Find out what is behind Ayahuasca that natives call sacred

Americas Now

Colombia is one of the region’s fastest growing tourist destinations. In 2014, more than four million foreigners enjoyed its diverse landscapes, its colonial cities, beach sites section of the Amazon rain forest and more.

Others travelling in search of healing and perhaps a more spiritual experience have discovered Ayahuasca or Yage: a hallucinatory, plant-based “drug” taken as a drink.

Yage tourism in South America has become popular among backpackers from all around the world. The sacred plant has become a major draw for spiritual seekers in the U.S. and Europe.

It’s used for rituals in the Amazon. And some call it the “vine of the soul”.

Some shamans have conducted spiritual trips, claiming the drink will resolve personal problems as well as drug and alcohol addiction.

Meanwhile, locals also consider it capable of curing illness, physically and mentally.

Correspondent Michelle Begue travels to Colombia’s mountains to find out what’s behind the drink, the natives call sacred.

Find out what is behind Ayahuasca that natives call sacred

Colombia is one of the region's fastest growing tourist destinations. Last year, more than four million foreigners enjoyed its diverse landscapes, its colonial cities, beach sites section of the Amazon rain forest and more. Others travelling in search of healing and perhaps a more spiritual experience have discovered Ayahuasca or Yage: a hallucinatory, plant-based "drug" taken as a drink.Yage tourism in South America has become popular among backpackers from all around the world. The sacred plant has become a major draw for spiritual seekers in the U.S. and Europe.