NEW YORK AYAHUASCA RETREAT

Ayahuasca is gaining popularity across the globe, particularly in New York. However, due to federal laws that classify ayahuasca as illegal, finding legitimate and reputable places to attend a ceremony can be challenging.

New Life Ayahuasca is the oldest ayahuasca retreat center in Costa Rica. Over the years, we’ve had the unique opportunity to fine-tune our retreat program to maximize healing. We believe that getting away from your usual environment and fully committing to this life-changing journey is the best way to experience ayahuasca. However, we understand that international travel and taking over a week off work may not be feasible for everyone, leading many to seek options closer to home.

In June 2019, Oakland, California, passed a resolution to decriminalize the possession and use of psychedelic substances, including Ayahuasca, Mushrooms, Iboga, Peyote, San Pedro, and DMT. Since then, many people have been searching for authentic ayahuasca retreats in the United States. With ayahuasca’s growing popularity, there are now many 'underground' events available, often held over a weekend with groups of 20 or more people. While some of these ceremonies are led by well-trained, traveling shamans, many are facilitated by inexperienced enthusiasts who, while well-intentioned, may not be equipped to handle the complexities of the medicine.

If you’re considering attending an ayahuasca ceremony in New York, it’s crucial to ask the following questions to ensure a safe and therapeutic experience:

Who is facilitating the ceremony?
How much experience do they have
Where will the ceremony be held?
How many people typically attend?
Are there 'sitters' or 'helpers' present alongside the ayahuasquero/shaman? If so, how many, and is there at least one female assistant (important for women participants)?
Where does the brew come from, and what does it contain?
Will you need to provide medical information before participating? (This is important, as ayahuasca has contraindications with certain medications—see our safety page for more information.)

At New Life Ayahuasca, we have been offering retreats in Costa Rica since 2014. We strongly encourage anyone looking to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony in New York to seek out a qualified and reputable center or facilitator. If you’re interested in joining us in one of the world’s famous Blue Zones, just a mile from the beach in Costa Rica, please contact us. We offer 5- and 7-day ayahuasca retreats and would love to help guide you on your healing journey.

WE DO NOT HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS OR CONTACTS FOR AYAHUASCA IN NEW YORK.

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NOTE - WE DO NOT OFFER RETREATS OR CEREMONIES IN NEW YORK. THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

AYAHUASCA IN NEW YORK

COSTA RICA

TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES

Powerful ayahuasca ceremonies in a traditional ceremonial maloca.

EXPERT GUIDES

Matt and Jeanae have over a decade of experience in the Peruvian Mestizo traditions.

YOGA SESSIONS

Hatha Yoga Sessions suitable for all levels are offered on each ceremony day.

SMALL GROUPS

With a maximum of 14 participants per group, we can offer individual support.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Stress-free transition to the retreat with LIR Airport Transfers at designated times.

BEACH TRIPS

Located in on the Pacific Coast, we visit one of Costa Rica's gorgeous beaches.

MASSAGE

Theraputic massage offers a way to start integrating in a non-verbal setting.

HEALTHY MEALS

Nutritious and flavorful meals are provided using local fruits and vegetables.

BUILT ON LOVE

SINCE 2014

Matthew and I have been partners in this work for over a decade. Plant medicine brought us together in 2014 and we've been dedicated to this path ever since. Everything in our lives has been shaped by Ayahuasca. Not only did she lift us from our darkest moments after years of battling addiction, but she gave us the purest gift of love in finding each other.

We've had our share of ups and downs. Things haven't always been easy. It's been a long road and we've had to navigate many personal and professional challenges over the years. But at the end of the day, ayahuasca has helped us cultivate a deep love rooted in mutual respect, support, and admiration. We've turned to her to help us through trials of marriage and personal doubt. It's because of this work that we've been able to grow stronger as individuals and as partners, lovers, and best friends.

We hear all the time from guests that they don't understand how we can do this work, and while we love to help others, the truth is that it's just a happy by-product of helping ourselves. It's our hope that as we continue to heal, we are able to better support you in your own healing.

Working with ayahuasca is truly humbling. It's not a responsibility we take lightly. Our ayahuasca retreat Costa Rica program is designed to give you a curated balance of support and space.

Thank you for letting us share the magic.

ABOUT US

Ayahuasca Costa Rica has been a gift to us through the years and we will forever be indebted for all the gifs we have received.

ayahuasca retreat shaman matthew and jeanae in the maloca

OUR MISSION & VALUES

ACCESSABLE HEALING FOR ALL

Sharing the magic of this medicine is a great honor and a great responsibility. Ayahuasca has been the catalyst for every great transformation in our lives, and we are committed to guiding others on their journey to healing. We accept people from all walks of life in a non-judgmental environment.

As individuals who have had trauma experiences, we understand the importance of having a safe space that encourages vulnerability for authentic self-reflection and discovery. Healing can be painful, and we are here to support our guests so that they feel seen and held throughout the process.

For more than a decade, we have committed ourselves to this path, and we respect the Peruvian Mestizo traditions that have been handed down from our teacher and his teacher before him. As part of that tradition, we complete master plant dietas that give us the tools necessary to create a protected sacred ceremonial space.

We hope to help you find a renewed sense of peace and joy in your life as you embark on a beautiful journey to uncover your full potential.

ECO-CONSCIOUS

AYAHUASCA RETREAT COSTA RICA

At our eco-retreat we are intentional about the relationship we have with the natural world. Ayahuasca, a medicine from the earth, teaches us to value the resources we have and the gifts the earth provides. While we offer the comforts of air-conditioning and a pool, we do all we can to minimize our impact on the local ecosystem by utilizing recycling practices, turning off lights and A/C when not in use and utilizing natural building materials wherever possible. We can learn a lot by observing our routines and being aware of the impact our consumption has on the earth.

An ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica is the perfect place to begin to deepen your connection the natural world as you deepen your connection to self. She acts a s bridge between worlds, both the physical to spiritual and the modern to our ancestors. Through this reflection we see that we are connected, all as one. The earth nurtures us with food, water and medicine and we must learn to nurture her in kind to have a reciprocal and beneficial relationship.

VIEW GALLERY

Discover our healing Ayahuasca Costa Rica retreat at our ecosactuary oasis.

THE SHAMAN

Matt and Jeanae have been working with plant medicine since 2014. It was through ceremonial work that they met and where their love was forged.

Together they have been trained through a powerful lineage of healers in the Peruvian Mestizo traditions going back generations. Matthew and Jeanae are deeply dedicated to their path and continue to grow in their work by traveling to the Amazon every year and completing master plant dietas. These dietas allow them to connect with the great spirits and receive insightful teachings and medicine songs called Icaros. They use these tools and songs in the ceremonies to guide the participants through the ayahuasca experience.

Matthew possesses a strong intuition and is highly sensitive to energetic subtleties. These skills allow him to adapt the songs of the ceremony to meet the energy needs of the room. Jeanae has a very gentle and nurturing energy. Her singing and flute playing invite softness into the space. Matthew brings a grounded masculine energy while Jeanae brings a motherly feminine energy, creating a perfect balance and play between the two polarities.

To provide responsible ceremonies, we limit our ayahuasca retreat size to 14 participants so that the energetic space is maintained with respect to each individual's experience. We offer our ayahuasca Costa Rica retreat ceremonies in darkness, promoting an inward journey to heal the soul. Jeanae and Matthew are passionate about this work and lead each ceremony with love, compassion, and a desire to share the beauty of the sacred medicine with all who seek healing.

CEREMONY INFO

Safety

The Jagube vine, essential for the preparation of ayahuasca and daime._edited.jpg

AYAHUASCA SAFETY

SAFETY INFO

Your physical and emotional safety are our highest priority.

While ayahuasca is safe when used properly, there are a few medical conditions and medications that are contraindicated with ayahuasca. Every participant is asked to complete a medical questionnaire over the phone to ensure the safety of our ayahuasca retreats. In case of emergency, Matt and Jeanae are certified in CPR and have training with the use of our AED (Automated External Defibrillator). We are 25 minutes from a medical center.

Our small groups enable us to provide quality service and attention to every guest. Each ceremony is supported by 4 team members : Our ayahuasqueros, Matthew and Jeanae, who drink ayahuasca with each group to help guide the experience and 2 additional helpers, who do not drink during the ceremony and are there to assist any participant that may require attention. A male responds to the men and a female responds to the women, ensuring that everyone feels safe and comfortable during such a vulnerable and emotional experience.