In recent years research has shown that ayahuasca can potentially have several health benefits. For that reason, it has drawn a lot of attention to the substance in many Western countries. Many people who attend these retreats or partake in an ayahuasca ceremony tell of life-changing results and experiences. Ayahuasca retreats are organized and offered in many different countries and help people gain a deeper perception of themselves, whether through healing or understanding of past moments and connections. So, let’s get into what they are and where you can attend one!
What Is An Ayahuasca Retreat?
Several indigenous shamanistic traditions of South America have used ayahuasca for several thousand years. Unfortunately, the origin of the ayahuasca ceremonies remains unknown. Mostly due to not having enough information, archeologists cannot determine a date. People from the Amazon didn’t use written language, although there is some evidence that they smoked or inhaled DMT plants since 900 BC.
Traditionally, ayahuasca ceremonies were held in villages, but now retreats are offered all over the world to give people this experience. Lodging is offered at most retreats, and accommodations can range from basic to luxury. The structure of the retreat can vary depending on the length of time and purpose. Some retreats can last a few days or will go on for up to a month or more. Some only use ayahuasca, while other retreats like to implement different medicinal plants and hallucinogens.
Benefits of Ayahuasca Retreats
Ayahuasca is traditionally used for spiritual and religious purposes. However, now it has become increasingly popular among people who are searching for ways to let go of past traumas or to open their minds and have a better connection with themselves. Others might just want to experience ayahuasca to see what the journey is like. That is why these retreats are offered, and sometimes they include more than just ayahuasca ceremonies. They offer a combination of meditation and yoga or workshops on how to use medicinal plants to heal the body from illness or the mind.
Many of the retreats offer fresh organic vegan or vegetarian food that is light and healthy because it is recommended that no animal products be used prior to ingesting ayahuasca. Those are the guidelines from the native Peruvian ayahuasca tradition, and it is still embraced today in retreats all over the world. Many of the retreats offer good preparation for guests before performing ceremonies in order to prepare people’s bodies and minds for the journey. Throughout the rest of the article, ten upcoming ayahuasca retreats will be discussed.
Guatemala Ayahuasca Retreat
Tucked away in the Guatemalan highlands is Lake Atitlan. It has been described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and is the deepest lake in all of Central America. Overlooking the lake and volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan is where a six-day ayahuasca retreat is held at The Eagles Nest. This retreat includes two ayahuasca ceremonies and one temazcal ceremony. A temazcal ceremony is meant to release toxins and impurities from the body, while ayahuasca heals the mind. The combination of the two can have many rewarding benefits. Yoga, integration sessions, and dance are all included in the retreat.
Florida Ayahuasca Retreat
In Florida, the Sacred Female Ayahuasca retreat is held for three days. Over the course of those days, three ayahuasca ceremonies are held. Breathwork sessions, yoga, and natural healing services are also available. One testimonial for this retreat is from a girl from New Jersey. She says that ayahuasca changed her life and gave her inner peace like no other medicine or therapy that she has ever tried. The primary focus of the retreat is for the women to get to know themselves better and to let go of the past but it is unique because it also gives an opportunity for women to build bonds with each other.
Spain Ayahuasca Retreat
In Malaga, Spain, an ayahuasca and yoga retreat is hosted with its main purpose being to educate people on Amazonian Curanderismo and to bring others peace and harmony into their lives. The shaman for the ceremonies is Peruvian, and he himself battled with health issues that could not be treated with conventional medicine. Desperate to find a cure, he turned to plant science and started using medicinal plants that have changed his life. The retreat is for eight days, and their itinerary consists of yoga, meditation, group discussions, private discussions with the shaman, massage sessions, and some special educational courses on medicinal plants and healing purposes. There are also five ayahuasca ceremonies that are performed.
Check out these additional top recommended psychedelic retreats in Spain.
Ayahuasca Retreats in Costa Rica
In the hidden gem of Playa Blanca Costa Rica, a thirteen-day ayahuasca retreat takes place. Male and female Peruvian shipping healers who are very experienced and knowledgeable are the hosts of seven ayahuasca ceremonies. Throughout the retreat, there are various opportunities to have one-on-one consultations with the healers. Fresh organic and pesticide-free food that is locally sourced is prepared daily and included in the retreat package. This area is known to be one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Many walking trails and private beaches are easily accessible for guests.
Up to four ayahuasca ceremonies are performed during this eight-day ayahuasca retreat in San Jose, Costa Rica. This retreat offers access to beaches and nature like never before. Sea turtle nesting walks and floral medicinal plant baths are a part of the course. The location of the retreat is in the middle of the jungle in Corcovado which has been recognized by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on earth. A variety of healing plants and herbal medicine techniques are used to heal the mind and body.
Ayahuasca Retreats in Peru
A ten-day Ayahuasca retreat and master plants dieta take place in Nauta Peru. Nestled in the Amazonian forest, guests will be able to contact spirits with healing plants and get to know themselves a little deeper. They affirm that this is the place where guests can let go of any obstacles getting in the way of finding them finding their purpose and path in life. They specifically deal with anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, anger, trauma, and other life stressors. Guests will be under the care of healers from the Shipibo tribe. Each guest will stay in their own private one-person wooden house. The water that is provided for washing and bathing is collected from the rain to give everyone an experience as close to nature as possible.
Ayahuasca Foundation’s Riosbo Retreat and Research Center holds a twelve-day ayahuasca retreat in the jungle and two additional days in Iquitos, Peru. Various plant treatments are offered to help cleanse the body, mind, and soul. Six ayahuasca ceremonies are included not only for healing purposes but also to help people gain better control of their actions, thoughts, and feelings. There are also specific treatments that are available to each individual depending on their affliction. There will also be workshops that teach different methods and techniques on how to heal illnesses by using medicinal plants. The foundation also provides additional assistance once participants have gone home but have more questions or need advice. Vapor and plant baths are all a part of the fourteen-day journey to becoming healthier and achieving inner peace.
The Temple of the Way of Light hosts a twenty-three-day retreat in the middle of the Amazonian jungle in Peru. People are transported to the bungalows by boat, and then they must walk the rest of the way. This retreat focuses on healing and integration. Every day, different classes are offered in yoga, art therapy, and meditation. People also receive massages overlooking the very green jungle that surrounds them to help with relaxation. Seven ayahuasca ceremonies are performed throughout the twenty-three days that will give people more clarity, processing, integration and contemplation. The retreat has good feedback online in regard to the shamans, safety, food, and overall experience.
Ayahuasca Retreats in Mexico
Aya de La Vid, Spirit of The Vine has reviews that rave about the great experiences of their guests. They host a six-day ayahuasca retreat in Cancun, Mexico. They go in-depth to explain what ayahuasca is, why people should consume it, the science behind it, and they give information on how to prepare for an ayahuasca experience. They also go over all of the effects it can have since each experience is different. Their belief is that by healing people, they will be able to heal the planet because in order to make a difference in the world, people should be free of anything negative or that is burdening on their personal life. As stated in their reviews, ayahuasca has given many of their guest life-changing experiences.
Located in the Cancun jungle Bluestone hosts an all-inclusive four-day women’s medicine ayahuasca retreat. They also have a Huachuma ceremony built into the program and sweat lodge therapy on one of the days. They help prepare all participants before each ceremony and will give people the tools they need to continue integrating their experience once they have gone back home. All of their meals are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and organic. A yoga center and fitness studio are on the premises for all guests.
Overall, ayahuasca retreats may be beneficial as they can help open doors to a journey of deeper spiritual connection with oneself, mother nature, and important moments in time. If you have been to an ayahuasca retreat, we would like to hear about your experience.
