Experience profound heart-opening and clarity through sacred medicine work with experienced facilitators in safe, legal settings
Raymond says, "I went to the Arkana Amazon jungle retreat as a skeptic, unsure of what to expect having not done any spiritual retreat before. The practices felt unfamiliar at first, I found myself lost and worried, unsure if I am doing it right." See more
Erica says, "Thank you for creating such a safe space. For the preparation and the support throughout the session. I recommend this calm and inspiring corner of the world, in the middle of the bush, surrounded by nature." See more
Anonymous says, "I am so glad I went on this retreat. The revelation/takeaway I got from the plant medicineโs was that it showed me that there is a lot of peace and love deep inside of me." See more
Craig says, "My time with Lisa and Miguel at the retreats and the sacred practices they use has truly changed my life on the path to self realisation! They play a huge part in my journey to realise the self which is within us all and ever present, we just need to be shown the way home and they offer access to the tools needed to help kick-start this." See more
kenneth says, "Mannah hosted this retreat in Florida and while she usually is in Utah she made due with an AirBnB in the Jacksonville area. The house had a nice big backyard and it was nice to spend time in nature but the residential location wasnโt ideal due to all of the sounds of the neighborhood." See more
Ogadinma says, "I was welcomed to a beautiful hotel ground in the heart of Tulum. Everyone was so peaceful and authentic. My room was perfectly humble, comfortable and well decorated." See more
Taylor says, "Thanks to Isa for creating the perfect space for transformation, while allowing the guest the freedom to have their own moments with god. Iโm already planning my next trip to see her down in Mazunte and strongly recommend her guidance and powerful presence to any seeking a deeply profound experience!" See more
Anonymous says, "Sole is a beautiful soul and made the entire experience go smoothly and safely for me. Grateful that I had the opportunity to experience this!" See more
Roxana says, "She is very loving, warm and transmits a lot confidence. Clau guided my process making me feel safe. After finishing the session, he offered me integration sessions after the bufo ceremony." See more
Darren says, "This is a first class 5* retreat. The medicine was administered with the levels of respect and professionalism required and participants were all shown much love and massive respect." See more
Philippe says, "A Very profound experience! I definitely suggest it. Kate and Dr. G are incredible hosts. I felt the love and compassion. I have seen plenty of YouTube's that the person conducting looks unprofessional, you never know what could happen, nothing like having a medical doctor present incase something goes wrong." See more
Chandler says, "I had an amazing time at Espiral retreats working with Gary and Theo. Everything was tuned in to the highest degree, and offered everything we needed to have a safe, enjoyable, and transformative experience." See more
Bufo retreat costs typically range from USD $150 to USD $500 per day, with most single-day ceremonies averaging USD $175-350. Multi-day retreats generally cost between USD $1,400-2,500 total, with programs lasting 3-7 days. Location significantly impacts pricing: European ceremonies (particularly in Spain) tend to command higher rates than those in Latin America, with some private ceremonies in Barcelona reaching USD $790. Shared accommodations are usually 20-30% less expensive than private rooms, and some venues offer various comfort tiers with corresponding price differences.
Bufo and synthetic 5-MeO-DMT contain the same primary active compound, yet come from very different sources. Bufo refers to the natural secretions of the Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo alvarius/Incilius alvarius), which indigenous peoples have worked with ceremonially for generations. These secretions contain 5-MeO-DMT along with other compounds like bufotenin. Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT, in contrast, is a pure laboratory-created substance containing only the single molecule. Many traditional practitioners prefer working with Bufo for its complete, natural medicine profile, though this raises serious ecological concerns about toad populations. The synthetic form allows for precise dosing and helps protect these sacred creatures from over-harvesting, while still offering profound experiences when approached with proper respect and guidance. The choice between them often comes down to personal values around tradition versus sustainability, though their effects are remarkably similar when administered with equal care and reverence.
Within moments of administration, users typically experience rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and intense physical sensations that some describe as a "system reboot." Physical side effects often include nausea, disorientation, difficulty with motor coordination, and sometimes tremors or muscle tension. These acute effects usually last 15-20 minutes, though some people report lingering physical sensitivity for several hours afterward.
The psychological effects can be profound and sometimes challenging. Many experience complete dissolution of ego boundaries, which some find deeply liberating while others find terrifying. In sacred contexts, this medicine has been known to trigger overwhelming emotions, memory recall, and occasionally temporary confusion about one's identity or reality. Integration challenges may persist for days or weeks, particularly for those without proper support or preparation. Some retreat centers report that participants occasionally experience temporary anxiety, sleep disruptions, or shifts in mood during the integration period.
Traditional practitioners emphasize that these aren't merely "side effects" but rather aspects of a holistic healing process that requires proper ceremonial container, experienced facilitation, and thorough medical screening. Certain medical conditions and medications can create dangerous interactions - particularly heart conditions, high blood pressure, or psychiatric medications.
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.
Classic psychedelics (like psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca, and mescaline) do not create physical dependence or addiction in the way substances like alcohol, opioids, or nicotine do. Most retreat participants find these medicines self-limiting—the profound, sometimes challenging experiences they produce naturally discourage frequent use. In traditional cultures where these plants have been used for centuries, they're typically approached with reverence and used ceremonially, not recreationally. That said, psychological attachment can form with any substance or experience that alters consciousness. At retreats, guests sometimes arrive with misconceptions about psychedelics being an easy "shortcut" to healing, only to discover these medicines often reveal what needs attention rather than instantly fixing it. The medicine itself rarely becomes problematic; the relationship with it might. What's most important isn't necessarily whether a substance can create dependency, but one's intention and the context of use. Many find these experiences so complete that they need significant integration time before feeling called to return.