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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.

Two women sitting barefoot on a low stone wall under a leafy tree in a sunlit courtyard having a conversation.

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.

There’s no way to know exactly what will unfold during your time at Alalaho. (And that’s part of the magic.)

Minimalist illustration of two people embracing under an orange sun.

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).

The alalaho journey

This is about much more than one psychedelic ceremony.

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
Open black door revealing a winding river and hills under an orange sun on a dark background.

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 diverse group of people sitting in a circle outdoors around a small fire pit, engaged in conversation and smiling.
The group experience

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.

Small, intentional groups of 10-14 people

Professional pre-retreat screening process

No pressure to share more than feels right

Lots of 1-to-1 support with four facilitators per retreat

Epic evenings around the fire (and lots of laughs)

Lots of free time to relax and recharge

Group of people sitting indoors with eyes closed, seemingly meditating or resting.

“I wanted to attend the retreat because I believed the mushrooms — the truffles — would be the most profound experience.

I was wrong.”

The whole retreat was life changing. I found a bond with a group of people that I hope will stand the test of time. The facilitators each brought exactly the right mixture of nurture and challenge.

That combination — and the people I shared it with — made this one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

KEITH, UK

Who comes to alalaho

A chance to remember what being human is all about — alongside some of the best humans you'll ever meet.

A diverse group of people sitting cross-legged outdoors, meditating with eyes closed.

Curious about who you'll meet at Alalaho?

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.

Minimalist illustration of two people embracing under an orange sun.

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.

We don't expect you to be an expert in psychedelics, meditation, or personal development — that's our job. Many who join us are completely new to this world.

We've designed Alalaho to be a space where you're free to explore. You're welcome no matter what you believe (or don't) — no crystals necessary (but you can bring them). Just bring an open mind and your sense of adventure.

What actually happens at a retreat?

Your 5-day retreat takes place in a stunning venue designed to support deep transformational work.

Young woman sitting cross-legged on the floor smiling as she hands a red carnation to an elderly woman seated in a chair.

Experiential workshops

Group of diverse people sitting cross-legged outdoors, practicing meditation with eyes closed.

Movement and meditation practices

Close-up of a ritual setup on a white fringed cloth with lit candles, wooden mushroom figurines, crystals, and a feather on a wooden floor.

The ceremony itself

Bearded man in white shirt sitting cross-legged on a cushion outdoors near plants and stone wall, looking to the side.

Integration days

Three people sitting outdoors on a bench and a striped blanket, smiling and chatting near a peach-colored building with palm trees.

Sharing circles

Two men having a conversation while sitting on a low stone wall surrounded by lush greenery.

One-on-one support

Colorful quinoa salad with corn, vegetables, and edible flowers on a green leaf in a blue ceramic bowl.

Nourishing, delicious food

Outdoor seating area with a black metal table and chairs under pink arches surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall with a Buddha statue.

Time to relax and reflect

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Here’s what your retreat could look like

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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

Spacious wooden-floored room set up with colorful meditation cushions, mats, candles, flowers, and gongs for a ceremony or group meditation.
Day 2

Preparation & Ceremony

Morning practice to center and ground

"Flight instructions", 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

Three people embracing each other indoors, showing a woman's hand with a ring resting on a man's shoulder.
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

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. Some of our specialist retreats are six days, so we have time to dive a little deeper if needed.

“Alalaho was one of the best experiences of my life.”

I’ve been doing talk therapy for years, along with breathwork, yoga, and all kinds of retreats focused on inner work — but none of those gave me the kind of transformational experience I had with Alalaho.

Gui
Brazil
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.

But absolutely nothing will compare to experiencing it for yourself.

Person with short white hair and patterned shirt sitting on a woven chair, facing a small group seated outdoors in shaded garden.

And if you really want to get a feel for what to expect —we've asked one of our participants to share a glimpse inside her Alalaho experience with you.

Read Nomi's story to get an insider's view of life at Alalaho

FAQs

Have questions? Let's dive in.

I’m nervous about doing this experience with a group. Would it be better to do it one-on-one?
Why is the retreat so long? Do we really need so much time for integration?
Why is there only one psilocybin ceremony?
What if I have more questions or concerns?
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You can read our full FAQs or reach out to us with any questions.

We’d be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. This is a big step, and we want you to feel completely comfortable.
Remember, the psychedelic ceremony is just a beginning, and we’re here to guide you through the bigger journey that unfolds.

Stone bench encircling a large olive tree in a garden with cacti and tall trees, and a tower visible on a hill in the distance at sunset.