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# Iboga Wellness Center: Iboga Wellness Center (IWC) is a spiritual community founded in January 2014, hosting Bwiti based sacred iboga retreats and gatherings in Costa Rica and beyond. It is not a medical facility, clinic, or ibogaine treatment provider, and is not affiliated with any similarly named organization in Mexico or elsewhere.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://ibogawellness.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Zoey Arielle’s experience at IWC – 8 part series](https://ibogawellness.com/zoey-arielles-experience-at-iwc/): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKHaalipwObbURyEs778IKzbcjNySDK9v
- [Paul – Write up of his IWC experience](https://ibogawellness.com/paul-write-up-of-his-iwc-experience/): My name is Paul I’m from the East Coast, more specifically the smallest state in the union. I could go on for pages about my story and what led me to the mountains of Costa Rica in August of 2022 and put my life in the hands of plant medicine guru Levi Barker. I suffered from childhood trauma of every imaginable kind and substance abuse from the time I put alcohol in my body at the age of 11 or 12. I also had a long illustrious 20 year career as a police officer and detective and have seen an untold number of atrocities. 2022 started out typically as the last ten years have. It was going to be a new start. I was going to get my collective shit together and get clean and sober once and for all. Unfortunately, it was just a “typical” start I had an orthopedic surgery relapsed shortly after, was in treatment down in Florida for three weeks. Upon leaving I was drunk in the airport before boarding my return flight home. I returned home defeated and at an all time low, I had hit many bottoms before but this time the shame and guilt were crushing. I had been doing this to my kids their whole lives and I had just done it to them again. This was my 25th residential treatment facility, I had been in AA for 23 years and here I was still a mess. It was the 3rd week of February I no longer wanted to be a burden to my children, my wife, or my mother. I took three handfuls of psychiatric meds which I knew would do what I wanted them to do.My wife found me not breathing, I died in the rescue on the way to the hospital, and spent four days on life support. Fast forward. Two more treatment centers. Last one in Florida again. My cousin who is not an addict talked to my 80 year old mother about plant medicine. She had used it for anxiety and depression. My mother watched a documentary about ibogaine and told me about it while I was in deox. I had the ability to watch it while I was there and told my mom to reach out to my cousin, to tell her I was in. I was at that point in my life where I was willing and open to try anything. I had come from the school where it was AA or no way. Today, I don’t believe that at all. AA does not work for everyone. While in treatment I was able to reach out and speak to Levi and he was a God send he walked me through the process and answered every question I had. I was not a psychedelic person, so there was a huge amount of fear involved for me. Levi was always able to talk me off the ledge every time we spoke. I can’t praise him enough there really are no words. That goes for the whole staff there also, James, Carlos, and Rayna and Christina. The experience itself, I can write what happened for me but that won’t put things in perspective for whoever reads this, because no two experiences are the same, even my two experiences were vastly different. What I can say is that I am five months sober and I haven’t been five months sober in over four years. I was able to come off all my psychiatric medication. My PTSD symptoms have gone into remission, I haven’t had a night terror or flashback since I’ve been stateside. I haven’t experienced cravings. I will say that I have continued to do the work. I do see a therapist twice a week, I do belong to a 12 step recovery group, I meditate on a daily basis, and I live a spiritual life. I was told Iboga is not a magic pill and I do not treat it as such. I will tell you It accomplished in two 36 hour sessions what 19 years of psychopharmacology and talk therapy could not. I was able to view traumatic experiences from an almost third person perspective without the pain and physiological symptoms associated with it. The medicine gives the person the option of how much work they want to do. How well do you want to get? I will say that Levi told me it was nothing to be afraid of and it wasn’t, for anyone who has that fear factor influencing them, all I can say is you need not be afraid. Levi told me, “it is a grind” and I can attest to that, it’s definitely a grind and not always that comfortable, but the payoff is immeasurable. I can honestly say that for anyone whose tried other conventional means of western medicine and programs and they haven’t worked, open your mind and try this. If you're suffering and you’ve had enough this just might be the answer.
- [Spencer iboga testimonial – working with iboga to move forward](https://ibogawellness.com/spencer-iboga-testimonial-working-with-iboga-to-move-forward/): https://youtu.be/6IaFEJVj2gI
- [Iboga Wellness Center Retreat vs Ibogaine Clinics: What’s the difference?](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-wellness-center-vs-ibogaine-clinics-whats-the-difference/): When researching this incredible root medicine, we frequently find the words ‘Iboga,’ and ‘Ibogaine.’ Or ‘Iboga Retreat,’ and ‘Ibogaine Clinic.’ And often, they’re used interchangeably.
- [Vikram Testimonial – Iboga for depression & the art of living](https://ibogawellness.com/vikram-testimonial-iboga-for-depression-the-art-of-living/): https://youtu.be/Db09DOcy62M
- [Pritam – Past Trauma & Eating Disorder](https://ibogawellness.com/pritam-past-trauma-eating-disorder/): https://youtu.be/cUTwXGvqTOk
- [Kelly’s Iboga Testimonial – Soul Re-connection](https://ibogawellness.com/kellys-iboga-testimonial-soul-re-connection/): https://youtu.be/XN3oCYJEYf0
- [Iboga Wellness Center – Podcasts](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-wellness-center-podcasts/): https://ibogawellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/entheogenic_podcast-2015-01-12T11_09_30-08_00.mp3
- [A Week In The Life of An Iboga Wellness Guest: Ruby’s Retreat](https://ibogawellness.com/a-week-in-the-life-of-an-iboga-wellness-guest-rubys-retreat/): A Week In The Life Of An Iboga Wellness Guest: Ruby's Retreat
- [10 Tips for Integration After An Iboga Retreat](https://ibogawellness.com/post-iboga-integration/): After a life-changing experience here at Iboga Wellness, there can be a profound adjustment period when it’s time to go back to regular life. Integration after and iboga retreat is just as important as the preparation.
- [HOW TO CHOOSE AN IBOGA RETREAT | WHY IBOGA WELLNESS?](https://ibogawellness.com/choosing-an-iboga-retreat-facility/): A common question asked by those seeking the medicine is, “How do you choose the right Iboga facility?”
- [Lifetime Depression Testimonial, Cary – Iboga Wellness Center](https://ibogawellness.com/lifetime-depression-testimonial-cary-iboga-wellness-center/)
- [Corey Iboga Testimonial – How Iboga Has Changed My Life, Veteran With PTSD](https://ibogawellness.com/corey-iboga-testimonial-how-iboga-has-changed-my-life-veteran-with-ptsd/)
- [Iboga For Depression Testimonial, Laura – Iboga Wellness Center](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-depression-testimonial-laura-iboga-wellness-center/)
- [Gunreet, Canada – Iboga Testimonial – Gunreet Overcoming Depression & Alcoholism with Iboga](https://ibogawellness.com/gunreet-canada-iboga-testimonial-gunreet-overcoming-depression-alcoholism-with-iboga-2/)
- [Iboga Retreat Testimonial – Iboga Wellness Center – Jai](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-retreat-testimonial-iboga-wellness-center-jai/)
- [IBOGA AND INTERNET ADDICTION](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-and-internet-addiction/): In the age of information, the answers are quite literally at our fingertips. How many hours a day do we tap at keyboards, swipe left on smartphones, and make contact with multiple screens?
- [ZOE NIGHTINGALE HAD HER TRIP TO IBOGA WELLNESS CENTER IN 2018](https://ibogawellness.com/zoe-nightingale-podcast-on-her-trip-to-iboga-wellness/): Zoe gives a candid look of the many questions that come up to those visiting Iboga Wellness. Zoe calls her friends and family before her meeting with iboga. Zoe came to Iboga Wellness to let things go that were no longer serving her. 
- [GARY COOK ON THE REDESIGNING REALITY PODCAST](https://ibogawellness.com/gary-cook-on-the-redesigning-reality-podcast/)
- [IBOGA PROVIDER LEVI BARKER FEATURED ON VIGILANTES RADIO PODCAST](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-provider-levi-barker-featured-on-vigilantes-radio-podcast/): Levi Parker one of our iboga providers at Iboga Wellness was recently featured on Vigilantes Radio Podcast. In the podcast Levi speaks about the retreat experience and tradition at Iboga Wellness Center. Listen and find out more about iboga and our retreat experience..
- [PSYCHEDELICTIMES.COM – INTERVIEW WITH GARY COOK OF IBOGA WELLNESS CENTER](https://ibogawellness.com/shamanic-iboga-in-costa-rica-interview-with-gary-cook-of-iboga-wellness-center/): Gary Cook is the founder of Iboga Wellness Center (IWC) in Costa Rica where he, his son, and their staff offer iboga ceremonies. IWC is unique among ibogaine healing centers — whereas many centers today use synthetic ibogaine, Cook and his son use the traditional iboga root bark and are initiates of the Bwiti shamanic tradition where iboga use first emerged. Gary spoke to us from his home in Costa Rica.
- [TRIP TO GABON, AFRICA – JULY 2015](https://ibogawellness.com/trip-to-gabon-africa-july-2015/): Jeff & Anthony just returned from a journey to the root in Gabon, Africa. They immersed themselves into the Bwiti tradition while going through their full initiations and rites of passage.  This experience for them deepened their relationship with Iboga on a physical, mental and spiritual level.  While there were many teachings during their stay with the Bwiti, it was a process that required patience, discipline & focus. Not being in control of anything outside of themselves was a great lesson to begin practicing stillness through challenging times and learning to go with the flow – learning how to except what is, not struggling to control the situation. As there were difficult times throughout their stay, there was this overwhelming sense of peace & joy that manifested inside of them. This manifestation made it clear that life is a precious gift and always be sure to respect and value this gift.
- [IBOGA PODCAST EPISODE – IBOGA, A VISIONARY ENTHEOGEN](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-a-visionary-entheogen/): A special thanks to Dr. Martin Ball and his Entheogenic Podcast for featuring the shamanic providers at Iboga Wellness Center, Costa Rica. In this podcast, he touches on iboga and how it is used in a traditional Bwiti setting to help spiritual seekers connect with their souls and heal. You can listen to the podcast here: Entheogenic Podcast with Dr. Martin Ball
- [Erika and Tony from USA](https://ibogawellness.com/erika-and-tony-from-usa/): – Erika and Tony from USA
- [Valeria T. from New York](https://ibogawellness.com/valeria-t-from-new-york/): “Dear Iboga Family; I just want you to know how much my experience with Iboga has changed my life. My soul is so happy. I can feel her, hear her, all the time now. My soul is in control, NOT my mind. Ever since I have taken Iboga I have become so clear. My third eye is more open than it ever was. I was experiencing psychic abilities before I took Iboga but now it’s expanded. Not only that, it opened up an energetic gift inside me that has been waiting to reveal itself to me. I dont know if you all remember how excited and happy I was the morning after I took my first dosage of the medicine but I am feeling like this inside now. I love you guys, and I thank you for what you are doing. Gaia is ready to heal her children.”
- [Marc S. from New York](https://ibogawellness.com/marc-s-from-new-york/): “Heading into the New Year, I chose to spend my time in January going inside to look at more of the truth of my life and what needed attention and healing. No other place to attend to that than the Iboga Wellness Center in Costa Rica. Not only is the staff experienced in the healing process having gone through it numerous times themselves, but they are also tuned into your energy and needs throughout the session.
- [PJ from Minnesota](https://ibogawellness.com/pj-from-minnesota/): “I have often found it challenging to describe accurately, and in a way that conveys the true emotional impact, any experience of a deeply personal, life altering, nature. The internal geometry of each individual is unique. While we all seem to experience the same basic gamut of emotional states, we tend to ascribe very personal meaning to them, and to the circumstances, interactions, and events that provoke these sometimes profound states and their transformation or resolution. I have recently had a trancendant experience of this kind and will do my best to elucidate it here so that it may be helpful to others who are seeking personal change. In September 2014, I flew to Costa Rica to embark on a psycho-spiritual journey under the influence of the powerful medicinal plant, Iboga. Before making this trip, I was in desperate need of personal transformation. Guided through this process, and cared for by the tremendously empathetic and talented people who staff the Iboga Wellness Center, I have come away from the experience fully transformed, and my life thankfully, will never be the same.
- [Geoff L. from Wisconsin](https://ibogawellness.com/geoff-l-from-wisconsin/): I recently went to the Iboga wellness center to deal with a general malaise that would manifest itself in really shitty behavior towards myself. I turned 40 last year and I figured it was time to deal with the excess baggage I had been carrying around since I was a boy. For years I was unable to stop myself from binge drinking. I could put em back with the best drinkers, the shot takers, the party folks, and I was good at it. And for years Ive missed full days afterwards being sick, throwing up, pounding headaches etc. I thought that was just how it is in life. Have fun and pay the price. Id miss play dates with my son, birthdays, family functions and days from work because my body was so sick. Not to mention what I was doing to my mental and emotional bodies day in and day out. Only to get up and do it all over again. Little did I realize that it was a symptom of not trusting myself and completely ignoring my soul.
- [Bill Atkinson is an American computer engineer and photographer](https://ibogawellness.com/bill-atkinson-is-an-american-computer-engineer-and-photographer/): Back from Costa Rica — what an amazing and life-changing experience!
- [– Amy S. from Florida](https://ibogawellness.com/amy-s-from-florida-addiction-detox-program/)
- [Iboga Wellness Center | Reviews &Testimonials](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-wellness-center-reviews-testimonials/)
- [– Dr. Dan E. from Arizona (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/dr-dan-e-from-arizona-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– John from Toronto, Canada (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/john-from-toronto-canada-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Marilyn from Colorado (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/marilyn-from-colorado-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Lindsay from Colorado (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/lindsay-from-colorado-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Matt from Oklahoma (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/matt-from-oklahoma-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– James, from NYC (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/james-from-nyc-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Matt, from Louisiana (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/matt-from-louisiana-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Z, from California (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/z-from-california-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Julie, from California (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/julie-from-california-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Grayson, from Indiana (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/grayson-from-indiana-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Trisha, from California (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/trisha-from-california-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Kris, from Washington (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/kris-from-washington-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Francine, from Canada (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/francine-from-canada-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Anne, from Canada (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/anne-from-canada-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [– Eric, from Massachusetts (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/eric-from-massachusetts-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [Nate’s Testimonial at Iboga Wellness Center – Costa Rica](https://ibogawellness.com/nates-testimonial-at-iboga-wellness-center-costa-rica/)
- [– Dr. Barsuglia, from California (Psycho Spiritual Program)](https://ibogawellness.com/dr-barsuglia-from-california-psycho-spiritual-program/)
- [Oron Iboga Experience Testimonial @ Iboga Wellness Center](https://ibogawellness.com/oron-iboga-experience-testimonial-iboga-wellness-center/)
- [Iboga Testimonial Holly Stein | Author Healing With Iboga [long term results]](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-testimonial-holly-stein-author-healing-with-iboga-long-term-results/)

## Pages
- [Iboga vs. Ibogaine – What’s The Difference?](https://ibogawellness.com/what-is-iboga/iboga-ibogaine/): At Iboga Wellness Center, we prioritize the use of whole Iboga root bark and its Total Alkaloid (TA) extraction over Ibogaine, a single, chemically-isolated alkaloid derived from the Iboga root. This distinction is crucial for those seeking comprehensive healing experiences.
- [Iboga healing from childhood trauma & PTSD](https://ibogawellness.com/iboga-healing-from-childhood-trauma-ptsd/): IBOGA AND HEALING FROM CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
- [Gabon Africa Initiation Retreat 2025](https://ibogawellness.com/gabon-africa-initiation-retreat/): For a select few who have already experienced the profound depth and incredible speed of Iboga’s healing, journeying to the source of where this medicine comes from, and completing a traditional Bwiti Full Initiation, may feel like a soul calling — an imperative part of our journey in life.
- [Thank you](https://ibogawellness.com/thank-you/): We will be back to you within 24 hours and often times much sooner.
- [Programs](https://ibogawellness.com/programs/)
- [Online Records](https://ibogawellness.com/online-records/): ; Online records
- [Written Testimonials](https://ibogawellness.com/testimonials/written-testimonials/): – Erika and Tony from USA
- [Video Testimonials – Psycho-Spiritual Program](https://ibogawellness.com/testimonials/video-testimonials-psycho-spiritual-program/): Here you will find videos testimonials of people who experienced Iboga Wellness Center’s Psycho-Spiritual Program. You can also view our Iboga Testimonials on our Youtube channel or our Google Reviews.
- [About the Bwiti](https://ibogawellness.com/what-is-iboga/the-bwiti/): Spread throughout Central West Africa, the Bwiti people have been using Iboga as a tool to study life for thousands of years.
- [Iboga and Internet Addiction](https://ibogawellness.com/what-is-iboga/iboga-and-internet-addiction/): In the age of information, the answers are quite literally at our fingertips. How many hours a day do we tap at keyboards, swipe left on smartphones, and make contact with multiple screens?
- [Iboga for Depression](https://ibogawellness.com/what-is-iboga/iboga-for-depression/): Whether we’re battling depression ourselves or know someone who is, we’ve likely witnessed the complexities plaguing those in this state of suffering.
- [Iboga vs. Ayahuasca A Guide – The Differences, Which Is Right For Me?](https://ibogawellness.com/what-is-iboga/iboga-vs-ayahuasca/): One of the most common questions we get asked here at Iboga Wellness Center is the differences of Iboga vs. Ayahuasca, and which one is right for me? We hold both medicines in the highest regard and have learned from both of these master plant teachers. With that said, there is some very clear differences in their experience, how they teach and the results that we take with us after working with them.
- [What is Iboga?](https://ibogawellness.com/what-is-iboga/): Iboga, a central figure in both ancient Bwiti rituals and modern therapeutic research, stands out due to its potent psychoactive properties. This article is a detailed exploration of iboga, covering its botanical background, traditional uses, its profound effects on the brain, and its emerging role in treating conditions like addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD1.
- [Iboga Preparation & Integration Coaching](https://ibogawellness.com/integration-coaching/): Iboga Wellness is proud to introduce our brothers and sisters doing the very important integration work. People from the organizations below have been to Iboga Wellness as clients. They know the iboga experience and the principals that guide our work with this medicine.
- [Post Iboga Client Integration Calls](https://ibogawellness.com/post-iboga-client-integration-calls/): Continue your healing with IWC:
- [Our Facility](https://ibogawellness.com/our-facility/): In a small pueblo nestled high above the trees at 2,150-foot elevation, Iboga Wellness Center procures breathtaking views of the mountains, river and valley below — reverberating in the pulse of Southern Costa Rica’s tropical heartbeat. 
- [Meet Us](https://ibogawellness.com/meet-us/): Our staff at the Iboga Wellness Center have been healed and trained by a Bwiti shaman from Gabon, Africa. Many of us have been initiated into the Bwiti tradition through the full initiation ceremony in Gabon. These ceremonies are very intense and are only truly undergone by those who are living the path of Iboga.
- [Our Upcoming Schedule](https://ibogawellness.com/our-schedule/): We are happy to help get you here if needed. Need a flight, place to stay, want to explore after? Let us know.
- [Psycho-spiritual program](https://ibogawellness.com/programs/psycho-spiritual-program/): Our psycho-spiritual program is an 8-day, all inclusive iboga retreat which has been designed to nurture spiritual growth and self-discovery through the ceremonial, sacred use of Iboga in a traditional way. Iboga Wellness walks the beautiful path of the Bwiti while making sure people from the Western world get the most out of the experience.
- [Contact Us](https://ibogawellness.com/contact-us/): By Email
- [Blog](https://ibogawellness.com/blog/): Paul – Write up of his IWC experience
- [FAQ](https://ibogawellness.com/faq/): There are conditions that would prevent a person from being able to work with Iboga. Our determinations are based on scientific findings in the Ibogaine Manual, which was crafted by experts in the field over many years of experience.
- [Testimonials](https://ibogawellness.com/testimonials/): Here you will find videos testimonials of people who experienced Iboga Wellness Center’s Psycho-Spiritual Program. You can also view our Iboga Testimonials on our Youtube channel.
- [About Iboga Wellness Center](https://ibogawellness.com/about/): Founded in January of 2014, Iboga Wellness Center has been in operation longer than any other shamanic, traditional Bwiti Iboga retreat in the Western Hemisphere.
- [Home](https://ibogawellness.com/): Iboga Wellness Center is an Iboga retreat center located in beautiful Costa Rica. We also have retreats in different parts of the world, please inquire. Those called to experience this sacred medicine can move through profound life transformations with wholehearted support and care. We are located in the mountains of Costa Rica’s biodiverse South Pacific region, in our opinion the most beautiful area of the country with 70-85 degree weather year round.

## FAQs
- [ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS THAT WOULD EXCLUDE A PERSON FROM TAKING IBOGA?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/are-there-any-conditions-that-would-exclude-a-person-from-taking-iboga/): There are conditions that would prevent a person from being able to work with Iboga. Our determinations are based on scientific findings in the Ibogaine Manual, which was crafted by experts in the field over many years of experience.
- [DOES IBOGA WELLNESS HAVE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ONSITE?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/does-iboga-wellness-employ-medical-staff/): Although we are a healing center that focuses on a non-Western, non-clinical and shamanic approach to ceremony, we require an EKG approved by a doctor who meets with each guest prior to ceremony, and have a nurse onsite from the afternoon of day two to the morning of day seven.
- [ARE WELLNESS STAFF ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER THE PHONE AND RESPOND TO CONTACT FORMS?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/are-wellness-staff-awlays-available-to-answer-the-phone-and-respond-to-contact-forms/): Our staff is available to answer calls, emails and Facebook messages from 9 am until 9 pm EST, seven days a week. If no one is immediately available to respond, please leave your contact information and we will get back to you promptly. For inquiries after-hours or on weekends, email levi@ibogawellness.com.
- [HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU HAVE DURING A SESSION?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/how-many-people-do-you-treat-during-a-session-2/): We like to keep our groups small at Iboga Wellness Center so all of our guests get the proper attention. We may have anywhere from 5-8 guests at a time. We always have at least 3-5 staff during a session, many times much more. A medical doctor checks approves your physical condition so that you can be confident going through this process. If there are any concerns of heart issues, especially arrhythmias, if you've had a heart attack in the past, heart surgery, etc., you would want to get an EKG done beforehand, send it to us, and we would send it to a doctor Familiar with this process who would approve it.
- [DO I NEED VACCINATIONS BEFORE TRAVELING TO COSTA RICA? ARE THERE A LOT OF INSECTS?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/do-i-need-vaccinations-before-traveling-to-costa-rica-are-there-a-lot-of-insects/): If traveling from the US or Canada, you do not need any vaccines in order to travel to Costa Rica. However, if you are traveling from certain countries in Africa or South America where yellow fever is prevalent, please check with your country’s government or the Costa Rican Consulate to find out if the yellow fever vaccine is required in order for you to travel. There is a mandatory 10 day waiting period after getting a yellow fever vaccine. Laws can change and every country may have different requirements, so it is your responsibility to find out before you travel. Our center does not handle travel arrangements or booking flights to and from Costa Rica.
- [DO I NEED A PASSPORT OR A TRAVEL VISA TO VISIT COSTA RICA?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-passport-or-a-travel-visa-to-visit-costa-rica/): You will need a passport that is valid and the expiration date should be more than 6 months away. You do not need a travel visa if you are coming from The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European Countries. However, there are a few countries in Africa and Asia that you may be required to have a travel visa. Please check with your embassy.
- [DOES YOUR CHEF ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR PREFERENCES?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/does-your-chef-accommodate-dietary-restrictions-or-preferences/): Our on-site chef prepares three meals a day, and can accommodate any dietary restriction or preference. If you have preferences, please let us know at least one week prior to your session. Please note that not all North American and European products and produce are available in Costa Rica. We will work with you to ensure that you are comfortable with all meals during your stay.
- [WILL AN IBOGA EXPERIENCE POSE ANY CONFLICT TO MY RELIGION?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/will-an-iboga-treatment-pose-any-conflict-to-my-religion/): No. Our retreats are led in a traditional, shamanic Bwiti context. The Bwiti are a people native to Central-Western Africa, and their practice is a tradition — a study of Life itself — Our Bwiti is a spiritual path and not a religion.
- [WHAT IS THE IBOGA WELLNESS FACILITY LIKE?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/what-is-the-iboga-wellness-facility-like/): Our 5250 square-foot hacienda is a large, 8-bedroom traditional Costa Rican home.. Property grounds include a palapa with upstairs laying area, incredible mountai views, and very lush gardens. The property has more than 100 fruit trees of varying types like coffee, mongo, avocado, papaya, pineapples, oranges, morignga, etc. In several areas of the property there is a view of the river down below. The property also has hiking trails and hammock stations for relaxing outside and listening to the wide variety of birds and animals.
- [HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE AMOUNT (“DOSAGE”) OF PLANT MATERIAL THAT IS USED?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/how-do-your-providers-determine-dosage/): Every person’s sensitivity to Iboga is incredibly different. Dosage is not determined by body weight — many times, a small person can have a much higher tolerance than a large person.
- [WHAT KIND OF IBOGA DO YOU USE?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/what-kind-of-iboga-do-you-use/): At Iboga Wellness, we only use Iboga — not Ibogaine, which is an extract of just one alkaloid in the Iboga root. Ibogaine is beneficial for drug detoxes, as a physical reset, but it lacks the full spirit of the Iboga root — because the whole root contains hundreds of additional alkaloids. These alkaloids support a deeply spiritual experience.
- [ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS THAT WOULD EXCLUDE A PERSON FROM TAKING IBOGA?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/are-there-any-conditions-that-would-exclude-a-person-from-taking-iboga-2/): There are conditions that would prevent a person from being able to work with Iboga. Our determinations are based on scientific findings in the Ibogaine Manual, which was crafted by experts in the field over many years of experience.
- [IS COSTA RICA SAFE? WHAT IS THE AREA WHERE IBOGA WELLNESS IS LOCATED LIKE?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/is-costa-rica-safe-what-is-the-area-where-iboga-wellness-is-located-like/): Costa Rica is a peaceful country — it has never been involved in any war — and is a very safe place to travel. Iboga Wellness is located in the Southern region of the country. Thankfully staff and guests have never experienced any crime whatsoever at the facility, the airport, or in town. Most people feel very safe and welcome in Costa Rica.
- [WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE IN COSTA RICA THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/what-is-the-climate-like-in-costa-rica-throughout-the-year/): Located just 10 degrees North of the equator, between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is a tropical climate. A relatively small country, it has three microclimates.
- [WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO WHEN COMING TO IBOGA WELLNESS?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/what-airport-do-i-fly-into-when-coming-to-iboga-wellness-do-you-assist-with-travel-arrangements-and-booking-flights/): If that is not possible we recommend coming in the night before. We have relationships with local guests house that take good care of guests before catching the shuttle to the retreat property.
- [HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY TRIP TO COSTA RICA? DO I NEED VACCINATIONS/A VISA/LOCAL CURRENCY/ETC?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/how-do-i-prepare-for-my-trip-to-costa-rica-do-i-need-vaccinations-a-visa-local-currency-etc/): All guests traveling to Costa Rica will need a valid passport whose expiration date is more than six months away.
- [DOES IBOGA WELLNESS PROVIDE SUBSTANCE DETOXES?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/does-iboga-wellness-provide-substance-detoxes/): Sorry, we don't. All who join our ceremonies are clean, clear and intending to work with Iboga in a psycho-spiritual sense.
- [IF I ENTER MY IBOGA CEREMONY WITH FEAR, CAN I HAVE A ‘BAD TRIP?’](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/if-i-enter-my-iboga-ceremony-with-fear-can-i-have-a-bad-trip/): Iboga is different than any other plant medicine or psychoactive substance that exists today. Since its energy is so powerful, people commonly recognize and feel this energy subconsciously, before ever taking the medicine.
- [WHAT ARE SOME EFFECTS OF IBOGA THAT CAN BE ANTICIPATED?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/what-are-some-effects-of-iboga-that-can-be-anticipated/): Regarding the actual Iboga ceremony — the journey itself — it is wise not to form or hold expectations about what you will see, feel or experience. Iboga always knows what we need, and provides the perfect experience for each of us.
- [WILL AN IBOGA EXPERIENCE PERMANENTLY CURE ME OF MY CONDITION?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/will-an-iboga-treatment-permanently-cure-me-of-my-condition/): The experience of every individual is unique. Some people experience drastic life changes immediately, while for others, results and transformations appear subtly and slowly, during the integration process following a retreat. In full ethicality of disclosure, it is never guaranteed that a person will be ‘cured’ of depression, physical ailments, or other disorders.
- [IS IBOGA WELLNESS AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER LOCATIONS OR CENTERS?](https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/is-iboga-wellness-affiliated-with-any-other-locations-or-centers/): No. Iboga Wellness does not operate or collaborate with other Iboga centers. We place complete focus is on our own facility, staff and guests.