What to look for to find a safe, quality Ayahuasca Retreat?

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Like most things in life, there a broad variety of Ayahuasca retreat options, and a number of factors that effect the quality and cost of an ayahuasca retreat that you may like to take into consideration:

• Safety: Many smaller operators are not in a position to invest in safety, and unfortunately, there are too many sad stories out there. (recommendation: choose a retreat that does in-depth screening to ensure your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being). ‍

• Legality:  Practitioners who have dedicated their lives to medicine work typically live in locations where it is legal, so they don't have to live in a state of "what if". (recommendation: consider whether travelling to a place with "new energy" might be in your best interests).

• ‍Size of the group: It's common for retreats to have 20, 50, even 100 people in ceremony, which can be chaotic. Additionally, you are less likely receive the level of attention from healers that you are probably looking for. (recommendation: choose a retreat with an intimate group of say, 8-15 people).

• Length of the retreat: Shorter retreats feel rushed, and there are limits to what can be done in a few nights. (recommendation: go for at least a week).

• Comfort: (recommendation: spend a little extra for something where you will be physically comfortable and have your own bedroom to decompress and integrate, especially if this is your first time). Your future self can thank us later.‍

• Cosmology: (recommendation: choose a retreat that supports your own subjective experience, or one that you feel aligns with you energetically). The energy of the retreat and ceremony leaders will have a profound effect upon your experience. ‍

• Holistic approach: (recommendation: work with an organization that takes a holistic approach to working with medicine, and has options to support and guide your mental and emotional evolution). If a provider implies that "medicine will solve all your problems", proceed with caution (because it won't!).‍

• Service: (recommendation: choose a place that you believe can serve your individual needs. Consider whether or not they've taken the time to get to know you and understand you, or it's more of a take it or leave it retreat center).‍

• Booking process: (recommendation: speak with the provider before finalizing your booking). If it's all online, ANYONE could be sitting next to you in ceremony.‍

• Expertise: (recommendation: work with an organization that emphasizes healing, and you believe has a breadth of expertise to guide your transformation). Look for facilitators and healers who have a lightness of being and a sparkle in their eyes.‍

• Reputation: (recommendation: Google the provider). You may be surprised by what you find. If there's not much information, that is also information :)

• ‍Volunteers: (recommendation: work with an organization that pays their staff). Unfortunately, it is common practice for retreat centers to cycle through young, eager, and worn out volunteers and/or not pay healers fairly. If the people supporting your retreat aren't living their best life, they're not going to be able to lead you to yours.

Given the potential, power, and sensitivity of working with Ayahuasca, who you choose to work with is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions of your life, so we encourage you to take the time and the energy to educate yourself to be able to make a good one. If you're in a position to do so, you may also like to consider a private retreat.

If our recommendations above feel energetically aligned for you, and you'd like to explore a journey with Behold, apply below.

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‍Looking for a little more guidance for one of the most important decisions of your life? Watch this video.

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The use of Ayahuasca as a healing tool or as an integral part of religious ceremonies and tribal rituals dates back over thousands of years through human history.  Often used to treat physical and mental ailments as well as spiritual and ego crises too, the master plant has received increasing attention and research in recent years as modern man seeks to find answers and solutions to timeless questions and quandaries. 

International drug and narcotic laws often view the sacred plant and the chemicals contained within as harmful or dangerous for the general public, and therefore ayahuasca and its use is prohibited in many places.  Contrary to this, through study and practice we know that it is safe and can be extremely helpful for the right people, when administered by trained specialists in the right environment.  

While the United States is one of these aforementioned countries with strict control over ayahuasca, South American countries have a much closer connection to plant medicine and as such there are multiple options available to explore should you wish to visit an ayahuasca retreat.  The following are some of our top recommendations. 

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1. Behold Retreats, Mexico, Costa Rica

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Just south of the border lies one of the best ayahuasca retreats in North America. Behold Retreats offer an all inclusive ayahuasca retreat experience where group sizes are limited to a maximum of six to eight people, to assure a personal and intimate healing experience.  All guests are thoroughly vetted to ensure everyone is there for the right reasons and their ceremonies run smoothly.

At this retreat center, many healing activities are offered, including plant medicine ayahuasca ceremonies, a traditional Temazcal ceremony, breathwork, meditation, yoga, energy work, massage, acupuncture and reiki.  All of which are supported by their experienced facilitator and on-site therapist to combine in a truly healing experience for mind and body.

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2. Healing Center Shanayoy, Sibundoy, Colombia

In the southwest of Colombia we find the Shanayoy Healing Center.  The indeginous Kamëntsá people of the Sibundoy Valley have generations of experience working with plant medicine to cure ailments of the mind and body.  At this retreat center you have the once in a lifetime experience to connect with these sacred people

Here, novice and experienced guests are all welcome to participate in plant medicine ceremonies, detox and healing programs guided by an authentic Amazonian master healer and supported by a team of experienced apprentices who can also assist in translation where required. 

On the penultimate day of this ayahuasca retreat, there is a hike to El Salado National Park with a visit to the natural hot springs.  Proving to be a gratifying way to connect once again with mother earth after the healing ayahuasca ceremonies of the previous days.

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3. Pisatahua Ecolodge, Aquicuana Reserve, Bolivia

The Bolivian Amazon is the location for the third ayahuasca retreat on our list.  As the 800,000 sq meter site is surrounded by incredibly beautiful landscapes, it is easy to see why the retreat’s facilitators and healers believe this to be a particularly conducive environment to reap the benefits of medicinal plants and ayahuasca ceremonies.

Set deep in the Amazonian rainforests of Northern Bolivia, guests will experience an incredible array of natural biodiversity, and see where the master plant comes from.  To aid this immersive encounter with mother earth, canoe and boat river rides and guided hikes through the jungle are other highlights of this retreat center. 

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4. Akasha Retreats, Orellana Province, Ecuador

This all inclusive ayahuasca retreat is perfect for guests with time constraints as it comprises of just 3 days and 2 nights. 

A stay here includes transportation to and from the capital city, Quito, and vegan meals specially tailored to an ayahuasca diet to get the most from their master plant ceremonies. 

Alongside 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies, other healing activities are provided, including a demonstration of how to prepare ayahuasca, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, sauna therapy and spiritual teachings, as part of the retreats package.

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5. Residencial Bosques del Eden Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

Last place on our list takes us to the beautiful Dominican Republic.  This Ayahuasca retreat specializes in teaching beginners how to use plant medicine to reconnect with mother earth through use of the master plant.

Highlights include 3 yoga classes, 3 meditation sessions, 2 ayahuasca ceremonies and a meditation reiki session. Other optional activities include excursions, massage, kambo, rapé and if your local laws permit, micro doses of Ayahuasca to take home with you as well.  Enabling you to continue your healing journey after you have left the retreat center.

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