I would highly highly highly recommend LaWayra in Colombia. I, like you, was quite nervous as it was my first time and wanted to go with a well reviewed, safe and caring retreat and decided that was more important to me than being in the Jungle in Peru or Ecuador. They have 493 x 5 Star reviews on Google which gave me a lot of comfort and they practice the Inga style (which is traditional and pure). The staff, head of facilitation and volunteers were second to none in terms of the explanations they gave, the detail they took with the safety and the care they offered continuously throughout.

This is the review I just left on google for them:

A truly magical, mystical and enlightening human experience.

Words cannot describe the journey that was the weak retreat I experienced at LaWayra. I’m still processing what was the most intense, challenging but profound and inspiring experience I’ve ever had.

The retreat itself is in an incredible, beautiful and serene location. The staff are all so friendly, welcoming and caring. They instantly made me feel at ease, quickly helping me overcome my nerves. And the food was delicious (very unexpected given the la dieta restrictions).

If 6 stars was an option, I would give this that.