What to expect
A cosmic experience that’s totally down to earth
Wondering what exactly to expect from a psychedelic retreat? We’ve got you covered.
If you’re like most people who are considering something like Alalaho, you want to know as much as you can find out before making a decision.
That’s to be expected: this is a big, new experience — and you’ll want to go into it feeling prepared.
There’s one thing to note, though:
Reading about it can only take you so far.
Every psychedelic experience is different. We think about it like this: the medicine seems to give you the journey you need right now.
There’s no way to know exactly what will unfold during your time at Alalaho — and that’s part of the magic.
But we can share a little about what the whole process looks like, to help you get ready (and see if it’s the right fit for you, right now).
A complete programme of transformation — with guidance every step of the way
A lot of people come to us thinking it’s all about the psychedelic ceremony. And yes, that’s a profound part of the experience. Here’s the thing though: psychedelics are powerful, but they’re not magic. While the ceremony itself only lasts around 6 hours, real transformation takes more than just one powerful experience. That’s why we’ve designed a complete, six-week programme to complement your retreat, where you’ll be guided through the full process of transformation.
Getting ready
We’ll share our top resources and tools to help you prepare, including a live group session with your lead guide about two weeks before the retreat.
- You’ll get clear on what you want to address or explore
- Learn what to expect and how to work with the medicine
- Get resources and exercises to help you prepare
At the retreat
Five days of workshops, one-on-one support, and (of course) the ceremony — plus lots of time to just enjoy the gorgeous setting.
- Experience a carefully guided psychedelic journey
- One-on-one sessions before and after the ceremony
- Workshops to help you explore new ways of being
After the retreat
We’ll help you head back into your life with a ton of support, including our favourite resources, integration exercises, and three live group sessions.
- Make sense of your experience
- Get ongoing support turning insights into real change
- Experience lasting community and connections
Think of it like this: the psychedelic experience opens a door, but it’s everything around it that helps you walk through that door and actually change your life.
A chance to remember what being human is all about — alongside some of the best humans you’ll ever meet
Curious about who you’ll meet at Alalaho?
If you’re feeling nervous about doing this retreat with a group, don’t worry. Many people who join us at Alalaho feel the same. But after the retreat is done we hear the same thing, over and over: that the people — the group — was actually the best bit.
We get an incredible range of people, from all walks of life and every corner of the world. They’re doctors, artists, day traders. Everything.
At heart, what they have in common is this: curiosity. A desire to change. A hope (even if it’s faint) that change is possible.
And — having welcomed over 1,300 people into our retreats since we started in 2016 — they’re also some of the kindest, most beautiful souls we’ve ever met. Every time.
You can expect:
- Small, intentional groups of 10-14 people
- Lots of 1-to-1 support with four facilitators per retreat
- Professional pre-retreat screening process
- No pressure to share more than feels right
- Individual attention and support throughout
- Epic evenings around the fire (and lots of laughs)
- Lots of free time to relax and recharge
What actually happens at a retreat?
Your retreat takes place in a stunning venue designed to support deep transformational work.
Almost all of our retreats are five days, which we’ve found gives you the right amount of time to both prepare for, and really integrate your experience, post-ceremony. The only current exception is the Dharma retreat, so we have the time to cover psychedelic preparation and integration as well as a meaningful deep dive into Dharma.
Day 1: Arrival & Setting the Container
- Afternoon arrival and tour
- Opening circle to ground ourselves and connect
- Evening gathering to prepare for what’s ahead
Day 2: Preparation & Ceremony
- Morning practice to center and ground
- “Flight instructions” — practical guidance for your journey
- A one-on-one checkin with your guide
- Afternoon ceremony (around 3 pm to ~9 pm)
- Gentle evening wind-down
Day 3: Reflection and integration
- Quieter, contemplative day
- Space to process and rest
- Sharing circle
- Solo time
- Evening gathering around the fire
Day 4: Connection and Celebration
- Interactive workshops
- A chance to explore your emerging self
- Building on insights through connection
- Evening celebration
Day 5: Closing and Looking Ahead
- Morning practice
- Integration circle
- Guidance for the journey home
- Departure at 12:30 pm
What to expect from the psychedelic experience
Here’s the deal: the one thing you’re most curious about, is also the one thing that words cannot do justice to.
Before your retreat, we’ll share our “Flight Instructions” — everything you need to know going into the psychedelic experience, including all of the details of dosing, and how to prepare your body and mind for the experience.
In the meantime, we recommend Michael Pollan’s Netflix documentary, How to Change Your Mind (based on his book of the same name) as a good starting point to learn more about the psychedelic experience.