Ayahuasca Journey

A Journey into the Spirit World: An Ayahuasca Ceremony with the Cofán Tribe

Imagine stepping into a world where time slows down, where the noise of daily life fades away, and where you're invited to connect with the ancient wisdom of the jungle. That was my invitation, and it came in the form of a sacred journey into the heart of the Amazon with Shaman Andrés Criollo, a descendant of the revered Cofán tribe in Southern Colombia.

This was no ordinary trip. This was an invitation to experience the transformative power of Ayahuasca, a medicine that’s been used for centuries to open the spirit and heal the soul.

Shaman Andrés Criollo carries within him the lineage of his ancestors—the deep knowledge of healing passed down from his father, grandfather, and even his grandmother, who lovingly guards the sacred aye (Ayahuasca). This knowledge is passed on not just through teachings, but through experience. And I had the incredible privilege of being invited to experience it firsthand in the sacred land of the Cofán tribe.

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where the trees are ancient and the air is thick with the spirits of nature, the tribe gathers the sacred Chacruna and the Vine—the two vital components of Ayahuasca—from the depths of the untouched forest. These plants are carefully chosen, their power and purpose known only to the initiated. The preparation of the Ayahuasca is not rushed; it’s an intricate process of love, respect, and devotion. Hours stretch into days as the Shaman sings sacred songs, weaving prayers into the very fabric of the brew, infusing it with intentions of healing, growth, and spiritual awakening.

The ceremony itself takes place in the Maluka, a humble ceremonial hut bathed in dim candlelight. The air is heavy with anticipation, and though it’s quiet, it’s filled with an undeniable energy—the energy of the jungle, of the ancestors, and of the medicine itself.

As the evening begins, the clock strikes 10 PM, and the room fills with participants, all ready for a transformative experience. But here's the catch: the journey doesn’t just begin with the drink—it begins with your soul’s readiness to let go, to surrender, and to trust the process.

Around 2 AM, after deep prayers and reflections, the first dose of Ayahuasca is consumed. And oh, the taste! It's earthy, potent, and strangely comforting. But as it flows down your throat, something magical happens: you are no longer just a person sitting in a room. You are a vessel, a conduit between the seen and the unseen. As the medicine takes hold, your mind starts to drift, and suddenly, you're no longer in the Maluka; you're in a forest of vibrant colors, ancestral visions, and pulsating rhythms.

The jaguar spirit—strong, wise, and ancient—guides you through the jungle of your own soul, showing you parts of yourself you may not even recognize, yet always knew were there.

This is not just a vision; it’s a conversation with the universe. And sometimes, the universe has a very cheeky sense of humor! It shows you what you need, but it doesn’t always make it easy. There’s laughter. There’s challenge. There’s release. But most of all, there’s an overwhelming sense of connection—a feeling of being part of something much larger than yourself.

As dawn breaks, the ceremony starts to wind down. The Ayahuasca’s effects gently fade, leaving you with a sense of deep peace, clarity, and an unshakable connection to the earth and to the ancestors. You realize, in that moment, that this medicine isn’t just about the wild visions or the intense emotional purging—it’s about remembering who you really are and reclaiming the power that’s always been within you.

As I left the jungle, I felt lighter, more grounded, and infinitely more connected to the world around me. The journey wasn’t just about the Ayahuasca. It was about the people, the wisdom, and the jungle itself—the ancient guardians of the medicine. It was about laughter and tears, humility and power, and the undeniable joy of surrendering to something greater than yourself.

So, whether you’re seeking healing, insight, or just a profound spiritual experience, remember this: the Ayahuasca journey is one of deep respect, wild adventure, and sacred transformation. And who knows, you might just find that the spirits of the jungle have a sense of humor too.

"May the jaguar guide your path and may your heart always be open to the mysteries of the universe". 🌿🐆✨

Just a small glass is sufficient to experience the effects of the sacred medicine, which will linger in your system for hours. The potency of the aye spirit present in the medicine varies depending on the type of vine used; some of the most exceptional varieties include the “Jaguar Yage,” the “Lucero Yage” (meaning "bright star"), and the “Gold Yage.”

During the ceremony, the shaman typically leads by whistling, singing songs, and offering prayers. Musical instruments like the harmonica, drums, and guitar are commonly incorporated into the rituals. Following the ceremony, the shaman employs the Guaira to purify the body and mind of the patient or disciple, providing them with peace and protection.

Following an extensive discussion with shaman Andres, it is believed that there are approximately 2000 Cofán individuals remaining (in contrast to the 15,000 population since the 16th century), with an average of around 2800 members of the ethnic tribe living in Colombia and Ecuador. The majority of the indigenous communities have suffered significant losses due to mining and oil exploration, as well as disease and violence.

Through the combined efforts of local communities and humanitarian organizations, approximately 4000 square meters of rainforest were successfully brought under legal protection. Additionally, they established local school facilities for the youth in the area. The Cofán tribes continue to serve as the genuine and distinctive protectors of the forest to this day.

Visiting Putumayo, Colombia has been a significant experience in my life, especially as I report directly from the Amazon. Stay tuned for more details in my upcoming blog post titled "The Amazon."

I am grateful to my friends and shamans for introducing me to the sacred healing power of Ayahuasca, cleansing both my soul and body. I appreciate your companionship during this transformative journey and for your unwavering care and support.

May you be blessed with light and, above all, love.