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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Ayahuasca is a sacred plant that has been used for thousands of years by ancient Amazonian tribes to aid spiritual healing during an ayahuasca ceremony. The plant medicine is carefully prepared into a brew by a shaman who leads ayahuasca ceremonies during ayahuasca retreats. It’s under their expert guidance and watch that people can safely take and experience mother ayahuasca.  

What was once a religious and spiritual practice has recently attracted interest from people around the world looking to heal their traumas with an ayahuasca retreat. While the benefits of an ayahuasca ceremony can be healing and life-altering, it is illegal to use in the United States. Reason being is that DMT, the psychoactive ingredient found in ayahuasca, is considered a Schedule 1 controlled drug in the United States. Luckily, the healing plant is legal to use in Latin America during an ayahuasca ceremony. Below are some of our recommendations for the best ayahuasca retreats around the world.

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1. Behold Retreats, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica

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If you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive ayahuasca retreat, then look no further than Behold Retreats in Portugal! All participants of their ayahuasca retreats have been thoroughly vetted, ensuring you will have a safe environment to embark upon your healing journey. You can also opt to have your own private ayahuasca retreat by bringing your own group of 4 people! 

Located in southern Portugal, this one-of-a-kind retreat center is the perfect place to experience the master plant in complete comfort. You’ll receive excellent physical, mental and spiritual guidance from experienced facilitators during and after your ayahuasca ceremony. Take mindful walks in the breathtaking surroundings or trips to natural pools. Engage in a host of workshops, including daily yoga, breathwork, as well as one-on-one consultations to support your healing journey with the plant master. 

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2. APL Journeys, Mexico

If you’re new to ayahuasca, then APL Journeys in Mexico is the perfect retreat center for you. You’ll have the support of Amazonian healers at your fingertips, guiding you through the ceremony during your ayahuasca retreat. There will also be skilled therapists and coaches on hand to help you integrate. 

Their 6-day ayahuasca retreats consist of 3 ayahuasca ceremonies, a kambo session, Temazcal herbal sauna, flower baths and breathwork classes. You can even have individual consultations with the shaman. Safety is of the utmost importance to APL Journeys during their ayahuasca retreats. There are up to 4 facilitators and one shaman present in each ayahuasca ceremony, ensuring your safe journey with the plant medicine. This retreat center offers high-end accommodation and the space to read, write, rest and even swim! 

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3. Arkana Spiritual Center, Peru

Get in touch with your inner truth with the life-changing ayahuasca retreats that Arkana Spiritual Center offers! The retreat center has two stunning locations in Peru. One resides in the heart of the Amazon, while the other is situated in the Sacred Valley. Next to mother ayahuasca, the shamans at Arkana also work san pedro, nunu and kambo to aid your healing journey. 

The shamans are authentic healers that have been specially selected to guide you safely during the ayahuasca retreat. They work from their heart to aid your healing and to start living a more meaningful life.

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4. Rythmia, Costa Rica

Having caught the attention of many celebrities, Rythmia is perhaps one of the most well-known ayahuasca retreats. The Rythmia Way program offers a 7-night ayahuasca retreat in an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica. Located in a secluded tropical location and surrounded by stunning beaches, Rythmia is the place to experience mother ayahuasca and have a vacation vibe. 

During your time at Rythmia you will experience 4 ayahuasca ceremonies led by respected shamans and healers. You can also attend dance workshops, yoga and breathwork classes and attend motivational talks and seminars. The ceremonies at Rythmia are far from intimate, but they are tailored to your needs and they have licensed medical doctors and nurses on location. 

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5. Avalon Retreats, Barcelona, Spain

Just outside of Barcelona is Avalon Retreat, a stunning ayahuasca retreat center surrounded by breathtaking gardens and natural lakes and rivers. Avalon has a team of shamans and healers ready to hold space for your personal growth. 

During their 5-night retreat, you will have 4 ayahuasca ceremonies and integrative workshops. Their holistic program is complete with yoga, meditation, access bars therapy and silent ecstatic dance. You’ll also find time to enjoy their outdoors while lounging in a hammock. Avalon’s mission is to ensure your safe journey with the plant medicine during their ayahuasca retreats. Aiding your transformation are 2 post retreat online sharing circles to fully complete your healing journey.

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