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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1. Behold Retreats. Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal

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Behold ayahuasca retreats provide luxury living and modern surrounds to help participants get the most out of their ayahuasca ceremony. Their shaman leads participants through the ayahuasca tea ceremony and a spiritual awakening, drawing on decades of experience in the Costa Rica region and sacred plant medicine. Surrounded in nature, staying at this retreat gives powerful healing for the body and soul. This Ayahuasca retreat center specializes in small groups and its shamanic ceremony experience is the real deal. With retreats in Costa Rica and Portugal with real ayahuasca, Behold is the best ayahuasca retreat.

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2. Soltara Healing Center. Costa Rica and Peru.

Its proximity to ancient Peruvian culture and tradtion, and the world-famous Amazon forest are a big attraction at Soltara Healing Center ayahuasca retreat. Nestled in nature, the ayahuasca ceremony is immersive, and the indigenous Peruvian shaman brings decades of experience and centuries of tradtion to life. With retreats in Costa Rica and Peru, Soltara Healing Center is steeped in the culture of the regions. At this spiritual retreat, private and shared accomodation options are available. Yoga class during the day helps with the healing process. A mix of traditional and western practices towards plant medicine is also on offer here.

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3. Gaia Sagrada. Ecuador.

If you want to get in touch with mother earth then Gaia Sagrada ayahuasca retreat center is for you. Gaia Sagrada retreats focus is on sacred plant medicine. Located in Ecuador a local shaman facilitates the 3 day ayahuasca ceremony here. The experience takes participants close to mother earth and the natural history of the medicinal plants of the region. Gaia Sagrada focus on spiritual awakening and getting in touch with your true nature. Fantastic mountain hiking nearby are part of the profound healing experience here.

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4. Etnikas. Peru.

Located in the Sacred Valley close to Machu Picchu, Etnikas ayahuasca retreats makes guests feel in awe of the rich and ancient history of their traditional ayahuasca ceremony. The shaman healers come from the Andes and Amazon and have decades of experience with plant medicine of this region. Etnikas ayahuasca retreat center also provides a world class clinical team. Their ayahuasca tea ceremonies include ayahuasca vine and psychotria viridis. Their 3 day shamanic ceremony is authentically traditional and their clinical specialists offer services in trauma. This is the best ayahuasca retreat for a mix of tradtion meets west.

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5. Rythmia. Costa Rica.

Rythmia ayahuasca retreats deliver a mind, body and spirit healing experience. This Ayahuasca retreat center is medically licensed and also offers naturopathy. Their ayahuasca ceremony focuses on an individual and private approach. The healing experience is delicate and sensitvely focused to the participants needs. Those with dietary requirments will be pleased to see a great range of vegan options on the menu. Overall this is the best ayahuasca retreat for those seeking a personal touch. Those wanting a spritual awakening will feel at home at this healing and spiritual retreat. The expertise of indigenous herbalists comes to the forefront with a range of plant treatments and plant medicine available here.

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