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 - a sacred journey into the heart of the Amazon with Shaman Andrés Criollo, a descendant of the revered Cofán tribe in southern Colombia.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was an initiation - a chance to experience the transformative power of Ayahuasca, the sacred medicine used for centuries to open the spirit and heal the soul.

The Legacy of the Shaman

Shaman Andrés carries the lineage of generations - the deep knowledge of healing passed down from his father, grandfather, and grandmother, who lovingly guards the sacred “aye” (Ayahuasca). This wisdom isn’t just taught; it’s lived, breathed, and felt through experience. I was honored to be invited to witness and partake in this ancient ritual on Cofán land, deep within the Colombian Amazon.

Preparing the Sacred Medicine

In the dense heart of the rainforest, where trees whisper and the air hums with unseen energy, the tribe gathers the sacred Chacruna leaves and the Ayahuasca vine - the two key components of the brew.

The preparation is an act of devotion. The process unfolds slowly, guided by sacred songs and prayers sung by the Shaman, infusing the medicine with intention - for healing, growth, and awakening. Hours blend into days as the jungle itself seems to listen.

The Ceremony Begins

As night descends, the ceremony takes place in the Maloka, a humble ceremonial hut glowing with candlelight. The air is dense with anticipation - quiet yet alive.

At 10 p.m., participants gather in a circle, ready for transformation. But here’s the thing: the journey doesn’t begin with the drink. It begins when you surrender - when you trust the medicine and let your soul lead the way.

Around 2 a.m., after deep prayers and reflection, the first small glass of Ayahuasca is shared. Its taste is earthy and strong, grounding yet strangely comforting. And then, slowly, the shift begins.

The walls of the Maloka fade. The jungle comes alive in color and vibration. I’m no longer just sitting there - I’m journeying through a living tapestry of ancestral visions and pulsating rhythms.

The spirit of the jaguar appears - fierce, wise, and protective - guiding me through the wilderness of my own being. It shows me truths I’d buried, fears I’d ignored, and light I’d forgotten.

This is not a hallucination. It’s a conversation with the universe - sometimes profound, sometimes humorous. The medicine doesn’t always give you what you want; it gives you what you need. There’s laughter. There’s struggle. There’s release. And, ultimately, there’s connection - to yourself, to others, and to everything that exists.

The Shaman’s Tools and the Healing Ritual

Only a small glass of the sacred brew is needed for its effects to unfold. The potency of the “aye spirit” depends on the vine used - some of the most revered varieties include Jaguar

Yagé, Lucero Yagé (“Bright Star”), and Golden Yagé.

During the ceremony, the Shaman leads with whistling, chants, and songs accompanied by simple instruments - harmonica, drum, and guitar. At the end, he uses the Guaira, a sacred tool, to cleanse and protect the participants’ spirit and body, sealing the ceremony with peace.

Dawn and the Return

By dawn, the intensity softens. The jungle’s first light filters through the thatched roof, and an immense peace fills the space. The Ayahuasca’s effects fade, leaving a quiet clarity - a sense of renewal and belonging.

You realize that the ceremony isn’t about the visions or the emotions - it’s about remembering who you are, and rediscovering the power that’s always lived within.

As I left the jungle, I felt lighter, grounded, and deeply connected. The journey wasn’t only about Ayahuasca - it was about the people, their laughter, their stories, and their wisdom. The Cofán are the true guardians of this sacred forest and its teachings.

The Spirit of the Cofán

The Cofán people, once numbering around 15,000 in the 16th century, now count roughly 2,000 members in Colombia and Ecuador. Centuries of oil extraction, mining, disease, and conflict have threatened their land and way of life.

Yet, through resilience and collaboration with humanitarian organizations, over 4,000 square meters of rainforest have been placed under legal protection, and schools have been built for local children. Despite the hardships, the Cofán remain the protectors of the forest - living bridges between humanity and nature.

Reflections from the Amazon

Visiting Putumayo, Colombia, and joining the Cofán in this sacred ritual has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Reporting directly from the Amazon, I carry with me the lessons of humility, balance, and gratitude.

To my friends and the shamans who guided me through this journey of soul and spirit - thank you for sharing the healing power of Ayahuasca and for your unwavering care and compassion.

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 the jaguar guide your path, and may your heart always remain open to the mysteries of the universe. 🌿🐆✨