The Story of Sam Believ - A Modern Pioneer in Plant Medicine Healing

You might have heard of Sam Believ, the modern pioneer who swapped offshore oil rigs for ancient plant medicine ceremonies. His journey led to LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia, where transformative healing meets ancestral wisdom. In this article you’ll dive into his path, the heart of LaWayra, and what you can expect when you explore plant medicine with his guidance.

Here’s the promise of value: by the end, you’ll know why so many seekers trust Sam Believ’s approach, and how to plan your own immersive Ayahuasca experience.

Discover Sam Believ

Sam Believ made a name for himself by blending scientific rigor with spiritual practice. You won’t find flashy promises here, just authentic accounts of life shifts through plant medicine. Early on, Believ hosted thousands of guests and shared stories on his Ayahuasca Podcast, featuring experts like Dr. Gabor Maté and Dennis McKenna.

Co-founded LaWayra in 2021 with his wife Estefania
Recorded 100+ podcast episodes on ancestral healing
Gathers intimate groups of around 20 participants per ceremony

Engineer turned healer

Ever thought an offshore oil and gas engineer would guide sacred ceremonies in the jungle? That’s exactly what happened with Sam Believ. He used to calculate pressure readings at sea, and now he measures healing breakthroughs by the depth of your insights. His technical background helps him design safe, supportive retreats that honor tradition without unnecessary dogma.

Founding LaWayra retreat

LaWayra began as a passion project in 2021 and quickly grew into one of South America’s top-rated Ayahuasca centers. You’ll feel the intentional simplicity from the moment you arrive—no frills, just room to focus on your inner journey.

Meaning of LaWayra

The word LaWayra means wind and air in Kitchwa languages. Local Taita shamans collect a plant by the same name for spiritual cleanses, and the retreat aims to mirror that swift, refreshing breeze.

Retreat core values

Authenticity: ceremonies led by an indigenous Taita from a long lineage of healers
Tradition: rooted in ancestral wisdom, avoiding empty slogans
Accessibility: high-quality guidance without a luxury price tag

Pricing and accessibility

Retreats start at $645 per person, proving affordability doesn’t equal lower quality. You’ll get expert facilitators, safe accommodations, and nourishing meals, all designed to keep your focus on healing rather than hidden fees.

LaWayra retreat experience

When you join a ceremony at LaWayra, expect more than a one-off ritual. You become part of a supportive community that often stays connected long after the plants have cleared your mind.

Ceremonial setting

Held in an intimate jungle lodge surrounded by native flora
Evening Ayahuasca sessions guided by experienced facilitators
Integration circles each morning to discuss visions and insights

Supportive community

You’ll share the journey with just 20 like-minded individuals. That small size fosters deep connections and honest sharing. Many retreat groups stay in touch for years, forming a network of mutual growth.

Sam Believ’s impact

His work speaks through numbers and stories alike. So far, you can count on:

Over 650 five-star Google reviews by 2025
Thousands of guests served since 2021
Regular features on 30+ podcasts and a growing documentary series
Ongoing scientific studies and a forthcoming book on Ayahuasca

He’s also on a mission to rebrand Colombia as a global hub for ancestral medicine tourism, bringing respectful curiosity and economic opportunity to remote communities.

Planning your journey

Ready to experience this yourself? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Choose your retreat dates six months in advance to secure a spot
Follow pre-ceremony guidelines: light diet, limited caffeine, and positive intention
Pack essentials: journal, flashlight, comfortable layers, and insect repellent
Plan integration time post-retreat: eat well, journal daily, and connect with a local support group

Key takeaways

You’ve met Sam Believ, the engineer-turned-ceremony guide who co-founded LaWayra in 2021
LaWayra offers authentic, affordable Ayahuasca retreats rooted in ancestral Taita traditions
Small groups, expert facilitators, and meaningful integration circles set LaWayra apart
Over 650 five-star reviews and thousands of guests testify to Believ’s impact
Proper preparation and integration make for a safe, lasting transformation

If you’re curious about plant medicine healing, LaWayra may be the breeze you’ve been waiting for. Have questions about planning your first retreat? Drop them in the comments below and let’s chat about your journey ahead.

The Story of Sam Believ – A Modern Pioneer in Plant Medicine Healing