Overview

• A 41-year-old American died after consuming ayahuasca at a spiritual retreat hostel in the indigenous community of Santa Maria de Ojeda in Loreto region.
• Regional forensic pathologist Narciso Lopez reported that the brew triggered a multi-organ breakdown that led to the man’s death.
• Ayahuasca is made from Amazonian vine bark and bush leaves containing DMT and is traditionally used by Indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing ceremonies.
• This latest fatality follows the October 2024 death of British tourist Maureen Rainford at a Bolivian ayahuasca retreat, intensifying scrutiny of jungle ceremonies.
• With ayahuasca tourism booming in Peru, health experts and authorities are urging stricter oversight and standardized safety protocols at retreats.