Marijke says, "I returned from a 5-day retreat at Soltara a few days ago which I attended with my daughter (I’m 69 and she is almost 42). It may sound cliché but it truly was a life altering experience for me … spiritually, physically and mentally." See more
Anonymous says, "I write this 3 months after completing the retreat... Nestled in the serene mountain landscape, under the stars, this ayahuasca retreat provided an ideal environment for a profound and life-changing experience." See more
Ektaa says, "Wow. From someone who’s experienced extensive trauma throughout life, I have been on a mission to heal and clear it for a number of years and Reunion has been my saviour." See more
Sonia says, "Soledad was truly a blessing to have on this experience. She has such a calming voice and was there with me the whole time. The changa was awesome and powerful. After two pulls you feel it’s magic take over you." See more
Erik says, "I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony for Ananda Lodge in Playa and it was a life-altering experience. The accommodations are exceptional, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance." See more
Kenny says, "This was my second time at this retreat. It was more amazing then the first. Accommodations are very comfortable. The space they held for me really allowed me to process what I needed." 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
Anonymous says, "MADREDIOSA is a beautiful sanctuary located in a very convenient location close to the Puerto Viejo/Cocles area. As someone with little prior knowledge or experience with Psychadelics, Mar was very patient and accommodating to answer any and all questions about what to expect." 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
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
Rebecca says, "This retreat honestly changed my life. Neten was such a kind, caring, and beautiful person. She was so intuitive and knowledgeable about so many different things." 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.