Travelling to Brazil for an Ayahuasca Ceremony: Practical Guide

Travelling to another country for an ayahuasca ceremony is a big step. Planning well makes the experience safer and calmer. This practical guide is for people who are thinking about coming to Brazil, and especially to Brasília, to sit in a ceremony.

Before you book anything: talk to the guide

The first step is not the flight. It is a conversation. A serious group will want to know about your health, your medications, your emotional history and your intention before confirming your participation. At the Jardim de Gaia Sanctuary, this conversation is done directly with Thiago Lourenço, who speaks English and Spanish. Only after this conversation does it make sense to plan dates and travel.

Brazilian guidelines (CONAD Resolution No. 1/2010) ask ayahuasca groups to avoid tourist packages built around promised effects. Be wary of anyone who sells you an all-inclusive “ayahuasca package” with guaranteed results.

Why Brasília?

• Easy to reach: Brasília International Airport (BSB) has domestic connections to the whole country and international routes, so it is usually simpler than travelling deep into the Amazon.
• Nature close to the city: the Jardim Botânico region, where the Sanctuary is located, is a green area of cerrado, chácaras (small rural properties) and silence, usually around half an hour by car from the airport, depending on traffic.
• Climate: Brasília sits on a plateau at about 1,000 metres. The dry season (roughly May to September) has sunny days and cool nights; the rainy season runs roughly from October to April.

Travel checklist

• Visa and passport: check the visa requirements for your nationality with the Brazilian consulate well in advance. Rules can change.
• Health insurance: travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
• Arrival: arrive at least one or two days before the ceremony to rest from the flight and adjust to the altitude and time zone.
• Accommodation: stay somewhere quiet. The Lago Sul and Jardim Botânico areas are close to the Sanctuary.
• Transport: ride-hailing apps work well in Brasília. Do not plan to drive yourself home right after the ceremony.
• After the ceremony: keep at least one free day before travelling again. Integration takes time, and long flights right after a ceremony can be exhausting.

Preparing your body and mind

• Diet (dieta): in the days before and after, avoid alcohol, red meat, very heavy, fatty or fermented food, and any other psychoactive substance. Follow the specific guidance you receive.
• Medications: tell the guide about every medication and supplement you take. Many antidepressants and other drugs are dangerous with ayahuasca. Never stop a medication without your doctor.
• Intention: reflect on what you are looking for. A simple, honest question is a good starting point.

What to bring to the ceremony

Comfortable, light-coloured clothes, a warm layer (cerrado nights get cold, especially in the dry season), a blanket or mat if requested, a water bottle, tissues, insect repellent and a small torch. Leave valuables at your accommodation.

Never take ayahuasca home

Ayahuasca’s ritual use is recognized in Brazil, but DMT is controlled in most countries. Do not carry ayahuasca, the vine or the leaves in your luggage. Bring home the experience, not the brew.

Frequently asked questions

Which airport should I fly into?

Brasília International Airport (BSB). From there, the Jardim Botânico region is usually around half an hour by car, depending on traffic.

How many days should I plan?

Plan at least one day of rest before the ceremony and one free day after it. Many people prefer to stay longer to rest and integrate the experience.

Is Brasília safe for visitors?

As in any big city, use common sense: use ride-hailing apps at night, keep valuables out of sight and stay in well-reviewed accommodation.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

No. Thiago Lourenço speaks English and Spanish and can talk with you directly before and after the ceremony.

Want to understand the tradition first? Read ayahuasca ceremony in Brazil: a complete guide.

This content is informational and spiritual in nature. It does not replace medical, psychological or psychiatric care. If you are under treatment or take any medication, talk to your doctor.