AYAHUASCA IN WASHINGTON D.C.
**NOTE - WE DO NOT OFFER RETREATS OR CEREMONIES IN D.C. THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY**
In 2020, The D.C. Board of Elections allowed Initiative 81, also known as the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020. The ballot initiative goes to the D.C. Council for review. If the council doesn’t overturn the measure it will be sent to Congress for review. If Congress doesn’t object within 30 legislative days the initiative would go into effect.
This is a huge step forward for both the psychedelic therapy, offering more options for the public to access psychedelic assisted therapy. There have been well documented benefits to the use of plant medicines either alone or in conjunction with traditional therapies for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and addictions. While the initiative doesn't legalize psycedleics, it would make them 'lowest the lowest police enforcement priority'. Hopeuflly this step forward will help open the doors to legality in the future.
We are always thrilled to hear of the United States embracing the therapeutic value fo psychedelic plants. We hope to someday offer retreats and ceremonies in D.C.and other areas of the states, but until then, we strongly urge anyone looking to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies in the United States to find a qualified and reputable center or facilitator to work with. Or, if your journey takes you to Costa Rica, we will be here for you.
Powerful ayahuasca ceremonies expertly led by traditionally trained facilitators.
Stress-free transition to the retreat with Liberia Airport Transfers at designated times.
Beach Trips
Located in one of five famous Blue Zones, we visit Costa Rica's pristine Coastline.
Quality Retreats
since 2014
Over the years we have worked hard to develop quality ayahuasca retreats that encompass a range of healing modalities for the highest therapeutic value without feeling overwhelming or rushing too much into a short amount of time. Our belief in QUALITY over QUANTITY can be seen in many different aspects of our retreats. We have had the opportunity to observe what works and what doesn't in our programs and with that knowledge we have developed our retreats with some key factors that make us stand out against the crowd.
FACILITY - AYAHUASQUERO - BREW - SAFETY
From offering intimate groups of 16 or fewer, to serving potent brew with a skilled and qualified ayahausquero, we have considered every detail.
BEACH RETREAT
We are located less than a mile from one of Costa Rica's gorgeous beaches in one of the famous Blue Zones of the world.
Our expansive facility offers a comfortable environment for such an intense process. We offer both private and shared accommodations. We have communal areas to socialize, a large pool, fire pit, lounge area, outdoor kitchen, and natural areas to explore.
All meals are prepared with care by Jeanae using locally grown and sourced ingredients. We follow a relaxed ayahuasca diet, providing food that is vegan, nutritious, colorful and flavorful.
WiFi is available although we discourage the use of electronics prior to the ceremony to focus on the intention for the journey ahead.
We provide complimentary pick-up and drop-off from Liberia (LIR) International Airport to our retreat center just outside Tamarindo, Guanacaste.
We limit our ayahuasca retreat groups to 16 so we can provide individualized attention and support.
THE SHAMAN
Matthew has been working with ayahuasca since 2014 and is our resident ayahuasquero. He guides each participant through the experience with Icaros which are medicine songs either passed down from his teacher or gifted by ayahuasca. Matthew, a highly sensitive and intuitive empath, adapts the songs of the ceremony to meet the energy of the room. The songs of the spirit come to him, and his powerful voice carries them through the space. This is why it is so important to us to keep our groups intimate so that the energetic space is maintained with respect to each individual's experience. Matthew is supported by his wife, Jeanae, who plays the flute. Our intimate ceremonies are offered in darkness, promoting an inward journey to heal the soul.
Matthew has facilitated hundreds of ceremonies and leads with compassion, love, and a deep connection to spirit.
Matthew’s training takes him to Iquitos, Peru multiple times a year to complete master plant dietas and learn the Peruvian ceremonial traditions under the guidance of his teacher, Don Ron Wheelock. Matthew’s intentions and passion in his work are unparalleled. There is no question of his integrity or his sincerity in his mission to help others.
SAFETY
To ensure the safety of all our guests, we require each potential participant complete a medical screening over the phone with Matt. The medical screening will give us an idea of your overall health and will help us determine if you are a safe candidate for ayahuasca therapy. It also gives Matt, our ayahuasquero, a chance to speak with each participant personally, to develop a relationship and answer any questions you may have.
In addition to conducting a thorough medical screening, Matt and Jeanae are both trained in CPR. New Life Ayahuasca is equipped with an AED machine, which our staff is trained to use.