Sacred medicine journeys in Mexico's heartland: traditional ceremony spaces honor both healing & heritage
Candy says, "From the beginning to the end, Mexisoul did not disappoint. From the rooms to the food, to the activities, everything is so well thought out. My biggest fear was trying the medicine, but once you get there you completely feel safe and cared for by from the staff members." See more
Fedor says, "Participated in the ceremony in Jan 2022. It was a really amazing experience and I have only nice thing to say about how the ceremony is organised. Arturo and his wonderful assistants are putting all their hearts into it." See more
Anonymous says, "I had a great experience at this retreat. The staff is so thoughtful and amazing. I recommend this for anyone looking to make major changes in their life or facing challenges." See more
Anonymous says, "Bernice and her team are exceptional and caring and present with each participant. I could not have asled for a better experience." See more
Natalia says, "I can't say enough thanks to the amazing crew that made this experience possible. The ceremony helped me work through deep trauma and helped me to reconnect to my spirituality." See more
Omar says, "I can go in depth into the experience I had here but everyone’s experience will be different. So to narrow it down, this place healed a lot of trauma I’ve had." See more
Paul says, "Had an unbelievable experience. Was life changing and very inspiring. Learned many things and met some great lifelong friends. Wasn't sure at first if thus was my thing, but Topovan was great at teaching and pushing me past my comfort zone." See more
Anonymous says, "René is a caring, experienced and very intelligent leader, and just the kind of person you want guiding you through a psycidelic experience, as well as making sure all your needs are taken care of during your stay." See more
John says, "I had been in a rut for many years and felt trapped in a cage. I knew I needed to do something different and felt like Bluestone could be the answer. I found it was absolutely the answer for me." See more
Simon says, "For those of you who wish to try Ayuasca because you think it is a fun experience. I highly recommend you rethink it. For those of you who are doing the inner work and wish to accelerate, this is the right place! This retreat is a safe space for you to go through what comes up as part of your inner work for you." See more
Enrico says, "it was mystical, a serious approach and an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life." See more
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Having a clear intention before the ceremony can make an incredible difference in how your experience unfolds.
Maintaining psychophysical purity, or some form of dieta can go a long way in warding off unnecessary suffering once you drink.
Make sure that your intentions are not actually your expectations. It’s in your best interest to let go of the illusion of control.
Ayahuasca ceremonies in Mexico often carry unique subtleties that differ from traditional Amazonian practices. While Peru and Brazil remain the historical heartlands of ayahuasca use, Mexican ceremonies frequently blend indigenous Huichol and Toltec wisdom traditions with Amazonian practices. The result? A fascinating hybrid that speaks to Mexico's rich heritage of sacred plant medicines.
There's a crucial distinction to understand - Mexican ayahuasca circles have emerged relatively recently compared to their South American counterparts. Local curanderos sometimes incorporate elements from peyote ceremonies or temazcal (sweat lodge) rituals, creating what anthropologists call "neo-shamanic" practices. The medicine itself typically comes from either imported Amazonian plants or locally-grown varieties, though the latter raises some concerns about authenticity and proper preparation methods.
The ceremonial settings vary dramatically - from luxury retreat centers in Tulum to remote mountain temples in Oaxaca. Each location tends to attract different types of seekers. The Tulum scene draws more international wellness tourists, while indigenous-led ceremonies in central Mexico often maintain stricter protocols and traditional dietas. A key benefit of Mexican ceremonies? They're generally more accessible for North American travelers, though this convenience should be weighed carefully against the depth of ceremonial experience one seeks.
Safety considerations have become increasingly important as Mexico's ayahuasca tourism grows. Legitimate centers should be registered with COFEPRIS (Mexican Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks) and maintain connections with emergency medical services. Cross-border transport of ayahuasca remains legally complex, even when claimed for religious use Source: COFEPRIS.
The effects of ayahuasca typically unfold across distinct phases over 4-6 hours, though the full journey can last up to 8 hours for some people. Traditional Amazonian ceremonies usually begin in the evening and continue through the night, with the most intense period occurring 1-2 hours after drinking the medicine. The physical effects often start within 30 minutes, while the visionary phase commonly peaks between hours 2-4. After the main journey subsides, many experience a gentle "landing" period of 1-2 hours where insights continue to emerge. In traditional contexts, integration begins immediately after the ceremony and extends for days or weeks - this is considered an essential part of the medicine's work. Some retreat centers observe that certain participants may feel subtle energetic shifts for several days following a ceremony, though these are typically mild and manageable. Each person's experience with the medicine follows its own timing and rhythm. Traditional healers emphasize that the effects aren't limited to the ceremonial hours - rather, the ceremony opens a door through which healing and understanding continue to flow long after the acute effects have passed.