We are Anke and Marie Lou, retreat leaders and ayahuasqueras, known to many simply as "the German shamans."
For more than 20 years we have dedicated ourselves to plant medicine in South America, studying in Peru before settling in Costa Rica. Over the course of hundreds of ceremonies, long-term shamanic dietas, and deep periods of isolation in the Peruvian jungle, we have learned from some of the most respected Indigenous masters including Kestenbetsa and Juan Flores Salazar, as well as from visionary mentors like Marko Evoré and Michael Barnett.
What we offer is not just tradition or technique. It is the result of a long path walked with humility and devotion. Our work integrates ancient plant wisdom with contemporary approaches to healing. We draw inspiration from pioneers across a wide range of fields, from philosophy and metaphysics to trauma-informed therapy and somatic work. Our life's work is a living synthesis shaped by thinkers, mystics, and rebels whose insights continue to evolve our understanding of what it means to be fully human.
We focus not only on the depth of the ceremonial experience but equally on what comes after: on integration, embodiment, and real-life transformation. We continuously explore new modalities to refine our ability to support sustainable healing and inner clarity.
In our space, you are welcome with all that you are, have been, and may become.
Details of this retreat
A small group. One week of deep ceremonial work.
This is a women-led ayahuasca retreat with a maximum of eight guests.
We are two curanderas with over 20 years of ceremonial experience, trained in the Peruvian tradition long before ayahuasca reached the West.
The week holds three ayahuasca ceremonies, supported by Kambo and Sananga for those who feel called to work with them. Alongside the ceremonies, you receive individual guidance throughout the retreat, careful preparation before you arrive, and structured integration that continues after you return home.
Daily yoga grounds the mornings, and a spa with cold plunge gives the body space to release and restore between ceremonies. The setting is a luxury ecolodge: Beautiful accommodations, some with ocean view, and exceptionally good food. Comfort matters here, not as decoration, but because a rested body and a calm nervous system allow the medicine to work deeper.
We keep the group small on purpose. Every guest is personally screened before acceptance, because depth requires trust, and trust requires knowing who sits in the circle with you. Every retreat begins with a conversation.
Fly directly to Nosara via San Jose or Liberia International Airport. We pick you up in a 4x4 -- it's a 25-minute ride up the mountain. If you prefer ground transport, fly to Liberia and plan for a 2.5-hour drive. We organize transport to and from either airport. Plan to arrive between 3 and 5pm. The retreat begins with dinner at 7pm. Check-out is at 11am.
Accommodation
Ocean View Bungalow, Single
Ocean View Bungalow, Double
Jungle View Bungalow, Single
Jungle View Bungalow, Double
What's Included
6 nights deluxe accommodation
3 ayahuasca ceremonies
1 Kambô detox (optional)
3 Sananga treatments (optional)
5 Integration sessions
1 Preparation session
5 Yoga classes
organic gourmet cuisine
What's Not Included
airfare, spa treatments, excursions
Customer Reviews
5.00 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Amazing!
Everything about the 5 days was great - it was my first time at a retreat like this and Anke & Marie-Lou are very mindful and cognizant of each individual within the group. The ceremonies and integration talks the following day were extremely helpful and powerful tools to help you on your individual journey and you eventually feel yourself progressing personally and as a group. I have no hesitation in recommending this retreat - the location was magnificent, the food was delicious and although a stormy last night did blow some of the jungle into my open air casita - in the end, that just added more authenticity to the experience. I can't wait to go back.
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Available Dates
November 7 - 13, 2026
Payments made through Retreat Guru do not include the cost of: plant medicine, psychedelics or similar products.