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TRADITIONAL & TRUSTED AYAHUASCA RETREAT SINCE 2014
This is the real work of awakening, rooted in truth and supported by the pillars of safety, intimacy, tradition, and integration.
Hi! We are Matt and Jeanae, founders of New Life Rising. Since 2014, we have dedicated ourselves to building a retreat that honors the traditions of ayahuasca while prioritizing safety every step of the way. From the very beginning, our intention has been to create an experience that feels personal, supportive, and grounded, where each guest is truly seen, held, and cared for.
Ayahuasca is more than a passion to us. It is our life’s purpose.
With extensive training in the Peruvian Mestizo traditions, we guide each ceremony with compassionate presence, integrity, and deep respect for the medicine. Over the years, we have had the privilege of walking alongside thousands of souls on their journeys of healing and transformation. New Life Rising is a reflection of that experience, devotion, and genuine care for this work.
Rooted in a philosophy of quality over quantity, our approach is centered on the pillars of Safety, Intimacy, Tradition, and Integration. From your first point of contact to well after the retreat has ended, we offer the tools, guidance, and support needed to help you fully receive and integrate the lasting benefits of this powerful work.
We would be honored to welcome you.
Whats Included:
- Medical Safety Screening via Phone Call
- Airport transfers
- 12+ Years experience in Retreat Programing
- Private accommodations
- Traditionally guided Ayahuasca Ceremonies led by a husband and wife team with over a decade of experience
- Hatha Yoga Sessions that include guided meditation with a focus on ceremonial intention
- Group Integration/Share Circles
- Nature Excursions
- Nutritious meals and following the ayahuasca diet
- Intimate group setting of 14 participants
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Heath Jenson
Jan 19, 2026Where do I start?
My wife and I were celebrating 30 years of marriage. We wanted to create a new foundation for our next chapter together. After researching many retreats in Peru and Costa Rica my wife and I chose New Life Rising. I personally had some reservations about Matt and Jeanae being westerners but realized that I was prejudging them. After reading their biographies, I felt they respected and honored the shamanic practices of plant medicine. Their continued dedication to plant medicine and education is what convinced us to book our retreat with New Life Rising. We wanted an intimate setting with a small number of participants with a traditional ceremony and we both feel they delivered beyond our expectations.
Matt and Jeanae created a beautiful atmosphere that was warm and inviting. Their combined male and female energies felt well balanced. My wife and I felt very safe and well taken care of by them and the other facilitators (Eliza and Saul). The experience was very powerful and transformative.
I am extremely grateful to Jeanae, Matt and our new family to share this whole experience. I surprised my wife by renewing my vows at the opening of our second ceremony. The Maloka ceremonial space felt sacred. It couldn’t have been more perfect! The ayahuasca ceremony itself was incredibly special. I felt guided throughout the experience through song, music, and dance. Jeanae brought a beautiful feminine energy with her voice and Matt brought an amazing sense of mastery with his masculine energy.
We enjoyed the grounds and they provided wonderful meals. Very loving atmosphere and we enjoyed having their golden retrievers running around. Howler monkeys swinging in the trees and iguanas throughout . This place was rooted in nature and delivered a serene peaceful experience!
No matter where Matt and Jeanae plant their roots, I personally know they provide a safe and life changing plant medicine experience. My wife and I will definitely be doing ayahuasca with them in the future. Absolutely grateful for them and our experience!!! Soooo much love, Thank you 🙏🏾 -
Mason Jansen
Jan 19, 2026HIGHLY RECOMMEND ❤️!!!
My husband and I got back this week from Costa Rica, what an amazing experience! The grounds were beautiful, the family that runs it and the dogs that also run it ☺️, so much love. The home cooked meals were delicious, I never felt hungry, each meal was just right. Our group was perfect. Everyone came from different places, all of us ‘in’ different places yet created a bond so personal. And then Matt and Janae… They create and deliver such an intimate, safe, loving, balanced, authentic experience from start to finish. From traditional feeling ceremonies to casually hanging out, they are INCREDIBLE!!!
For my personal experience also my first experience with ayahuasca, it was great. I was so scared going into it, and i felt instantly Comforted after drinking my first cup. I typically don’t use hallucinogenics with so many people so close, and even with some struggling it still felt so intimate and safe.
And a shout out to my amazing husband who read a 30th wedding vowel renewal right before our second ceremony, started it off with such love in the miloko ❤️🥰. -
laura nicolescu
Jan 19, 2026My life is forever changed because of New Life Rising, and that’s heavily thanks to Matt and Janae. I have so much respect for their work and could not imagine going through this experience with any other shamans. I had extended my stay after the retreat ended for my integration and each time I shared with someone that I went to New Life Rising for my aya experience, relief and joy would always be the response.
The people on my retreat were amazing. They each showed up with so much openness and vulnerability, making my time there feel like I was surrounded by people I had known my whole life. I came alone as a 29 year old female and felt incredibly safe and cared for. Everything was done with love, from the home-cooked meals to the yoga sessions and share circles.
I loved every conversation and moment spent with Matt and Janae. If life ever brings me back to ayahuasca, it will be with New Life Rising. They set a new pace for my life filled with so much love, gratitude, and magic ❤️ -
T. Jackson Keenan
Jan 14, 2026️This was a very positive experience and also one of the hardest things I have done. I am grateful to have had Matt and Jeanae as our guides. They provided an atmosphere that was both safe and inviting.
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Noemie Thibault
Dec 24, 2025️A huge thank you to Janae and Matt for their profoundly human welcome and their perfectly balanced presence. You guided us with such kindness through one of the most transformative and enriching experiences of my life.
We were a group of 12 people—a perfect, intimate, and safe size that I couldn't have imagined any other way. Everything was thoughtfully planned: the safety, the comfort of the mini-cabins, the soothing beauty of the gardens, the professional massages, the outings to the beach… not to mention the absolutely exceptional food.
Every detail contributed to creating a space of trust, gentleness, and grounding, allowing us to fully let go and experience the three ceremonies with openness and serenity. These days will remain etched in my memory as a rare, aligned, and profoundly transformative experience. Plus, our group was fantastic.
A huge thank you to Travis and Eliza!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this invaluable support!
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Review of New Life Rising by After extensive research, my husband and I chose New Life Rising for our very first Ayahuasca experience in 2023, and it exceeded every expectation. Since then, we’ve attended two additional New Life Rising retreats. Matt and Jeanae bring a level… Read More from Starla West Apr 6, 12:13- Review of Onikano by My Experience at Onikano I’ve been to Onikano twice now, and both experiences have been deeply meaningful—completely different from one another, yet equally powerful. During my first retreat, I felt the most dramatic shifts, as there was so much within… Read More from Nago Apr 3, 18:47
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Starla West
April 6, 2026 at 12:13 pmAfter extensive research, my husband and I chose New Life Rising for our very first Ayahuasca experience in 2023, and it exceeded every expectation. Since then, we’ve attended two additional New Life Rising retreats.
Matt and Jeanae bring a level of genuine dedication and heart to this work that you can feel in every detail of the retreat.
What sets New Life apart?
The process starts with a comprehensive medical screening before you can even place a deposit. That’s a clear signal that your safety comes first. Detailed preparation guidance sets you up for the best possible experience well before you arrive.
Groups are intentionally small, with at least four staff members present, so you’re never lost in the crowd, even in ceremony. Thoughtfully planned activities build real connections among attendees while supporting your physical and mental well-being. One thing I’d especially encourage: take the airport shuttle that Matt and Jeanae coordinate. I was skeptical about spending two hours in a van with people I didn’t know, but the connections formed on that ride turned out to be an unexpectedly important part of the whole experience.
The ceremonies themselves are conducted in a truly sacred and secure environment. Matthew, the Ayahuasquero, is extraordinarily experienced and deeply rooted in the ancient traditions that surround this medicine. He has apprenticed with well-known and highly respected Shamans/Ayahuasqueros for years, and he continues to do so.
Every meal is vegan, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious (my very carnivorous husband was impressed).
Support doesn’t end when the retreat does. Post-retreat integration resources and referrals to coaches and therapists are provided because integration is where the real transformation takes root.
Zero pressure, zero cult vibes. Just sincere, grounded people doing meaningful work. Matthew and Jeanae are clearly living their purpose. We can’t imagine doing this anywhere else, and we always leave feeling genuinely grateful we found them.
ndesousa
March 4, 2026 at 4:11 pmI recently attended the Ayahuasca retreat with New Life Rising and I cannot recommend it highly enough. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely taken care of — it was a true peaceful bubble from the outside world for the entire week.
Jaenae and Matt were absolutely incredible hosts. Their warmth, attentiveness, and dedication made the ceremony feel genuinely authentic and deeply meaningful.
The week was thoughtfully planned from start to finish, and the food was amazing. Every detail felt intentional and nurturing.
I feel beyond grateful that I chose New Life Rising for this experience. If you’re considering it — don’t hesitate. It’s worth every moment.
Heath J.
January 18, 2026 at 3:44 pmWhere do I start?
My wife and I were celebrating 30 years of marriage. We wanted to create a new foundation for our next chapter together. After researching many retreats in Peru and Costa Rica my wife and I chose New Life Rising. I personally had some reservations about Matt and Jeanae being westerners but realized that I was prejudging them. After reading their biographies, I felt they respected and honored the shamanic practices of plant medicine. Their continued dedication to plant medicine and education is what convinced us to book our retreat with New Life Rising. We wanted an intimate setting with a small number of participants with a traditional ceremony and we both feel they delivered beyond our expectations.
Matt and Jeanae created a beautiful atmosphere that was warm and inviting. Their combined male and female energies felt well balanced. My wife and I felt very safe and well taken care of by them and the other facilitators (Eliza and Saul). The experience was very powerful and transformative.
I am extremely grateful to Jeanae, Matt and our new family to share this whole experience. I surprised my wife by renewing my vows at the opening of our second ceremony. The Maloka ceremonial space felt sacred. It couldn’t have been more perfect! The ayahuasca ceremony itself was incredibly special. I felt guided throughout the experience through song, music, and dance. Jeanae brought a beautiful feminine energy with her voice and Matt brought an amazing sense of mastery with his masculine energy.
We enjoyed the grounds and they provided wonderful meals. Very loving atmosphere and we enjoyed having their golden retrievers running around. Howler monkeys swinging in the trees and iguanas throughout . This place was rooted in nature and delivered a serene peaceful experience!
No matter where Matt and Jeanae plant their roots, I personally know they provide a safe and life changing plant medicine experience. My wife and I will definitely be doing ayahuasca with them in the future. Absolutely grateful for them and our experience!!! Soooo much love, Thank you
Mirza Banda-Galindo
December 27, 2025 at 2:33 pmI went to New Life Rising retreat in October 2025 in Costa Rica. Prior to going I had PTSD, diagnosed and I was on lexapro (20mg) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (50mg) just to get a good nights rest and to be functioning without getting triggered in the day to day. I tried therapy for depression as well as for PTSD. For 10 years I struggled with thoughts of suicide, daily, even with the medication. Medication helped somewhat but the feelings lingered and I used alcohol to cope. It really only made things worse and I attempted to leave the earth a couple of times. Once while on medication. I wanted relief from those thoughts and from reliving my trauma. A close friend of mine had struggled with something similar for a very long time as well and went to New Life Rising. She told me that she didn’t have those negative feelings anymore and thought that it was the Ayahuasca that cured her. Hearing this I was intrigued and we went together to try this plant healing. Each day at the retreat was so grounding and peaceful, the food is so healthy it made me feel clean. Jeanae held some yoga classes for us on the days of ceremony that helped to set intentions and move the chi in our bodies. For once I felt safe knowing Jeanae and Matt had experience with the medicine and would take care of us should any problems arise. The first ceremony felt like an introduction to mother ayahuasca. It was very beautiful and I felt like the branches of a tree connected to the earth. The second ceremony was where I felt the real work being done. It was hard, I saw the things that haunted me from childhood and my teenage years, I saw myself as a lone wolf going through it all but I remained myself, strong. After this hard night i was fortunate enough to talk about it with Jeanae who radiated love and understanding, despite being almost strangers. In this vulnerable state I felt like she was there for me in the way kid me needed and it healed me in a way. I will always be grateful for that experience. The third ceremony was a lot like the first, I felt joyful and i saw a lot of patterns and beautiful visions. I felt like my journey wasn’t over yet. Since going to this retreat (it has now been 2 full months) I have been off medication and sober. This is the happiest and most at peace I’ve felt in my life, I don’t get triggered, and I don’t want to die anymore. Ayahuasca helped me in a way that nothing else did before, and I will always be grateful to Matt and Jeanae for making it this beautiful experience for me and the groups that choose to keep growing. I feel fulfilled in this life and I never thought I would feel this way.
Jennifer
July 3, 2025 at 10:48 pmMy husband and I recently returned from a seven-day retreat with New Life Rising, and ever since getting home, I’ve been trying to draft a review that I’d appreciate as a prospective participant. Honestly, words fail to describe the powerful, life-changing experience that we found here. I arrived feeling skeptical that plant medicine could show me what I was looking for, and I’m so thankful to say that my mind has been changed; this was the most enlightening week of my life. If you’re even remotely considering an ayahuasca retreat, look no further. Matt and Jeanae are the most down-to-earth, genuine, caring individuals, and their commitment to and respect for plant medicine and knowledge is unparalleled. Every detail throughout the week was meticulously thought through and planned for, from the delicious vegan meals and lush ecolodge environment, to the yoga sessions and massage work – it was all in service of giving each participant the foundation to be in the best place to receive. My experience here allowed me to see my life, myself, and my relationships with greater clarity and perspective, lending me the insight on how to repair things that have needed attention. The way I fundamentally felt about certain conflicts was changed, and this was the greatest gift; I was able to lay down burdens I’d been carrying for far too long. The deep sense of knowing that I’ve gained from this experience has stuck with me even now that I’m back home, and it remains undeniable. I feel strongly that I would’ve never been able to make the connections or had the realizations that I had any place other than here. Attending with my spouse deepened our connection and has absolutely strengthened our bond. We are looking to the future with renewed excitement and thinking bigger for ourselves and what we want in life. My life has changed for the better knowing the wonderful people in our group, Matt and Jeanae, and our helpers Chris and Elisa. The small cohort size enables you to really get to know the others, and this is an asset as the conversations and connections that we made throughout the week felt nearly as important as the ceremonies. This is an individual experience, but so enhanced by the whole team as we cheered each other on and lent support to one another. What an unforgettable experience – my gratitude knows no bounds. We will absolutely be back! Thank you so much, Matt and Jeanae!