Soltara Scarlet Valley | Seven Night Retreat

Unlike so many beautiful things I've experienced in life, this isn't something I can simply tell everyone they need to try. Ayahuasca is such a deeply individual journey. You need to know where you are in life, what you're seeking, and be prepared to potentially go to war with some of your deepest demons. That being said, my time at Soltara was one of the most beautiful, profound, challenging, and loving experiences of my entire life.
I came into this journey carrying a lifetime of trauma, grief, and survival mode. I had intentions, but tried to release my expectations and remain open to whatever the medicine had to offer. My experience wasn't necessarily what I imagined. There was a tremendous amount of physical and emotional struggle, and so much of my journey revolved around learning to surrender rather than continuing to fight my way through everything. One of the most profound things the maestros shared with me was that healing isn't about breaking something apart, but rather a gentle untying. Those words are still unfolding for me.
As for Soltara itself, I truly cannot imagine a more beautiful place or group of people to have experienced this with. This was my first international trip, and having nearly every detail thoughtfully arranged was an incredible gift. From the airport hotel pickup and transportation to the beautiful accommodations, fresh and delicious meals, medical screening, and carefully planned ceremony schedule, I felt genuinely cared for throughout the entire experience.
But the people are what made Soltara extraordinary.
Our facilitators, Paula, Christina, Julieta, Freda, and Tatiana, were nothing short of angels. I jokingly think of them as Valkyrie angels! Their compassion, strength, patience, and quiet encouragement were beyond anything I could have anticipated. During some of my most difficult moments, they were simply there. Never trying to take over my journey or fix it for me, but offering reassurance, comfort, and the beautiful sense that I was safe and capable of finding my way through. Even the smallest gestures, like a hand gently guiding me back to my mat in the darkness, carried more love than I can explain.
And of course, the maestros themselves! We were incredibly blessed to have three Shipibo healers, including one in training, sharing their beautiful traditions with us. Although we didn't speak the same language, our wonderful facilitators helped bridge that gap, and the compassion, tenderness, and love with which the maestros held space for us transcended any language barrier. Their sacred Icaros, sung throughout the ceremonies, were something truly extraordinary to experience. From their wisdom during our sharing circles to the beautiful flower baths with Anita, and even sharing dinner together on our final evening, their presence was such a profound gift. I will forever be grateful for the love and healing they shared with us.

The kitchen staff, housekeeping, maintenance, and everyone behind the scenes contributed to that same atmosphere of genuine care. The four ceremonies were thoughtfully spaced with rest days, and the sharing circles gave us opportunities to reflect, process, and connect.
I also want to emphasize that this work is not for everyone, and preparation, honesty, and personal responsibility are incredibly important. Our group witnessed a difficult situation involving another participant, and while I won't share someone else's personal experience, I can say that what I personally witnessed from the staff was compassion, patience, and a genuine effort to protect the well-being of everyone involved. Experiences and perspectives can differ, which is why I encourage anyone considering this journey to research carefully and make an informed decision for themselves.
One of the most unexpectedly healing parts of the retreat was the community itself. Seventeen strangers came together, and we created a space where people could share some of their deepest pain, fears, and vulnerabilities without judgment or shame. The kindness, acceptance, and genuine love I felt from those people was something I will carry with me forever.
I'm writing this about ten days after returning home, and I'm still processing everything. Healing hasn't suddenly become effortless, and I certainly haven't figured it all out! But I'm noticing something different within myself. A quietness. A sense of peace in situations that once would have overwhelmed me. Moments of understanding that continue to unfold long after the ceremonies have ended.
I arrived hoping to release some of the weight I'd carried for so long. I left realizing that perhaps healing doesn't always mean fighting harder or becoming stronger. Sometimes it means finally learning that it's safe to soften, surrender, and simply be.
To everyone at Soltara, and to the beautiful souls who shared this journey with me, thank you. There truly aren't words big enough for the love and gratitude I carry for you. ❤️

The pain in my hips and back has been lessened by more than half and the tension my body carried inside has been released to the ether. The medicine did more for my physical health in 4 days than any amount of PT over the last 2 years and inside (my heart and soul) I'm soft again with renewed visions of a centered and love filled future.

I also met group of people young enough to be my children/grandchildren and have renewed faith in a world led by them and their peers. I am so grateful to them all for their love, support and inclusion. We are family now.

The staff were beyond words - They were kind, compassionate, caring and supportive with exactly the kind of guidance necessary for the situation or emotional challenge. They gave freely of their time every day, all day and night to whomever needed it often initiating individual conversations, checking in to be sure we all knew they were there with help and support for any reason. They are the perfect people doing their life's calling and it was very clear. I am forever grateful for their knowledge and kindnesses. Thank you.

The food was beyond amazing. Beautifully prepared and displayed by the most loving and kind, joyful people.
Come hungry, you will not be disappointed.

The facility was in a beautiful spot on the hill overlooking the ocean. It was clean, modern, well maintained with comfortable beds and large rooms with incredible views. The buildings at the top of the hill are made of concrete with concrete floors between levels so they are virtually soundproof of each other. Wonderful!
You will see when you arrive the pictures do not do it justice.

From the bottom of my heart,
Thank you Soltara!
C

I’m not sure there are words powerful enough to describe what my seven days at Soltara Playa Blanca gave me, but I’m going to try.

I arrived carrying years of anger, sadness, and pain that I had buried so deeply I wasn’t even sure how to begin releasing it. I came hoping for healing, but what I experienced went far beyond anything I could have imagined.

The ceremonies brought me a kind of relief that simply cannot be explained. The most profound moment came during my second night of ceremony, when Javier sang his ícaro to me. Something deep within me finally let go. Pain that had been buried for years was released in a way I still struggle to put into words. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.

By the time I left, I was using facial muscles I hadn’t authentically used in years. My genuine smile muscles. I wasn’t forcing happiness or putting on a brave face. I was actually smiling, and I could feel the difference from the inside out.

The healing wasn’t limited to the ceremonies. The nourishing food and intentional diet gave my body an opportunity to reset, and the benefits have followed me home. I’ve carried those healthier eating habits into my everyday life, and that alone has been a beautiful continuation of the experience.

The facilitators and staff created an environment of compassion, respect, and genuine care. And the people! Our group was made up of individuals from all walks of life, each on a completely different journey, yet somehow we found the perfect balance of vulnerability, respect, connection, and an incredible amount of laughter. My Playa Playas will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Soltara to anyone who feels called to explore deep healing and a more holistic approach to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This experience showed me that healing can come from places I never knew to look.

I didn’t leave with every answer, and I know my journey is far from over. But I left lighter. I left with less anger, less sadness, a healthier body, a more peaceful heart, and a smile that finally feels like my own again.

Thank you, Soltara. For seven days that gave me back a part of myself I thought I had lost.

I was skeptical of the kind of healing one can do in 7 days time and I have not a skeptic any longer. This trip was possibly the most transformational week of my life. I am so grateful for this experience and cannot believe the type of realization and epiphany’s I received during my time here. The talented facilitators are so good at what they do, the food was excellent and healthy and the amenities were nicer than I had expected. Everything was amazing and am so grateful I got to experience this place with 17 strangers whom I now consider close friends.

Soltara Healing Center is truly a lifechanging experience. I've had 25 ceremonies in the past and I must say that these 4 ceremonies were one of the best moments that I've had.

It was very thoughtful from start to finish. All the facilitators, the staff, the shamans were on-point. They never missed a beat and made sure every inquiry or request was taken care of to the best of their ability.

There was no ego. I'm very grateful about the experience.

The medicine varies depending on the healer and the curanderos singing in icaros. It's very sacred and very healing.

I've done ayahuasca in many different parts of the world and this is by far the most comfortable experience for a westerner. 10/10 experience and the people you meet will become lifelong friends.