F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
BOOKING, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS POLICY
Q: What is your booking policy?
A: A medical screening must be completed before booking. The screening is done via phone and can not be completed online as we want to get to know everyone who will be attending the retreat. Once we have given medical clearance, we require a 50% deposit to reserve the room. The balance is due at the start of the retreat.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: If you cancel more than 60 days from the retreat start date, then your deposit is eligible for a full refund minus processing fees. If you cancel between 30 – 60 days, the deposit is nonrefundable but can be transferred toward a future retreat within 1 year subject to availability. If you cancel less than 30 days from the start date of the retreat your deposit will be forfeited.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: There will be a 5% fee for all cancellations and refunds to cover processing fees. Once the retreat has started no refunds will be issued.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RETREAT
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located on the Pacific Coast about two hours from San Jose International Airport between Jaco and Manuel Antonio.
Q: Are flights included in the retreat price?
A: No, the flights are not included. Our all-inclusive pricing covers everything from the moment you arrive in Costa Rica, including airport transfers, ayahuasca ceremonies, yoga, meals, beach trips, etc.
Q: Can I extend my stay at the retreat?
A: No, we rent the property for retreat use so we do not have the option to extend stays.
Q: What are the accommodations?
A: We have both private and shared room options available. We emphasize the value of private space but also understand that some friends travel together and prefer a more economical option. Our shared rooms are spacious, and have a 2-person max. All rooms have ocean views.
Q: How long have you been working with the medicine?
A: Since 2015, we have nearly a decade's worth of experience and training in Peruvian traditions.
Q. Who are your shaman?
A: Our ceremonies are facilitated by our ayahuasqueros Matthew and Jeanae who have been training in Peru since 2015. They have completed many master plant medicine dietas under the guidance of his teacher, famed shaman Don Ron Wheelock. Together they sing Icaros and play multiple instruments to guide the ceremony.
Q: Where does your medicine come from?
A: Our medicine is made in Iquitos, Peru by Matthew's teacher. Ron's brew is well known and it is high quality and strong medicine. Please refer to our page about our brew for more information about the importance of knowing where the medicine comes from and what it contains.
Q: Is there internet?
A: Yes, we have WiFi available at our facility.
Q: Is there hot water?
A: Yes, hot water is available in all sinks and showers
Q: How do I get to the New Life Ayahuasca facility?
A: We provide complimentary airport pick-up from SJO airport at 1 pm on the start day of the retreat. Return transportation is provided as well, for a 1 pm arrival at SJO.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Almost everything is provided for you once you arrive at our center. We provide a suggested packing list at the time of booking.
Q: How many people are accommodated for ayahuasca retreats?
A: We value the intimacy of the experience and will never exceed 14 participants in each ceremony with a minimum of 4 support staff.
QUESTIONS ABOUT AYAHUASCA
Q: How long does it take to feel the effects?
A: Anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, but generally speaking most people start to feel the effects of ayahuasca within one hour of drinking the medicine.
Q: How long does the experience last?
A: Each experience is different, but about 4-5 hours on average. How long you feel the effects of ayahuasca depends on a number of things including the strength of the medicine, your sensitivity to the medicine, etc.
Q: Is the experience the same every time you drink ayahuasca?
A: No, every experience is different. Some experiences are very intense, some are subtle and gentle. Regardless of how many times you have drank ayahuasca or even if you use the same quantity and quality of medicine every time, you can still get very different results. Ayahuasca has a certain energy that can be felt each time you drink, but the overall experience usually varies each time.
Q: Will I vomit or have diarrhea?
A: Mostly likely. Not everyone experiences the purge in the form of vomiting or diarrhea, but it is likely that you will. This may sound unpleasant, and it can be, but the purge serves its purpose in detoxing the body and spirit. It represents the release of negative built-up energies in the body and soul.
Q: Will I have visions and what are they like?
A: We can not guarantee you will have visions as ayahuasca affects all people differently. However, the vast majority of people that consume ayahuasca do have intense visual experiences. This sacred medicine manifests itself differently to all people so it is impossible for us to predict what your visual experience will be like. Just trust that the medicine will take you where you need to go.
Q: Is ayahuasca dangerous?
A: Ayahuasca can be dangerous for certain people with pre-existing medical conditions or people taking certain medications. Please refer to our ayahuasca safety page for in more information about potential dangers. Always disclose any medications or herbal supplements with staff when making reservations.
Q: Why do people continue to drink ayahuasca again and again?
A: People can have extremely profound life-changing experiences from ayahuasca. As mentioned earlier, each time you drink the brew the experience is different. Each experience is a new opportunity to learn and grow in different ways. This is what makes ayahuasca so appealing to spiritual seekers and those wishing to overcome destructive behaviors.