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's something special about Sweden. Maybe it's the stunning scenery, the welcoming people, or the fact that it's a great place to unwind and relax. Unfortunately, Sweden is not a place where you can are currently able to go to an ayahuasca retreat legally. The reason for this is that ayahuasca is currently illegal in Sweden.

Because of this, the focus of this article is on countries where ayahuasca is legal. This is a far better way to experience this plant medicine, as while there are retreats that exist that flaunt local laws, this may result in a sub-par ayahuasca experience.

If you're not familiar with ayahuasca, it's a powerful psychedelic plant medicine that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in the Amazon for healing and spiritual purposes. In recent years, ayahuasca has become popular among westerners as a way to heal from trauma, boost creativity, and connect with nature on a deeper level.

If you are looking for a powerful spiritual experience, ayahuasca may be right for you. Just be sure to do your research and go into the experience with an open mind.

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5 Best Ayahuasca Retreats In Sweden (Updated 2022)

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1. Behold Retreats. Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal

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Behold ayahuasca retreats is the best ayahuasca retreat for the perfect combination of luxurious facilities, modern amenities and traditional healing experience. With an ayahuasca retreat center in Portugal, powerful healing and spiritual awakening are within your grasp. Behold retreats specializes in participants of small groups and focus on the needs of the person. Their shaman team has combined decades of experience with the particular ayahuasca ceremony they facilitate here. With an additional retreat center in Costa Rica, options are available there to explore the unique history of this sacred plant medicine.

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2. APL Journeys. Mexico and Spain.

APL Journeys ayahuasca retreat centers are the best ayahuasca retreat for that touch of real Amazonian healing experience. The trend here is on the integration of modern and traditional. Their psychotherapist, life coaches and traditional shaman make this ayahuasca ceremony a complete experience. Made famous by the Netflix documentary ‘The Last Shaman’ this ayahuasca retreat won’t fail to disappoint. With its many healing modalities, everything is on offer. Red Cross certified and catered towards new people, this 3-day spiritual retreat is amongst the best.
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3. Sinchi Runa. Portugal.

Sinchi Runa ayahuasca retreats are the best ayahuasca retreat for a range and blend of various spiritual awakening practices. Ayahuasca ceremony, Ayurveda, yoga classes, you name it, its on offer to participants here. With 25 years of experience in ayahuasca, this spiritual retreat knows what they are doing. Participants can stay short term or long term. For those looking for healing or trauma work, this is the place to come. The approach here is customizing therapies to the individual participants. Expect to learn a lot about various natural plant medicine from their expert shaman.
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4. Soltara Healing Center. Costa Rica and Peru.

Soltara ayahuasca retreat centers have the best ayahuasca retreat for those looking to experience the majesty of the Amazon. Located near the Gulf of Nicoya, this ayahuasca retreat center is immersed in nature. Participants in the ayahuasca ceremony can choose to stay in private or shared accommodation options. They have ayahuasca retreat centers in Costa Rica and Peru. Their Peruvian Shipibo healer made the 3-day ayahuasca ceremony an authentic experience. With a mix of traditional and western, integration with yoga classes and catering to small groups, this ayahuasca retreat center covers all bases.
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5. Gaia Sagrada. Ecuador.

Gaia Sagrada ayahuasca retreats have the best ayahuasca retreat center in Ecuador. Their Ecuadorian shaman gives participants all the knowledge of sacred plant medicine of the region. The keyword here is sacred. Spirituality is the focus, and a profound healing experience and spiritual awakening is promised. The name of this ayahuasca retreat means Mother Earth, and mother ayahuasca is revered here. This healing retreat is in harmony with nature. Participants in the ayahuasca retreat can also take advantage of the proximity to pristine mountain and forest hiking. Getting in touch with nature and self, the ayahuasca ceremony and facilities provide perfect healing connection.

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