American Tourist Dies After Taking Part In Shamanic Ritual In Peru

An American tourist, Aaron Wayne Castranova, aged 41, died on Monday (June 2) in the Loreto region of Peru after participating in a shamanic ritual involving the consumption of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic herbal tea. Castranova, who was from Alabama, suffered a fatal multi-organ reaction after drinking the brew during a spiritual session at La Casa de Guillermo ICONA, a hostel in the indigenous community of Santa Maria de Ojeda. According to the regional prosecutor's forensic pathologist, Narciso Lopez, the tea, which contains N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), can cause severe health issues, including death. Castranova reportedly did not inform the ceremony organizers that he was taking antibiotics, which may have contributed to the adverse reaction.

Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Amazonian tribes for spiritual and healing rituals, has gained popularity among tourists seeking spiritual experiences. However, the U.S. Embassy in Peru advises against consuming such substances, warning that they are often marketed as spiritual cleansers but can pose significant health risks. Despite the dangers, ayahuasca tourism continues to grow, with many visitors drawn to its reputation for alleviating mental health issues.

Castranova's death follows a similar incident last year when a British woman died at a Bolivian retreat after consuming ayahuasca. The rise in ayahuasca-related tourism highlights the need for caution and awareness of the potential risks involved in such practices.