Iboga Retreat + Bufo - Portugal, Nov 19-23, 2026

I recently attended the Iboga + Bufo retreat in Portugal in September that was hosted by Medicine Spirit and I have to say it has been one of the most important and impactful experiences of my life.

I can't say enough positive things about Jay and his team and my experience over the 4 days i was there, but I will try to give some of my background and what this retreat has been able to help me with.

I am currently 42yrs old and over the last 20+ years I have collected a number of significant injuries ranging from multiple fracture bones in my spine - leading to nerve damage, shattering my orbital / skull, multiple knee surgeries and even some left over glass shards stuck in one of my eyes (just to name a few). I have also experienced multiple concussions and traumatic brain injuries. I have also been sensitive to light and consistently wanted to hide behind closed blinds during the majority of the weekend to avoid discomfort and headaches.

All of this has lead to a combination of lack of ability to sleep and the over consumption of alcohol, which created a dangerous spiral.

Since my experience with the retreat I have had no urges for alcohol use, which was almost instantly notable, especially on my flight departing Portugal, which has always been one of the most difficult places for me to resist drinking "to relax". I have found myself in a much calmer state and not immediately resorting to a "fight or flight" response and much more at peace with myself during day to day life.

Most significantly to me is my previously near constant nerve pain that limited my ability to sleep, exercise or even get in and out of cars has disappeared - I haven't been able to sleep through the night without waking every few hours due to discomfort and muscle spasms caused by the nerve pain since I can remember. Beginning the week after the retreat I have consistently been able to sleep through the night, which has also been life changing.

I am now more engaged in my day to day life, overall calmer and not only enjoy in participating in "standard" weekend activities over the weekend but finally crave being outside enjoying the sun when I have the opportunity.

I won't speak much about the retreat as everyone will have their own unique experience, but I will mention that the combination of Bufo after Iboga was extremely beneficial to me and helped me "fully complete" my transformation and journey and I would recommend discussing this with both Jay and Rabiah, who provided the additional service in Portugal.

Lastly, Jay was incredible during the lead up to the retreat. He was more than happy to take multiple calls from me and answer several emails to discuss a range of topics, despite a nearly 9hr time difference.

I fully encourage anyone who is interested in an Iboga retreat to reach out to Jay and have a conversation.

Everything about this experience was handled perfectly. Lots of great communication throughout. The facility is beyond wonderful and the support that Patrícia provided filled you with comfort and love. The ceremony and the days that followed were so beautifully prepared and carried out by Jay and his folks that all you have to do is show up and allow the medicine to do what it does. It was professional, personal, respectful and, in the end, incredibly powerful. I can't wait to go back!