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What to Bring to an Ayahuasca Retreat in Europe

Top 14 things to bring to an ayahuasca retreat with Mahanse

15 April 20262 min readBy Fransie
The shared room, two single beds
In this article In this article
  1. Essentials for Comfort and Presence
  2. Personal Care and Practical Items
  3. Connection with the Environment
  4. Final Preparation

Preparing for an ayahuasca retreat in Europe means bringing only what truly supports your experience. Simplicity, comfort, and intention are key. The environment is designed to help you go inward, so everything you bring should serve that purpose. Let's review what to bring to an ayahuasca retreat in Europe with Mahanse:

Essentials for Comfort and Presence

1. Warm and Comfortable Clothes

Retreats in Europe can vary in temperature, especially at night. Bring layers that feel soft and comfortable. You’ll want clothing that allows you to relax fully without distraction.

2. Sleeping Earplugs and Sleep Mask

Rest is an important part of the process. Earplugs and a sleep mask may help you recover between ceremonies, especially if you have a light sleep, or if you are sharing your room. At Mahanse rooms are for a max. of 2-3 people.

3. Extra Blanket (if not provided)

Having your own blanket can add a sense of familiarity and warmth, making it easier to settle into the space. (At mahanse we provide with comfortable matress and 2 warm blankets for every joining).

Personal Care and Practical Items

4. Personal Hygiene Items

Bring your essentials like a toothbrush and natural toiletries, soaps and skin care or shaving stuff + essences. At Mahanse Retreats we offer Shampoo, Body Wash and Conditioner, so keep it simple!

5. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important before and after ceremonies. A reusable bottle is practical and sustainable. At our retreats we have plenty of bottles in case you don't bring your own.

6. Lip Balm

The body can feel dry during the process. Lip balm is a small but useful item to stay comfortable, specially in cold seasons where the air is dry.

7. Phone Charger

Your phone may not be used often, but having it charged for logistics or travel is helpful!

8. Journal and Pen

Writing allows you to capture insights, emotions, and reflections. Many realizations come after the ceremony, and having a place to process them is valuable.

Tablke with traditional and spiritual things to pack before joining an ayahuasca retreat

Connection with the Environment

9. Swimmwear

Many retreats in Europe include access to nature—rivers, lakes, or pools. Swimming can be part of your integration and relaxation.

10. Offerings and Personal Items

You may feel called to bring something meaningful—an object, a photo, or a small offering. These items can support your intention and connection during the retreat. In traditional lineages bringing a gift to the shaman, like tobacco cigars or incienses is always appreciatted.

11. Incense an Essences

Used with awareness, incense can help create a personal moment of grounding or reflection. During the ceremonies we also use agua florida or other essences which cleanse your energy.

12. Rapé, Tobacco, Mambe

If you already work with these, you can bring your own. Always follow the guidance of the facilitators and the space you are entering.

 

Final Preparation

Packing for an ayahuasca retreat in Europe is a process of simplification. Each item should support your comfort, your presence, and your ability to go inward. When your external environment is taken care of, your attention can fully rest on the experience itself.

 
Fransie
Written by Fransie

Ceremony guide and guardian of the yagé at Mahanse, five years on the path with ayahuasca. More than 300 people guided. Meet the team.

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