Searching For An Ayahuasca Retreat Near Me? Consider a Life-Changing Ayahuasca Retreat in Costa Rica.

Perhaps It's Time To Look Outside of the U.S. For That Truly Transformative Ayahuasca Ceremony?

A growing number of people are actively seeking new paradigms for mental health, moving beyond conventional symptom management with mainstream pharmaceuticals to explore the profound potential of ayahuasca and other plant medicines. This shift is driven by an increasing desire for deep, lasting healing and transformative solutions to prevalent issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

This evolving perspective is reflected in market trends: the worldwide psychedelic drugs market, including ayahuasca, was valued at approximately $3 billion in 2023 and is projected to more than triple to $9 billion by 2032. This significant growth underscores a global rise in awareness of mental health challenges and a greater willingness to consider alternative therapeutic solutions like ayahuasca and plant medicine.

But the process of discovering the “right” retreat can be anything but simple. As research on the effectiveness of ayahuasca at treating a range of mental health issues continues, the legal climate is still diverse and ever challenging.

For instance, in North America and most of Europe, the use of DMT (a principal active ingredient in ayahuasca) is illegal without a religious exemption. But in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica (where Behold Retreats is located), on the other hand, ayahuasca is legal for religious and traditional use.

That patchwork of legality and cultural attitudes toward the medicine, however, creates challenges for those in search of a quality experience. Many of us will look close to home for retreats, assuming this will provide more comfort and safety. However, the legal intricacies and cultural sensitivity in North America is still quite challenging.

This is where the appeal of countries like Costa Rica comes in, providing a more balanced alternative without legal complications found at home.

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Are Ayahuasca Retreats Legal In USA or Canada Yet?

Well, the short answer is no. Not in a commercial retreat setting in either the USA or Canada. At least not for the general public.

Yet both countries have specific religious exemptions to this rule (due to deep cultural and spiritual traditions tied to this sacred plant). Even further, some U.S. state’s are even moving towards decriminalization of psychedelics. But, none of this is making it legal in general to access by commercial retreats or use by the public.

So yes, Ayahuasca is illegal under federal law in both the U.S. and Canada, and it is because of DMT, one of its active compounds, that is a Schedule I controlled substance. And the fact remains that these fairly substantial legal religious loopholes are not practical experiences for most people.

The implications of overlooking this was seen recently in Canada last month (May 22nd, 2025), when the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) published “Should Ayahuasca Be Legal? A Religious Freedom Case in Nova Scotia is Testing That Proposition.”

The article outlined the legal risks of attending an psychedelic ceremony, in a non-exempt context in Canada. It  had deeply problematic personal testimonies from attendees at a retreat, who say they felt “severely violated” after RCMP officers “decimated” their ceremony, interrupting it to arrest the facilitator.

Much like in Canada, choosing a retreat in the U.S. without a clear, established, and legally recognized religious exemption is far from a "safe" or preferred way to experience a sacred ceremony, for most individuals as well.

In the U.S. Ayahuasca is federally illegal, in the same way that a drug like Heroin would be. While the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) allows for religious exemptions (like the UDV & Santo Daime churches) like in Canada, securing an exemption is notoriously costly and risky. An example of this was seen with Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth in Florida, whose exemption was denied, resulting in severe legal repercussions (civil and negligence).

Though local decriminalization is trending, it's not federal legalization, and federal prosecution remains possible. Even as the FDA recently expressed interest in psychedelics (May 2025), a recent MDMA rejection (August 2024) due to trial integrity issues underscores the exceptionally high bar and complex path for psychedelic healing in the U.S. Further, Ayahuasca is still prohibited from entering through the borders.

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What Is The Best Ayahuasca Retreat Near Me? Let's Consider A Retreat In Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a popular choice to find a reputable ayahuasca retreat. Unlike in North America, there is no specific legislation in Costa Rica prohibiting DMT, which means that ayahuasca retreats can operate openly.

In choosing a quality ayahuasca retreat, or moreover the best retreat for you, you want a retreat that prioritizes both your physical and mental health. Key elements of care to look for are detailed medical and psychological screening, competent facilitators, experienced staff that know emergency protocols, and a well-kept facility with access to medical services.

The guides or Shamans (also called Curanderos) should be very experienced in working with ayahuasca and traditional healing. Consider the background of the retreat's medicine team: Who are their teachers, who did they learn from and for how long have they been working with the medicine?

An effective retreat will offer clear guidance on preparatory Dieta (dietary and lifestyle habits leading into ayahuasca consumption) and, most importantly, will supply adequate post-retreat integration support. This may be via group sharing and/or individual counseling; tools to help you process your experience and integrate your understandings into everyday life.

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Behold Retreats: A Premier Ayahuasca Retreat To Experience Ayahuasca For Your First Time

A key element that Behold Retreats provides is an onboarding process that is selective and specific by design, to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of each guest.

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Rigorous Medical Screening, Onboarding & Integration Processes.

We ensure a robust screening process - vetting every guest to ensure they are ready for Ayahuasca and that they will be a harmonious fit in our group dynamic.

Small Ceremony Groups For Personalized Setting.

Our small group size (10-14 people max) ensures an intimate and supportive setting, allowing our facilitators to provide more individualized care and guidance to each person.

This ensures you're on the journey alongside a small number of kindred spirits, all dedicated to profound personal expansion and healing, in a safe and thoughtfully cultivated environment.

Indigenous Healers From Peru & Venezuela For Authentic Transformation.

Our healers offer a rare opportunity to engage with authentic, generational, indigenous healing, ensuring your psychedelic experience is both transformative and deeply respectful of traditional practices.

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‍Pablo Gallardo
‍Pablo is the founder of Yawarapu Non-governmental organization for the preservation of medicines, customs and life of the Piaroa tribe of Venezuela.

Pablo studied extensively under the tutelage of Grandfather José Antonio Bolivar, the senior shaman of the Piaroa people, since 2011. Since then, Pablo has been carrying traditional medicine as his healing service, to create an experience of consciousness expansion, through the benefits of ayahuasca.

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Chiara Ara Munay

Chiara is a cultural anthropologist and Medicine Woman with over 20 years on the Path of Ancestral Sacred Medicine, grounded in the Peruvian vegetalismo, and deep reverence for Pacha Mama.

Based in Costa Rica, she effortlessly weaves ancient wisdom in the shamanic tradition in a way that is both gentle and empowering, creating a safe, heart centered ceremonial space for the Divine Feminine, while supporting inner healing with sacred sound, master plants, and embodied presence.

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Puka Hampiy‍

Rooted in the Wanka Nation of the Central Andes, Puka brings a profound connection to Peru's ancestral wisdom and the Andean Cosmovision passed down through generations.

With academic expertise in music therapy, philosophy, archaeology, and psychology, he blends traditional Andean-Amazonian shamanism with modern therapeutic practices. Having trained in Amazonian plant medicine and healing chants (Ikaros) under a master healer,

Puka has spent years facilitating transformative retreats across Europe and Latin America. With a deep commitment to honesty, respect, and humility, Puka will guide participants through profound journeys of healing and personal growth, offering a unique opportunity to experience the ancient traditions of Sumak Kawsay ('The Good Living').

A Spiritual, Peaceful Setting For Healing At Your Pace

The natural beauty of Costa Rican nature isn’t just visual, it’s also therapeutic. It quietly eases the nervous system, taking the edge off of any anxiety, nudging us into a healthier, more mindful posture. The lush rainforests of Costa Rica offer an unparalleled container for transformational work.

Waking among ancient trees or practicing meditation beside a waterfall, provides a deeper encounter with nature, that is healing in mind, body, and spirit. The constant rumble of the waves, the endless horizon, and the sensation of sand on your toes, is both grounding and expansive giving a life-restoring energy.

Guests of Behold Retreats often find the gentleness of Costa Rica very supportive post-ceremony, as they are dealing with strong emotions, forming new patterns and building a foundation to go forward.

Through this integrated approach, the profound transformations that occur during ayahuasca work are not merely recognized; they become deeply embedded in your life, enabling you to experience genuine and lasting health and transformation before you even begin your journey back home.

Indeed, just because a ceremony is over doesn’t mean your ayahuasca experience is. Post-retreat integration is just as important to deeply embody the realizations and transformation that took place during ceremony into your every day life. This is where Costa Rica proves to stand firm at the forefront of the world for psychedelic integration.

The “Pura Vida” spirit — something that’s more than a greeting — pulses through the country. It is an invitation to a life of simplicity and to delight in the beauty of natural creation, as well as to follow our bliss, and be alive, at peace in the here and now. This essence buffers you from the recalibration back to the hustle and bustle of normal life and creates a foundation for thinking — at a slower pace, with room for reflection and digestion.

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What to Expect From a Life-Changing Ayahuasca Retreat with Behold  

Behold Retreats coordinates expertly guided experiences that are designed down to the last detail for your safety, authenticity, and transformation. You’ll experience several layers of our team’s dedicated support from the time you first reach out to us.

Daniel compassionately walks you through an exploratory discovery call and registration process to ensure you are a correct fit for our program. From there, our Guest Service Manager Chris in Guest Services takes care of anything health, onboarding and travel, so that you arrive prepared to arrive in Costa Rica. Once you arrive, Sarah & Danny from our onsite Care Team ensure you are comfortable and healthy while on retreat. Our medicine team of either Pablo, Chiara, Puka and Diego will prepare the ayahuasca brew and lead you in ceremony several times over a week's retreat.

The entire team works together to curate transformative experiences, with a strong focus on supporting participants during their ayahuasca ceremony, alongside their comprehensive pre- and post-retreat integration. The advantages of following this customized path are diverse, leading to a truly transformational experience.

Ensuring The Right Program for You

We realize that no two people are the same. When trying Ayahuasca medication for the first time, you want to look for the perfect retreat for your needs.

We will custom tailor every detail of your experience at our Ayahuasca retreat: from the modality options to the level of support you receive by deeply considering the intentions, emotional state, and past experiences of our guests. This will be tailored for you and offers an experience that suits your developmental needs on a deeper level.

Focusing on Personal Attention Towards Your Transformation.

Our experienced shaman & facilitators are able to provide you with deep personal attention over the course of the retreat, enabling you to experience profound self-examination and emotional release. This allows for increased self awareness, healing of past trauma and a greater feeling of connection. And the support isn't fleeting – our pre- and post-retreat integration support will help you integrate these insights into lasting, positive change in your daily life.

Taking a Holistic Health Approach To Healing

In addition to the core plant medicine ceremonies, our custom programs frequently include supplemental modalities like yoga, meditation, breath work and nature immersion, specifically selected in accordance with what your personal requirements are. This well-rounded approach develops your body, mind and Intellect leading to a more complete and balanced transformation that ayahuasca can unlock. Further, Behold Retreats offers high quality coaching for any guests who are interested in additional support.

Creating Judgement-Free Connection & Community.

While this process is very personal, our retreats encourage connection and community among participants. By opening up with experiences and wisdom in a safe, judgment free space, healing can be amplified and lifelong friendships can grow, reminding you that you’re not alone in the journey to wellness.

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Ready To Book the Retreat?

Apply above to speak with our Plant Medicine guides (100% complementary phone call), or continue reading about the cost of an Ayahuasca Retreat.

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Q1: Is Ayahuasca Legal Near Me in Canada or US?

No. The main reason for that is because it has DMT, which is largely illegal at a federal level in both the United States and Canada, with some specific religious exemptions in place in both countries. Certain other destinations — including Costa Rica, Mexico and Portugal, which we have examined — have enacted specific rules regarding its organized use, and have become recognized sources for safe, legal healing practices.

For these reasons, Behold Retreats doesn't facilitate ayahuasca in the USA or have retreat options in countries outside of Costa Rica, Portugal or Mexico, to provide ayahuasca healing.

Q2: Choosing The Right Retreat Center - Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the best options for ayahuasca retreats because they have a very clear state of the legality of the medicine, that sets the mind in peace for the date of the promised activities. It’s super nurturing here and a friendly place for deep healing and psychedelic integration. What’s more, Costa Rica is close to North America and Europe, and is a popular tourist destination—so that the travel is easy and stress-free, giving you the opportunity to focus completely on having an unforgettable ayahuasca retreat.

Q3: What To Expect From a Reputable Ayahuasca Retreat Center?

• Extensive Preparation & Screening As Part of A Retreat. They should ensure you experience thorough medical and psychological screening to determine if ayahuasca is the right course for you, ensuring your safety.
• Experienced and Empathetic Team. The staff, both indigenous healers and care team, should provide personal attention with profound sensitivity throughout your retreat. They should ensure you are both held and hosted, with utmost caring and professionalism during your retreat.
• A More Private Retreat With an Intimate Group Setting. You should look for smaller groups (10-14 participants max) in order to create an intimate and supportive atmosphere. This will allow for more personalized guidance with more specific & personal healing paths.
• Traditional Indigenous-Led Experiences. The medicine team should be led by authentic and highly experienced Indigenous healers, ensuring you receive a truly authentic and sacred experience with ayahuasca.
• Safe & Nurturing Sanctuary Surrounding Your Spiritual Retreat. The eco-system should help you feel a deepened sense of interconnection sparked by your sacred ceremony with plant medicine. The stillness and beauty of nature can be therapeutic relieving your nervous system, building a more mindful, meditative presence.
• Ongoing Integration When You Return Home To Continue Your Ayahuasca Journey. When selecting a retreat, look to see what support they offer to assist you to integrate the authentic ayahuasca experience into your daily life.

Q4: Tell Me More About The Integration Support.

Integration support is really what is essential to make the most of your ayahuasca retreat - deep understanding can evaporate if not integrated. The idea is to actively apply what you learned and felt in ceremony in your everyday life.  

The better ayahuasca retreat centers or facilitators will provide both a well organized retreat and integration practice (whether it’s sharing with a trained professional, or curating materials for you to use to course-correct your life upon return in a lasting and life-serving way.)

Q5: How Can Ayahuasca Help With Mental Health Disorders such as Depression or PTSD?

Pioneering new cutting-edge scientific study, organizations as disparate as MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and, yes, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are shining light on the enormous potential that ayahuasca, as well as other psychedelics, might hold in treating a range of mental health issues—from major depression and PTSD to anxiety.

And although they’re not proven effective treatments ready for widespread use in North America (absent approved clinical trials or religious exemptions), they’re highly promising; abundant anecdotal evidence and an increasing body of research continues to bear this out.

Q6: Are There Any Medical Warnings or Contra-Indications With Ayahuasca?

Yes, absolutely. It is important to keep things safe, and the journey with ayahuasca is not for everyone! It has some pretty serious contraindications with certain medications, in particular SSRIs (an­­­­ti-depressants), and you should avoid using ayahuasca if you have certain heart conditions, very severe mental health issues (like psychosis or bipolar disorder without sufficient medical supervision), or certain physical conditions like severe allergies as well.

A professional ayahuasca retreat include screens for medical and psychological issues before accepting guests. For the sake of your safety, always be 100% honest about your health history and what drugs you are currently taking.

Q7: How Long Is A Typical Healing Retreat?

There are a variety of length of retreats. On the shorter end, you can find weekend retreats or 3 day retreats, that will typically include 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies.

More likely you will see a retreat  designed to involve a series of ceremonies (2 or 3) throughout the week, alongside integration sessions & supportive practices (yoga, breath work, meditation, journaling, sound healing and spending time unplugged in nature. Deeper processing and better-integrated experiences typically will mean longer retreats.

Behold Retreats typically holds retreats with 3 ceremonies that are spaced out over 7 nights but also has some eco-retreats that offer 2 ayahuasca ceremonies as well.

Q8: Explain the Transformational and Healing Powers of the Ayahuasca Vine

The ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi – most commonly prepared with Psychotria viridis) forms the basis of the very potent plant medicine commonly referred to as ‘ayahuasca’. The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have been using this sacred drink for its life changing effects for generations.

Deep Emotional and Psychological Healing.

Ayahuasca is well-known to contribute to the healing of unresolved griefs, psychological blockages and deep emotional traumas. Not only can it bring suppressed emotions to the fore and mediate a release, but it can lead to deep emotional catharsis. Many report marked improvement of anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms by getting to the root of these problems, rather than living on an endless management track.

Spiritual Knowledge and Self-Exploration.

Ayahuasca is typically described as “the vine of the soul”, and it can lead to altered states of consciousness that reveal new spiritual knowledge, moments of profound clarity, and an increased self-awareness. Many participants report feeling better connected to all of life, to themselves and their life purpose, as well as getting clearer about their values and what changes would allow them to lead a more authentic life.

Increased Understanding of Harmful Patterns.

Ayahuasca is an option for which many people explore hoping to get out from habitual harmful activities and patterns. As much as it provides alternate points of view and allows for deep exploration of root causes it can also encourage sustainable and positive change.

Increased Neuroplasticity.

Recent scientific studies indicate that the harmine and other beta-carbolines found in the ayahuasca vine may increase neurogenesis (formation of new brain cells) and also provide neuroprotective benefits. This may improve mood control, mental acuity, and both the brain's healing and learning capacity.

Overall Wellness.

Aside from the psychological benefits, thousands of participants experience better mindfulness and get more creative, being more in touch with nature. It can be a life-changing experience, resulting in greater happiness, health and fulfillment.

It is important to realize that the “healing powers” of the ayahuasca vine are not a quick fix. They are generally opened in a safe, supportive, structured ceremonial setting with experienced guides and then followed by important work integrating the experiences. This integration supports people to digest their realizations and incarnate the changes into daily life transformation over time.

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Sources:

• Behold Retreats. (n.d.). Ayahuasca Retreats in the United States: Why Most People Travel Abroad for Legal Experiences.
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). (2025, May 22). Should ayahuasca be legal? A religious freedom case in Nova Scotia is challenging that idea.
• CNN Health. (2024, August 13). FDA rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy rattles advocates but doesn’t spell end of psychedelics in medicine, experts say. By D. McPhillips & C. Hassan.
• Health Canada. (n.d.). Controlled Substances and Precursor Chemicals: Exemptions.
• ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service). (n.d.). The Myths & Realities of Ayahuasca Legality.
• Zion Market Research. Psychedelic Drugs Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, 2032