About Soltara Healing Center

Upcoming Retreats at Soltara Healing Center

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Tucked away on seaside cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya, our secluded slice of sundrenched paradise is surrounded on all sides by the vibrant sounds of the tropical forest. Awaken each morning to bird songs, monkeys playing in trees, & crashing waves in the distance. With comfortable accommodations, plenty of shady nooks, a deck to watch the waves or gaze at the stars, & a sacred maloca ceremony space, we invite you to an immersive experience letting nature surround you in harmony & peace.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

We believe healing even takes place in the kitchen. We take on the mantra by the Greek physician, Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” We honor the role of food in our lives and expand it beyond its primary purpose of bodily nourishment – food can be an avenue to dig deeper into ourselves, consciously looking at our patterns and mindsets surrounding not just what we eat, but how and why we eat what we do. Our eating habits don’t just affect our mental health, they also reflect it. At Soltara, we aim to help you jumpstart this process of connection through conscious cooking on all levels. Diet is an important part of the healing process, both on its own and also to help prepare the mind and body for plant medicine work. We work closely with our shamans to prepare wholesome, delicious meals that adhere to the traditional dietary guidelines of working with ayahuasca. All of our meals are freshly prepared in-house by our loving kitchen staff. From fresh smoothies and juices every morning, to plant-based meals emphasizing local, organic, and sustainable produce, to lean proteins such a chicken and fish, we celebrate the rich local flavor of Costa Rican cuisine, and offer a chance to experience a connection to the land and culture while nourishing the body, mind, and spirit.

Getting Here

Location icon Soltara Healing Center, Playa Blanca, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Directions

Please ensure you reserve your spot for your retreat with us prior to booking your flights. If you have any questions during the registration process or are concerned any health conditions (including bipolar, schizophrenia, or psychosis) may prevent you from attending a retreat, please contact us first.

We offer pickup on Day 1 of your retreat from a hotel near the San Jose (SJO) airport.

We recommend arriving the day before, and booking your stay at the recommended hotel in our confirmation email, in order to give you time to relax and settle in before beginning your journey to Soltara.

If you plan to arrive on Day 1, we recommend booking your flight to arrive by 9 AM that day, to allow time to get through customs (which can sometimes take up to 2 hours) and get to the pickup location in time for the shuttle. You will arrive at Soltara around 4 pm that day, after an approximately 2 – 2.5 hour ride through the beautiful rolling hills of Costa Rica, and catching a 2:30 pm ferry ride across to Gulf of Nicoya. We are located about 10 minutes from the ferry port.

If you are returning to SJO, please book your departing flights after 3:30 PM. You will be returned to San Jose by 12:30 PM.

We look forward to supporting you in an immersive experience in nature, community, and medicine!

Customer Reviews

4.98 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Verified logo
The Most Profound Healing Journey I've Ever Been a Part Of
My journey to Soltara this past week has been the most profound lesson in healing that I've ever known.

I came here wondering where this road would lead me - believing, meditating, and having faith in the process as it unwound. But what transpired was a growth of self, and self-awareness that I never knew was imaginable.

Ayahuasca is a powerful, and mystical medicine that brings you eye to eye 👁️🌀👁️ with your creator, and the deepest part of your soul, daring you to explore what lays in depths far beyond the edge of your comfort zone. It's not for the weak of heart; it's not for the weak of mind. It takes so much courage to show up to this space and dive headfirst into the unknown. Open. Eager. And ready to do the work.

And make no mistake, it is *deeply* challenging work.

But the magic that unfolds, in, out of, and around these sacred ceremonies - with people from all ages and cultures and walks of life - is real. It's tangible. And it matters.

Being able to engage heart-first with 19 other strangers, as we expanded into deep, textured conversation about our fears, vulnerabilities, failures, successes, dreams, and insecurities, is lightning in a bottle for the human spirit ⚡️⚗️

My relationship with each and every one of these incredible people, has instilled in me a dose of perspective - of the beauty, and joy, and tragedy of humanity in all its forms - and reminded me of universal urge we all possess to truly, deeply heal ourselves.

The strength it takes to be a pillar for people trying to do this kind of work is mind boggling. And unsurprisingly, the facilitators at Soltara are some of the most insightful, compassionate, and beautiful beings I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

To create a safe container at all times - from discussing childhood traumas, career frustrations, deaths of loved ones, and beyond - is a calling and a blessing to humanity. Christina, David, Frida, Tati, & Paolo all truly - truly - speak the Language of the Universe, and are some of the wisest teachers I've ever been fortunate to know.

it took three ceremonies for me to connect and really achieve the big breakthrough. I was the first to drink. Got some meditation and exercise earlier in the day. And could just feel that it was time
Sipping tea in the presence of these legends, as my eyes drifted away into fluorescent skies and constellations connecting

I came here searching for answers, and seeking transformation. What I've been left with is a gift. Of what it truly means to see the goodness in humanity, our stories, our traditions, and our planet. And to trust, deeper than ever, in the goodness that I'm meant to share with the world.

Endless gratitude to the mystery woven into the fabric of this universe, to the things we can't explain, and to the passengers who dare to explore what is really out there waiting for them.

To the rich roots and rhythm of the Shipibo tradition and ceremony, their sacred relationship to this plant medicine, and to their almighty icaros - passed down from maestro to maestro for the past millennia - thank you for providing the protection and clarity I needed for this reawakening.

5.0
Verified logo
Soltara Playa Blanca
Soltara at Playa Blanca offers an extraordinary experience and a nurturing environment for anyone embarking on or continuing their healing journey. From the warm welcome by the facilitation staff to the final moments of departure, I felt lovingly supported throughout my experience. The facilitation team and retreat staff wholeheartedly embrace each participant, providing a safe, insightful, and knowledgeable atmosphere during the retreat.

I was truly captivated by the retreat, and I am eternally grateful to the facilitators for their compassion and dedication in creating a secure space for my journey with plant medicine. The serene and picturesque Playa Blanca location added to the experience; I thoroughly enjoyed short hikes around the property, often spotting monkeys frolicking in the trees. The walk to the secluded beach is therapeutic in itself, and once there, the soothing waves and breathtaking ocean views were magnificent.

The culinary offerings surpassed all expectations, with each meal thoughtfully prepared with care and creativity. If you're contemplating a journey with plant medicine, I wholeheartedly recommend considering Soltara. With its commitment to authentic Shipibo ceremonies, skilled maestros, dedicated facilitation team, supportive staff, stunning location, and nourishing food, you'll find yourself in a loving, safe, and beautiful space to explore your plant medicine journey. Thank you, Soltara!

5.0
Verified logo
Montezuma
I had an excellent retreat at Soltara's new facility in the jungles of the Nicoya peninsula. Crossing the river 4 times and walking down a jungle trail for 30 minutes was just the start of the adventure that my soul needed for a healing 7 day, 4 ceremony retreat. The cohort was intimate. Only 8 people, we bonded and transformed together while the facilitators and Shaman guided us.

The food was excellent and tasty. I lost 11 lbs which I needed to do! This retreat facility is really magical, you are immersed in the jungle, safe and sound. It's truly a unique place that is much more interesting than just another beach resort experience. Do your soul a favor and book it while they are offering ceremonies at this facility.

5.0
Verified logo
Truly Incredible!
Words can’t even describe how wonderful this retreat was for me. Some incredible insights and healing happened, and some wonderful friendships were made. The facilitators…I am truly at a loss for the work these people do. For me, personally, spending time with them was worth the trip itself. And then you add in the Maestros, the scenery, and of course, the medicine. It feels like this is something every person is meant to experience in their lives, it is such a beautiful and healing experience. And the way in which Soltara operates, honoring Shipibo traditions and respecting the medicine and the individuals journey, I can’t imagine doing this anywhere else after this experience.

5.0
Verified logo
Wonderful experience
I had a wonderful experience at Soltara. The facilities, staff, and food were all 5 star level. This was my first experience with ayahuasca, and I was really happy I chose a place that offers so much support and love from the facilitators, maestros, and other participants.

Mission & Vision

   

To find balance without we must first find balance within.

The cognitive dissonance of a world ruled by the head is what calls us to this work of the heart. A belief in the need to encompass the emotional, energetic, and spiritual aspects of healing, alongside the physical, is the foundation of sacred plant medicines and other holistic therapies. These medicines have the power to connect us to those parts of ourselves we have forgotten, ignored, or covered up.

Our mission is to bridge this gap between head and heart for those who seek it. In a world of increasing disconnection from ourselves, our earth, our history, and each other, we aim to find balance by providing an authentic, safe, and loving space for each individual, no matter their background, to get in touch with their truth. We are honored to serve medicine in sacred ceremony, empower our guests with knowledge and tools to continue their journey back home, raise cultural awareness, and continue our cherished duty as stewards and caretakers of our Earth. We feel that by healing ourselves first, aligning our past experiences and future actions with deep purpose and meaning, we can become true beacons of light and affect positive change in our lives and our world. 

“Soltara” comes from the Spanish verb “soltar” which means to let go or release.

Soltara represents both a healing center and a global community. Our mission is to empower you with the space, knowledge and tools to release the things that no longer serve you, free yourself to participate in the fullness of life, and discover how to live your truth.

So how does that happen?

The answer to that question is a personal one, and for each to discover for themselves. We are here to help you do that.

There are many modalities, tools, medicines, and practices that can help us release what we don’t need, reconnect to ourselves, and step fully into our power. In today’s world, the myriad of information and practices that promise to accomplish this can make it difficult to know where and how to start. Through our work at Soltara, we aim to flip the script, bringing the expertise and sacred healing modalities to you in an accessible, respectful, and loving way.

A space where intention meets action

In order to fully realize our authentic selves, we are called to examine beliefs that may be holding us back. Such self-limiting beliefs include our fears, negative patterns, and judgments, which, if held onto, can manifest in damaging and unhealthy ways.

At our Center, a seaside haven in the tropical jungle of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, we work with traditional Peruvian Shipibo shamans and the sacred plant medicine ayahuasca, as well as other traditional and modern healing modalities, to help you along this path of self-discovery. Our decades of combined experience holding ceremony and doing medicine work allow you to experience in-depth healing in a safe and loving environment. Whether it’s immersing yourself in nature, practicing yoga or meditation, healing through massage or energy therapy, or working with plant medicines – to name a few – we offer a personalized experience that empowers you to follow your intuition and be your own healer.

In addition to our Center, our vibrant online community fosters open dialogue, personal connection, and high-quality resources to help you learn from each other and expand your knowledge base. Our commitment to individual and global healing, on all levels, drives us to support the spiritual and psychedelic movement taking place. We aim to create a culture and community based on balanced, practical, accessible information grounded in a spirit of cultural awareness and education.

A focus on integration

Integration means taking the knowledge and lessons learned during your ritual experience and putting it into practice in your life.

It is no secret that integration is a lifelong process. The lessons and healing we gain from various medicines are only valuable to the extent that we are able to utilize them in our lives outside of the ceremonies and retreat experience. Integration can involve changing habits, relationships, or community; approaching life from a new perspective; realizing an increased sense of awareness in your thoughts and actions; or working towards a new set of goals and purpose; as well as other changes in deep psychological processes you may have been unaware of until this point.While many centers offer supportive services to help prepare you for your retreat experience, and for a few months after you return home, our approach extends beyond this limited timeframe. We follow the philosophy and wisdom of the cultures our medicines come from, understanding that true community and support is a crucial aspect of healing and life.At Soltara, there is a strong focus on the integrative work that starts after your retreat and continues, possibly, for the rest of your life. To complement our online community, we are excited to work with skilled integration specialists who have a foot in both Western and traditional medicine work and can help you prepare for, maintain, and enhance the positive outcomes that are very often the result of attending deep healing sessions with experienced, ethical leaders. By doing the necessary healing work during your stay, and understanding the tools and practices that can help maintain that work, you can open to the truth of who you are, what you want, and most importantly, how to get there.

Our Commitment to You

We are called to serve medicine in sacred ceremony with integrity, humility, and compassion. By creating a safe space and working only with experienced, well-intentioned shamans and facilitators, we uphold the lessons of the medicines and build a foundation of mutual trust, authenticity, and respect. We are not gurus, preachers, or enlightened beings – our shamans are healers who humbly transmit the knowledge and healing energies of the plants, and our facilitators are devoted to helping guests face, process, and explore difficult experiences and emotions, handle projections, manage expectations, and surrender to the process. We strive to uphold the highest integrity in everything we do and be a beacon for responsible, safe, and ethical practices, such that our guests feel safe and supported to get the most out of their healing.

If you come for a visit…

Our highly skilled, gentle, loving facilitators and Shipibo shamans will help guide you through this process of self-discovery through plant medicine healing, traditional spiritual technologies, and modern psychotherapeutic practices. Our goal is to create a container and support system for you to find your medicine, experience it fully, develop the knowledge and tools to work with it, and learn how to integrate its practice and lessons into your everyday life. Whatever medicine works for you, we invite you to connect to your higher self, the healer within, and create the foundation for a truly fulfilling life.

Whether you come for a visit, participate in our online community, or both, our goal is to co-create a loving support system that provides a safe space to explore, connect with, and share the healing process.

Want to learn more? Feel free to visit us on our website, www.soltara.co, or email us at letgo@soltara.co - we'll always get back to you within 24 hours.