Raymond says, "I went to the Arkana Amazon jungle retreat as a skeptic, unsure of what to expect having not done any spiritual retreat before. The practices felt unfamiliar at first, I found myself lost and worried, unsure if I am doing it right." See more
Mihai says, "Hi , my name is Mihai . 2 years ago i went to Peru for the first time , where i met lots of interesting people including Gary and Theo, and ….. what can i say, , i just got back from my 3rd trip in Sacred Valley." See more
Diana says, "Ayahuasca es una planta sagrada y bellísima!! Muy recomendada para ceremonias ancestrales que nos conectan con nuestro interior!!" See more
Annonymous says, "This has been the best gift I've given myself. I went to Tambo Ilusión for a 5 days-4 nights retreat and I definitely consider them to be among the best days of my life." See more
azheny says, "Our experience was so wonderful!! The place and the staff are amazing!!! So much love and care along with good laughs and delicious meals. It felt very special to be there and the hosts, Manu and Paula made sure that all our wants a needs were accommodated." See more
Jordan says, "My experience at this retreat was other worldly. It was everything I expected and more. Stephano (the shaman of the program) is one of the most knowledgeable and whole hearted people I have ever run it." See more
India says, "My experience with Samadi healing was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the welcoming energy and deep sense of community. Karyn’s presence was nurturing and I felt as though she was there supporting me through my journey." See more
A retreat absolutely can spark profound transformation - yet the real magic lies not in the retreat itself, but in how it creates space to recognize what's already present within. Traditional wisdom paths from Zen temples to desert monasteries have long known that stepping away from daily patterns allows inner clarity to naturally emerge. At a typical meditation retreat, participants often experience deep insights simply by sitting quietly and turning attention inward. Yet it's essential to understand that a retreat acts more like tilling soil than planting new seeds - it creates fertile conditions for accessing innate wisdom and wholeness that were there all along. Some seekers notice immediate shifts in perspective or behavior, while others find subtle realizations unfold over months or years after returning home. The key lies in approaching retreat time with genuine openness rather than forcing specific outcomes. When combined with skilled guidance and integration support, retreats can illuminate fresh possibilities while revealing that true change flows from touching what's eternally unchanged at our core.
Retreats can last anywhere from a half-day gathering to months-long immersions, with most spiritual centers offering programs between 2-10 days. Traditional Buddhist vipassana retreats often run for 10 days, while many modern meditation and yoga retreats opt for more accessible 3-5 day formats. Some seekers find that weekend retreats provide just the right pause from daily life, while others feel called to deeper practices like the traditional 3-year retreats found in Tibetan traditions. At established retreat centers in the West, 5-7 day programs have emerged as a sweet spot - long enough for meaningful inner work yet manageable for those with work and family commitments. The most important consideration isn't the duration, but rather choosing a length that aligns with your current life circumstances and spiritual readiness. Some practitioners find profound shifts in an afternoon of practice, while others need extended periods of silence and contemplation. The perfect length is the one that allows you to fully arrive, settle in, and open to what's already present.