Millie says, "I received so much support, compassion & patience before the retreat with many questions answered, enabling me to make the best decision - attending the retreat." See more
Anonymous says, "I came to this retreat with no expectations—just a deep need for healing, clarity, and direction. What I found here was beyond anything I imagined. The guides were compassionate, present, and clearly walking their own paths of integrity and humility." See more
Anonymous says, "There are no words that can truly prepare you for this journey. No google search, no interview, no story can capture what it means to experience Ayahuasca—because this isn’t something you understand with your mind." See more
Nicole says, "I attended the 7 day retreat offered in February 2024. I traveled a great distance to attend this retreat, from the midwestern part of the United States. This was my first experience with ayahuasca and I am so glad I followed my intuition." See more
Anonymous says, "Everything exceeded my expectations, I had a great time and great results. I had the opportunity to meet very kind people (hosts but also other guests), it's a family-like atmosphere." See more
Anonymous says, "I got a lot out of my weekend at The Mezquita for the introduction to Psychedelics . The plant medicine really does allow you to access a different part of your brain and can show you what your real underlying issues are." See more
Daniel says, "Doing this retreat is the best decision I've made in a long time. An unbelievable, magical experience. Words can't do it justice. The setting, the facilties and everybody involved were perfect." See more
Suzanna says, "This review is especially for the skeptic. I’m a 42 year old married woman travelling alone. I’m a yoga teacher and I have a 18 year old daughter who has an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is addicted." See more
Annelise says, "I’ve tried many things for my PTSD/substance usage. Nothing was ever as impactful as this retreat. An eye opening and healing experience with the most wonderful environment, food, and people." See more
Anonymous says, "When I arrived at Faro airport, I honestly did not know what to expect. Feelings of apprehension were strong, but as soon as I found JoĂŁo waiting for me in arrivals they dissipated." See more
Sergio says, "encontrĂ© esta página que me llevĂł a un lugar maravilloso , guiado por una persona maravillosa que me llevĂł a un viaje maravilloso el dĂa de mi cumpleaños, Gracias Gracias Gracias por hacer realidad esta maravillosa experiencia de vida" See more
Learn about the retreat center & ceremony facilitators
Understand the practical aspects of the retreat
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.