I recently visited APL Journeys near Malaga in Spain to go through an ayahuasca experience. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything: the setting, the shamans, the ceremonies, the support, the pricing, and the few things I think could be improved. By the end, you’ll know whether this is the right retreat for you.
👉 Visit APL Journeys’ official website here — use this link to learn more or apply for your spot. If you mention YOURINCEPTION, you may get a special gift :)
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.5/10 |
| Location | Near Malaga, Spain |
| Price | €2,600 – €3,500 per week |
| Group Size | ~15 participants |
| Ceremonies | 4 ayahuasca ceremonies per week |
| Shamans | Authentic Shipibo Onanyas from Peru |
| Best For | First-timers and experienced seekers wanting authentic ceremonies with strong integration support |
What Is APL Journeys?
APL Journeys (formally known as APL Shamanic Journeys) is an ayahuasca-focused retreat center founded by Boris and Sasha. They’ve been operating since 2017, with their primary European location set in a beautiful hacienda near Malaga, Spain. They also run retreats in Peru.
What sets APL apart from the dozens of retreat centers popping up around the world is their commitment to authenticity. Their ceremonies are led by genuine Shipibo Onanyas — traditional Amazonian curanderos with a minimum of 20 years of experience — combined with a modern, trauma-informed integration team.
In short: this is a serious plant medicine experience — not a casual weekend psychedelic getaway.
The Setting: A Beautiful Hacienda Near Malaga
The retreat is located roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Malaga Airport. Group transfers are arranged from both Malaga and Seville airports, which makes arrival straightforward.
When I arrived, my first impression was genuine surprise. The hacienda is stunning — surrounded by nature, with large and comfortable rooms, a cozy communal living area, and a beautiful garden. It feels private, peaceful, and exactly what you’d want when you’re about to go deep within yourself.
The ayahuasca ceremonies themselves take place in a dedicated maloca about 100 meters from the main building. That separation matters more than you might think — having a dedicated ceremonial space gives the whole experience a sense of sacredness and intention. The first time I walked into it at night, before the ceremony began, I immediately understood why people describe this place the way they do.
The food deserves a specific mention. Every meal is prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients and follows the traditional ayahuasca dietary protocol. Despite the strict guidelines the kitchen team needs to follow, they consistently turned out meals that were genuinely delicious and nutritionally thoughtful.
So the overall setting is amazing, no doubt about that.
The Team: Founders, Facilitators and Shamans
Meeting Boris and Sasha
I had the chance to sit down with Boris and Sasha, the two founders of APL Journeys, and it became immediately clear why this retreat has the reputation it does. These are people who have built something from a place of deep personal conviction — not simply as a business. Their warmth, attention to detail, and personal involvement throughout the retreat is something that reviewers consistently highlight, and I experienced it myself.
One moment I still think about: on a few occasions, Boris picked up a guitar and sang shamanic songs for all of us. It sounds like a small thing, but in that moment — when everyone was quietly processing a strong ayahuasca experience — it was exactly what we needed. This was definitely one of the most unexpectedly magical parts of the whole week.
Maestro Noe: The Shaman
During my stay, Maestro Noe was the primary shaman guiding the ceremonies. Meeting him and having a private conversation with him was one of the most memorable parts of the whole experience.
There’s a depth of wisdom and presence that’s genuinely difficult to describe. He brings the full weight of the Shipibo tradition into the ceremony space — his Icaros (sacred healing songs learned directly from teacher plants) are the backbone of each ceremony, creating an energetic container that makes the whole experience feel safe and very genuine.
I don’t speak Spanish and Maestro Noe doesn’t speak English, so we needed a translator for our private session. That could have felt awkward, but luckily it wasn’t at all. I don’t know if I’ll ever meet Maestro Noe again, but I’ll definitely never forget his stories and how he helped me understand the messages ayahuasca was giving me.
The Facilitation Team
Beyond the shaman, what genuinely impressed me was the quality of their facilitation team. All facilitators are Red Cross certified for first aid, and the integration team includes trauma-informed specialists with backgrounds in psychology. Because of them, I never really felt alone.
Whenever I needed support from the team (which was on more than one occasion), they were always available without any judgment. Even when I had processing hard emotions, they were always there with me which I really appreciated.
When I visited the center, there were exactly 15 attendees (if I counted correctly) and around 5–6 facilitators present during each ceremony.
What a Week at APL Journeys Looks Like
Here’s how my week at APL Journeys looked:
- Day 1 – Arrival and Welcome: Check-in, orientation, and a group introduction circle with the facilitators and Maestro. We got to know each other, learned the rules and the plan, then took some time to settle in and relax.
- Ceremony days: Four ayahuasca ceremonies took place across the week, each held in the maloca at night under Maestro Noe’s guidance. After the second ceremony, we had one full day off to integrate and recover.
- Integration circles: Every morning after a ceremony, there was a group integration session where everyone could share their experience, process what came up, and receive support. This was extremely well organized — better, in my opinion, than what I experienced at Rythmia, probably the most well-known retreat in Costa Rica.
- Additional offerings: We had daily yoga focused on gentle movement and meditation, sound therapy sessions, optional massages, and private one-on-one talks with the shamans and integration specialists. Definitely a nice add-on!
The private talks with Maestro Noe were something I found particularly valuable. Having the opportunity to sit one-on-one with an experienced shaman and ask questions about you experience is rare — but APL offers that for which I am really grateful.
APL Journeys Pros and Cons
What I Loved
Exceptional organization. Every element of the retreat runs smoothly, from airport transfers to daily scheduling. This matters more than it sounds — when you’re in a vulnerable state during deep inner work, logistical chaos is the last thing you need.
Your well-being is genuinely their first priority. The screening process alone — a long safety questionnaire followed by an interview with a therapist — tells you something important about how seriously they take participant safety. This isn’t performative; it’s built into everything they do.
Outstanding integration support. The daily integration circles are genuinely excellent. Having trained, trauma-informed specialists facilitate these sessions makes a meaningful difference in how you process and carry forward what you experience in ceremony.
Authentic ceremonies. The Icaros sung by Maestro Noe are not background music — they are the ceremony. The traditional Shipibo approach is honored fully, without the commercialization you sometimes see at other retreats.
Meaningful extras included in the price. Sound therapy, yoga, massages, educational workshops, and private shaman talks are all part of the package — not add-ons that increase the cost.
They give back. A portion of profit goes toward projects in Peru, including clean water infrastructure and support for indigenous Shipibo communities. If you care about the ethics of engaging with this tradition, you’ll like that.
Minor Areas for Improvement
I want to be honest: there isn’t much to criticize here. The few things I’d mention are genuinely minor.
The rooms are comfortable, but you can occasionally hear other participants moving through the hallways — particularly in the early hours after a ceremony night. Worth knowing if you’re a light sleeper.
It would also be a nice touch if organic herbal teas and natural personal care products were available as standard. Given the type of the retreat, that’d be nice.
But that’s honestly it.
How Much Does APL Journeys Cost?
A week-long retreat at APL Journeys costs between €2,600 and €3,500, which includes accommodation, all meals, four ayahuasca ceremonies, integration sessions, and the additional offerings such as yoga, sound therapy, and massages.
For context: this is very competitive pricing for a high-quality, week-long ayahuasca retreat in Europe with authentic Shipibo shamans. When you consider what’s included — and more importantly, the level of professional support and care — I think it represents an amazing value.
👉 Check current dates and pricing at APL Journeys
Who Is APL Journeys Right For?
APL Journeys is an excellent fit if you are seriously considering an ayahuasca retreat and want a professionally run, safety-first experience in Europe. It’s also a strong choice if you value authentic Shipibo shamanic tradition over a more Western or hybrid approach, and if you want strong integration support built into the program — not just ceremonies.
It works well for groups of around 15 people, so you’ll feel held and supported without feeling lost in a crowd. Whether you’ve done inner work before and are ready to go deeper, or you’re approaching this for the first time and want a retreat that will properly support you, APL is well equipped for both.
It may be less suitable if you’re looking for a very small, ultra-private experience. In that case, their Peru retreats run with groups of around 8 participants and may be worth exploring.
My Verdict: Is APL Journeys Worth It?
Yes — without hesitation.
I came into this visit with high expectations given the reputation of APL Journeys. What I didn’t expect was for the reality to match those expectations so closely.
The combination of experienced, authentic shamans, a genuinely caring and professional facilitation team, thoughtful integration support, beautiful surroundings, and a logistically seamless experience makes APL Journeys one of the most well-rounded retreat options in Europe. The founders have built something that clearly comes from a place of real purpose, and that shows in every detail.
I left different from how I arrived. If you’re considering APL Journeys, trust me — you’ll love it.
👉 Visit APL Journeys and apply for your retreat here
If you mention YOURINCEPTION, you may get a special gift :)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APL Journeys safe?
Yes. APL Journeys has one of the most rigorous safety protocols of any ayahuasca retreat in Europe. Every participant completes a detailed health screening questionnaire and, if needed, an interview with a therapist before being approved. All facilitators are Red Cross certified in first aid, and the integration team includes trauma-informed specialists with psychology backgrounds. There is also a strict pre-retreat dietary protocol to minimize any health risks during ceremonies.
How much does APL Journeys cost?
A week-long retreat at APL Journeys costs between €2,600 and €3,500. This includes accommodation, all meals, four ayahuasca ceremonies, daily integration circles, yoga, sound therapy, massages, and private talks with the shaman. There are no significant hidden extras as far as I remember.
Is ayahuasca legal in Spain?
Ayahuasca is not specifically listed as a controlled substance under Spanish national law. Several court rulings have determined that ayahuasca, when used in private, closed, and non-commercial settings, is not subject to international drug control. APL Journeys operates within this legal framework as a private, members-only cultural association.
How do I book APL Journeys?
You can apply directly through their website. The process involves submitting a short form, selecting your retreat dates, and completing a medical screening questionnaire. Your place is only confirmed once the APL team has reviewed your health form and approved your application. They recommend not booking flights until you receive confirmation.
How big are the groups at APL Journeys?
Groups in Spain are kept to around 15 participants, with 5–6 facilitators present during each ceremony. This ensures personalized attention without making the experience feel isolating. Their Peru retreats run with smaller groups of around 8 participants for a more intimate setting.
