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

‍

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.

‍

‍

{{btn-begin-your-journey="/utility/components"}}

‍

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

‍

‍

{{btn-begin-your-journey="/utility/components"}}

‍

‍

Ayahuasca, also known as yagé, is a psychoactive brew made from the stem of the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the leaves of the Chacruna plant (Psychotria viridis). This traditional Amazonian medicine has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil for healing, divination and spiritual exploration.

In recent years, ayahuasca has become increasingly popular among Westerners seeking alternative therapies for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Ayahuasca retreats have popped up in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Switzerland is one of the latest countries to offer ayahuasca retreats. While the use of ayahuasca is not currently legal in Switzerland, there are a number of underground retreats offering the experience. These retreats are often located in remote areas, typically involve several days of ceremonies led by experienced ayahuasca shamans. These retreats are not legal. For this reason, we will not be discussing these retreats here.

Ayahuasca can be a powerful experience, so it's important to be prepared mentally and emotionally before undertaking a retreat. If you have any underlying mental health conditions, be sure to speak with your doctor before making the decision to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony.

‍

1. Behold Retreats. Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal‍

‍

Behold ayahuasca retreats are the best ayahuasca retreat that cater to small groups with an individual touch. With decades of experience, their shaman team focuses on helping participants to get in touch with Mother Earth. It's an ideal blend of luxury and traditional. The ayahuasca ceremony aims for that powerful spritual awakening and healing experience. Nestled in nature, their Costa Rica ayahuasca retreat is idyllic. Participants won't want to leave this healing and spiritual retreat.

{{CTA-Retreat-Stats="/utility/components"}}

‍

2. APL Journeys. Mexico and Spain.

APL Journeys ayahuasca retreats are the best ayahuasca retreat for participants new to the ayahuasca ceremony. Red Cross certified and made famous by Netflix documentary 'The Last Shaman', this is one of everyone's favorite ayahuasca retreats. Their expert Ecuadorian shaman is the gatekeeper of this sacred plant medicine. The 3 day ayahuasca ceremony makes participants immersed. APL Journeys ayahuasca retreats have life coaches and psychotherapists. The integration of traditional and western puts participants in safe hands. Its a powerful healing experience at this spiritual retreat.

‍

3. Sinchi Runa. Portugal.

Sinchi Runa ayahuasca retreats are the best ayahuasca retreat for those looking for a longer healing experience. This ayahuasca retreat does have both long and short term stay options. Participants delve deep into the spiritual experience during an extended stay here and truly get in touch with this healing plant. With 25 years of experience, their shaman team knows all the ins and outs of the ayahuasca ceremony. A broad mix of spiritual practices is also on offer here, including Ayurvedic and yoga classes. There is something for everyone. It's a customized approach at this ayahuasca retreat with options for looking at trauma healing.

‍

4. Soltara Healing Center. Costa Rica and Peru.

Solar Healing Center ayahuasca retreats is the best ayahuasca retreat center for those looking for a community vibe. This ayahuasca retreat center has options for both private and shared accommodation. Participants feel part of the community here, embarking on an ayahuasca journey together, conducting the ayahuasca ceremony in groups. Located next to the renowned Gulf of Nicoya, the healing energy here is spectacular. Next to the Amazon rainforest this ayahuasca retreat center offers many healing modalities including getting in touch with nature. The blend of native Shipibo healers and western staff give participants confidence and authenticity in this truly spiritual retreat.

‍

5. Gaia Sagrada. Ecuador.

Gaia Sagrada ayahuasca retreats have the best ayahuasca retreat center for participants wanting to become immersed in the healing power of nature. Gaia Sagrada means Mother Earth and harmony with nature is available here. This ayahuasca retreat center truly reveres the ayahuasca plant and sacred plant medicine. It's a spritual retreat for a spiritual experience. The 3 day ayahuasca ceremony immerses participants in the healing power of the spiritual realm. The glorious mountain regions, the fantastic power of the pristine forest, the warm and welcoming community. This retreat takes guests back to their roots. Mother Earth truly welcomes participants to connect at this spiritually connected retreat.