Brazil is a major tourist destination, warm and welcoming, visited each year by millions of travelers from around the world. Rio de Janeiro, with its natural beauty and vibrant energy, is among the 25 destinations to discover in 2026 according to National Geographic. As in any major metropolis, a few simple precautions are all it takes to have a pleasant and safe stay, whether you're visiting Rio before or after our retreat. For example, avoid walking alone at night in deserted or poorly lit areas, and don't wear valuables in plain sight (jewelry, watches, phones, cameras). Petty theft does occur, especially on beaches and in tourist areas. We also advise against entering the favelas, even with guided tours. These areas are sometimes unstable and can present real risks.

Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Japan do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Citizens of Australia, Canada, and the United States must apply for an electronic e-Visa, which can be easily obtained online. Entry requirements may change and vary depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, it is important to check official information with the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country before your departure to ensure that the requirements are up-to-date and applicable to your specific situation.

Lightweight and comfortable clothing, a hat or cap, a swimsuit, a raincoat, a flashlight, flip-flops, a notebook, natural insect repellent, and light-colored clothing for ceremonies. The center provides mosquito nets, bedding, and full vegetarian meals.

No. This is not a psychotherapy retreat, but a psychospiritual journey. We work with respect for the sacred and for consciousness, with professional guidance, but without a medical or therapeutic aim in the clinical sense.

Ayahuasca is not compatible with SSRI antidepressants (such as Prozac, Zoloft, Sertraline, etc.) or certain MAOIs or psychotropic medications. These treatments must be discontinued under medical supervision several weeks before the retreat. Certain physical or psychological conditions may also require special attention. All necessary questions on this subject will be asked in the pre-registration questionnaire and then discussed in more detail during your individual interview with Marc-Henri. This allows us to guarantee a safe, respectful environment that is fully adapted to each participant. If you are currently taking medication, never stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.

The effects of Ayahuasca can sometimes be physical, especially at certain points in the ceremony—this is even one of the strengths of this medicine. That said, there are also people who experience none of these symptoms. One may experience various bodily sensations, changes in body perception, waves of heat or cold, and sometimes tremors or chills. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are part of the traditional purging process: they are often experienced as a deep inner cleansing, a release of accumulated emotions and energies from the body. Again, there are also people who experience no purging symptoms at all.

Yes, the retreat center is a peaceful, secluded, and secure location, about 2.5 hours from Rio de Janeiro, far from the hustle and bustle of the city and major roads. It's a private, fenced property, inhabited year-round, surrounded by nature—forests, hills, and streams—and managed by its founder, who lives on-site. The atmosphere is nurturing and welcoming: everything is designed to offer a safe, calm, and harmonious space, conducive to relaxation, trust, and inner work. The nights are silent, nature abundant, and the local community supportive. You will feel completely at peace, safe, and supported on your journey.

No vaccinations are required to enter Brazil, except for travelers arriving from certain South American countries (yellow fever). Personal international travel insurance is mandatory to participate in this retreat. It must cover potential medical and repatriation expenses, as well as unforeseen travel events. We will ask you to provide a copy of your insurance policy before your arrival to finalize your participation. The tropical climate means the presence of mosquitoes that can sometimes transmit diseases, which is why it is important to protect yourself: use a strong insect repellent, wear light, long-sleeved clothing at dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net (these are provided on-site). These simple precautions will allow you to fully enjoy Brazilian nature in the best possible conditions.

Yes. The use of Ayahuasca is legal in Brazil within a spiritual and personal development framework. Our retreat is fully compliant with this framework, which has been recognized by Brazilian authorities for several decades.

Preparation is an essential step in the process. It allows you to arrive at the retreat with your body, heart, and mind ready to receive the experience. In the weeks leading up to your departure, we encourage you to adopt a simple, natural diet, reduce your intake of stimulants (alcohol, coffee, sugar, screens), and cultivate an attitude of inner listening. Before the retreat, you will be asked to complete a personal questionnaire as part of the preparation and selection process. This questionnaire helps us better understand your background, your intentions, and your state of health. It is followed by a preliminary individual interview with Marc-Henri to ensure that this experience is right for you and to guide you in the most appropriate preparation. This approach guarantees that each participant arrives consciously, safely, and well-supported, ready to experience an authentic, profound, and fully integrated journey.

No, because certain health conditions are not compatible with this type of medicine. For example: certain medications (particularly SSRIs/antidepressants, MAOIs, and other substances that affect serotonin), psychiatric disorders with a history of psychosis or manic episodes, cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders/epilepsy, unstable diabetes, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as certain kidney/liver conditions or glaucoma. These factors are based on current research guidelines and best practice guidelines. For your safety, all necessary questions are addressed during your registration in our preparation questionnaire and then during an individual interview; this allows us to confirm your eligibility or, if necessary, to refer you to another option.