Sarced Plant Encounter

For generations, Indigenous communities in the Amazon have worked with Ayahuasca as part of their spiritual, cultural, and healing traditions.

There is something extraordinary about the experiences. Moments of profound connection, unexpected insights, vivid inner worlds, or a sense of love and belonging that can be difficult to put into words.

Some journeys are beautiful and full of wonder. Others can be challenging, emotional, or deeply confronting. And sometimes, both exist within the same experience.

We approach these encounters with curiosity, humility, and respect for the traditions that have carried them through generations.

We don't believe there is one particular experience to seek or a destination everyone needs to reach. We create a space where you can explore your own experience, supported by our presence, attention, and care.

Banisteriopsis Caapi - Ayahuasca vine
Banisteriopsis Caapi - Ayahuasca vine

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With Respect for the Roots

Our relationship with sacred plants has grown through our own experiences and encounters with different Amazonian traditions, including the Huni Kuin, Yawanawá, and Shipibo.

These encounters have left a lasting impression on us. They have deepened our appreciation for the knowledge, stories, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

We are grateful for what we have experienced and learned, while recognising that we do not represent these traditions or offer traditional Indigenous ceremonies. What we share is our own way of working, shaped by these encounters and our personal journey.

Depending on the gathering, we may work with traditional ayahuasca or other plant preparations, each with its own origins, composition, and effects. We always explain what is being offered before someone decides to participate.
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The experience

An Ayahuasca experience can be unlike anything you've encountered before.

Some people describe entering vivid inner worlds, filled with colours, imagery, memories, and experiences that seem to exist beyond ordinary perception. Others encounter moments of extraordinary beauty, a deep sense of connection with nature, or feelings of love and compassion that are difficult to describe.

Sometimes, familiar parts of life appear in an entirely different light. A relationship, an old memory, a deeply held emotion, or something about yourself you may never have looked at quite this way before.

There can be moments of laughter, wonder, and overwhelming gratitude. Moments that feel deeply spiritual or mysterious, even when their meaning isn't immediately clear.

But these experiences are not always gentle or beautiful. Fear, confusion, difficult emotions, and physical discomfort can also arise. Sometimes the experience moves between these different states, and sometimes it doesn't resemble anything you expected.

Preparation of Ayahuasca

We believe there is room for all of it.

There is no need to understand every image, explain every feeling, or turn every experience into a lesson. Some moments may offer insight or a new perspective. Others may remain mysterious, and their meaning may change over time.

What stays with someone isn't always the most extraordinary moment of the ceremony. Sometimes it's a quiet realisation, a different way of looking at life, or a renewed appreciation for the people and little things around them.

We don't know what your experience will bring, and we don't pretend to have all the answers.

You make the journey. We hold the space.
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The Wonder of the Experience

There is something extraordinary about the experiences that can unfold with Ayahuasca.

Some people describe moments of profound love, a deep connection with nature, or a sense of belonging to something much greater than themselves. Others encounter vivid imagery, meaningful memories, unexpected insights, or experiences that feel deeply spiritual.

Sometimes, something familiar is seen in an entirely new light. A relationship, a memory, a feeling, or a part of yourself you may have forgotten.

And occasionally, people describe moments so beautiful, mysterious, or difficult to explain that words simply don't seem enough.

We don't believe every experience needs to be understood or explained. There is room for mystery, wonder, and the personal meaning someone finds in what they encounter.

Of course, these journeys can also be challenging, confusing, or uncomfortable. Not every experience feels magical, and not every insight brings immediate change.

But sometimes, something stays with you. Not necessarily as a grand revelation, but as a subtle shift in how you see yourself, connect with others, or experience the world around you.

Perhaps that is part of the wonder. We never know exactly what an experience will bring, or how its meaning may unfold over time.

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Preparation & integration

A sacred plant experience begins long before the gathering itself and doesn't necessarily end when the ceremony is over.

Before participating, we take time for a personal conversation and health screening. We discuss your circumstances, expectations, medications, and any relevant risks. Once participation is confirmed, you'll receive a preparation guide and practical information to help you arrive feeling informed and prepared.

Rapeh

Afterwards, there is time to share, reflect, and begin making sense of what you've experienced. Some moments may feel clear and meaningful, while others can leave you with questions, strong emotions, or uncertainty.

Integration is about exploring how an experience relates to your life beyond the ceremony. Perhaps it changes the way you look at a relationship, brings attention to an old pattern, or inspires you to make a different choice. Sometimes it simply takes time to settle.

We offer integration guidance, a personal follow-up, and the possibility to reconnect if you need someone to talk to. Difficult experiences may also call for additional professional support.

What matters isn't finding an explanation for everything, but giving yourself time and space to discover what, if anything, you want to carry forward.
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Our Approach to Contribution

We do not charge for Sacred Plants. They are never sold, priced separately, or treated as a source of income.

Your contribution is entirely for the services surrounding the experience: our time, preparation, personal guidance, the gathering itself, and the integration support we offer afterwards. Depending on the gathering, this may also include food, drinks, and accommodation.

There is a deeper reason behind this choice.

We believe that the relationship between a person and a sacred plant should never be based on a transaction. Paying for guidance does not mean buying the plant, claiming ownership over it, or becoming entitled to a particular experience.

For us, it is important to approach these encounters with openness and gratitude, rather than the expectation that paying gives us the right to decide what the experience should bring.

The contribution supports the journey around the experience, not a claim over what unfolds within it.

FAQ

Your questions, our answers

What is Ayahuasca, and how does it work?

Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian preparation, usually made with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other plants. It has been used in different Indigenous traditions for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. Many preparations combine compounds that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) with plants containing DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic substance. This combination allows DMT to become active when taken orally. Experiences can involve changes in perception, emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations, and may last several hours. At So Alegria, we may work with traditional ayahuasca or other plant preparations, depending on the setting. These are not all the same, and we explain the specific preparation and its relevant risks before participation.

What is your relationship with Indigenous traditions?

We have deep respect for the Indigenous communities that have preserved and shared their knowledge of sacred plants across generations. Our personal experiences with Huni Kuin, Yawanawá, and Shipibo traditions have influenced how we approach this work. We are grateful for what we have learned, while recognising that we do not represent these traditions or claim to offer traditional Indigenous ceremonies. Our approach is our own, rooted in respect, humility, personal attention, and the understanding that we are always learning.

Is Ayahuasca safe, and are there contraindications?

Ayahuasca and related preparations can carry significant physical and psychological risks. They are not suitable for everyone, even with careful preparation and experienced guidance. Certain medications, particularly those affecting serotonin or interacting with MAO inhibitors, can cause dangerous reactions. Some cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric conditions may also make participation inappropriate. This is why we take time for a personal health screening and intake before confirming participation. We ask for complete and honest information about your medical history, mental health, and medication use. In some situations, we may request medical clearance or advise against participation. Never stop or change prescribed medication without consulting your prescribing doctor.

Do I need to follow a special diet beforehand?

We encourage a period of mindful preparation before your experience. This may include eating balanced meals, getting enough rest, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, and creating some space in your daily routine. Some traditions recommend specific dietary practices. We respect these traditions, while recognising that not every restriction has the same medical significance. Depending on the preparation and your personal circumstances, certain foods or substances may require additional attention. Before participating, you'll receive a preparation guide with recommendations relevant to your particular experience. Any important medical restrictions will be explained separately.

What about alcohol, recreational drugs, and medication?

Some medications and substances can interact dangerously with ayahuasca and related preparations, particularly those containing MAO inhibitors. It is essential that you tell us about all medications, supplements, alcohol, and recreational substances you use, including anything you have taken recently. Certain combinations may make participation unsafe or require us to postpone or decline participation. Never stop, reduce, or change prescribed medication in order to attend a ceremony without consulting your prescribing doctor. Your health always takes priority over participation.

What can I expect from an Ayahuasca experience?

Every ayahuasca experience is different, and there is no way to predict exactly how yours will unfold. Some people describe extraordinary moments of love, connection, gratitude, or wonder. Vivid imagery, meaningful memories, profound insights, or a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves.But the experience can also be intense, confusing, or deeply confronting. Fear, difficult emotions, personal memories, and physical discomfort, including nausea or vomiting, may arise. Sometimes beauty and difficulty exist within the same journey. We welcome this full range of experiences, without expecting or encouraging any particular outcome. Memories or impressions that arise during altered states of consciousness are not necessarily accurate accounts of past events. Throughout the gathering, we remain present and attentive, offering support when needed. We also recognise that some experiences may require additional professional care. There is no particular destination you need to reach, and no single way an experience should feel.

Can an ayahuasca experience be spiritual or deeply meaningful?

For some people, an ayahuasca experience can feel deeply spiritual, mysterious, or unlike anything they have experienced before. People sometimes describe vivid imagery, a profound sense of love, a connection with nature, or the feeling of being part of something much greater than themselves. Others encounter memories, emotions, or personal insights that offer a different perspective on their lives. These experiences can be beautiful and full of wonder, but they can also be confusing, frightening, or difficult to understand. We welcome different ways of experiencing and interpreting what unfolds. You don't need to hold any particular spiritual beliefs, and we won't tell you what your experience means. Sometimes its significance becomes clearer over time. And sometimes a little mystery remains.

Can difficult emotions or memories arise?

Yes. Sacred plant experiences can sometimes bring up strong emotions, personal memories, or thoughts about difficult periods in life. These experiences may feel very real and meaningful. At the same time, memories or impressions that arise during altered states of consciousness are not necessarily accurate accounts of past events. We approach whatever comes up with care, without forcing an interpretation or assuming that every difficult emotion represents something that needs to be healed. If you have a history of significant trauma or psychological difficulties, we encourage you to discuss this openly during the intake. In some cases, professional mental health support may be more appropriate.

How do you approach safety, privacy, and aftercare?

We work in small groups, allowing us to offer personal attention throughout the experience. Before participation, we carry out a personal intake and discuss relevant health considerations, expectations, and preparation. During the gathering, we remain attentive to each participant and have procedures for responding to situations that require additional support. We treat personal information and shared experiences with confidentiality, while recognising that privacy within a group also depends on mutual respect. Afterwards, we make time for reflection and sharing. You'll receive integration guidance, and we check in with you approximately one week later. If you have questions or would like to talk, you're welcome to reach out. We believe that responsible guidance includes recognising our own limits and knowing when additional professional support is needed.

How do I register for an experience?

You can contact us directly or explore our upcoming experiences through the Bookings page. We'll arrange a personal conversation and intake to get to know you, answer your questions, and determine whether participation is appropriate. If we mutually agree to proceed, we'll share the practical details and payment information. Your booking is confirmed once the required payment has been received. You're always welcome to reach out with questions before making a decision.

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