Why are Spain and Portugal popular for ayahuasca retreats?

Spain and Portugal are popular because they offer a legal grey zone for ayahuasca, not explicitly banning the psychoactive brew and distinguishing private use from trafficking.

What makes European ayahuasca retreats appealing?

These retreats combine traditional Amazonian practices with Western comforts, familiar cultural norms, and integrated wellness activities like yoga and meditation.

What are the concerns surrounding European ayahuasca retreats?

Concerns include issues of safety and cultural appropriation, as well as the fragile legal status of ayahuasca in these countries, which relies on discretion rather than explicit legal protection.

Home / Lifestyle / Spain, Portugal: Europe's New Hubs for Psychedelic Wellness

Spain, Portugal: Europe's New Hubs for Psychedelic Wellness

7 Feb

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Summary

Ayahuasca retreats are rapidly expanding in Spain and Portugal.
These countries offer a legal grey zone for the banned psychoactive brew.
Retreats blend traditional practices with Western wellness comforts.

Spain, Portugal: Europe's New Hubs for Psychedelic Wellness

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew originating from South America, has seen a significant increase in popularity as a wellness practice across Europe. Spain and Portugal have become emergent hubs for these retreats, offering a more accessible alternative to traveling to the Amazon.

These countries provide a unique legal grey zone, as ayahuasca is not explicitly banned nor scheduled, allowing for non-commercial use to be distinguished from trafficking. This legal permissiveness, combined with familiar cultural norms and European accommodation standards, draws increasing numbers of wellness-seeking travelers.

The growing interest is fueled by spiritual tourism, celebrity endorsements of psychedelics, and broader discussions on mental health. Retreat founders aim to bridge Indigenous traditions with Western needs, adapting the ritual for a different context while respecting ancestral wisdom.