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Pachachaka Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Costa Rica, Portugal

Pachachaka offers multi-day ayahuasca retreats incorporating multiple ceremonies, activities and integration support held in Costa Rica and Portugal. The name means ‘bridge of the worlds’ and can also be translated to ‘the time’ – now is the time. They work with ayahuasca in line with the Shipibo tradition, with ceremonies taking place at night without light/candles in traditional style with strong emphasis on icaros sung acapella, incorporating Mestizo and Huni Kuin training influences with accompanying instruments, songs, and live music later in ceremonies.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Ceremonies take place in a purpose-built wooden maloca with views to peaceful countryside in Portugal, immersed in 74 acres of private land. In Costa Rica, guests stay en-suite in casitas in the jungle.
• Approach: Small group setting with maximum 12 guests allows exceptional levels of care, with energy of each team member shared on maximum 1:3 basis. This allows exceptional level of care and attention during and beyond ceremonies. Retreats include 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies plus 1 Huachuma ceremony.
• Suitable For: They work with people from all walks of life with various levels of experience, from ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this’ to ‘I’ve sat in hundreds of ceremonies and completed multiple Master Plant Dietas’.
• Costs: Price information not publicly available on website – requires inquiry through their contact forms and brochure requests.
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: B+ (notable for intimate small groups and dual-location offerings, requires more transparency on pricing and facilitator credentials).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

A holistic healer with 36 years experience reported feeling apprehensive before the retreat but found Chris to be authentic and passionate about his work, fully respecting the medicines and their preparation with reverence, skill and knowledge. She felt in very safe hands and noted his musical connection added something special to the journey, describing the two retreats as life-changing. Reviews consistently highlight full support before, during and post-retreat, with exceptional food preparation described as delicious, plentiful, and properly supporting the physical body during plant medicine processes. Participants report profound connection with nature, describing awareness of the strong relationship between humans and nature, with ceremonies including offerings of Mapacho tobacco to Pachamama (Mother Nature) and deep appreciation for understanding nature on deeper levels.

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🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no safety incidents, deaths, abuse allegations, or criminal activity were found associated with Pachachaka.

• Theft: No reports of theft or property-related issues found across checked sources.
• Sexual Misconduct: No allegations or reports of sexual misconduct found across checked sources.
• Crime: No criminal activity, arrests, lawsuits, or legal issues found across checked sources.

The retreat operates in jurisdictions (Costa Rica and Portugal) with different regulatory approaches to plant medicines. No concerning discussions or warning posts about Pachachaka were found in relevant online communities.

New update as of March 2026: No new safety incidents or concerns identified.

🔍 Critical Notes

The retreat is facilitated by a team of two deeply experienced and conscious couples, which they describe as both rare and catalytic for participants. They report having hosted many retreats and ceremonies in Europe and Central America, guiding hundreds of participants with their proven format evolved for 2025. However, the website lacks detailed information about facilitator backgrounds, specific training credentials, or years of experience with plant medicines. They actively promote joining their ‘tribe’ for access to retreat brochures and exclusive offerings, though pricing information is not publicly available. The retreat operates in Portugal and Costa Rica, where legal frameworks around ayahuasca vary – Portugal has decriminalized personal use while Costa Rica’s legal status remains unclear.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

Pachachaka provides robust preparation and integration support prior to, during and beyond retreat time, helping participants take insights, healing and expansion forward into their lives. However, their website does not specify their medical screening process, contraindications, or mental health assessment procedures. The retreat schedule includes 1:1 sessions with the facilitation team and preparation time before ceremonies. Prospective participants should consult with qualified healthcare providers before attending, especially if taking medications or managing mental health conditions.

🧪 Brew Substance

They work with ayahuasca as ancient ancestral medicine of the Amazon rainforest, used for thousands of years by various indigenous traditions across Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. In addition to ayahuasca, they work with Huachuma (San Pedro cactus) and Mapacho (sacred tobacco) during retreats. The website does not specify the exact botanical composition of their ayahuasca brew or sourcing details. They describe the synergy between ayahuasca (more cosmic and visionary) and Huachuma (more body-based, grounded and integrative).

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Costa Rica, Portugal: Operating in both Costa Rica’s tropical jungle regions and Portugal’s mountainous countryside, offering participants different natural environments for their plant medicine work.
• Setting: The Portugal location features a purpose-built wooden maloca with countryside views on 74 acres of private land within national park boundaries. The Costa Rica location provides en-suite casitas in jungle setting with access to river, local walks, and optional Pacific Ocean beach trips.
• Style: A typical 7-day retreat includes afternoon arrival, intention setting, floral baths, two ayahuasca ceremonies, one Huachuma ceremony, integration sessions, somatic bodywork, breathwork, sound healing, and sacred tobacco ceremony. Emphasis on integration and connecting with nature throughout the experience.

Practical guidance: Participants must request brochures and pricing information directly through website forms. Both locations require international travel with Costa Rica being more accessible from the Americas and Portugal serving European participants.

Should You Book?

Pachachaka appears well-suited for individuals seeking an intimate, small-group experience with strong emphasis on integration and connection to nature. They welcome participants across experience levels from complete beginners to those with extensive ceremonial backgrounds. However, those requiring full transparency on pricing, detailed facilitator credentials, or comprehensive medical screening information should request these details directly before booking. The dual-location model offers flexibility but may indicate less rootedness in specific indigenous traditions compared to single-location centers.

The Team & Story

The facilitation team consists of two deeply experienced and conscious couples working together, which they describe as rare and catalytic for participants. They report having guided hundreds of participants through many retreats and ceremonies in Europe and Central America. Their mission centers on creating harmonious living with each other and the planet, helping people connect to their hearts and become free from suffering while making positive impact. However, specific backgrounds, training lineages, or years of experience are not detailed on their website.

Prep & Integration Tips

They provide robust preparation and integration support before, during, and after retreats, helping participants translate insights into lasting life changes. The retreat includes organic farm-to-table meals designed for master plant work. They offer ongoing online coaching and social Master Plant Dietas in online containers to support continued growth. Specific dietary restrictions and preparation guidelines are not detailed on the public website.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Booking requires requesting brochures through their website contact forms to access pricing and availability information. Retreats include accommodation, organic meals, ceremonies, and various integration activities.