Katherine says, "Complete breakthrough. Can’t explain to others because they won’t believe " See more
Santino says, "Arriving at the house you think: this is not the right place...but entering closer, you will realize the absolute beauty of this area !! Erick is a very nice person, very sensitive, professional, good organized." 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
Rachael says, "I’m so thankful to have been present for Ananda Lodge’s opening ceremony. The accommodations are beautiful, well decorated, comfortable, with stunning views." See more
Duncan says, "Mar was a wonderful host and guide. She welcomed me warmly into the beautiful space. I felt very at home in the accommodations and loved the ceremonial maloka. Her strong, yet gentle presence helped me feel protected and cared for during all my experiences." See more
Ryan says, "I fell in love with this place in just two days. I’m coming back right away. I cant express how grateful I am for Jim and his team. This was one of the best experiences of my entire life." See more
Casey says, "Matt was an amazing ceremony guide and made me feel comfortable and safe the whole time. He is a genuine individual doing great work with Ayahuasca. I will be back!" See more
Anonymous says, "René is a caring, experienced and very intelligent leader, and just the kind of person you want guiding you through a psycidelic experience, as well as making sure all your needs are taken care of during your stay." 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
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
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
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Ask Retreat Centers Questions Directly
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.