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Volunteering at an Ayahuasca center is a great way to get your foot in the door if you’re interested in walking the shamanic path or deepening your understanding of plant medicines. I’ve done this extensively throughout my travels around Latin America, and it’s something I highly suggest.
Being a guest at an Ayahuasca retreat can be an incredible experience, but volunteering at one adds a new dimension to the experience while giving you the opportunity to be at service, and get a peep at what happens behind the scenes.
In this list, I’m going to suggest 10 of the best Ayahuasca centers to volunteer at in Latin America. While there are hundreds of Ayahuasca centers to potentially volunteer at around the world (and probably some great centers I’m not aware of), this list is based on my knowledge.
Some of these I have been to, others I have researched. I’ll add a link to the volunteering page for each center listed here so you can
Perks of Volunteering at an Ayahuasca Center
Volunteering at an Ayahuasca retreat center can be a life-changing experience for a few main reasons, which we’ll dive into here.
First off, it’s fun!
Spending some time living in an Ayahuasca community gives you a chance to network and connect with like-minded people, while making you feel like you’re part of a solid community where you’re making a difference. Generally, ancestral medicine communities are full of loving, spiritually inclined people, and you tend to connect very easily with many of the people in these communities.
People who do this kind of volunteer work often do so in a foreign country. Therefore, there’s a buzz of excitement and positivity as the work is incorporated with traveling and experiencing a new culture, which keeps it extra fresh.
The work is usually relatively relaxed. On average, you work about 5 hours a day, 5 days a week as a volunteer. Due to the nature of these centers, the pace of work is usually fairly relaxed. You’re not in corporate America, so you can step back and enjoy the work a little more without meeting harsh deadlines or feeling under the pump. This ensures there’s a good work-life balance, and that volunteers can enjoy their time, giving back to the community, but also enjoying all that it offers.
But the social aspect is just one element. Volunteering at an Ayahuasca center also allows you to step deeper into your processes. People often have deeply transformative experiences and learn a lot about themselves when volunteering in these sorts of communities. As these communities often have workshops and various teachers, they’re great places to gain new tools, learn new modalities, and just generally deepen your understanding about healing and various spiritual traditions.
I would say this is one of the biggest incentives for people to volunteer at Ayahuasca centers. They, too, are on a self-discovery journey, and get to see behind the scenes of how it all works. For me, I love volunteering in these sorts of communities for all these reasons, but also because I’m interested in learning about shamanic healing and potentially working with ancestral medicines in a professional capacity in the future.
The connections I’ve made with other healers, centers, and communities are invaluable for my own path, and I wouldn’t have had the same chances to do so if I had simply visited as a guest. Likewise, I have gotten a lot of great information, advice, and had amazing teachers teach me the ropes and point me in the right direction. I’m not sure if I would have done a vision quest, or master plant dieta, and stepped deeper into my evolution if it wasn’t for these communities planting the seed that I could walk this path.
Ultimately, I can’t recommend it enough. But perhaps I’ve just been lucky, perhaps I’ve glorified it somewhat. The work isn’t always easy and it’s not like you get paid for it, but in my eyes, volunteering at an Ayahuasca center is a great trade of time and energy.
Are There Costs Involved?
It is common for plant medicine centers to charge volunteers a fee in exchange for accommodation, food, and ceremonies. Some centers don’t charge a cent, others can have a fairly hefty price tag.
In my experiences, volunteering at an Ayahuasca center is generally well worth the fee that you pay, given it’s not exorbitant. Generally, the fee covers the cost of participating in one or more ceremonies per retreat, and in most cases, it’s a fair exchange that won’t break your bank.
That being said, I’ve come across medicine centers that charge people a lot of money to volunteer, sometimes without even allowing them to participate in a ceremony. In these cases, it can feel more like a scheme to extract free labor without giving much in return, masquerading as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
There are also centers where the model is a little different. As a volunteer, you get a heavily discounted price from the retreat in exchange for daily labor, but get to participate in most, if not all, ceremonies. In my opinion, this is also a fair trade as it strikes a balance between being a guest and contributing your time.
Anyway, there are plenty of retreat centers out there where you don’t need to pay anything, or perhaps a small sum, so make sure you do your research, check the reviews, and find a place that suits what you’re looking for.
What’s Required to Volunteer at an Ayahuasca Center
Centers have different requirements for volunteers, but generally, they’re all looking for a similar type of person who wants to be there for the service rather than just doing it for the experience.
Ayahuasca centers generally take volunteers who have had previous experience with plant medicines and are familiar with the shamanic healing space. This is a general rule of thumb so that the volunteers understand how the place functions and can better relate to and connect with guests who are undergoing transformative experiences. With that said, priority is usually given to guests who have participated in a retreat at that center.
Specific skillsets usually aren’t necessary, although specific skillsets such a cooking skills, tech skills, or the ability to facilitate particular workshops help secure a spot and land you in specific roles that may be more enjoyable than others.
With that said, Ayahuasca volunteers are always required to have a good attitude and to be of service. Bringing in good energy is crucial, as guests are often vulnerable when undergoing these retreats, and the positive vibes reflect on their experiences. Good people skills are also required as volunteering at an Ayahuasca center involves a lot of contact with guests.
Is It for Everyone?
To be honest, no. Volunteering at an Ayahuasca center is a unique kind of role that isn’t suitable for all kinds of people. Some people, especially those who don’t feel such a call to work with ancestral medicines (or who are there for the wrong reasons) may find it overwhelming or just not resonate with it so much. Likewise, they may burn out quickly due to the often irregular hours, dealing with all kinds of people, and the frequent ceremonies, which can be too much for some people.
After all, there’s often a lot of intense energy in these sorts of places, and you will likely work with guests who can be challenging or have deep traumas. Therefore, it can be great if you’re good with people and enjoy being a part of the healing process, but I can understand if you’re looking for something a bit easier, going to a place where you’re not in the midst of people battling their demons and going through the motions.
Likewise, if you’re not committed to your spiritual growth, volunteering in these sorts of centers may feel like a drag. Many other volunteering opportunities have a completely different vibe, such as volunteering in hostels, which is more laid-back and might be more your thing. I’ve also volunteered in several hostels around the world, and it’s also a great experience.
Volunteering in an Ayahuasca center, you are required to be in service. There’s more nuance to it than many volunteering gigs because you’re in a place where some deeply wounded people go to heal, and you must reflect that positive energy. This means if you’re more focused on your own healing rather than serving others who are seeking growth and healing, you might get overwhelmed or distracted, in which case it’s better to participate as a guest rather than a volunteer.
Gaia Sagrada
Gaia Sagrada is, in my opinion, the cream of the crop when it comes to volunteering with plant medicines. I spent close to six months volunteering and working at this retreat center, and it’s a great place to experience Ancestral medicines and form connections.
Gaia Sagrada is a large, well-established medicine community located on 55 acres of land in the Ecuadorian Andes. It is owned and run by Huachumera Christine Breeze, with a dedicated team of staff, shamans, and volunteers running operations and ceremonies. The community has a lively buzz, and it’s a great place for both guests and volunteers who are new to ancestral medicines, considering that it’s a predominantly English-speaking community that incorporates a high level of support and integration.
This medicine community offers comfortable, modern accommodation, hot showers, hot tubs, a cottage, several fire pits, beautiful gardens, and various walking trails on site. Various workshops are run daily, offering meditations, yoga, breathwork, and various teachings and modalities taught by staff and volunteers. Volunteers also have an opportunity to offer 1-on-1 services, setting their own prices and allowing them to get paid while volunteering.
This community has regular Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies. They also include a sweat lodge in each retreat, which combines both Ayahuasca and San Pedro. With that said, volunteers generally work about 5 hours a day each retreat day (10 days on), then take breaks between retreats off (usually 3 – 5 days off).
Volunteers stay in dorms, buffet-style meals are provided 3 times a day (during retreats), and one ceremony for each volunteer is included per retreat. Volunteers may participate in additional ceremonies for a discount, given there is availability. Volunteers contribute $150 per retreat, which covers the ceremony, lodging, and food.
- Location: Cuenca, Ecuador
- Program Fee: $150 per retreat
- Duration: 3 retreats minimum (about 2 months)
- What’s Included: Shared accommodation, buffet-style meals, participation in 1 ceremony per retreat, access to workshops, and discounted costs for additional ceremonies.
- Responsibilities: Ceremony support, gardening, kitchen, guest support, workshop facilitation, general duties (activity preparation, starting the fire, lights, taking out the trash, etc.)
- Requirements: Prior experience with ancestral medicines is preferred.
Learn more: https://gaiasagrada.com/ayahuasca-work-exchange-volunteer
Michi Hampi
Starting in May 2024, I spent about 2 months volunteering at this remote medicine community in the Sacred Valley, Peru. Volunteering at Michi Hampi is a truly immersive experience where you feel like you’re in the heart of Andean Shamanic culture, living in a rustic adobe complex surrounded by breathtaking mountains. It’s a relatively small, close-knit community of Spanish speakers. Because English is not widely spoken here, Michi Hampi prefers volunteers who speak Spanish, although it’s not a deal-breaker.
Volunteers stay in shared accommodation and are offered 2 – 3 meals a day. As a volunteer, you are expected to participate in each ceremony. Although you do need to pay for them, you’re offered major discounts, and ceremonies generally cost $25 or less each. Volunteers work about 5 hours a day, 6 days a week. Depending on your skills, you are designated to either social media management, childcare, or general duties, including kitchen hand, cleaning, and preparation.
The healers here have a genuinely non-money-driven approach to healing, and often offer people the opportunity to participate in exchange for some help if they can’t afford it financially. They work with a variety of medicines, including Ayahuasca, Wachuma, Bufo, Mushrooms, Willka, Temazcales, and more.
There’s something truly special about this place. I can’t tell you whether it’s the stunning landscape, the knowledge and integrity of the healers, or a mix of everything, but this is a truly special and unique place to experience the various ceremonies that are regularly facilitated. It gets chilly here during the night, so make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes!
- Location: Maska, Peru (30 mins from Pisac)
- Program Fee: No fee, although a small cost is required to participate in ceremonies
- Duration: 1-month minimum. They prefer volunteers to stay longer.
- What’s Included: Shared accommodation, meals, and big discounts for ceremonies.
- Responsibilities: Volunteers are generally allocated to various jobs depending on their skill sets. Some of the jobs include social media and marketing, cleaning and general duties, childcare, and ceremonial help.
- Requirements: Spanish proficiency preferred. Prior experience with ancestral medicines preferred
Reach out here: https://www.instagram.com/michihampi/
La Wayra
LaWayra is a relatively large Ayahuasca retreat center located in the rolling green hills of Antiquoa, Colombia. This center has one of the most robust volunteering programs I’ve seen, and seems like a great place to get immersed in the medicine space while living in a nice center with modern amenities.
Volunteers receive free accommodation, meals, access to two Ayahuasca ceremonies per month, and full use of the center’s amenities, including a pool, gym, yoga spaces, and a co-working area. Volunteers also get 10 free days each month to rest or explore Colombia, or stay on site and relax. There are three volunteer paths to choose from: Ceremonial support, Kitchen hand, and Business Development. Of course, people who have relevant skills and experience are given priority.
- Location: Fredonia, Colombia (1 hour from Medellin)
- Program Fee: None
- Duration: Ceremonial & Kitchen Volunteers: 2–3 months minimum (36 hours a week), Business Development Volunteers: 1–3 months minimum (20 hours a week)
- What’s Included: Shared accommodation, meals, participation in 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies per month, 10 days off per month, access to pool, gym, yoga spaces, and a co-working area, tips
- Volunteer Roles: Ceremony assistant, kitchen volunteer, business development volunteer
Kuyay Experiences
Kuyay Experiences is a great place to spend some time volunteering. The Curandero, Antay, is a good friend of mine and a very knowledgeable healer. I spent a couple of weeks helping him out, and I knew him before when he worked at Gaia Sagrada as a fire-keeper and medicine man.
Although Antay doesn’t work with Ayahuasca, he does work with San Pedro, Mushrooms, and facilitates Temazcales. He also performs Rapeh initiations, sacred tobacco ceremonies, cleansings, and shamanic massages. There is a dedicated ceremony space on the property, and Kuyay Experiences doubles up as a Permaculture school called La Pacha, which is a big part of the volunteering responsibilities.
Volunteers generally help out with the business/tech side of things or with the permaculture projects. This volunteering position feels more intimate than some centers, as you live in Antay’s house with him, his son, and possibly another volunteer. If you’re looking for a more intimate place to volunteer with ancestral medicines with a little less structure and volunteer politics, then this might be a great place for you.
- Location: Cuenca, Ecuador
- Program Fee: $5 per day to help with food
- Duration: 2 weeks minimum stay preferred
- What’s Included: Private accommodation in a room or tent, meals, and discounted cost to participate in ceremonies.
- Responsibilities: Business help, permaculture project, and working in the gardens.
- Requirements: None
Reach out here: https://www.instagram.com/kuyay_experiences/
MexiSoul Retreats
MexiSoul is an ancestral retreat center that works with the sacred medicines of Ayahuasca and Psilocybin Mushrooms. The Finca (ranch) sits on 15 acres of lush countryside about an hour outside of Guadalajara, Mexico, surrounded by agave fields, peaceful landscapes, and even the occasional visit from wild wolves.
Volunteering at MexiSoul is a chance to unplug from the noise, soak up the beauty of Mexico’s countryside, and be part of a close-knit family of dedicated medicine carriers. While you’re there, you’ll dive into powerful experiences like Temazcal ceremonies (traditional sweat lodges), ice baths, guided meditations and yoga, all while living on a modern ranch that’s got everything you need to feel at home, including a pool and game room.
- Location: Tepatitlán, Mexico
- Program Fee: USD $500 per retreat
- Duration: The volunteer program aligns with the 7-day retreat schedule. 1 retreat minimum stay
- What’s Included: Shared accommodation, meals, transportation to and from the Guadalajara International Airport, and participation in one plant medicine ceremony
- Responsibilities: Activity and workshop facilitation depending on skills, ceremony support, local support, logistical assistance, guest support, etc.
- Requirements: None
Pisahatua
Pisatahua is a plant medicine retreat center tucked away in the Aquicuana Reserve, Bolivia. The center is set in a remote, untouched corner of the Bolivian Amazon and is surrounded by stunning biodiversity and wildlife.
Volunteering here means getting your hands dirty with permaculture projects, supporting plant medicine ceremonies, helping with daily operations, and sometimes engaging with local community initiatives. It’s a simple, off-grid experience that invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and live in rhythm with the land.
During your stay, you’ll be provided with meals and eco-friendly accommodations and have the opportunity to participate in ceremonies guided by experienced facilitators. Volunteers usually stay anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on availability and center needs.
- Location: Aquicuana Reserve, Riberalta, Bolivia
- Program Fee: None
- Duration: Minimum commitment of 1 month preferred
- What’s Included: Eco-friendly shared accommodation, meals, and possible participation in some ceremonies.
- Responsibilities: Ceremony support, gardening and permaculture projects, helping with general operations, assisting with community outreach or education initiatives, and creative projects
Jochipapanete
Jochipapanete is a traditional Shipibo-run ayahuasca retreat center nestled deep in the Peruvian Amazon, near Contamana. As a facilitator, you’ll assist with ceremonies, help guests navigate their experiences, and participate in daily activities like sharing circles. It’s a role that calls for empathy, presence, and a genuine desire to serve.
Fluency in both English and Spanish is essential as you’ll act as a bridge between the Shipibo healers and international guests. While prior experience with plant medicine is preferred, it’s not mandatory. What matters most is your commitment to the work.
In exchange for your contributions, you’ll receive semi-private accommodations, traditional Amazonian meals, and the opportunity to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies between retreats. Volunteers are asked to contribute 150 soles per week to help cover expenses. If I can brush up on my Spanish, this is a medicine center I would like to volunteer in.
- Location: Contamana, Ucayali, Peru
- Program Fee: 150 soles ($40) per week
- Minimum Stay: Longer commitments preferred
- What’s Included: Semi-private room accommodation, meals and beverages, participation in Ayahuasca ceremonies between retreats
- Responsibilities: Retreat preparation, guest support, activity help and participation, ceremony support
- Requirements: Fluency in English and Spanish, strong interpersonal skills, previous experience with plant medicines
Learn More: https://www.jochipapanete.com/volunteer
PachaMama Eco Village
PachaMama is a vibrant eco-village and spiritual community nestled in the lush forests of Guanacaste. Their Volunteer Exchange Program invites individuals to immerse themselves in a transformative environment, contributing to daily operations while engaging in personal growth activities. Volunteers are expected to adhere to the community’s ecological guidelines, embracing a zero-waste lifestyle and supporting sustainability efforts.
- Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Program Fee: Not specified; inquire directly for details
- Minimum Stay: 2 months
- What’s Included: Discounted accommodation, meals, access to classes and workshops
- Responsibilities: Assisting in the kitchen, café, or recycling center, supporting meditation halls and group rooms, engaging in community maintenance tasks
Nimea Kaya
Nimea Kaya (Spirit of the Jungle) is an Ayahuasca retreat center located in the Ucayali Region of the Amazon, Peru. This center offers authentic Ayahuasca ceremonies facilitated by Shapibo healers, as well as master plant dietas. Nimea Kaya is very involved in a local community and also runs a non-profit to give back to the residents by providing clean water and sanitation, helping restore the Amazon rainforest, and reviving the local culture.
Volunteering at Nimea Kaya is a great way to get involved in local projects and give back to the community. It’s a great opportunity to be fully immersed in the Amazon while helping guests throughout their process of healing and transformation. Volunteers receive private accommodations, meals, and the opportunity to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies at a discounted rate between retreats.
To volunteer at Nimea Kaya, prior participation in one of their retreats is required. A commitment of three months is preferred, which allows time for the volunteers to fully immerse themselves and integrate into the community meaningfully.
- Location: Near Pucallpa, Peru
- Program Fee: $300 per month
- Duration: Preferred 3 months minimum, but flexible based on individual circumstances. 5 hours of work a day
- What’s Included: Private accommodation, meals, discounted participation in ayahuasca ceremonies between retreats
- Responsibilities: Preparing the center for group arrivals, assisting in ceremonies, participating in retreat activities, kitchen help, and light maintenance of the grounds
- Requirement: Must have attended at least one retreat at Nimea Kaya
Hayulima Spiritual Sanctuary
Hayulima is a beautiful spiritual sanctuary located in the cloud forest of Mindo, Northern Ecuador, just a couple of hours from Quito. This retreat center is the home of Salvador VillaLobos, a very skilled, knowledgeable, and friendly medicine man from Mexico with whom I’ve done a few ceremonies in the past.
Hayulima has a close-knit team of medicine people who all speak English, which is a big bonus! The center feels intimate, and volunteers have an opportunity to live with and connect with the medicine people, guests, and other volunteers at Hayulima. They offer traditional ceremonies including Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Temazcals.
Volunteers at Hayulima assist with daily operations, guest support, and ceremonial preparation. In return, they receive meals, lodging, and the chance to participate in ceremonies. Various workshops and activities are also offered on-site, which volunteers are encouraged to participate in.
- Location: Mindo, Ecuador
- Program Fee: $600 per retreat
- Minimum Stay: 1 month or longer preferred
- What’s Included: Shared accommodation, meals, participation in ceremonies
- Responsibilities: Ceremony assistance, guest support, helping with kitchen, garden, cleaning, and site maintenance, participating in community life
Learn more: https://www.hayulima.com
Rainforest Healing Center
Nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the Rainforest Healing Center offers volunteers a chance to immerse themselves in a transformative environment. The center emphasizes a fair energy exchange, seeking individuals who are humble, open-hearted, and ready to step outside their comfort zones to assist others in their healing journeys.
Volunteers participate in various tasks, from ceremony support to permaculture projects, all while living in harmony with the natural surroundings.
- Location: Near Iquitos, Peru
- Program Fee: $600 per month
- Minimum Stay: 2 months
- What’s Included: Shared accommodation, meals, participation in ceremonies with availability
- Responsibilities: Ceremony assistance, guest support, permaculture work and off-grid living projects, and maintaining the center’s facilities.
- Requirements: Prior experience with ayahuasca is preferred, commitment to the ayahuasca diet during your stay, and physical fitness due to hands-on work.