Top 10 Psilocybin Retreats in 2024

For deeper insights into what makes up a safe and quality plant medicine retreat, check out the results from our recent plant medicine retreats survey.

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1. If you’d like a holistic understanding of your opportunities to improve your quality of life, take this self-diagnostic.

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2. If this is your first time with Psilocybin, this short quiz will help you assess your level of mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness for this powerful and sensitive work.

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3. If you’d like to understand more about the nature of psychedelic healing work, human potential, and who and what you really are, watch the video below.
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Like most things in life, there are a broad variety of Psilocybin retreat options, and a number of factors that effect the safety, quality, and cost of an psilocybin retreat:

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1. Safety First: Unfortunately, many small retreat centers are not in a position to make meaningful investments into screening and safety. Even if you're fine, someone else on retreat might not be, which can affect the overall experience. Our recommendation is to choose a retreat provider that does in-depth conversational, medical, and psychological screening to protect your safety and well-being.
2. Legality: Experienced practitioners who have dedicated their lives to plant medicine typically live in locations where the work is legal, so they don't have to live in a state of uncertainty about their work Our recommendation is to travel to legal locations where you can benefit from legitimate healers who operate above the radar, so you can truly relax on retreat.
3. Size of the group: It's common for retreats to have 20, 50, even 100 people in ceremony, which can be chaotic to say the least. In such large groups you are less likely to receive a sufficient level of attention from the facilitators. Our recommendation is to choose a retreat with an intimate group, in the range of 8-15 people.
4. Length of the retreat: Shorter retreats feel rushed, do not support the cultivation of meaningful relationships, and can limit what can be achieved in time available. We recommend you spend at least a week for an psilocybin retreat to give your mind, body, heart, and soul the attention it deserves.
5. ‍‍Comfort: We recommend you choose a retreat where you are confident that you will be physically comfortable and have your own private bedroom to decompress and integrate, especially if this is your first time. Go for the full jungle mosquito immersion another time, your future self will thank you later.
6. Alignment: Select a retreat that feels aligned with your values and allows your own subjective experience to unfold naturally. There are many different worldviews out there and having a different worldview pushed on you through the retreat may not be in your highest healing interests. This is also particularly relevant for first-timers.
7. Holistic approach: Work with an organization that takes a holistic approach to working with plant medicine, and has options to support and guide your mental and emotional evolution alongside a retreat. If a provider implies that "medicine will solve all your problems", proceed with caution.
8. ‍Service: Select a retreat that you believe can meet your individual needs. Are you being treated as a human, or as participant #22 in their fourth retreat this month? Consider whether or not they've taken the time to get to know you and understand you, or it's more of a take it or leave it retreat center.
9. Booking process: Take the time to speak with the provider before finalizing your booking. If the provider does not have a screening process in place during the booking process anyone could be sitting next to you in ceremony. Some people are not in the right place to work with this powerful plant medicine, and it is the responsibility of the organizers to ensure that only people who can handle psilocybin are accepted onto the retreat.
10. Expertise: Find an organization that emphasizes healing, and you believe has the breadth and depth of expertise to guide your transformation. Look for facilitators and healers who have a lightness of being and a sparkle in their eyes. Healing work is all about the transmutation of energy, so you are looking for people who have the energy you aspire to. If they aren't able to keep their energy right, that tells you quite a bit about either where they are at and their capabilities.
11. Reputation: At a minimum, Google the provider, you may be surprised by what you find. If there's not much information, that is also information. A reputable retreat center will have a professional online presence with testimonials from previous retreat attendees. This is essential for you to see that they are a legitimate organization who you can trust to contain this powerful experience.
12. Volunteers: Please support ethical plant medicine work by selecting an organization that pay their team. Unfortunately, it is common practice for retreat centers to cycle through young, eager, and worn out volunteers and/or not pay healers fairly. If the people supporting your retreat aren't living their best lives , they're not going to be able to lead you to yours. Don't be shy to ask this question directly when you speak to prospective centers.

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Looking for a little more guidance for one of the most important decisions of your life? Watch this video.

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Why Even Consider a Psilocybin Retreats?

Psilocybin alters perception of self, time, and space. When used in ceremony and ritual under proper guidance it is one of the ultimate tools of transformation and spiritual growth. The medical benefits are supported by recent science. Many studies show a decrease in depression anxiety, combating alcoholism, and even easing the psychological stress of sick cancer patients. Read more about the science backed research in our Psilocybin Therapy: The Complete Guide.

Apart from healing, psilocybin has many other benefits.

• Access to higher consciousness beyond the egoic mind
• Releasing low vibrational emotions such as guilt, shame, and anger
• Mental health increase through awareness
• Tapping into compassion and forgiveness
• Strengthens self love and better human relationships
• Mystical experiences such as oneness and universal love
• Heightens perception 

The Importance of a Facilitated Retreat

There are many things that differ in a proper Retreat compared to how one might take this "magic truffle" medicine at a party.

First and a really important one is the environment. When the space is held sacred and packed with beautiful intention, the experience allows the psychedelic experience to blossom and for the deep healing to truly take place. Next is the energetics of the healer around you, when your body does not feel 100% safe, it will not let go, it will not feel free to go to the parts that need healing. Safety and security is at the upmost importance, with any of these medicines. Ensuring the Retreat has done their due diligence on not only the shamans but also done proper medical screenings of you and the limited number of people around you.

Psilocybin Retreats should focus on healing and self improvement rather than sheer enjoyment. Psychedelic therapy sessions using Psilocybin (magic mushrooms or magic truffles), Ayahuasca, San Pedro, 5-MEO-DMT (Bufo) and other plant medicines are growing in popularity. It is in your best interest to choose the retreat center wisely.

The Psilocybin Retreat Center matters because every detail, from the preparation  process, to the physical land the ceremony is on, to the mental clarity of the other guests, all affects your ceremony. It is important to go on this spiritual journey in whatever way makes you feel most safe and confident.

The abundance of options often makes the process of choosing a retreat stressful or confusing. We are here to provide you with knowledge so you can make an informed decision. Apart from taking plant medicine, choosing a luxury psilocybin retreat will be one of the biggest decisions you can make. Use your intuition and do the proper due diligence and research.

Let your inner compass guide you after you have investigated your options. Talk directly to the retreat's support team about any questions and do ask for client testimonials after reading the reviews online. To book a call with a Behold Retreat's Plant Medicine Guide, apply here. Otherwise keep reading!

Things to Consider when Choosing a Psilocybin Retreat

• Would you prefer to be with a small group, or a private/solo experience?
• To save money do you want (risk) and be a part of a large group of 12+, or do you desire something more intimate and catered to you?
• Do you wish to do deep work and go on a private retreat with undivided attention?
• Do you need follow up support after your retreat and integration sessions?
• How important is it for you to have coaches and therapists to help with emotional processing?
• Where in the world do you want to be? What location serves you?
• Do you want simplicity, a small cabin in the forest or high-end luxury?
• How much time do you have to dedicate? 3 days or 3 weeks? 

There are many factors to consider when choosing a Psilocybin Retreat, and the more clarity you can get, the better the choice you will make. Ask yourself what do you really need for the fullness of experience, and work with a retreat that aligns with these needs. After all - the answer are inside of you, it's all about you. You are the universe. Really!

Legality

Good Psilocybin Retreat Centers will not do underground work, as it can be dangerous and create paranoia in guests and facilitators/shamans. It is important to feel 100% completely safe to participate in a Psilocybin Ceremonies in locations that have decriminalized it. Many of the best retreats (for this reason) are not in the United States, Canada, or UK as Psilocybin is currently considered illegal under federal law and a Schedule I controlled substance. Psychoactive's are looked at skeptically by many government structures, but as time has gone on and the amount of research has increased, perceptions are changing.  

In a few USA states such as Oregon, Colorado and California, they have been decriminalized for personal use with no intent to sell them. This means that scientific researchers and doctors can now readily study the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, especially in Oregon where it is legalized. The legal landscape continues to shift with time and growing public knowledge on the power of plant medicines. 

Globally, some of the most relaxed progressive countries for partaking in sacred Psilocybin Retreats are Portugal, Mexico and Costa Rica where it is decriminalized. Because of legal gray areas, Behold Retreats will only conduct ceremonies in places where there is no risk with the law. To have our clients feel completely safe and confident, we choose locations where plant medicine is welcome. This is why many of the best psychedelic retreats will be outside of the states. Traveling outside of home allows for a fresh perspective to ground into the new you.

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The Best Psilocybin Retreats

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, is becoming increasingly popular as a tool for personal growth and healing. From all-inclusive retreats to more intimate, self-guided experiences, there are plenty of options to explore the potential of this powerful medicine.

Whether you are looking to reduce depression anxiety, increase your overall well-being, or simply have one of the most meaningful experiences of your life, the 10 Best Psilocybin Retreats offer a variety of healing modalities and integration sessions to help you get the most out of your journey. From supportive staff to stunning locations, these retreats provide a safe and supportive environment to explore the potential benefits of psilocybin.

If you are looking to reduce depressive symptoms, gain insight into yourself and your life, or simply seek a meaningful experience, these 10 best psilocybin retreats have something to offer everyone.

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1. Behold Retreats (Portugal)

Behold Retreats offers a holistic modernized approach to plant medicine with experience serving over 1,500 clients. This organization intentionally facilitates life-changing plant medicine journeys with a focus on client goals (intentions), preparation (pre retreat), and integration (post retreat). This means that time and energy is dedicated to emotionally unpack the lessons of the ceremony and provide tools to integrate these lessons into the fabric of your daily life. Expert support is given before and after the ceremony so substantial change can take place for months and years to come. 

Behold Retreats consciously chooses a well rounded team for client growth consisting of coaches, therapists, body workers, doctors, and facilitators. All of the support team are professionals with decades of experience, we do not have any volunteers and we caution against centers that allow this. 

Nestled away in the breathtaking countryside, just north of Lisbon, the all-inclusive 6 Night Psilocybin Retreats are in an idyllic location for ceremony and in nature’s grasp.  Behold Retreats is discerning and does a thorough medical screening and conversational screening to ensure that whoever is accepted is ready for the power of psilocybin. This makes group retreat sizes more intimate than most retreat centers - typically no more than 9 people.

For those who want a deeper experience, Private Retreats in Portugal, Mexico, or Costa Rica are also available, with all details tailor fit for your specific needs. For those who are discerning and want individualized attention, private retreats may be the best option for you. You may read more about Private Psilocybin Retreats here.

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2. Buena Vida (Mexico)

Buena Vida has a focus in healing work through releasing trauma and moving into a heart centered approach to living. Their retreats are mostly 5-7 days long, so you are not thrown back into daily living after a day or two. They harness the power of the magic mushroom with common wellness practices such as yoga and breath work for a beautiful healing luxury psychedelic experience.

Time is taken before and after the ceremony for other healing modalities to ground in, such as sound therapy session, movement and somatic workshops, and meditation. Ceremonies are more traditional with local healers from pre Colombian lineages.

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3. Synthesis (Netherlands)

Combining western knowledge with ancient wisdom, these retreats Netherlands are used as a catalyst for change. Guests are provided with in depth preparation sessions around intention, active listening, and opening up around resistance. The psychedelic journey in Synthesis Netherlands is one about intention and connecting to inner power.

To be able to work properly with the medicine the body and mind must be held with care.  Synthesis Netherlands have seven facilitators for groups of around 21 participants, to assure proper care. Other plant medicine retreats are also available including ayahuasca which facilitates an intense, even more potent psychedelic journey.

4. Behold Retreats (Costa Rica)

If you're feeling the call to work with the sacred magic mushroom (magic truffles), but would like to explore in North America, join us in Costa Rica for opportunity to partake in a small group psilocybin retreat in an environment built on safety, sovereignty, integrity, and trust.

We always keep our Psilocybin Retreats intimate because we're passionate about offering our guests the most focused, personalized, and effective healing experience possible. We believe that receiving sacred plant medicine in a small group of thoroughly-vetted guests (or even 1 on 1) can be the difference between just another psychedelic experience, or your life's turning point.

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5. Coração Medicina (Portugal)

This retreat center has a focus on psilocybin and magic mushroom, while many others have commitment to a variety of plant medicines, the healing modality is solely mushrooms paired with other healing techniques such as Kambo, to purify the mind and body before the ceremony. Retreats last seven days which allow time for time to reflect with sharing circles and support. 

Group sizes are small at a maximum of ten and there are four leaders to support you during your journey. In a quiet  rural setting outside of the city of Lisbon, nature’s touch is available. 

6. Essence Institute (Netherlands)

Though retreats Netherlands here are shorter than others at 5-7 days, this one is three days, but has a focus on mental health. This luxury psilocybin retreat center was founded by experienced mental health care professionals who understand the western mind. They work to bridge the gap between plant medicine and psychology.

The retreat centers are surrounded by dense forest and embody the mystical feeling of the journey with psilocybin. With a combination of body work, mediation, and breath work, there is proper preparation for ceremony in a beautiful peace inducing environment. Psychedelic mushrooms are used as the ultimate vehicle to inner liberation.

7. Sacruna Retreats (Spain)

The retreats here are 8 days long coupled with over 30 practices for the mind, body and spirit. The location is inside of a beautiful castle surrounded by a coniferous forest, which is an experience in and of itself.

Through ancient natural medicine and expert facilitators, there is the goal to help participants with burn out and fear. Many people who have participated in these retreats come out with a better self image, improved self esteem, and a more loving approach to life. Psilocybin mushrooms build connection to self and community at this retreat.

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8. Life Synergy (Mexico)

The aim of the psilocybin retreat at Life Synergy is to give participants an empowered mindset full of a genuine optimism and connection to a higher purpose. The retreats are four days long but contain activities pointed to the healing path.

Temazcal is an ancient sweat lodge available daily to cleanse toxins with chanting and musical instruments for spiritual purification. Yoga classes are also available for flexibility and endurance. 

There are also cooking classes to teach participants how to make nutritious food after the ceremony ends and they go back into their daily lives so they can stay healthy and balanced. The statements from clients are helpful to look at to get a full picture of the psychedelic experience  in Mexico.  For those coming from the states, this is a good option to be a short plane ride from home.

9. Atman Retreat (Jamaica)

This four day retreat takes place on a beach front villa in Jamaica by a saltwater inlet on the Caribbean Sea. Throughout the four days there are multiple discussions and check ins with the facilitator for personalized care and support. 

The dose given during ceremony is personally tailored depending on what you need and your set intention. This can be personal, spiritual or creative. At Atman there is a focus on all three, so that when you leave you can feel balanced and whole. 

10. Shamanic Space (The Netherlands)

This psilocybin retreat center works intuitively while harnessing ancient knowledge and wisdom of plant medicine. They source the truffles Psilocybe Tampelandia, which are fully legal in The Netherlands and have a  potent visual effect, bringing guests in close proximity to the world of the mystical. 

The dose for each individual is decided by the expert facilitator as they tune into the dimension of spirit. 

The team consists of psychotherapists with western knowledge and the beauty of old shamanic traditions they both have lived and studied. Before the ceremony there is also a group cleaning and extracting circle so your auric field can be clear and receptive to the medicine. This wellness retreat has a focus on mental acuity through the beauty of psychedelic substances.

The 10 best psilocybin retreats offer a unique and powerful way to help people overcome depression anxiety, and other depressive symptoms.

These all-inclusive retreats provide a safe and supportive environment, allowing participants to explore the healing power of psilocybin in a comfortable and professional setting. With a variety of healing modalities and integration sessions, these retreats can bring about profound experiences and lasting changes in one's life.

In conclusion, the 10 Best Psilocybin Retreats are a great way to experience healing, reduce depressive symptoms, and create lasting memories of some of the most powerful experiences of your life.

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Still need some help choosing the best psilocybin retreats?

We would be honored to guide you in choosing the best psilocybin retreats for your needs. Behold Retreats coordinates expertly guided retreats with highly experienced facilitators. Reach out to us to set up a complimentary discovery call and we can point you in the right direction.

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5-MeO-DMT in Mexico

Ayahuasca in Costa Rica‍

5-MeO-DMT in Portugal