Frequently Asked Questions
Our guests have often asked …
Where is the Sanctuary located?
We are located in Southern Maine and the closest transportation hub to us is Boston. Due to the private and reverent nature of our Sanctuary the exact address is only provided to retreat guests.
How do I book a retreat? What happens if the weekend I want is full?
You can book directly through our Book a Retreat page. Just select the retreat you are interested in and you will be taken to a booking page. At the top of the page there will be a button to Register or if the retreat is booked you will have the option to Join Waitlist (it will be noted above the button that the retreat is fully booked.)
How does the wait list work?
If you sign up for the wait list and space becomes available an email will be automatically sent to all guests on the wait list with the option to register from that email. The open space is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. These openings fill quickly and we recommend you register through the link provided in the email rather than by contacting the Sanctuary directly to book.
What is your cancellation policy?
For cancellations 21 days prior to the retreat: half of the cost of the retreat will be forfeited, the other half will be kept as credit towards a future retreat.
For cancellations 7 days prior to the retreat: the entire cost will be retained and no credit toward future retreats will apply.
What happens at a retreat?
The basic structure of sacred ceremonies at Pachamama Sanctuary are generally as follows:
- Opening Prayer – Should include a prayer to the directions and a prayer of protection;
- Serving of the Sacrament – Should include an offering of the sacrament, receipt of the sacrament, and consumption of the sacrament;
- Prayer – Should include prayers and chants in accordance with the dictates of the specific medicine man/woman or shaman conducting the ceremony.
In conjunction with the ceremonies and rituals, Pachamama Sanctuary will also hold weekly integration meetings, to assist members and participants in integrating the spiritual insights gained during the ceremony into their everyday lives. Details can be found in our What to Expect page.
Does my religion matter? Do I need to be a religious person to attend your retreats?
You do not need to be a particular religion to attend our ceremonies. We believe the Great Spirit created Pachamama, Mother Earth, and that Pachamama created all life on Earth. Please visit our Statement of Beliefs to find out more about our spirituality. Our Church Doctrine will also provide further information.
What are your sleeping accommodations?
The standard accommodations are memory foam mattresses in the ceremony room with sheet, blanket, pillow and pillowcase provided. In addition, we have a shared female dorm for four and a male shared dorm for four. You are welcome to bring anything you think will make your experience more comfortable.
How much does this cost?
Our accommodation fees vary based on the retreat offered. Please click the specific retreat on our Book a Retreat page for more detailed information.
Do you offer ceremonies in a private setting?
Please contact us for information on private ceremonies.
How are you protecting against COVID-19?
Your health and safety is of the utmost importance to us. We are staying current on updates from the CDC and are taking recommended precautions out of an abundance of caution. Please view our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for more details.
Lost & Found
The Sanctuary and its staff are not responsible for any lost or left behind items. Please make an effort to ensure you have all of your belongings with you before leaving the retreat. If you need additional time to be thorough, please let us know and we are happy to help you.
Is Ayahuasca legal?
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing churches to utilize ayahuasca during services. Because Ayahuasca is the sacrament of our Sanctuary, we hold the right to utilize it in our religious services as a part of our faith.