10 Best Ayahuasca Retreat Centers near USA (Updated 2024)

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Introduction

Being called for your Ayahuasca journey is potentially the most profound and transformative way to connect with your inner self and experience holistic personal growth and healing. Near the USA, several retreat centers offer the opportunity to experience the powerful effects of the psychedelic brew called Ayahuasca, which is made from two Amazonian plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf. Used for centuries by indigenous people of the Amazon basin, Ayahuasca ceremonies are guided by experienced shamans and Shipibo healers who ensure you feel safe throughout the night.

If you're seeking Ayahuasca for the first time, understanding the origins of Ayahuasca and the role of indigenous healers is essential. The wisdom of the Shipibo and other Amazonian cultures is integral to the ceremonial practices, where medicine men and women sing songs and provide guidance and bless the medicine prior to ingestion. In beautiful locations such as Costa Rica, Colombia, and Peru you can find centers like Soul Quest, Behold Retreats, and Rythmia that offer a safe environment to experience this powerful medicine journey.

Before drinking Ayahuasca, it's important to follow the traditional dieta which will purify your body and mind, enhancing the Ayahuasca experience. These dietas, along with the supportive retreat environment (this is so important), create the optimal setting for transformative growth and healing. Whether you're in the Peruvian Amazon, a center in Costa Rica, or a retreat in Mexico, the opportunity to experience Ayahuasca's healing power is unparalleled. Join other Westerners seeking psychological healing and spiritual purposes in these retreats, and discover how Ayahuasca can profoundly impact your day-to-day life.

Embark on this journey to uncover the depths of your soul and connect with the ancient wisdom of the Amazon rainforest, guided by the experienced facilitators at the best Ayahuasca retreat centers near the USA.

If you would like to understand more about the nature of psychedelic healing work, human potential, and who and what you really are - watch the video below.

We think you'll enjoy it. After all, it's about you, always.

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Table of Contents

‍Understanding Ayahuasca and Its Origins

• The Origins of Ayahuasca and its use by Shipibo healers and other indigenous groups.
  • Historical background and traditional use of Ayahuasca.
• The Role of Shamans in Ayahuasca Ceremonies
  • Importance of shamans in preparing and guiding Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Key Considerations for Choosing an Ayahuasca Retreat

• Safety first, Legality, Group Size, Length of Retreat, Comfort, Alignment, Holistic Approach, Service, Booking Process, Expertise, Reputation, Volunteers

Discover the Top Ayahuasca Retreat Centers

• Explore a curated selection of the best Ayahuasca retreat centers near the USA, known for their serene environments, experienced facilitators, and transformative healing experiences. Each center offers unique features, from luxurious settings to deep connections with nature, ensuring a variety of options to suit your personal journey. Discover where you can find profound spiritual growth and healing in the most supportive and safe environments.

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Safety First: Small retreats often lack proper screening and safety measures, impacting everyone's experience. Choose a provider with thorough medical and psychological screenings to ensure your well-being.

Legality: Opt for retreats in countries where ayahuasca is legal. Experienced practitioners operate in such locations to avoid legal uncertainties, providing a worry-free environment for your journey.

Group Size: Large groups (20-100 people) can be chaotic and overwhelming. For a more personalized experience, select a retreat with 8-15 participants, ensuring better attention from facilitators and a more intimate setting.

Retreat Length: Short retreats feel rushed. Spend at least a week to allow your mind, body, heart, and soul the full attention they need for meaningful breakthroughs.

Comfort: For your first ayahuasca experience, choose a retreat offering private bedrooms and physical comfort. Save the full jungle immersion for another time; your future self will thank you.

Alignment: Ensure the retreat aligns with your values and supports your unique experience. Different worldviews can impact your healing, especially if you're a first-timer.

Holistic Approach: Select retreats that offer holistic support, including mental and emotional guidance. Beware of providers claiming the medicine will solve all your problems—it requires effort before, during, and after.

Service: Choose a retreat that treats you as an individual, not just another participant. Ensure they take the time to understand your needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Booking Process: Avoid retreats with a 100% online booking process. Speaking with the provider ensures they screen and onboard guests carefully, handling the experience with the necessary care.

Expertise: Look for retreats emphasizing healing and growth, with facilitators who have the expertise and positive energy you seek. Trust your gut—if the energy feels off, find another provider.

Reputation: Research the provider online. A reputable retreat will have a strong online presence and testimonials from past participants, proving their legitimacy.

Volunteers: Support ethical practices by choosing retreats that pay their team fairly. Dedicated staff living their best lives are better equipped to guide you on your journey. Don’t hesitate to ask about their compensation practices.

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1. (Near USA) Ayahuasca Retreat Costa Rica - Behold Retreats

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

For those seeking a highly professional retreat with a small group size (no more than 11 participants) and a high level of attention to safety, service, and sustained growth, Behold Retreats is an excellent choice. While Ayahuasca is not facilitated by Behold Retreats in the USA due to legality issues, they offer sacred and legal retreats in breathtaking locations such as Costa Rica.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Behold Retreats provides divine and safe options for your healing journey in Costa Rica, ensuring that legality issues do not interfere with your self-healing process. Other popular options include Ayahuasca or Psilocybin Retreats in Mexico, with the God Molecule 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo) also available at all their locations.

Behold's retreats are held exclusively in legal and safe locations, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your spiritual healing journey. You can access the full list of retreats and plant medicine modalities here and explore their Safety Survey 2024 for more details.

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Apply for a Retreat below.

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2. (Near USA) Ayahuasca Retreat Mexico - Behold Retreats

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Experience profound healing at this soul-awakening retreat located on a serene mountaintop estate in Valle de Bravo, central Mexico. Just a few hours from Mexico City, this location's energy is unforgettable.

Valle de Bravo is renowned for its safety and natural beauty, with fresh air, clean water, endless forests, and the beautiful Lake Avandaro.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍During your stay, you will receive unwavering support on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. In addition to our Ayahuasca Ceremony Facilitators, a professional Psychedelic Integration Counselor, massage therapist, yoga teacher, and personal chef will be on site.

Evening Ayahuasca ceremonies will be complemented by daily breathwork, guided movement, meditation, a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, sharing circles, and integration tools. All offerings are voluntary, respecting your need for personal time. Whether you choose to drink or rest, we respect your sovereignty.

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Apply for a Retreat Below

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3. Private Ayahuasca Retreat (Costa Rica, Mexico, or Portugal) - Behold Retreats

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Looking for a tailored and fully personalized, intimate experience? Behold Retreats offers customized, one-on-one healing journeys with master healers in breathtaking natural surroundings in Latin America or Europe.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍With private retreats, you receive 100% of our attention without the distractions of group dynamics. Suitable for individuals, close groups, or entire organizations, these retreats are highly customizable. Retreats can be as short as a weekend or extend to a full 12-day immersive experience.

These retreats are sacred, life-changing, and cathartic, allowing for a full immersion in your healing journey. Behold Retreats provides comprehensive support, including travel arrangements, high-end accommodations, and 7 weeks of personal coaching for optimized preparation and integration.

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Retreat dates are by client request. Click here to apply.

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4. Ayahuasca Retreat Costa Rica - Resonance

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Locations

‍Esterillos, Costa Rica

Monteverde, Costa Rica

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Discover serenity and transformation at Esterillo Beach's pristine beachfront. Resonance offers mindfulness practices, luxurious accommodations, and nourishing cuisine. Lush rainforests meet tranquil shores for a rejuvenating ayahuasca experience.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍The retreat includes 7-day options with luxury rooms, ocean views, an infinity pool, yoga deck, and various healing activities. Participants experience 3 nights of ceremonies, delicious dieta meals, and experienced facilitators. Resonance is recommended for its high safety, sacred, and legal practices.

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5. Ayahuasca Retreat Colorado - Origen Sagrada

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Located near Castle Rock, Origen Sagrada's USA retreat is facilitated by spiritual leaders Abuelo Claudion and Abuelita Bernadita from the Muruy tribe of the Amazonas of Colombia.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍This two-night retreat includes two Ayahuasca Ceremonies, herbal plant blessings, traditional therapies, personal spiritual cleansing, and time for reflection. Ceremonies are held in a private lodge with shared accommodation.

Participants will experience live music during the psychedelic ceremony, enhancing the journey's depth. You might find yourself in a fetal position during deep emotional release, a common experience when healing deeply with ayahuasca.

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6. Ayahuasca Retreat Florida - Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Located in Orlando, Florida, the Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth offers a sanctuary for spiritual growth and healing. The retreat center provides a safe, supportive environment with experienced facilitators and shamans.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍The retreat includes several ayahuasca ceremonies, where participants drink the brew made from the ayahuasca vine and chacruna. Ceremonies are designed to be transformative, providing deep insights and personal growth. Safety and responsibility are emphasized to ensure a supportive experience.

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7. Ayahuasca Retreat Washington - Sacred Therapy

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Sacred Therapy hosts ceremonies in a modern approach rather than recreating traditional South American or Native American styles. Membership in Cosmic Valley Native Americas church is required.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Retreats are two nights and hosted in Washington and California, providing accommodation with comfortable bedding and vegan meals. The founder, trained with multiple shamans and yogic teachers, leads the ceremonies focused on holistic and yogic approaches.

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8. Ayahuasca Retreat New York - The Sanctuary Shamanic Healing Center

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍The Sanctuary is a shamanic healing center and branch of Oklevueha Native American Church. Located on a certified wildlife habitat with over 100+ fruit trees and medicinal plants, it offers a chance to connect deeply with nature.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Offering intensive Ayahuasca healing retreats, the center combines shamanic healing practices, shamanic breathwork, and a shamanic school. Additional offerings include tobacco and master plant diet retreats, vision quests, shamanic wisdom circles, and rebirthing breathwork ceremonies.

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9. Ayahuasca Retreat Kentucky - Aya Quest

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Aya Quest, or Kentucky Ayahuasca, is known for its holistic approach and modern shamanic practices. Founder Steve Hupp, with 15 years of experience, leads the ceremonies.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Offering small group, private, and at-home ayahuasca ceremonies, Aya Quest uses a safe and effective brew. Participants can join a membership club and enjoy comprehensive support throughout their healing journey.

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10. Ayahuasca Retreat New Mexico - The União do Vegetal

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍The União do Vegetal (UDV) is a Christian Spiritist religion recognized for community and environmental service, hosting ayahuasca ceremonies.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Participants join spiritual fellowship legally in the USA, drinking Hoasca, the sacred sacrament made from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Chacruna plant leaves. Ceremonies emphasize mental concentration, solemn reflections, rituals, hymns, and religious teachings.

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11. (Bonus!) Ayahuasca Churches - Santo Daime & Peaceful Mountain Way

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Ayahuasca Retreat Center

‍Santo Daime Church, founded by Raimundo Irineu Serra, involves ayahuasca consumption as part of religious rituals. Peaceful Mountain Way is a Native American Church specializing in ayahuasca rituals as a spiritual sacrament.

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

‍Both churches offer transformative experiences through their ceremonial practices, emphasizing spiritual growth and community connection.

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Understanding Ayahuasca and Its Origins

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The Origins of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf, has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin for spiritual and healing purposes. The traditional preparation involves boiling these two plants to extract their active compounds, primarily DMT from the leaves and MAO inhibitors from the vine. This combination allows for the profound psychoactive effects that ayahuasca is known for.

The Role of Shamans in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

Shamans, or traditional healers, play a crucial role in ayahuasca ceremonies. They are responsible for preparing the brew, leading the ceremony, and providing guidance and support to participants. The shaman's knowledge of the plant medicine and their ability to navigate the spiritual realms are essential for the safety and efficacy of the ceremony. Their icaros, or sacred songs, are believed to activate the healing properties of the ayahuasca and guide participants through their journey.

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FAQ's: Ayahuasca Ceremonies & Origins of Ayahuasca

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Q: What is Ayahuasca?

A: Ayahuasca is a traditional plant medicine used primarily in the Amazon rainforest. The brew is made from the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and typically combined with other plants like the Psychotria viridis shrub. The active ingredient in the psychedelic brew called ayahuasca. DMT, leads to profound psychedelic experiences.

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Q: What is an Ayahuasca Ceremony?

A: An Ayahuasca ceremony is a shamanic ritual where participants consume the Ayahuasca brew, often referred to as a psychedelic brew called ayahuasca. under the guidance of a shaman or experienced facilitator. The aim is often for spiritual growth, personal growth, and healing. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and can include singing icaros (chants) and other ceremonial practices.

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Q: Where can I find the best Ayahuasca Retreats?

A: The best ayahuasca retreats can be found in locations like Peru, Costa Rica, and Colombia. Many people travel to the Amazon rainforest or the Andes mountains to participate in authentic ayahuasca retreats. It is essential to thoroughly research and choose a reputable retreat center for a safe experience.

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Q: What should I expect during Ayahuasca Ceremonies?

A: During Ayahuasca ceremonies, participants may experience a wide range of effects including visual and auditory hallucinations, emotional purging, and profound spiritual insights. Many report a sense of connection to Mother Earth and other participants. It's common to go through challenging moments, which many describe as an important part of the Ayahuasca healing process. ‍

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Q: What is the importance of the Dieta before Ceremony?

A: The practice of dieta, which involves dietary and lifestyle restrictions before the ceremony, is crucial for purifying the body and mind. This preparation enhances the effectiveness of the Ayahuasca experience, ensuring a deeper and safer journey.

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Q: Where can I find the best Ayahuasca retreats in the USA?

A: You can find the 10 best Ayahuasca retreats near or in the USA in our updated list for 2024.

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Q: What is the significance of the Yawanawa tribe in Ayahuasca ceremonies?

A: The Yawanawa tribe is known for their deep connection to the Ayahuasca plant and often lead ceremonies that involve drinking Ayahuasca.

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Q: Are Ayahuasca retreats safe and responsible?

A: Yes, reputable Ayahuasca retreats ensure that ceremonies are conducted safely and responsibly, prioritizing the well-being of participants by having experienced shipibo healers oversee the process.

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Q: How can Ayahuasca help in spiritual growth and healing?

A: Ayahuasca is believed to help individuals connect with themselves on a deeper level, facilitating spiritual growth and emotional healing.

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Q: What are some key considerations before attending an Ayahuasca retreat?

A: Before attending an Ayahuasca retreat, it is important to research the retreat center, understand the potential effects of the psychedelic brew, and prepare both mentally and physically for the experience.

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Q: Can anyone participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony?

A: Ayahuasca ceremonies are not for everyone and some retreats may have specific criteria or guidelines for participants, such as being in good physical and mental health.

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Q: Is Ayahuasca legal in the USA?

A: The legal status of Ayahuasca in the USA varies, and it is important to research and understand the regulations around the use of Ayahuasca in different states.

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Q: How can I find more information about Ayahuasca retreats and ceremonies?

A: You can sign up for newsletters from reputable Ayahuasca retreat centers or organizations, attend informational sessions, or reach out directly to retreat facilitators for more information here.