Ayahuasca Retreats in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has become a known European hub for ayahuasca ceremonies — but is it the right setting for your journey?
The Netherlands is one of the more visible locations for ayahuasca ceremonies in Europe, attracting participants from across the region. Many are drawn by accessibility and a more open environment compared to other countries. However, differences in setting, structure, and facilitation can shape the experience in important ways.
Netherlands vs Colombia
Easy access within Europe, attracting international participants
Direct flights to Medellín with short transfer to retreat
Mostly indoor or rural settings with limited natural immersion
Natural mountain environment supporting immersive experience
Modern settings, typically focused on short ceremony formats
Comfortable retreats designed for full immersive process
Varies depending on facilitator and legal context
Structured screening and consistent facilitator oversight
Integration support may vary across providers
Preparation and integration support included in retreat
A more accessible alternative
For those seeking a more structured and grounded experience, Colombia offers a clearer context for working with yagé. It combines accessibility with cultural continuity, while maintaining consistent guidance and support throughout the process.
When the Netherlands may be a good fit
- You prefer to stay within Europe
- You are seeking short-format ceremony experiences
- Convenience and accessibility are your priorities
When Colombia is the better choice
- You want an authentic cultural context
- You value structured screening and guidance
- You prefer a more immersive environment
- You are seeking deeper integration support
Why Medellín stands out
Reason 1
Direct international access with minimal travel complexity
Reason 2
Comfortable mountain climate suited for deep inner work
Reason 3
Small group retreats allowing personalized attention
Reason 4
Structured preparation and integration process
Medically Guided & Carefully Screened
Every participant is reviewed before acceptance, with medical oversight as part of the process. This ensures each guest can safely participate and feel supported throughout their experience.
- Medical supervision
- Review of medications and contraindications
- Experienced facilitators present throughout
- Integration support after the retreat
Director
Medical Oversight
Final recommendation
The Netherlands offers accessibility and a visible European scene for ayahuasca ceremonies. However, for most people seeking a more structured, immersive, and tradition-rooted experience, Colombia provides a clearer and more supportive path.
About the author
Camino al Sol Team
Written by the facilitation team at Camino al Sol, drawing on direct experience holding traditional Colombian Yagé ceremonies in the Putumayo lineage. Our content reflects what we see in screening, ceremony, and integration - not research from a distance. Medical review: Dr. Marta Turpin serves as medical advisor to Camino al Sol, guiding our screening protocols, contraindication standards, and health intake process. Safety-related content on this site is reviewed against her clinical guidance before publication.
“I have never learned more about myself than over these ceremonies. Life changing doesn't even fully articulate the experience.”
— Anthony J.
Retreat Participant, 2024
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