What ayahuasca retreats cost in Peru, Costa Rica and Brazil

What a price does not tell you

A higher price does not show better screening or safer care. These are the cited risks to ask any centre about, whatever it charges.

• Serotonin syndrome with SSRIs and other serotonergic drugsSerious risk

  The MAO-inhibiting harmala alkaloids in ayahuasca combined with SSRI antidepressants may induce a serotonin syndrome with a potentially grave outcome. ICEERS states that combining MAOIs with SSRIs or other serotonergic medications is contraindicated. (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1998; ICEERS, 2026)

• Why MAOI-containing brews carry more interaction riskSerious risk

  A review of serotonin toxicity notes that true serotonin toxicity typically occurs with overdose or when a drug that increases synaptic serotonin is combined with an MAOI; serotonergic drugs without MAOIs are low risk with psychedelics that also lack MAOIs. Warning signs needing immediate medical attention include myoclonus, extreme or fluctuating vital signs, agitation or coma, muscle rigidity, high fever and seizures. (Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2022)

• Other contraindicated medicines and supplementsSerious risk

  ICEERS lists antidepressants and other psychotropic medications, drugs metabolised by certain cytochrome enzymes, and any medication that interacts with MAO (including MAO inhibitors) as potentially contraindicated, and names St John's wort and Ginkgo biloba as contraindicated herbal supplements. It advises avoiding alcohol, stimulants, opioids and other drugs in the days or weeks before a session. (ICEERS, 2018)

• Stopping medication before a ceremonySerious risk

  ICEERS says contraindicated medications such as certain antidepressants may need to be stopped at least two weeks before a session, but only under strict medical supervision because abruptly stopping psychiatric medication can be dangerous. It also warns that stopping medication for a chronic illness to take ayahuasca can itself be dangerous. (ICEERS, 2018)

• Psychosis and personal or family psychiatric historySerious risk

  A systematic review found case reports of psychotic episodes after ayahuasca or DMT, several in people with a personal or possibly family history of psychosis or mania, and concluded that people with a personal or family history of any psychotic illness or non-psychotic mania should avoid hallucinogens. ICEERS describes ayahuasca as contraindicated for people with severe psychiatric disorders, particularly those prone to psychosis. (Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2017; ICEERS, 2026; ICEERS, 2018)