What makes Root & Wisdom different from other Iboga retreats?
Root & Wisdom goes beyond the traditional retreat model. We view our center as an Ashram or rainforest academy, where participants sit with Iboga as a student sits with a teacher. Our focus is on deep, long-term transformation rather than psychedelic tourism. We are one of the few centers focusing on psycho-spiritual work with facilitators who have Western clinical education, years of direct study in indigenous wisdom traditions, and direct genetic ties to the origins of Iboga.

What does “transcending the retreat model” mean?
It means we don’t offer a short-term escape or psychedelic tourism. Instead, Root & Wisdom serves as a sanctuary for integrative living, where working with Iboga is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and self-realization. We work with individuals seeking more than just an experience—they want to become changemakers in their communities, using their time with Iboga to improve their lives and the world. If you’re seeking psychedelic tourism, we can suggest other centers that might be a better fit for you.

What is the safety protocol at Root & Wisdom?
Safety is our top priority. We follow a “less is more” approach to Iboga, ensuring a gentle experience and avoiding potentially dangerous extracts like Total Alkaloid. Our onboarding process provides detailed guidance on safety, preparation, and aftercare. We have a thorough medical screening process, including requiring an EKG prior to arrival and an additional free EKG on-site. We also track blood pressure and oxygen levels before each ceremony. Most health concerns with Iboga arise when providers use Ibogaine or Total Alkaloid extracts—by avoiding these and using proper medical screenings, we mitigate nearly all risks while taking every precaution.

What is the onboarding process like?
Our onboarding process is simple and supportive. We provide detailed instructions for travel, payment, safety protocols, and preparation for your Iboga experience. You will receive direct support throughout the entire process.

How do I get to the retreat center?
We provide complimentary transportation to and from SJO Airport as part of your retreat experience. Simply book your ideal flight, and we’ll take care of the rest. During our onboarding process, you’ll receive detailed travel instructions, including flight recommendations, transportation options, and helpful tips for navigating Costa Rica.

How much does it cost to attend the retreat?
Pricing is available through our registration platform and will depend on your room type selection. We also provide 5 complimentary integration coaching sessions and free access to Nectara, an integration support platform with many valuable benefits.

What are the three tiers of your program?

1. Tier 1: Open to everyone interested in Iboga, focusing on a safe and gentle experience. Includes 5 free integration coaching sessions and access to our integration platform, Nectara.
2. Tier 2: For those seeking deeper study with Iboga, 20 one-on-one coaching sessions with Troy are required before attending.
3. Tier 3: For the deepest inquiry into Iboga, offered in a dieta style with intensive personal transformation and ongoing coaching with Troy.

Do I need prior experience with Iboga to attend the retreat?
No prior experience is necessary for Tier 1. However, Tiers 2 and 3 require a deeper commitment and prior study with Iboga, including one-on-one sessions with Troy. Many of our guests experience Iboga as their first encounter with psychedelics.

How safe is Iboga?
Iboga is safe when used responsibly in a structured, supportive environment. We take every precaution by using safe dosages, avoiding harmful extracts, and providing complete medical evaluations. Our “less is more” philosophy ensures that you will be safe during the retreat.

Why is Ibogaine potentially unsafe for the heart?
In large doses, Ibogaine can block the hERG potassium ion channels in the heart, disrupting its ability to repolarize properly. This leads to a prolonged QT interval—a delay in the heart’s electrical reset—potentially causing a dangerous arrhythmia known as Torsades de Pointes, resulting in fainting, seizures, or sudden cardiac arrest. However, because Iboga contains only around 8% Ibogaine, the risk is significantly mitigated unless taken in extremely high quantities. This is why medical screening and EKG monitoring are critical for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or a prolonged QT interval. Unlike other centers, we do not serve our guests pure Ibogaine, Ibogaine HCL or total alkaloid extract.

How does Root & Wisdom approach the integration process?
We believe integration is crucial for lasting transformation. In addition to 5 free integration coaching sessions, we include 3 months of access to Nectara, a platform dedicated to helping guests integrate their Iboga experiences into everyday life. We also invite guests to participate in follow-up surveys for up to 24 months after the retreat, offering ongoing free coaching for those who take part.

What happens during the retreat?
The retreat includes two Iboga ceremonies along with complementary practices like yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and meditation. We also offer workshops on energy hygiene and protection, along with time to immerse yourself in nature. Every guest receives a retreat workbook to guide them through the journey.

What should I expect during an Iboga ceremony?
The Iboga ceremony is a deeply personal and transformative experience. Iboga acts as a teacher, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery. Our facilitators create a safe, compassionate space for your process to unfold naturally. The experience is beyond expectation, often filled with joy and transformation.

What kind of aftercare or follow-up support do you provide?
We offer comprehensive aftercare through integration coaching and the Nectara platform to help you implement the insights gained during the retreat. We also track your well-being for up to 24 months through surveys and offer ongoing participant coaching.

How long is the retreat?
The retreat typically lasts 7-8 days, allowing ample time for ceremonies, integration activities, and personal reflection. We recommend allowing 2-3 days after the retreat before returning to the demands of everyday life.

What should I pack for the retreat?
Once registered, you will receive a detailed packing list. Bring comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, a journal, and any items that help you feel grounded and relaxed.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons and hot temperatures year-round. Prepare for humidity and rainfall, especially if you plan to explore the rainforest during your stay.

What are the payment options?
We accept payments via bank transfer, credit card, and cryptocurrency. Detailed payment instructions will be provided during the onboarding process.

What is your refund policy?
Our refund policy will be shared during the onboarding process. We encourage full commitment but offer credit transfers for future retreats if unforeseen circumstances arise.

How does Root & Wisdom support Indigenous communities?
A portion of all proceeds goes to the Sacred Roots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit we founded to give back to Indigenous communities like the Bwiti, who have shared their wisdom for generations. To donate, visit www.sacredrootsfoundation.com.

How do I get more information or book a retreat?
You can review this website, follow us on social media, or submit an inquiry form to set up a call with one of our team members. We’ll guide you through the process and help you choose the best program for your needs.

Who are the facilitators at Root & Wisdom?
Our facilitators are a unique blend of Indigenous scholar-practitioners and those with advanced clinical education. They bring a wealth of experience in traditional healing practices and modern therapeutic modalities. Each facilitator is deeply committed to creating a safe, compassionate space for transformation and self-discovery. Their training includes years of study with Indigenous wisdom traditions. Our founders, Troy Valencia and Joaly Trinidad, are directly connected to the lineages of Iboga through initiation and ancestral ties.

Can I learn more about Troy Valencia’s books and music?
Troy Valencia is a recognized author and musician. His published works focus on the intersection of spirituality, healing, and personal transformation, drawing from scientific and indigenous perspectives. His music, available on major streaming platforms, is inspired by his deep connection to sound healing and the transformative power of vibration. His books and music are integral to the philosophy of Root & Wisdom and provide additional resources for guests who want to deepen their journey.

What kind of private coaching does Root & Wisdom offer?
In addition to retreats, we offer private psycho-spiritual coaching sessions with Troy Valencia and Joaly Trinidad. However, Maia Naviu is our dedicated integration support and spiritual counselor, with whom we encourage all guests to work with. These sessions blend expertise in clinical psychology, spiritual counseling, and Indigenous wisdom traditions. Coaching is tailored to meet individual needs, whether you’re seeking personal growth, spiritual guidance, or integration support after working with plant medicine. Many clients find these sessions invaluable in continuing their transformational journey. To learn more about Maia, please visit her website at https://www.sunnup.com.au/.

How does the Sacred Roots Foundation tie into Root & Wisdom?
Sacred Roots Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Troy and Joaly. It is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities like the Bwiti in Central/West Africa. A portion of Root & Wisdom’s proceeds supports these communities, helps with restoration projects, and preserves their sacred traditions. This is an integral part of our commitment to reciprocity and ethical practices in plant medicine. Please visit https://sacredrootsfoundation.com/ to learn more or donate today (all invitations are tax deductible).

What is the difference between Iboga and Ibogaine?
Iboga is a natural plant medicine derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub’s root bark, which is traditionally used in Bwiti ceremonies. It contains multiple alkaloids, including Ibogaine, the most studied for its psychoactive properties. Ibogaine, often extracted and used in isolation, primarily targets addiction treatment. However, when used in its whole plant form, Iboga offers a more holistic experience, engaging with a broader spectrum of alkaloids, contributing to more profound psycho-spiritual healing and transformation.

Why is Iboga safer than Ibogaine?
Ibogaine is one specific alkaloid extracted from the Iboga root bark containing about 8% Ibogaine. When using Ibogaine in its concentrated form, the risk of cardiac issues significantly increases. In contrast, one would have to ingest a much larger quantity of Iboga root bark to reach these levels of cardiac risks. However, this doesn’t mean Iboga carries no risk, so proper medical screening and EKGs are essential requirements.

At our center, we adhere to a “less is more” approach, ensuring that no one is given enough Iboga to approach such risk levels. Unlike other centers, we do not offer Total Alkaloid extracts or pure ibogaine, as these involve chemical processing and stray from the natural essence of the bark. In conclusion, while Iboga is inherently safer than Ibogaine, both must be approached with proper care and guidance.

How does Iboga work in the brain?
Iboga primarily acts on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, especially those involved in dopamine, serotonin, and NMDA receptors. It promotes neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself by creating new neural connections, which is crucial for breaking addictive patterns, facilitating trauma healing, and fostering personal transformation. Additionally, Iboga activates the Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), which supports neuron repair and growth.

What are the long-term effects of using Iboga?
Research shows that Iboga can have long-lasting positive effects on brain function, especially in terms of addiction recovery and mental health. After a single ceremony, many report sustained feelings of clarity, emotional balance, and a greater sense of purpose. Studies suggest that Iboga fosters long-term changes in neural pathways, helping individuals break free from patterns of behavior associated with trauma, addiction, or mental health issues.

What is neuroplasticity, and how does Iboga enhance it?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Iboga enhances neuroplasticity by activating certain receptors and promoting the release of neurotrophic factors like GDNF, which supports neural repair and growth. This process is key to Iboga’s ability to help individuals break old habits, reframe trauma, and develop healthier thought patterns.

Is there any scientific research supporting Iboga’s therapeutic benefits?
Yes, there is a growing body of research supporting the therapeutic benefits of Iboga, particularly in addiction treatment, PTSD, and depression. Studies have shown that Ibogaine, an active compound in Iboga, can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Additionally, research into Iboga’s effects on neuroplasticity and its ability to promote emotional regulation highlights its broader applications for psycho-spiritual healing and personal transformation.