These steps will guide you to make a conscious decision in your search of Ayahuasca Retreats.  

You are committed to immersing yourself in an Ayahuasca Retreat, you check up online and find billions of different options, you end up anxious and doubtful about what to choose. I know exactly what you mean. 

The popularity of Ayahuasca has caught the attention of millions of western travelers. When it comes to choosing a reputable place, there are things you should know if you don’t want to be tricked by all the advertising that is around that could end up wasting your money and energy. In this article, I will share some valuable information that can help you to know where to start, so take note of these five things to take into consideration before making the big step. 

1. Focused Visualization. 

For more new-age ideas this might appear to you, it’s a must to connect and trust your intention underneath, this will help for orientation towards what you want. Law of attraction is powerful and it works, trust me. 

Ask yourself, Why do I want to take this journey? How do I want to feel? How do I want to be treated? You can add some more questions and get even more specific, the clearer the better.

After answering, take a moment to visualize yourself in the space, and again be specific, see the surroundings, the people, even the smell. It doesn’t have to be perfect, do your best and you will get a more clear vision of what you want. 

2. Choose your Shaman. 

There are many lineages of Shamanism that work with Ayahuasca, here, you need to ask yourself if you are looking for an Indigenous Shaman or a Western Shaman. 

Even though many would suggest that it is better to do it with a traditional indigenous Shaman, don’t let this close the doors for Western Shamans, there exist people fully devoted and dedicated that can hold deep and powerful ceremonies and is a plus that they understand western’s problems. Both are equally good options and it is up to you to decide according to your desired experience. 

3. The number of People matters. A lot.

See if you want to take this journey with the company of a big group of people or do it in a small group for a more personalized experience. Usually, the most economic places are for larger groups, and the luxury retreat centers are focused on small groups with personalized attention.

4. Your Budget.

Depending on how much you are willing to pay, you can find different options with distinct prices, I would suggest that before jumping into the cheapest option, think about this as an investment of your wellbeing that will change your life for good, so mindfully make a wise decision counting in the points mentioned above first. Most Ayahuasca Retreats in Ecuador with a duration of 5-10 days with accommodation and food fall somewhere between $1000-3000. Short research among the feedback of the place is recommended to check the reputation and quality of service. 

5. Safety First.

Last but not least, checking the safety protocol is needed. Like everything, Ayahuasca ceremonies can have a dark side, specifically the corruption some people have done just for business, serving the brew without proper ethics and experience that has led to unpleasant and sometimes deadly results. This is not to be afraid of, but it is good to keep in mind that, unfortunately, not everybody has pure intentions, and it’s better to be cautious and ask for their safety protocol that guarantees a safe experience led by professionals in the field. 

Written by : Vera Lucia Zamora.

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