The increasing prevalence of psychedelics, combined with the growth of alternative medicines and a desire for self-exploration, has led to a rise in psychedelic retreats.
If you’re yearning for an escape and an eye-opening experience, psychedelic retreats could be the answer.
What are Psychedelic Retreats?
As the name suggests, psychedelic retreats are peaceful getaways that involve the use of psychedelic drugs. Often located in a secluded area, these retreats can be found all over the world.
The substance used at these resorts varies, as do the activities, amenities, and level of luxury, but the drug and its effects are central to the experience.
What Happens on a Psychedelic Retreat?
The most important thing in a retreat center is to provide the optimal setting and help users find the right mindset. This “set and setting” approach is key to any psychedelic experience.
The retreat center will typically provide a relaxed and secluded setting, combined with limited but nutritious food, peace, and several spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, and drum circles.
The exact quality of the experience will depend on the type of retreat, as well as the location and cost. These are generally not 5-star-resorts, and if you’re looking for a plush hotel room complete with a luxury spa, you’ll need to cough up a lot of cash.
Most retreats offer minimal amenities and prefer a back-to-basics approach, including wooden huts and communal sleeping areas.
How Long Do Psychedelic Retreats Last?
It varies, but they can typically run for anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
Types of Psychedelic Retreats
The main differentiator in a psychedelic retreat is the type of drug being offered. Ayahuasca ceremonies tend to be more spiritual, with drinks consumed under the guidance of a shaman. Other retreats focus on personal development and let you take your own psychedelic journey.
Psilocybin Mushroom Retreats
Psilocybin mushrooms are generally less intense than some other psychedelic drugs, making them the perfect introductory substance for inexperienced users.
Psilocybin retreats are usually very short and typically run for just a few days. They are not as spiritual as some of the other options, but they still provide a communal experience.
Ayahuasca Retreats
Ayahuasca is a concoction made from a variety of plants. The principal psychedelic compound is DMT, which has been called the “spirit” molecule and has been used for hundreds of years in spiritual practices.
Ayahuasca retreats have exploded in popularity over the last decade or so, and there are many centers offering ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.
If you’re looking for an ayahuasca retreat, make sure you do your research in advance. The prevalence of these retreat centers means that some disreputable providers have slipped through the net. There have been a number of reports of negligence, abuse, and assault surrounding some retreat centers, so don’t simply assume that all retreat options will provide you with the same experience.
Iboga Retreats
Iboga provides intense, long-lasting psychedelic effects that can have a life-changing impact on the user. For this reason, it has been studied for its potential in the treatment of drug abuse, with the idea being that it provides eye-opening revelations that put the user on a healthier path.
This plant medicine has a lot of potential and has been the subject of some very interesting studies. But it’s not to be taken lightly.
San Pedro Retreats
San Pedro contains a number of alkaloids, the principal of which is mescaline, the same psychedelic compound found in peyote. It grows in similar areas to the cacti used in ayahuasca and most retreat centers are based in South America.
Are Psychedelic Retreats Legal?
You’ll notice that many psychedelic retreats are located in Central and South America. It’s partly because these locations offer a glimpse of paradise (at a more affordable cost than you’d find in the United States), but it mainly has to do with the legal status of the drugs being offered.
The psychedelic drugs on offer in these locations are either legal, decriminalized, or unregulated.
If legal, it usually means that you are free to use and even distribute the drug, though in some countries this is only true if they are offered through a registered church or other organization.
In cases of decriminalization, there are no laws against possession and use, but fines and other penalties can be imposed for commercial distribution.
If unregulated, it simply means that the drugs in question haven’t been classified as legal or illegal and exist in a grey area.
In all cases, the retreat center is the one that must stay up to date with the latest regulations and ensure they are not breaking any laws. As a visitor/consumer, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Of course, it’s a different story if you try to smuggle some of those drugs back to the United States, which is definitely not recommended.
Are Other Drugs Consumed?
Alcohol and other recreational substances are generally avoided during these retreats. It’s all about using plant medicines to facilitate a spiritual or transcendent experience, and the goal is not to get as high as possible.
They may combine multiple plant medicines, but only if they facilitate the experience.
Where Can You Find a Psychedelic Retreat?
We can’t personally vouch for any psychedelic retreat centers, but we can certainly give you a good jumping-off point.
Here are a few of the most popular centers currently offering retreats:
- Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats: Experienced and well-reviewed retreats for magic mushrooms. All of these retreats are led by experienced shamans.
- Soltara Healing Center: Ayahuasca ceremonies led by indigenous people in Peru and Costa Rica.
- 1Heart: Arranges Ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica.
- Crossroads Treatment Center: Located in the Bahamas and organizes iboga retreats.
- The Healing Tree: Arranges San Pedro and ayahuasca retreats in Cusco, Peru. Some of these retreats last for 2 weeks.
- Casa del Sol: Based in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, Casa del Sol uses indigenous teachings and shamanic rituals in combination with plant medicines like San Pedro and ayahuasca.
Summary: Psychedelic Retreats
Whether you’re looking for a psilocybin retreat for a little enlightenment or an iboga retreat for deep healing, a psychedelic retreat can be a life-changing experience.
They are not to be taken lightly, though. Do your research in advance, make sure you’re ready for these drugs, and consult the retreat organizers and shamans if you have any concerns.
If you’re taking drugs (prescription or otherwise), we wouldn’t recommend going on one of these retreats. And if you have a mental illness or other preexisting health condition, you should consult with a medical doctor beforehand.