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Soltara at Playa Blanca - Seven Night Ayahuasca Retreat with Peruvian Shipibo Healers

Location icon
Playa Blanca, Paquera, Costa Rica
Users icon
Up to 22 in group
Date
November 14 - 21, 2024

Retreat Highlights

  • A thorough intake process, in collaboration with therapists and medical advisors, to ensure a safe and supportive retreat
  • Ayahuasca ceremonies with highly-experienced Peruvian female & male Shipibo healers
  • Intimate group sizes (maximum capacity 13 - 22 guests depending on location)
  • Consultations with our healers (and translator)
  • A full year of preparation, integration, and community support through the Soltara Community Platform, including:
  • Community spaces for questions, sharing, & connecting
  • Retreat information & logistics
  • Holistic resources for physical, emotional, therapeutic, mental, spiritual, cultural, relational, creative, and day-of-travel support
  • Regular monthly events, including free preparation & integration circles with a Soltara therapist
  • Guided experiences such as yoga, breathwork, and meditations
  • Online courses for deeper exploration into specific topics, such as the physiology of trauma, mindfulness, and ceremonial preparation
  • A carefully vetted network of practitioners, coaches, and guides for individual support
  • Access to our Entwined program, a 12-module program with resources and support for the loved ones and family members of those stepping into plant medicine ceremony
  • On-site integration workshops and sharing circles
  • Yoga classes for all levels throughout your stay
  • Pranayama breathwork and meditation sessions
  • Floral baths with medicinal plants lovingly prepared by our healers
  • All meals in our conscious cuisine kitchen
  • Transportation to and from the pick-up location near airport

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

At our Center, a seaside haven in the tropical jungle of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, we work with traditional Peruvian Shipibo healers and sacred plant medicine, 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. .
 
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 healers 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 healers are maestros 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.

Schedule

This is an example of your day at Soltara:
8.00 am Morning yoga
9.00 am Breakfast
10.00 am Consultations with healers
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 Free time - beach, hammocks, walking trails, onsite pool
6.30 pm Pre-ceremony yoga
7.30 pm Ceremony
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Soltara Healing Center, Playa Blanca, Paquera, 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!

Accommodation

We offer different room options and pricing to ensure that a high-quality healing experience is accessible for a variety of budgets.

Double Shared Suite (2 King Beds)

Accommodation
(Price listed is price per person) | Our shared double suites offer spacious and beautiful accommodations for up to 2 guests of the same gender. One can book with a friend, or, if booking as a single passenger, you will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. This room has a large balcony to relax in comfort against the stunning backdrop of three different islands and a sunrise over the ocean, as well as: An en-suite bathroom with a spacious private shower overlooking the surrounding tropical forest A gorgeous outdoor balcony with comfortable seating area overlooking the forest and Gulf of Nicoya A writing desk/creative space Air-conditioning Orthopedic beds & luxury linens Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor & personal artisanal touches Daily room service & linen changes throughout your stay Clean, fresh towels changed regularly (additional towels available upon request) Full laundry service (on request) All of our accommodations also include all meals, medicinal plant ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes, fees, amenities, and more as described on our main retreat page.

Private Couples Suite (King Bed(s) | *Price for 2*)

Accommodation
*Select "2 guests" when choosing this option. This will not change the total price, and will ensure that your partner receives their own registration form to complete.* | For couples who prefer spaciousness and privacy during their journeys, this luxury suite features 1-2 king-size beds (registration books entire room) with beautiful views of the surrounding valley and Gulf of Nicoya, and plenty of space to relax in comfort against the stunning backdrop islands, water, and tropical forest. This suite allows couples to share a bed or each have their own while on retreat. In addition, this option also includes: An en-suite bathroom with a spacious private shower overlooking the surrounding tropical forest A gorgeous outdoor balcony with comfortable seating area overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya and surrounding mountains A writing desk/creative space Air-conditioning Orthopedic beds & luxury linens Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor & personal artisanal touches Daily room service & linen changes throughout your stay Clean, fresh towels changed regularly (additional towels available upon request) Full laundry service (on request) All of our accommodations also include all meals, medicinal plant ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes, fees, amenities, and more as described on our main retreat page.

The Canopy Suite (King Bed)

Accommodation
Seated at the highest point on our property, this premium suite looks out over the forest canopy with breathtaking 270-degree views of the mountains, ocean, and tropical forest. With additional spaciousness compared to our regular private suites, relax in comfort with indoor and outdoor seating areas, plus room for yoga and meditation to support the integration of your healing. Wake to stunning sunrises over the ocean in the mornings, and watch the entire surrounding tropical forest turn a beautiful golden hue to greet the day. For singles and couples who prefer spaciousness and privacy during their journeys, this luxury suite features a king-size bed with Soltara's best views, as well as: An en-suite bathroom with a spacious private shower overlooking the surrounding tropical forest A gorgeous outdoor balcony with comfortable seating area overlooking the forest and Gulf of Nicoya A writing desk/creative space Indoor and outdoor seating Meditation/yoga space Air-conditioning Orthopedic beds & luxury linens Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor & personal artisanal touches Daily room service & linen changes throughout your stay Clean, fresh towels changed regularly (additional towels available upon request) Full laundry service (on request) All of our accommodations also include all meals, medicinal plant ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes, fees, amenities, and more as described on our main retreat page.

Private Single Suite (King Bed)

Accommodation
For solo travelers who prefer spaciousness and privacy during their journeys, our private single suites feature a king-size bed with gorgeous ocean views, allowing you to relax in comfort and privacy against the stunning backdrop of three different islands and a sunrise over the ocean. This room also includes: An en-suite bathroom with a spacious private shower overlooking the surrounding tropical forest A gorgeous outdoor balcony with comfortable seating area overlooking the forest and Gulf of Nicoya A writing desk/creative space Air-conditioning Orthopedic beds & luxury linens Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor & personal artisanal touches Daily room service & linen changes throughout your stay Clean, fresh towels changed regularly (additional towels available upon request) Full laundry service (on request) All of our accommodations also include all meals, medicinal plant ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes, fees, amenities, and more as described on our main retreat page.

Eco-Tambo (No A/C, Shared Bathrooms/Showers)

Accommodation
Our Private Eco-Tambos are designed for individuals who prefer privacy and desire an economical option. These beautiful wooden tambos (huts) sit on a hillside surrounded by Costa Rican tropical forest. Close to the Maloca ceremonial space and common areas, each Tambo has its own private balcony and spacious interior, with shared bathrooms and showers. Tambos do not have A/C, but because they are located under the canopy on the south side of the hill, they tend to stay cooler during the day and night than the rest of our center. These rooms include: Private balcony looking out into the Costa Rican tropical forest Electricity & ceiling fan A writing desk/creative space Orthopedic bed & luxury linens Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor & personal artisanal touches Daily room service & linen changes throughout your stay Clean, fresh towels changed regularly (additional towels available upon request) Full laundry service (on request) All of our accommodations also include all meals, medicinal plant ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes and fees as described on our main retreat page.

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.

What's Included

  • Ayahuasca ceremonies with highly-experienced Peruvian female & male Shipibo healers
  • Five Night Focused Retreat – 3 ceremonies
  • Seven Night Inclusive Retreat – 4 ceremonies
  • Twelve Night Integrative Retreat – 7 ceremonies
  • Intimate group sizes (maximum capacity 13 - 22 guests depending on location) with individualized attention from healers during ceremony
  • High facilitator-to-guest ratio with skilled facilitators who have combined decades of experience working in ceremony and helping guests through the healing process
  • Consultations with our healers (and translator)
  • On-site integration workshops and sharing circles
  • Your own copy of our integration book, The Hero’s Journal, which assists you as you begin your own Hero’s Journey
  • This book is published by Soltara in collaboration with clinical psychologists, and follows a psychological treatment framework adapted to the ayahuasca experience and includes beautiful art and self-guided tools to empower you in your medicine & integration journey
  • All meals in our conscious kitchen, prepared fresh daily from locally-sourced and organic food in an ayahuasca-friendly manner
  • Transportation to and from a pick-up location near airport (details in your confirmation email and on our travel logistics page)
  • Yoga classes for all levels throughout your stay
  • Pranayama breathwork and meditation sessions
  • Floral baths with medicinal plants lovingly prepared by our healers
  • Nature immersion and multiple walking trails in one of the most abundant & biodiverse regions on the planet
  • Lifetime 10% discount for all return visits
  • Participation in our premiere integration program and community with a highly qualified integration support team
  • Additional on-site safety protocol, policies, and travel measures in response to COVID-19

What's Not Included

  • Air Fare

Customer Reviews

4.98 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Surgery for the Soul
Surgery for the soul was how eloquently my cohort described the experience, and I couldn't agree more! Ayahuasca helped me in such a profound way. My journey leading up to the plant medicine had been years in the making and the opportunity to partake revealed itself at a time when I was most open hearted. It revealed truth to my authenticity, clarity for past blockages and gentle advice for current relationships. It has changed me for the better. I believe that this medicine is another tool for God our creator to bring truth and healing to all. The staff and setting of Soltara is an extension of the healing and support of the medicine. The peaceful jungle, attentive facilitators (Shout out Elan, Bonnie, Leah, Tati and Paolo), the talented chef Jesse and his phenomenal crew, everyone was so helpful, happy, light and supportive! I really can't say enough. This was my first experience and man, it's gonna be hard to top! My "cohorts" were a beautifully diverse group of amazing humans that will play a special role in this amazing experience. And last but certainly not least, the healers were absolutely remarkable. I am forever grateful to them for sharing such a sacred gem. Don't let fear hold you back, if you are called, answer. :-)

5.0
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Highly recommend
Beautiful people, place and medicine!

5.0
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7-Day Healing at Soltara
My experience at Soltara in Costa Rica was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced by the serene beauty of the surroundings and the deep care of the staff. The level of intention and respect given to the entire ayahuasca journey is something I hadn’t imagined was possible before coming. The facilitators, healers, and support staff truly created a space of safety and profound connection.

The ceremonies themselves were guided with such reverence for the medicine and the participants. At no point did I feel rushed or overwhelmed. The wisdom of the Shipibo healers was incredibly powerful, and the insights I gained during and after the ceremonies continue to unfold in my life. There’s something deeply humbling about this work, and Soltara does an incredible job of holding you through every part of it—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The accommodations were comfortable, the food was extremely nourishing, and the balance between personal reflection time and group integration sessions was perfect. Whether you’re called to ayahuasca for healing, growth, or simply curiosity, I can’t recommend Soltara enough. It’s a place where real transformation happens, supported by people who genuinely care about your well-being and growth.

If you’re seeking a meaningful, life-shifting experience, Soltara offers exactly that.

5.0
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Beyond words.
Soltara is a difficult place to write a review for, it's difficult to put words to it. The healing and empowerment I received during my stay transcends any other experience I have had in my life this far. I am a very spiritual person and have fully dedicated myself to many advanced spiritual practices. I have never experienced as powerful as what I experienced at Soltara before. The Maestros are so profoundly sacred and powerful, that I would not dare attempt to describe them with words. All I can say is - they gave me wings. And I still feel those wings extended behind me as I type this review from San Jose Airport. I've never been so humbled by pure beauty as I felt when the Maestros sat at the end of my mat singing me Icaros. I've never felt so empowered and worthy of all my dreams as I did after night 3, and still do now.

Beyond that, the staff at Soltara is as good as it gets. They are very capable, very experienced and extremely compassionate. The director and facilitators were instrumental to the life changing process I underwent. I am now tearing up at the airport in front of a lot of people while writing this review and I do not care. One of the facilitators in particular literally helped me bury a part of my past after a ceremony. She dug with her hands in the mud with me and together we blessed the soil. Ok now Im crying... and I still dont care. Thank you so much Soltara. Everyone from the Maestros, the facilitators all the way to the maids and maintenance staff were so incredibly kind and beautiful to be around.

The facilities are also fantastically beautiful. Everything you could hope for with such attention to detail. The food is DELICIOUS, and so healthy. And the water is the purest I've ever bathed in. I stopped using my face wash after day 2 and would just air dry on my balcony after my showers to let it soak in as much as possible.

THANK YOU SOLTARA! This review still doesn't adequately articulate how tremendously excellent you are. I hope you grow and expand to many locations so that more people can have access to this absolute magic.

5.0
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Life changing experience
Soltara is an amazing place, with an amazing staff. It is really a 10years of therapy in one night there. I felt really comfortable and safe there. Wonderfull spot to spent your retreat days in. Food is amazing and ground is full of activities you can do during your free time. I do reccomend this place. Thank you very much Soltara :D Ondrej

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