In recent years, Ayahuasca has shifted from a niche curiosity to a sought-after healing experience for travellers across Europe. Once seen as something that required crossing continents and boarding a long-haul flight, Ayahuasca ceremonies have become far more accessible for those seeking emotional, spiritual, and psychological transformation. Today, there are Ayahuasca retreats for the UK, in Barcelona, as well as other European countries.
One company that has become a trusted leader in this space is Avalon. They are known to be highly experienced facilitators and shamans, with a strong commitment to safety and aftercare, integration support that helps participants process their experiences, and beautiful retreat settings designed for deep healing. They hold Ayahuasca retreats in Barcelona, making it easy for people travelling from the UK, living in Europe, or passing through the region to experience ayahuasca without the need for long-haul travel.
A growing demand for transformational healing
The rise of Ayahuasca is closely tied to a broader cultural movement: the search for alternative approaches to mental and emotional wellbeing. With rising burnout, anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection, many are turning away from traditional treatments and toward experiences that offer profound, lasting change. Over the years, many high-profile YouTubers, influencers, and public figures have shared their own ayahuasca journeys – often describing them as life-changing, healing, or perspective-shifting – which has only accelerated public interest and normalised conversations about ayahuasca. Two well-known influencers include Joe Weller and Spencer Owen, the founder of the club Hashtag United.
Ayahuasca moves closer to home
One of the most noticeable developments in recent years is the rise of Ayahuasca retreats outside of South America. While the Amazon remains the birthplace of the tradition, reputable retreats have emerged across Europe, offering travellers a chance to experience the medicine with experienced facilitators and strong safety protocols.
This has made it more accessible for people to attend ayahuasca retreats, with leading companies like Avalon, offering four or six-day retreats which are particularly appealing to people travelling from the UK, as well as people living locally in Europe. They offer an authentic and professional environment without the need for long-haul travel to South America, while preserving the depth and integrity of traditional ayahuasca ceremonies.
What to expect at an Ayahuasca retreat
When you join an Ayahuasca retreat in Europe, you’re signing up for a deeply structured, well-supported experience that balances traditional plant-medicine work with high standards of comfort, integration, and safety. You can expect careful preparation & screening, multiple Ayahuasca ceremonies (for example, 4 ceremonies for the typical 4-6 day programmes), a full holistic integration program that bridges the ceremony with your daily life: yoga and meditation sessions, healing massage, conscious cuisine, integration workshops, and one-on-one integration sessions, a safe ceremonial setting and online follow-up group sessions, monthly integration circles, and a network that helps you embed the transformation into your daily life.
Ayahuasca’s rise in Europe reflects a growing desire for deeper healing, emotional clarity, and alternative approaches to wellbeing. As more people look for authentic, safe, and transformative experiences closer to home, European retreats, particularly those near the UK, have become increasingly popular.
Will you be booking an Ayahuasca retreat in Europe? Have you been to one before, and what was your experience like? Why do you think Ayahuasca retreats are becoming more popular? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.
