Ayahuasca Retreats Near the UK: Legal Options Compared

UK guests can compare two materially different Acsauhaya pathways: a Netherlands ceremonial format using Banisteriopsis caapi without DMT together with psilocybin truffles, or a traditional jungle ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica. Traditional DMT-containing ayahuasca is prohibited in the United Kingdom, and Acsauhaya does not conduct ayahuasca ceremonies in the UK.

Use this guide to compare legal context, format, travel, duration, price, screening and integration before choosing a programme. Both pathways include preparation and support, but the substance, destination and retreat setting are different.

UK guests can compare two materially different Acsauhaya pathways: a Netherlands ceremonial format using Banisteriopsis caapi without DMT together with psilocybin truffles, or a traditional jungle ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica. Traditional DMT-containing ayahuasca is prohibited in the United Kingdom, and Acsauhaya does not conduct ayahuasca ceremonies in the UK.

Use this guide to compare legal context, format, travel, duration, price, screening and integration before choosing a programme. Both pathways include preparation and support, but the substance, destination and retreat setting are different.

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UK legality and the two Acsauhaya options

Traditional ayahuasca preparations containing DMT are prohibited in the United Kingdom. Acsauhaya does not hold ayahuasca ceremonies in the UK and never advises guests to transport any ceremonial substance across a border.

At our Netherlands retreats, Acsauhaya uses Banisteriopsis caapi vine without DMT together with psilocybin truffles. This is materially different from traditional DMT-containing ayahuasca.

We explain this difference clearly before you apply, so you can choose the setting and retreat format that genuinely match what you are looking for.

Private Ayahuasca Retreat Costa Rica, young guy with blindfold

Acsauhaya has worked with university researchers for years. Three examples: two studies led by PhD researchers at Leiden University, and one led by researchers at the University of Exeter, together with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. Learn more on our research page.

Imperial College London academic research partner
Universiteit Leiden academic research partner
university of exeter academic research partner

Compare the two Ayahuasca pathways

Interior of a round yurt with wooden beams and soft lighting, featuring cushions, folded blankets, and eye masks arranged in a circle around a central table adorned with flowers and candles.

Why the Netherlands is a powerful and accessible choice for UK guests.

For UK guests, our permanent retreat centre in the peaceful countryside near Arnhem offers an accessible way to experience deep ceremonial work without travelling to South America.

Traditional DMT-containing ayahuasca is prohibited in the Netherlands, just as it is in the UK. Our Dutch ceremony therefore uses a different, fully legal combination: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine without DMT, together with legal psilocybin truffles.

The Dutch brew is not presented as traditional Amazonian ayahuasca, but its different composition does not make the experience less profound. Participants consistently describe the ceremony as deep, intense and transformative. It is held with the same careful preparation, experienced facilitation and three weeks of integration support as our other retreats.

For guests who specifically want traditional DMT-containing ayahuasca, we offer a separate jungle retreat in Costa Rica. For those seeking a powerful, legal and professionally guided experience closer to the UK, the Netherlands is our most accessible option.

Costa Rica: traditional jungle ayahuasca

For guests seeking a traditional Ayahuasca experience with DMT, Acsauhaya also offers retreats in Playa Negra, Costa Rica. The journey from the UK is longer, but the retreat offers a different ceremonial experience in the tropical surroundings of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

  • Traditional ayahuasca ceremonies with DMT.
  • Intimate group retreat with maximum 13 participants.
  • Comfortable and modern accommodation and retreat location.
  • 1:1 private retreats with very flexible retreat date options.
  • Preparation and integration programme included.
  • 3-day Costa Rica group retreats from €1.950.
  • 1:1 Private retreats from €2.175.
Natural retreat setting for a 3 day ayahuasca retreat in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Why UK guests choose Acsauhaya

Experience with structure

Acsauhaya brings more than 15 years of experience and has held more than 360 retreats for over 3,000 participants. The process includes preparation, careful facilitation and integration rather than treating the ceremony as a stand-alone event.

Small-group attention

Our group retreats are intentionally small. This gives the team time to notice what each guest needs and to offer individual attention throughout the retreat. Our highest priority is professional and individual support.

Preparation before you arrive

Preparation begins before the retreat through clear safety guidance, intention work, an online learning programme and live support. You arrive understanding the process, the setting and what is expected from you.

Integration after you return home

The experience does not end when you leave. Our integration process helps you reflect on what happened, understand what is useful and translate insights into grounded choices in everyday life.

Connected with research

Acsauhaya has contributed to research connected with Leiden University, the University of Exeter and the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London.

What is included

Screening uk icon

Screening

Suitability and safety screening before acceptance.

Preparation uk icon

Preparation

Preparation guidance and live support before the retreat.

Accommodation uk icon

Accommodation

Comfortable, modern accommodation with a choice of shared rooms or private bedrooms.

Plant-based uk icon

Plant-based

Healthy, nourishing plant-based meals throughout the retreat.

Professional guidance uk icon

Professional Setting

Professionally guided ceremonies complemented by somatic practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork.

Integration uk icon

Integration

Integration circles during the retreat and three weeks of support afterward.

Support

Ongoing support and availability from our team before, during, and after your retreat.

Your journey from the UK

  1. Choose the Netherlands or Costa Rica pathway and review the available dates.
  2. Book a free call if you want help choosing the right format.
  3. Complete the suitability and safety screening honestly, including medications and mental or physical health conditions.
  4. Wait for acceptance before booking non-refundable travel.
  5. Follow the preparation guidance and travel to the retreat without carrying any ceremonial substance.
  6. Take part in the integration process after returning home.

Retreat formats and prices

Format Location From Best for
3-day group Netherlands or Costa Rica €1.875 Short retreat with two guided ceremonies
1-day private Netherlands or Costa Rica €2.175 Personal format with flexible scheduling
2-day private Netherlands or Costa Rica €3.500 Deeper private support across two days

What to Check Before Choosing a Retreat Provider

Choosing a psychedelic retreat is a personal decision, and comparing providers can help you understand what level of support, preparation and transparency you can expect. At Acsauhaya, we believe you should feel comfortable asking clear questions before making your decision.

Here are five important points to compare when considering any retreat provider.

1. How large is the retreat group?

At Acsauhaya: Our group retreats are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 11 participants in the Netherlands and 13 participants in Costa Rica. This allows our facilitation team to remain closely available throughout the retreat while still offering the connection and shared experience of a group setting.

Ask any retreat provider: What is the maximum number of participants, and how many facilitators will be present to support the group?

2. What happens before the retreat?

At Acsauhaya: Every participant goes through a screening process before acceptance and receives structured preparation before arriving at the retreat. This helps us assess suitability and gives you time to prepare mentally, emotionally and practically for the experience.

Ask any retreat provider: Do you screen participants before accepting them, and what preparation is included before arrival?

3. What integration support is included afterwards?

At Acsauhaya: Our 3-day Netherlands ceremonial retreat programme includes three weeks of integration support after the retreat. Integration is an important part of the process, helping you reflect on your experience and explore how insights may be brought into everyday life.

Ask any retreat provider: What happens after the retreat, and how long is integration support available?

4. Who will support you during the retreat?

At Acsauhaya: Retreats are supported by a dedicated facilitation team that remains available throughout the program. Our approach combines experienced guidance with a grounded, structured and supportive retreat environment.

Ask any retreat provider: Who facilitates the retreat, what experience does the team have, and how much direct support will be available during the ceremonies and throughout the stay?

5. What is included in the retreat price?

At Acsauhaya: Retreat prices start from €1.875, depending on the retreat date and selected room type. We aim to make it clear what is included before you book so that you can compare the overall retreat experience rather than only the headline price.

Ask any retreat provider: What exactly is included in the price? Are accommodation, preparation, ceremonies, meals and post-retreat integration included, or are there additional costs?

Compare More Than the Price

When comparing psychedelic retreats, the lowest price does not necessarily mean the best fit. Group size, screening, preparation, facilitator availability and integration support can all significantly shape your overall experience.

Take the time to ask questions, understand what is included and choose a retreat provider whose approach, level of support and structure feel right for you.

Real Stories of Transformation

Voices from alumni: what felt safe, what surprised them, and how the experience kept unfolding in the weeks after.

“The evidence has been the transformation of myself afterwards.”

Mandy

Retreat Participant

“If you seek healing, it can be so wondrous what can happen here.”

Claudia

Retreat Participant

“The overall experience was transformational. […] It completely changed my life.”

Lily

Retreat Participant

Join hundreds of others who have embarked on their healing journey with us

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you may have questions about this profound journey. Here are answers to the most common inquiries from prospective participants.

General

Traditional ayahuasca preparations containing DMT are prohibited in the United Kingdom. Acsauhaya does not hold ayahuasca ceremonies in the UK. UK guests can instead attend our legally held Dutch Brew retreats in the Netherlands or choose traditional ayahuasca at our retreat in Costa Rica.

Not in its composition. Both experiences begin with the same ceremonial foundation, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Traditional Amazonian ayahuasca combines this vine with a DMT-containing plant such as chacruna. Because DMT-containing ayahuasca is prohibited in the Netherlands, our Dutch Brew combines the caapi vine without DMT with legal psilocybin truffles. Developed through more than 15 years of ceremonial experience, the Dutch Brew provides a legal pathway into the same profound inner work while preserving the essential role of the ayahuasca vine.

No. The Dutch Brew is not a lighter or diluted version of the experience. Participants can experience the same depth, visionary intensity, emotional release, spiritual connection, personal insight and transformative potential associated with traditional ayahuasca. In recent participant surveys, the depth of the inner process received an average rating of 9 out of 10. Participants who have experienced both often describe the Dutch Brew as different rather than less. It can be equally deep and intense, while often feeling clearer, gentler on the body and more emotionally accessible.

The retreat takes place at our permanent centre in the peaceful countryside near Arnhem. The natural surroundings provide privacy, calm and space for rest and reflection. After you have been accepted, you will receive the exact address, recommended travel route and practical arrival information.

Acsauhaya offers 3-day and 5-day group retreats, as well as 1-day and 2-day private retreats. The best format depends on the depth of experience, personal attention and integration time you are looking for. Allow additional time for travelling and, where possible, give yourself a quiet day after returning home.

Yes. Many participants join without any previous psychedelic experience. The retreat includes careful screening, clear preparation, experienced guidance throughout the ceremonies and structured integration support afterwards. This makes it suitable for first-time participants who meet the health and safety requirements and are willing to prepare honestly.

You may not be eligible if your physical health, mental health history or current medication could make participation unsafe. Every application is assessed individually through our screening process. Never stop or change prescribed medication to attend a retreat without consulting the medical professional responsible for your care.

You complete a confidential health questionnaire covering your physical health, mental health history, medication and personal circumstances. This is followed by an admission call where we discuss your application, intentions and any relevant risks. Acceptance is confirmed only when the team believes the retreat is appropriate for you.

Before the retreat, you receive practical guidance and access to preparation materials covering safety, mindset, intentions and the retreat process. You also join a live group preparation call where you can meet your facilitators and the other participants in your group before arriving. Afterwards, the group programme includes live integration sessions to help you understand your experience and apply its insights in everyday life. You also receive lifetime access to our private online community and a growing library of preparation and integration resources, together with free weekly online meditation sessions.

The retreat price includes health screening, a one-to-one consultation, structured preparation, accommodation, plant-based meals, professionally guided ceremonies and live integration support. Before the retreat, you will join a group preparation call where you can meet your facilitators and the other participants in your group. You also receive lifetime access to our private online community and a growing library of valuable preparation and integration materials, as well as free weekly online meditation sessions. The exact accommodation and programme details depend on the retreat you select.

Group retreats in the Netherlands start from €1.875. Private retreats start from €2.175, and group retreats in Costa Rica start from €1.950. The final price depends on the programme, date and accommodation you select. Check the current retreat page for the exact price and what is included before booking.

No. Please wait until your application has been reviewed and your place has been confirmed before making non-refundable travel arrangements. After acceptance, you will receive the exact location and practical travel information for your retreat.

No. Never transport the Dutch Brew, psilocybin truffles, ayahuasca or any other ceremonial substance across an international border. Everything used during the retreat remains at the retreat centre.

Compare the options or discuss your situation

Compare the current Netherlands and Costa Rica programmes, including their location, format, duration, price and availability. If you are unsure which pathway fits your circumstances, speak with the Acsauhaya team in a free, pressure-free call before applying.

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Consultation calls are free and confidential. Response time: Within 24 hours