction
Romance pulling focus from the real inner work.
- 02
Projection
Placing unfulfilled desires or unmet needs onto someone.
- 03
Predatory vs interest-based
Two very different origins. See the next section.
- 04
Trauma bonds
Likely not your soulmate.
- 05
The context effect
The setting itself makes connections feel bigger.
- 06
The halo effect
Seeing someone through a glow that may not last.
- 07
Feelings towards facilitators
Common — and worth understanding.
- 08
Feelings from facilitators
A boundary a good center holds clearly.
Real connection grows after integration — not in the middle of a ceremony.
Don’t act until after integration.
Ask: what is this teaching me about my patterns in romance?
Interest-based vs predatory advances at retreats
A man makes a move based on what he understands to be mutual interest. It doesn’t automatically make him a predator.
Avoid mixed signals- Late-night 1-1 talks after ceremony
- Inviting someone into your room
- Extended cuddles
- Lying or sleeping next to each other
- “You feel like home to me”
- Romantic language
has an open-ear policy, holds a supportive container, and can tell the two apart — acting fairly to protect the space.
Ayahuasca & your period
Approaches differ between centers
In some traditions women don’t drink on their period; in others they do. Cultural beliefs — and the wish not to “mix medicines” — shape each center’s view.
Finding my line
A full cup on the first, most sensitive day of my period was overwhelmingly emotional. Now I start with half.
Drinking on my period has helped me work through bonds with my female lineage — and to respect my cycle instead of resenting it.
Welcome to drink — starting gently
We’re open to women drinking on their period. We start with a smaller dose, usually half a cup, and see how you respond.
Pro tipAsk any center about dosage flexibility. Start with less — you can always drink more.
Clean, gender-separated rooms: the space tells you a lot
It may sound small, but cleanliness and organisation are a big indication of how comfortable and safe you’ll feel — and how the place is run on a wider level.
Cleanliness
A clean, organised space lets energy flow and brings order, calm and peace. A lack of cleanliness creates unease. A harmonised space helps you surrender into your process.
Tips- Look at pictures of the space online
- Read what reviews say about cleanliness
Gender-separated rooms
For shared rooms, separation by gender can make a big difference to feeling safe and relaxed — the freedom to change, and to wear what you like to sleep.
Some women don’t mind sharing; others prefer to be with women only. Choose what supports you.
At Harmonica, our shared rooms are split by gender.
Arriving safely in Medellín: a well-run retreat center helps
Look for proactive information — not only about the retreat, but about arriving in the country, navigating the city and reaching the center safely. Here’s what we share before you come to Medellín:
-
The airport
Book an Uber on the airport wifi
Some taxis quote about 20,000 COP extra “for the toll”. That’s a scam — the toll is already included in the fare, as it is on Uber.
-
The city
Stay in Poblado or Laureles
Use Uber to get around — cheaper and generally safe. Don’t flash cash, keep your phone close, and don’t walk home alone at night.
-
The retreat
Transport is organised
From the city or airport to the retreat on the first day — and back again at the end. We even recommend good places to go afterwards for integration.
Medellín welcomes over 1.2 million tourists a year — its dangerous reputation is somewhat outdated.
Is a women-only Ayahuasca retreat recommended? Not necessarily.
Mixed group
Healing alongside grounded men can be key to healing relationships with men — not just romantic ones.
Women-only
A specific, nurturing container — suited to women working through very specific issues.
Private retreat
Another option to consider, if a group doesn’t feel right for you now.
Both spaces have value. It depends on what feels most supportive for your healing at this time.
Not essential — but a good indication of how you’ll feel there.
Cacao ceremonies · sound healing · art therapy
Conscious connected breathwork · cold immersion
The women’s Ayahuasca retreat safety checklist
Safety, respect and trust are non-negotiable. You always have the right to remove yourself from a situation that doesn’t feel right.
Awareness is empowerment.
Our Ayahuasca retreat for women: how Harmonica holds the checklist
The questions every woman should ask before booking — and our honest answers.
- A female facilitator, always
- Clear boundaries & an open ear
- Gender-separated rooms
- Welcome to drink on your period
Always.
There is a female facilitator present at every Harmonica retreat and every ceremony — often two. Not on request. Not most of the time. Always.
Your intro call
Ask to speak with her before you book.
Arrival
A familiar face to settle in with.
In ceremony
Practical, gentle help when you’re most open.
Sharing circles
A woman’s perspective in the room.
1-1 talks
For the topics best shared woman to woman.
A medicine that comes through a woman
Our tradition is Kamsá Biyá — specifically, the lineage of Mama Concha. Both Sergio and Vanessa have learned from her.
Spaces to be heard
Around the ceremonies, there are gentle ways to process — together and one-to-one.
Sharing circles
Speak, listen and be witnessed — with a woman holding space in the circle.
Individual conversations
Private time with a facilitator — including a woman, whenever you’d prefer.
- 1-week retreat
Art therapy & sound healing
Heart-opening, restorative practices for what words can’t quite reach.
Our agreements
The ground rules everyone — guests and team — agrees to before the first ceremony. They’re what makes the container safe.
The Harmonica container
Agreed by all- §1
Confidentiality, respect, non-judgement & vulnerability
What is shared here is held with care — and stays here.
- §2
No romantic interaction during the retreat
Clear guidelines, so everyone can focus on their own inner work.
- §3
Professional distance
Facilitators keep a clear, professional relationship with participants.
- §4
Every activity is voluntary
You can always say no — no explanation needed.
- §5
An open-ear policy
If anything feels uncomfortable, there is always someone to tell.
— The Harmonica team
Know before you go
Arriving prepared is part of feeling safe. Long before your retreat, our educational material helps you:
Get a real idea of what to expect
The ceremony, the days around it, and how it might feel.
Check any retreat with our safety checklists
Including the women’s safety checklist — use it on us too.
Can I drink on my period?
“Not this time.”
Some Ayahuasca retreats and traditions prohibit drinking during menstruation — which can mean sitting out a ceremony you travelled far for.
“You’re welcome to.”
You can drink Ayahuasca on your period. We start with a smaller dose — usually half a cup — and see how you respond before offering more.
The checklist, ticked
| The checklist asks | At Harmonica |
|---|---|
| Is a female facilitator present? | Always — at every retreat and ceremony |
| Clear boundaries around romance? | No romantic interaction during the retreat |
| Someone to speak to if something feels off? | An open-ear policy |
| Respectful, professional facilitators? | Professional distance, always |
| Respect for my choice and my body? | Every activity is voluntary |
| Can I drink on my period? | Yes — starting with a smaller dose |
| Clean, gender-separated rooms? | Both |
| Clear organisation before I arrive? | A clear itinerary and strong educational material |
Want to speak with one of our female facilitators first?
Book a call →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 how well you’ll be listened to and taken care of during the retreat.
Still have a question?
Ask us on a free call →
