18 Things to Bring on Your Ayahuasca Retreat
An ayahuasca retreat is a transformative and enlightening experience that requires careful preparation. Aside from preparing spiritually and mentally, you’ll want to be sure and pack the right items to enhance your comfort and well-being during the retreat. Keep reading for our list of the 18 must-have items you’ll need for a safe and fulfilling ayahuasca journey.
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Ayahuasca packing list: what to bring on an ayahuasca retreat
Below we’ll explore the essential items to pack for your transformative ayahuasca retreat and discover our highly recommended products.
1. Travel insurance
Before embarking on any kind of travel, it’s crucial to enroll in a good travel insurance plan with a reputable travel insurance company. Moreover, ayahuasca retreats are often held in remote locations — so having comprehensive travel insurance will give you peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. We recommend purchasing a plan with Seven Corners, as they offer exceptional coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuations.
2. Headlamp with red light
A headlamp provides hands-free illumination during nighttime ayahuasca ceremonies, and ensures safe movement in dark environments. Better yet, a lamp with red light improves your night vision so you can navigate the retreat’s surroundings without disturbing any other guests. This GearLight LED headlamp is a popular option with more than 40,000 positive reviews.
3. Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is important, especially if you're attending a retreat in a tropical or sunny location. Ideally, you’d go for a broad-spectrum travel sunscreen (with a high SPF rating) to shield your skin during outdoor activities. Our forever fave is this mineral sunscreen from Sun Bum, which has a lightweight, non-greasy, and ultra-protective formula.
4. Protective hat
Even when you apply (and reapply) sunscreen, wearing a hat gives you extra sun protection and keeps you safe from potential burns. Not just that, but it’s important to wear a hat on an ayahuasca retreat so you can protect your crown chakra after all the energetic healing you’ve received. A bucket hat tends to work best, like this style from the Anycosy shop.
5. Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is essential, both during ayahuasca ceremonies and throughout your retreat. Bringing a reusable travel water bottle will help keep you hydrated and reduce your environmental impact (AKA these bottles are a real win-win). Our favorite design has to be this bottle from LARQ — which is not only self-cleaning, but also filters harmful chemicals and bacteria.
6. Walking shoes
Comfy walking shoes are a must for exploring the retreat center's surroundings, which might even include a few hikes or nature walks. Opt for shoes with good arch support and a sturdy sole to ensure comfort and stability — like this style from Cariuma. Their OCA Low sneaker features lightweight cushion technology that prioritizes ease and agility with every step.
7. Sandals
Don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable sandals for leisurely strolls around the retreat center, as well as for breathability and relaxation between ceremonies. While it can be tough to find a pair that offers comfort *and* style, we’d recommend the classic Arizona sandal from Birkenstock. These shoes are simple, yet sturdy, and can be worn with virtually any outfit.
8. Swimwear
If your retreat center has a pool or is located near the beach, you should definitely bring a suit so you can enjoy a refreshing swim or relax in the sun during your downtime. L-Space is our go-to swimwear brand, thanks to their focus on sustainability and fun/functional suits that’ll have you feeling confident. Check out their collection of one-piece suits and all their great colors and patterns.
9. Loose pants
During ayahuasca ceremonies, it’s best to wear loose, comfortable travel pants that don’t restrict your movement (or distract you because they’re too tight). In other words, try to pack lightweight, breathable pants that allow for ease of movement and provide comfort during extended periods of sitting or meditation. This wide leg, flowy style from Wayre is pretty much a perfect pick.
10. Long-sleeve shirt
Wearing a long-sleeve shirt during ceremonies can protect you from insects and offers a sense of modesty and comfort in the ceremonial space. If you can, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics that have moisture-wicking or quick-drying properties. This long-sleeve top from Baleaf checks all those boxes, and it also comes with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.
11. Rain jacket
Even if you don’t see any rain in the forecast, you should still prepare for unpredictable weather conditions by packing a lightweight and waterproof rain jacket. That way, you’re sure to stay dry during outdoor activities or visits to nearby nature spots. While there are tons of rain jackets to choose from, you can’t go wrong with this breathable and durable design from Patagonia.
12. Insect repellent
Insects come out in droves at certain retreat locations. That’s why it’s so important to have reliable insect repellent, so you can protect yourself from unwanted (sometimes dangerous) mosquito bites. Choose an effective insect repellent with natural ingredients, like this one from OFF! — or consider using mosquito repellent bracelets, like these from Cliganic.
13. First aid kit
Having a basic first aid kit is always a good choice, as it allows you to quickly address minor injuries like cuts or scrapes. Even a small kit should include essentials like band-aids, cleaning wipes, gauze, and some tweezers or scissors. This mini case from THRIAID is a great starter kit (that’s well-sized for travel), and it holds an impressive 100 pieces of quality medical supplies.
14. Power adapter
If you're traveling somewhere that uses different electrical outlets than your home country, you’ll need to bring a universal adapter to charge your electronic devices and keep them powered throughout your retreat. Fortunately, travel adapters aren’t all that expensive — you can get this one from EPICKA for under $25, and it has all the outlet options you might need.
15. Toiletries
You’ll definitely want to pack your personal travel toiletries, including your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and any other items you typically use in your daily routine. That said, consider using biodegradable or eco-friendly products to minimize your impact on the environment. You can even store your toiletries in these sustainable capsules from Cadence.
16. Money belt
A money belt is a great place for stashing valuables like your passport, cash, credit cards, and important documents. These little bags keep your belongings safe and secure, while also helping to prevent loss or theft during your retreat. This design from Alpha Keeper is one of the best on the market, due in large part to its RFID-blocking materials and lifetime guarantee.
17. Activewear
Be sure to include comfortable, breathable activewear in your packing list for yoga or meditation sessions — as well as for other physical activities or exercises offered at the retreat center. We like these Girlfriend Collective leggings for their compressive, squat-proof, and high-rise style. And we’d also recommend the Athleta Balance Jumpsuit that can double as daywear.
18. Journal or notebook
Bringing a journal on your ayahuasca retreat allows you to reflect on the insights, visions, and emotions that arise during (or after) each ceremony. That way, you have a tangible record of your transformative journey. A journal can also serve as a therapeutic tool, by fostering a deeper understanding of the lessons and growth achieved throughout the retreat. This lined notebook from Paperage is a classic, affordable option that comes in 15 different colors.
Wrapping up
By preparing and packing the items mentioned above, you'll be equipped with all the essentials you might need to get the most out of your ayahuasca experience. That said, each retreat center might have its own specific recommendations or requirements — so it's always best to check with them first. Then, you can fully embrace the transformative journey that awaits you, helping to nourish your mind, body, and soul.