Mazdak says, "I recently had my second stay with Soltara. They rotate their staff, so I met a whole new group of people this time. In both retreats, the level of care was amazing and the guests have been well supported." See more
André says, "I thought long and hard for years before deciding to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony. I’m eternally grateful for finally arriving at Ayahuasca Costa Rica as my choice." See more
Megan says, "Choosing Mar to guide me through my first ayahuasca ceremonies was one of the best things I’ve done. From the moment I arrived at her beautiful jungle home, I felt welcomed, safe, and supported." See more
Anonymous says, "I hold such gratitude for Ananda Lodge. What a truly special, safe and sacred space to surrender into healing. I am very selective on where and who I do plant medicine journeys with, as it's something I don't take lightly." See more
Susan says, "Reunion is truly a place to heal. Everything is thoughtfully orchestrated with the goal of healing in the most beautiful place imagineable - the preparation, welcome, orientation, grounds, delicious food, the ceremonies, music and, most of all, each person I met there." See more
Nicholas says, "Solete is full of light and love. Her voice is increíble. She makes sure to answer all your questions and concerns, and that you are comfortable. The space is lovely and peaceful." See more
Anuradha says, "Maria supported me with so much love and care throughout my journey. Her presence is gentle yet powerful, she carries such a beautiful, calming energy. The meditations she guided were deeply soothing and grounding, helping me release tension and come back into my body with ease and trust." See more
Monica says, "My husband and I did a five-day couple's retreat at Blue Butterfly Center and are so happy that we did. Aya and Kay put a tremendous amount of work into creating a meaningful experience for us, from a beautiful location and thoughtfully prepared meals to the ceremonial aspects of the retreat." See more
Anonymous says, "Pandorita was a very profound, healing experience for me, it touched me deeply – and I am still in inner contact with this special energy from this special, wonderful place." See more
Ben says, "Claudia was wonderful and very knowledgeable throughout the experience. I was definitely nervous at first but she explained everything and held space for me during the process." 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.