There are so many questions that may come to mind as you’re pondering joining us for an upcoming Heart of the Mother Retreat. We hope that you’ll find the information you’re looking for here ~ if you have an additional question, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to send your inquiry to us directly. Please note that we do not currently have any retreats in Peru or Costa Rica scheduled, and are not accepting applications for future retreats.
ABOUT HEART OF THE MOTHER RETREATS
Q: How often do you hold retreats?
A: In the past, we hosted retreats in Peru and Costa Rica in alternate years. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have not scheduled any retreats, and we do not currently have any dates or clear plans for future retreats.
Q: There are lots of retreats, what makes Heart of the Mother Retreats different?
A: There are many retreats available in the world today ~ yoga retreats, cleansing retreats, adventure retreats, and definitely Plant Medicine retreats! With so many options, it can be challenging to find the right option for your needs. After all, a retreat is more than just a vacation, it’s an opportunity to take the time just for YOU, and you should find the retreat that fits ALL that you are looking for!
There are six essential elements that make our retreats stand out:
Comfort
Enjoyment
Exploration
Rejuvenation
Community
Transformation
Q: What if I need extra support?
A: It is our priority to provide the support that our participants need. We hold group integration sessions following every retreat ceremony, which allow plenty of space for participants to share about their experiences. We also offer each participant the opportunity to schedule private integration sessions during and after retreats, as that can often be a powerful way of working with the shifts that inevitably come during the retreat. In both the Sacred Valley and Costa Rica, we connect with a variety of wellness providers who are experienced in supporting people during retreats, and we can connect you with someone to set up a session during your retreat.
Q: What kinds of things will we be doing on the retreat besides ceremonies?
A: Lots of wonderful things are offered as a part of the retreat! We will offer daily meditation sessions, as well as several yoga classes. We also offer a variety of excursions during our retreats ~ these are a wonderful way to explore the countryside, and to connect with nature and each other. We will also enjoy welcoming special guests from the local communities where our retreats are held. All these offerings are optional, and most are included with your registration fees.
Q: Will I have time to rest, be alone, and explore the area?
A: Yes, absolutely! We have planned in ample rest time, especially on ceremony days. In addition, all the events, excursions, and yoga and meditation classes are optional. We want each participant to have the space and time to take care of themselves, and we support that completely!
LOGISTICS
Q: Where will we be staying?
A: Accommodations can vary considerably when travelling in other cultures, and while some of the differences are intriguing, others are just plain challenging. We know the value of a quiet room, a soft bed, a hot shower, and a good meal. One of the essential elements of Heart of the Mother Retreats is attention to comfort. We choose beautiful retreat centers and hotels that offer wonderful comforts to make you feel at home while also embracing the uniqueness of the cultures we are experiencing.
Q: What should I bring?
A: We will send a full list of recommended items to you after your registration is finalized. In general, we encourage participants to travel lightly, as there are many opportunities to purchase local goods to take home. If you’re joining us in Peru, you may need a variety of clothes due to the dramatic fluctuations of the temperature and weather on any given day. In Costa Rica, it’s usually pretty hot, and you can come prepared for tropical weather. It can be fun to bring art supplies, a journal, or a musical instrument. You can also bring something sacred to you to place on the altar. It is best if you bring along your preferred toiletries, personal care items, approved medications, and supplements, as these things can be hard to find in the places we’ll be staying.
Q: Can I have a single room?
A: We are happy to offer both single and double occupancy for our retreats. The base cost of the retreat includes shared accommodations. Many people inquire about having a private room, however, it can be really wonderful to share such a deep experience with a roommate and fellow journeyer. Many people forge lasting bonds with their roommates on retreats like this, and we love to encourage this kind of connection. With that said, there are a limited number of private rooms available for an additional fee, and if you want to secure yours, please register early.
Q: I have a special diet ~ vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc ~ and wonder if you can accommodate my needs?
A: All meals at our retreats are vegetarian. Special diets are usually no problem. We are happy to accommodate special diets as long as you notify us of your needs during registration. We collaborate with our retreat centers and hotels to craft delicious menus using the best fresh and organic produce available. This guarantees that we will enjoy wonderful meals that are also lovingly prepared to support the needs of our participants, as well as the needs of our work.
ABOUT MEDICINE WORK
Q: What is Ayahuasca?
A: Ayahuasca is visionary tea that has been used for thousands of years by a variety of tribes in the Amazon Basin to expand awareness and facilitate healing. Considered a plant medicine and sacrament, Ayahuasca is also known as la purga – the purge – for the powerful cleansing purges it brings. While the people of the Amazon work with thousands of healing plants and teaching plants, Ayahuasca is considered the master of them all, often called Mother Ayahuasca, or Abuelita, Grandmother.
Q. What is San Pedro?
A: If Ayahuasca is the Grandmother, San Pedro is the Grandfather. It has been embraced and honored as a healing plant in the Andes for thousands of years, and is a wonderful companion to healing work with Ayahuasca. Opening a profound connection with nature and the present moment, this cactus medicine is both expansive and grounding, and deeply embodied. Ceremonial work with San Pedro is done during the day in a quiet, natural setting, and provides a wonderful process of integration when accompanying a series of Ayahuasca ceremonies. While all of our retreats include Ayahuasca ceremonies, only certain retreats include San Pedro ceremony.
Q: Who is leading the ceremonies?
A: The ceremonies will be led by facilitators and supporters with many years of experience and devotion to working with these medicines. Our facilitators are dedicated to providing a safe, sacred, and loving space for deep personal work to unfold, and their primary concern is the well being and support of each participant. While one person leads the ceremony, there are usually several additional people present to assist with the ceremony and help participants if needed.
Q: Is plant medicine a drug?
A: Just to be clear, Ayahuasca and San Pedro are NOT drugs, a DMT trip, a cure-all, a shortcut to enlightenment, or a recreational experience. Plant medicines can support physical and psycho-emotional cleansing, offer guidance and expanded awareness, and as a result, can be used as a tool for healing and transformation.
Q: I am excited to work with plant medicines, but can’t come to Peru or Costa Rica. Can you refer me to participate in this work in another location?
A: We have received many inquiries about this, and no we cannot. Plant medicine work is not honored and respected in every country, and oppressive laws continue to prevent people from accessing plant medicine healing in many places around the world, including the US. While that is unfortunate, and we support organizations working diligently to initiate change, at this time we ONLY offer our work in places where the work is legally protected.
Q: Are there medications or health conditions that could keep me from participating?
A: Yes, there are. There are a variety of medications that are directly contraindicated with medicinal plant work, and we can assist you in the process of determining your own needs. Some medications are not contraindicated at all, while some medications may only need to be suspended for a short time. Other medications, including medications that act on serotonin pathways in the brain (MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, etc) require suspension for weeks to months, and can be dangerous if combined with plant medicines. Ultimately, your own doctor is your most important ally in determining whether suspending medication is safe and appropriate, and we may require a statement from your doctor to approve suspension of medications that are considered essential to the management of certain health conditions. We take the health and well being of our participants very seriously, and want to make sure that this work is a good fit. If you have a health condition or medication question that will help you to determine if an upcoming retreat is possible and appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us.
Q: I have a serious illness. Can Ayahuasca and San Pedro cure me?
A: It is possible to experience profound healing through working with Ayahuasca and San Pedro, however we do not guarantee any specific results or outcomes through plant medicine healing work. The body and mind work in mysterious ways, and the journey of healing is complex. Ayahuasca and San Pedro are not used to cure any physical or mental health condition, and we are sad to say that we have witnessed unnecessary suffering and death from illnesses that western allopathic medicine can effectively treat. If you have a serious illness, it’s wise and important to approach healing in a truly integrative manner, and integrative health modalities may be a wonderful support alongside necessary allopathic medicine treatment.
PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION
Q: What is included in my registration fees?
A: Your registration fees cover almost everything you could need on the retreat. Double occupancy accommodations, most meals during the retreat, all ceremonies, group integration work, yoga and meditation classes, local excursions, most special guest experiences, and transportation during the retreat (including airport pickup and return). Private accommodations, individual integration sessions, individual holistic wellness sessions, meals during excursions, and transportation to any location other than the airport at the end of the retreat are not included in the basic registration cost.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes, we do! We know that a retreat like this is an investment in your well-being, and that it may be easier to break it up into installments. We are happy to work with you in setting up a 2 or 3 payment plan, which may be arranged at the time of registration. There are no additional fees to use a payment plan. All payments must be complete by 90 days prior to the retreat’s arrival date. If you register within 90 days of the retreat, your full balance is due at the time of registration, and no payment plans are available.
Q: Can I use a credit card?
A: We accept payments via Venmo, Zelle, wire transfer, and cash. Venmo offers options to use a credit card when submitting payment. While in the past we have used credit cards to directly process retreat payments, we are no longer able to offer that option. While Venmo and Zelle offer completely free transfer options, Venmo via credit card and wire transfer may include fees – please check with Venmo or your bank to confirm fees.
Q: What if I register and change my mind? Can I get a refund?
A: If you wish to cancel your registration within 7 days of submitting your initial payment, you will receive a refund minus a $200 processing fee; refunds are only submitted via Zelle or Venmo, and may take up to 14 business days to fully process back to your account. If you cancel your registration after the 7th day, and within 90 days of the retreat’s arrival date, you will receive a 50% refund of the full balance. If you cancel your registration with less than 90 days notice, no refund is available, and you forfeit your full payment. We do not offer transfers of participation to other people or future retreat dates.
Q: I’m ready to register! What should I do now?
A: At this time, we do not have any retreats scheduled. Join our email list to find out about our upcoming retreats!
