Anonymous says, "This retreat was conducted with so much care throughout. I felt well prepared for my first ayahuasca experience, fully supported through some really challenging moments, and empowered to take my integration forward on my own and with the resources provided at the end of the retreat." See more
Nic says, "Erick and his family were amazing. They took excellent care of us through a very transformative weekend." See more
Erin says, "I went to Reunion as a solo traveler in January. I chose a double occupancy room and was paired with another female solo traveler. The room was very large and comfortable with a great view." See more
Kaylee says, "The environment at Madrediosa was peaceful and blissful in the jungle. It was private and I felt incredibly safe and welcome. I loved having my own space to rest, relax, shower and sleep." See more
Vanessa says, "I’ve had a few experiences with retreats but this might be my favorite! The accommodation is luxurious and new and very comfortable- just beautiful! The Huachemero Chase is one of the kindest, most humble and most competent teachers I’ve worked with." See more
Anonymous says, "I had an excellent experience at the Acsauhaya retreat center. The guides are top-notch—very knowledgeable and supportive. The retreat's location is beautiful, surrounded by peaceful nature, which adds a lot to the overall experience." See more
Ciji says, "When I first got to the retreat center, I learned that the location where I was staying was a new space for the retreat. La Casa de Mendez was an absolutely stunning place and I felt like that made the whole retreat experience richer." See more
Renee says, "There could not have been a better or more beautiful place in Costa Rica for me to embark on this amazing journey. It is so peaceful with everything I needed to be comfortable being this was my first experience with Ayahuasca and Kambo plant medicines." See more
Andy says, "If you're considering an Ayahuasca retreat, Sowa Nete is something truly special — but it's not something to take lightly. This experience is not for everyone." See more
Samantha says, "Harold's dark eyes sparkle as he speaks with you. But before we met he talked with us in Australia and explained thoroughly the whole process of three medicines." See more
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Your comfort level is paramount for a safe and fruitful journey. If you feel drawn to a certain retreat, but the listing doesn’t provide all the information you need.
Feel free to inquire with the organizers or facilitators directly. The Contact option is available just under the Booking button on every listing.
Aside from getting the responses you need to put your mind at ease, opening a line of communication with those who will be taking care of you will enhance your intuition into whether you’ll be in good hands.
Another good way to get insight into details not mentioned in the listing is by checking the Review section — those who have already attended are best at pointing out the virtues and flaws.
Having a clear intention before the ceremony can make an incredible difference in how your experience unfolds.
Maintaining psychophysical purity, or some form of dieta can go a long way in warding off unnecessary suffering once you drink.
Make sure that your intentions are not actually your expectations. It’s in your best interest to let go of the illusion of control.
The effects of ayahuasca typically unfold across distinct phases over 4-6 hours, though the full journey can last up to 8 hours for some people. Traditional Amazonian ceremonies usually begin in the evening and continue through the night, with the most intense period occurring 1-2 hours after drinking the medicine. The physical effects often start within 30 minutes, while the visionary phase commonly peaks between hours 2-4. After the main journey subsides, many experience a gentle "landing" period of 1-2 hours where insights continue to emerge. In traditional contexts, integration begins immediately after the ceremony and extends for days or weeks - this is considered an essential part of the medicine's work. Some retreat centers observe that certain participants may feel subtle energetic shifts for several days following a ceremony, though these are typically mild and manageable. Each person's experience with the medicine follows its own timing and rhythm. Traditional healers emphasize that the effects aren't limited to the ceremonial hours - rather, the ceremony opens a door through which healing and understanding continue to flow long after the acute effects have passed.