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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There are many ayahuasca retreats located in New Zealand however they are not legal. If you want to experience an ayahuasca retreat, you must go elsewhere.

Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in the Amazon for healing and spiritual awakening. The ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) is boiled with leaves from the chacruna plant (Psychotria viridis) to create a potent brew that is traditionally used in shamanic ceremonies.

Ayahuasca can induce powerful spiritual experiences and profound insights into one’s life, leading to personal transformation. It can also be an emotional rollercoaster, so it’s important to be well-prepared before embarking on an ayahuasca journey. If you’re considering an ayahuasca retreat, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable provider.

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1. Behold Retreats - Costa Rica & Portugal.

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Behold Retreats takes out our top spot because of many factors. We found the combined experience of their ayahuasca journey guide and healer team really put us at ease. The retreat centers first rate luxury facilities helped us really get into the healing process and their experience with all kinds of medicinal plants was educational and fascinating. The retreat center itself is stunning; in comfort we learnt all about the science and history of medicinal plants, ayahuasca vine, San Pedro, psychotria viridis to name a few. Among them all this was the best ayahuasca retreat we visited. The ayahuasca ceremony itself took us on a a powerful healing and spiritual awakening journey. This retreat is a must.

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Want to experience Ayahausca in a small group of thoroughly-vetted guests? We would love to speak with you.

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Check out our upcoming ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

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4. Soltara Healing Center, Costa Rica and Peru

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What we loved most about Soltara Healing Center is its mix of old and new. Not just in its approach to the ayahuasca experience, but also its architecture. This retreat center made us feel like we were in a real traditional ayahuasca ceremony. The traditional building with modern comfort got us into the history and culture of the region. Its indigenous team were fantastic, taking us through our first healing ceremonies, we felt at ease and this 3 day ayahuasca ceremony was vivid. In the middle of mighty nature, the indigenous shaman explained the plant treatments. We felt lost in another time and place. Definitely one of our favorite ayahuasca retreats.

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3. Gaia Sagrada. Ecuador

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The focus at Gaia Sagrada is harmony with mother earth. And at this ayahuasca retreat center we really felt at one with nature. Simple yet comfortable, the distraction of the modern world melted away as we became absorbed in tradition and nature. An indigenous Ecuadorean shaman lead us through our ayahuasca ceremony and we became enchanted in this powerful healing experience. The history, traditions, plant treatments, plant medicine and spirituality of Ecuador came to life as we got in tough with nature and the healing process. This is a healing retreat for the soul encompassing more than only the ayahuasca experience. This retreat center left us rejuvenated and ready again for the busy world.

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4. Spirit Vine. Brazil.

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The founder of Spirit Vine ayahuasca retreat center is a clinical psychologist with decades of experience in both western psychology and indigenous and plant based approaches to wellness. Its and individualised approach here and more than the fantastic traditional ayahuasca ceremony is on offer. Personal development programs, individual and in group settings made us feel we could reach our full potential here. The living standards is simple and fit with the holistic approach. The ayahuasca ceremony itself was relaxed and fit with the rest of the program. Their local shaman brough participants together and we really felt part of a healing community here.

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4. APL Journeys. Mexico and Spain.

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Again the approach at APL Journeys ayahuasca retreat center was holistic integration of traditional ayahuasca ceremony and western methods. Personalized life coaching was also offered here and we found the experience to be healing and friendly. The practitioners and shaman at this ayahuasca retreat center lead us through the process, making us feel at ease. Here we learnt alot about the traditions, ayahuasca tea and the origins of this sacred plant medicine.

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