"Arkana is a magical, mystical place. My experience at Arkana helped unblock pathways that led to my healing. It supercharged clarity for me in a lot of ways to be able to move forward in areas of my life where I've been doing therapeutic work. Additionally, the facilitators and the staff were incredible people - professional, compassionate and wonderful humans. I hope to return someday. Forever grateful for Arkana!
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Highly Rated Retreats in Sacred Valley
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Types of Retreat in Sacred Valley
Short Retreats in Sacred Valley
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Upcoming Retreats in Sacred Valley
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Experiences on Retreat
"Soltara is a very unique spot as they try to stay more traditional than other Ayahuasca centers, but there of course is room for improvement. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of time talking about intention and sharing your experience. The problem is the first night you get very low dose, which doesn't do much for many. I understand starting low as we are all different, but to make this a good experience they should allow people to get more if they are getting no results. Because they don't, you end up sitting there for 5+ hours waiting to leave? That's not the experience we come for as it's a waste of time and you get back to your room at 1::30am. The second night they allow you to take more, but again we're all responsible adults and communicating how we're being affected so they should implement that the first night. The other problem is when I attended it was extremely hot and just sat there sweating for 4+ hours. I'm not alone in my experience as others discussed the same views with me, but I'm more vocal. Since they don't want you to bring any supplements of any kind I didn't have my electrolytes to rehydrate. Some things they should allow for health and safety as one day people will start having heat strokes."
"This was my second time at Soltara, and it happened to be during the dry season, which looks a bit different from the pictures. It's not as green. So, if this is something that you want to be part of your experience, I recommend going during the wet season, as I did my first time there.
I had significant improvements in my well- being since my first time at Soltara in Costa Rica in 2022. My husband came with me the first time but I decided to go back on my own and have a different growth experience.
The staff and facilitators are top-tier. Authentic Shipibo practices, food, and room settings are a 10 out of 10.
I came back because I saw results. Of course, Ayahuasca is part of a group of practices that I decided to make part of my life since two years ago but I 100% recommend Soltara if you're interested in going on a deep self-knowledge dive, connecting with your spiritual side or ready to start taking a close look at your wounds and go on to heal. "
"Luka and Eliza are amazing healers If you’re thinking of doing a retreat you should seriously consider this one.
And the food is amazing to!"
"I originally attended Arkana at the end of 2018, shortly after unexpectedly losing my eye to cancer. Suddenly confronted with the fragility of my own mortality and the possibility of an early death, I attended the retreat in a state of introspection and vulnerability. The result was an experience that changed who I am as a person; and dramatically transformed and strengthened my character in the face of adversity.
In April 2024, following a confirmation of metastases and a 12 month life expectancy, I returned to the jungle retreat with my fiancee, and found it to be as beautiful, necessary and transformative as the first, helping me to develop a relationship with my grief and a resolve to live the life I have, whatever that may end up being.
Arkana is a wonderful location, with excellent food and attentive staff. The small group you share your experiences with bonds in a way that is outside the norm, for the bonding occurs in a space of truth and shared vulnerability that is difficult to replicate in the broader world.
I cannot recommend Arkana enough. "
"There is something magical about that place and the staff ….that's my first retreat so I wasn’t having any expectations like everyone else out there i dot have words to describe that experience I am not the same person my anxiety went away i am more calm person which is fantastic and there is some more work to be done but so far i am happy
Thanks "
"While many reviews paint a perfect picture, I wanted to offer a more nuanced perspective on my experience at Soltara.
Soltara's Strengths
Professionalism and Experience: Soltara has a professional operation going, and it’s clear they’ve been doing this for awhile. There is a big team at the retreat center handling everything: food, facilitation, security, grounds keeping, etc… Overall coordination + planning was flawless. The ceremonies themselves were deeply thought through and it’s hard to think of what they could have done better.
Authentic Shipibo Practices: Soltara excels at preserving the traditional elements of Shipibo shamanism. It felt genuine and fascinating to be part of these practices.
Delicious Food: The food throughout the retreat was awesome.
Dietary Guidance: Soltara provided clear instructions and support regarding the pre-retreat dieta (dietary restrictions). The commitment from participants to the dieta was commendable.
Life-Changing Experiences: Witnessing the positive transformations of others was truly inspiring.
Comfortable setting: Modern, air-conditioned rooms, beautiful views, access to the beach.
Cons / areas for Improvement
Dry Season Ambiance: Playa Blanca during dry season does NOT look like the photos. In reality, the majority of the trees are barren. There are small fires around, and frequently the air smells smokey. At night, the atmosphere felt spooky to me (sort of nightmare-before-christmas-esque). If I was to come back, I would definitely do so during wet season!
Expectation of aligned worldview: If you’re not totally convinced that plants have spirits, and are uncomfortable saying ‘mother ayahuasca’, Soltara might not be the best fit. This vocabulary and worldview is pervasive here, and alternative views are not really mentioned. To be fair, it is an ayahuasca retreat, so I suppose much of this is to be expected, but it seemed to me that there was also a healthy dose of new-age spirituality inserted, which I have an aversion to. I thus had a hard time totally trusting the facilitators, which is a vital element of any psychedelic experience, and consequentially contributed to a feeling of not feeling totally safe. To be fair, much of that is my own problem. At no point was I genuinely in danger during the retreat, and the facilitators were there for me if I needed them.
Limited Pre-Retreat & Integration Support: An opportunity to meet fellow participants and facilitators beforehand would have been beneficial. Integration support felt somewhat lacking, with only a workbook and optional integration circles offered.
Group Size and Programming: Our group of 21 participated in all activities as a single unit. More small group interaction and additional programming outside of meals, ceremonies, and daily meetings could enhance the experience.
In Conclusion
Soltara excels at providing a well-run, authentic Shipibo-style Ayahuasca experience with modern conveniences. However, manage your expectations regarding the dry season environment and the prevalence of new-age spirituality. If these aspects align with your preferences, Soltara is an excellent choice"
"Words can't describe how phenomenal this was. Firstly, I was amazed at how kind, strong, and open minded my fellow attendees were. Great friendships were forged, and I'll be keeping in touch with and visiting many of them. The facilitators and staff were so professional and ready for any situation that emerged during the ceremonies. Whatever they are making, it isn't enough! Personally the emotional support that I received from these people during and outside of the ceremonies was lifesaving, and it got me through some very difficult moments. On top of that, the Shipibo healers themselves were incredible. I've never met people with the kind of unconditional loving energy that they displayed, and the work that they performed on us at each ceremony was profound, mystical and wonderful. The energy of the songs that they sung to us was powerful. Finally, the food served at every meal was out of this world! Fresh organic tropical fruits I had never tried, chia seed pudding, guacamole, hummus, mini omelettes, etc. I miss it all! I have come back home with a new love for myself and the people in my life. Soltara is well worth the money, and I hope to go back again."
"I’m so glad I did this. It was exactly what I needed to get out of this negative space I’ve been stuck in for too long. I’m forever grateful and can’t wait to return in the future one day. Thank you!!!"
"Stephano showed us a lot of things that normal tourists do not get to see and offered a great knowledge about Inka and prae-Inka Cultures. He escorted us on our spiritual experience very well and with gratis experience. We are very grateful."
"The retreat in the jungle was an insightful and mind-blowing experience. Will start with the organization of Arkana Spiritual Center. Very organized, kind, genuine and helpful.
Starting from all the instructions and preparations you need before you start the retreat until the last good bye ceremony. The facilitators were very clear with their explanations for any activity done and insightful in case we needed their perspective on certain view.
The venue itself is amazing as well. i could finally disconnect from the outer world and connect with the nature. The food was tasteful and delicious, so fresh and healthy. Each of the ceremonies brought to light things that i was avoiding to acknowledge and to work on. So grateful to have gone on this journey and have met some incredible human beings with whom i shared unforgetable moments. i would recommend this type of journey to people who are ready to work with the medicine, who trust the medicine and who trust the process and the incredible team of Arkana. "
"I came to Arkana from New York looking for answers for the next level of my spiritual evolution. In the 7 days that i was there, my questions were answered, the pain that i carried for many years was released, the connection with myself got strengthened, and my consciousness expanded in way that I could have never imagined.
If you're looking for healing, or personal expansion, or reconnecting with your authentic self - this is the right place. It is a retreat with 5-star accommodations, top-notch chefs, and, most importantly, a team of facilitators and staff of incredibly kind people.
This is a place of Love."
"This experience has changed my life as well as those who mean the most to me. My children. I came to Arkana wanting things that I didn't need. You will get what you need and not what you want. I heard this 100 times during my stay. Well it's true. I did get what I needed. It was a release of all the guilt and pain from being in the Marine Corps and not living up to being a good father to my 5 children. I was shown that I can't make up for it but I can be a better example for them going forward. I'm not going to say this was easy because it was, for me, the hardest thing I've ever been through but I did what facilitators asked me to do " Trust the Process" and it has made me want to walk the path that's best for me and my family. I'm forever indebted to Arkana and especially all the facilitators and the wonderful staff. I AM LOVE AND I AM LOVED now. Joe T"
"I just returned home after my second retreat with Soltara at Playa Blanca in Costa Rica. I did a ton of research starting over a year ago before I booked my first retreat with them in June 2023. It was an amazing experience, and I left knowing that I had more work to do and would be back. I scheduled my second retreat with them for April 2024 and it was the most healing and transformative experience of my life. The staff and the facilitators are top-tier. If you are looking for the perfect setting for your healing Ayahuasca journey, you have found it with Soltara. I cannot recommend them highly enough. They have amazing facilitators, staff, chef and food, yoga and rooms. The staff builds such a safe and intentional container for this important work. It makes ALL the difference. They also have after care support and other resources available for pre and post retreat. Which has been super helpful. Happy journeying "
"Awesome."
"I took a great deal of time selecting the location and retreat centre I was going to do my healing with. From start to finish Soltara in Costa Rica stood out and delivered. Everything was simply incredible. The location, the food, the staff, the workers, the accommodations, everything. I look for to telling everyone about this place. Simply magical. Already looking forward to my return."
"Place is amazing"
"At the Arkana Spiritual Center, I had the opportunity to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony, and it was truly transformative. The staff members were not only professional but also incredibly courteous and supportive throughout the entire process. They created a warm and welcoming environment that immediately put me at ease. The ceremony itself was a profound and enlightening experience, and I felt safe and supported throughout. Overall, my time at the Arkana Spiritual Center was unforgettable, and I left with a renewed sense of self and purpose. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound spiritual experience."
"My experience at Soltara was truly amazing. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, located on a private property in the jungles of Costa Rica. You will get the chance to connect to nature through walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean, hiking trails and being exposed to wildlife. The grounds crew and cleaning staff do an excellent job of keeping Soltara in immaculate condition. THE FOOD! Delicious, organic, healthy meals every day. So delicious! And for me, the most important part of the experience was the facilitators. They are were the most caring, compassionate, present, skilled, knowledgeable, beautiful people I have ever been around. I could go on and on with qualities they possess. They’ve done the hard work to get there and it shows. I have immense gratitude and admiration for them. Words do not do this experience justice. You have to go through it to really know. If you feel the call, go for it! You won’t be disappointed. "
"I attended the 4 ceremony retreat in Playa Blanca and it was exceptional!
Great environment, knowledgeable facilitators, and yummy food. Highly recommend this life changing experience with Soltara."
"Compassion and a deep commitment to the healing process were evident in all aspects of the Soltara retreat I attended. So was the effort to support a highly individualized and deeply personal journey. I am so happy and grateful to have had the opportunity to attend a Soltara retreat."
"I spent two weeks at Arkana in the Sacred Valley, and it was nothing short of an amazing experience. Everything from the food, rooms, showers, maestros, facilitators, setting, location, schedule, and the medicines were all perfect.
The maestros were extremely powerful and professional. They have dedicated their lives to working with the medicines, and have sacrificed a lot, doing many years of intense diets, to learn from the plants, and share their wisdom to hold ceremonies, and heal people from all over the world who come here. They care so much about helping people. I couldn’t imagine going through these strong medicine experiences without a guide of their caliber. Their songs and icaros in ceremony are magical.
The food was way beyond my expectations. It is like gourmet food from a fancy restaurant. It follows all guidelines to adhere to the ayahuasca diet, but is bursting with flavor and incredibly fresh. Much of it is grown on site in the garden. You can tell the chef puts so much love into every dish. He was a chef at a fancy restaurant in Lima before coming to Arkana.
The setting of the retreat is very serene and peaceful. It is right on the Urubamba River, and is a beautiful garden setting. Hummingbirds are flying all around the beautiful flowers. The rooms are very comfortable, and have amazing showers. They also have a nice gym overlooking the river.
The facilitators are also top notch. They were so helpful every step along the way. Luke, Theo, Bob, Tunde, and Cinzia were all so great. They helped talk me through difficult times, and gave me advice along the way. They shared their experiences with me, and really helped encourage me to trust the medicine and the process. They did a wonderful job at helping me with every need I had during the ceremonies, and outside of the ceremonies. They play beautiful music during ceremony as well. They were always there to talk and help. They care very much about helping others, as many of them were originally guests at Arkana themselves. I can’t speak highly enough about them!
They say the power of Arkana lies in the schedule. I found the way that each week is scheduled to be very beneficial for the way the different medicines work together. Two back to back Ayahuasca ceremonies, then a day off. Then, the Sapo ceremony, followed by another Ayahuasca ceremony, really allows you to go deep. Then, finishing off the week with a San Pedro on Friday is amazing! It is such a good way to bring everything together with such a beautiful, heart opening medicine. It really helped ground me, after intense Sapo and Ayahuasca experiences. It really connects you to nature, yourself and the group.
Last of all, the medicines at Arkana are very powerful. They are known to have strong medicine with a high level of purity. No watered down medicine here! They work with you to figure out the right dose for each person. You can up your dose or lower it, depending on how you feel, always with the guidance of the Maestros and the facilitators. Rest assured, these medicines work, and will take you where you need to go.
I will definitely go back to Arkana again in the future. I have been to other Ayahuasca centers that were also good, but Arkana is where I will be going back. I have so much trust in this place. Lots of intense, amazing healing is done here. It is a great place to go through whatever the medicine might put you through, and be so well taken care of along the way. You will come out of it with life lasting benefits! Thank you again, Arkana! "
"Thank you Arkana Sacred Valley for an incredible experience. The staff created a safe space for healing and growth. Luke, Tunde, Theo and Bob were phenomenal. They were always available to talk if you were having a hard time. The Maestro Misael was magical His compassion and wisdom are unmatched. I can’t wait to visit again. "
"If you're looking for a transformative journey wrapped in warmth and wonder, look no further than this ayahuasca retreat nestled in the heart of the Amazon jungle. From the moment you set foot in this stunning location, you're enveloped in a sense of belonging and alignment with nature.
The facilities are top-notch, with a refreshing pool to beat the tropical heat and comfortable beds to rest your weary soul after a day of exploration. The organization of the week is spot-on, striking a perfect balance between immersive activities in the Amazon and sacred ceremonies.
And let's talk about the food - a delightful surprise on the ayahuasca dieta! Who knew such culinary delights were possible? The dedicated staff are more than just hosts; they're guides, companions, and wise souls who make you feel right at home.
Speaking of ceremonies, they are nothing short of authentic, a true reflection of ancient traditions bridging the gap with the modern world. And the sapo ceremony? An unforgettable addition that I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing.
But the true magic lies in the individual journeys experienced by each participant. For me, it was a profound spiritual awakening, a deep dive into the universe and the essence of self. And judging by the smiles and stories shared by my fellow travelers, I wasn't alone in this transformative experience.
In short, this retreat was not just one of the best weeks of my life - it was a profound journey of growth, healing, and connection. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the incredible team behind this unforgettable experience."
"My experience at Soltara was wonderful. The staff, facilitators, accommodations, food, surroundings, and total experience was more than I expected. I wouldn't hesitate to come back again if given the opportunity. Thank you!"
"Fuimos un grupo de mujeres. Todas con la sensación de que esta experiencia nos cambiaría, pero no a este nivel y no con esta profundidad.
Apenas tengo palabras, pues Mai Niti es muchas cosas: es Luci, es su maravilloso equipo de almas luminosas: profunda y bellísima Mara, sabia y fuente inagotable Silvia y gran Peter, con su eterna paciencia. También los ícaros de su padre Leonardo, y de sus hermanos, y también es Laidy con su increíble comida, y también Juan con sus saunas y su sonrisa perpetua.
Este lugar me ha regalado claridad, amor, y un latir renacido; me ha regalado el impulso para seguir creando.
Gracias a la abuelita, a las plantitas que dietamos, a cada sauna.
Volveré.
C.
"
"This was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I don’t want to taint anyone’s experience with mine. Just know that you will be taken care of, and the return on the investment is more then any I have ever made elsewhere.
Blessings 🤍"
"For me Arkana was exactly what I needed. The whole week and each day’s itinerary was completely planned and thought-out so that I could have the best time, not have to stress about anything, and focus all my time and energy on my healing and manifesting. The staff at the Sacred Valley retreat is wonderful and they really care. Highly recommend for first time Ayahuasca, or those that want fully planned-out experience in Peru. Thank you!"
"Absolutely amazing - super safe space, brilliant, caring & dedicated faciltiators, amazing maestros. Cannot recommend this highly enough if you are looking for an authentic and deep healing experience. We have done more than 30 ceremonies in different locations across Peru and Costa Rica and keep coming back to Soltara as our best experience. "
" attended Arkana by myself for a week long retreat. I had heard about Arkana over the years, but decided to attend after I had heard some fantastic personal recommendations (and I finally felt ready for this sort of experience). My expectations were far exceeded. First, there is such a feeling of professionalism, respect, and organization. I sensed how thoughtful and well run this retreat center was, which matters a lot to me. They do an incredible job making you feel safe and creating a genuinely very safe and supportive environment. The food was exceptional. The retreat space I beautiful! Much more beautiful than the photos do justice. I participated in four ceremonies and witnessed a level of healing I had never seen before. This is truly a world class healing hospital. There is so much integrity and heart poured into this place. I watched true service at work. That was transformative on my own. The ceremony experience is intense, as to be expected with any retreat of this kind, but the impact it has had on my life (which was already incredibly beautiful and aligned) is profound. I look forward to my return, and have recommended it widely to anyone who feels called to experience this medicine. You will be glad you came and very glad you chose Arkana. You are in excellent hands.
- Sam Pfotenhauer
P.S. I recommend you bring anti-itch cream, as there are mosquitoes in the amazon and you will get bites. I also recommend bringing a few light items of clothing that cover your body, like a light linen shirt and a light long skirt or pants. I also highly encourage that you closely follow the recommended diet before and really lean into the experience."