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

Location icon
Playa Blanca, Paquera, Costa Rica
Users icon
Up to 22 in group
Date
January 22 - 27, 2025

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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Life changing Love stirring
Christina was amazing both holding the space for everyone and with me personally.
She has a range of knowledge/tools that I have not encountered before.
I immediately trusted her leadership (and that happened very infrequently in my life). She spoke with me with great love on one hand and great firmness depth and honesty (as I required) on the other!
That has been very important for my development during Cerimonies and after.
I am very grateful to her and her amazing path.

The Maestros and the Cerimonies. These are soo beautiful and profound that I know already will never be forgotten.

The whole background, organisation, other facilitators food rooms yoga (in no particular order) are very close to perfection.
If I coupd name one small detail in my room that I would have liked to be different is the colour of the light (a warmer colour would preferable).

Nothing went wrong.

I will be back in a year time hopefully with my brother and some good friends.
I just feel that they should have the opportunity to get some of the changes that I see in me or in the people around me.

Last but not least: the Medicine what to say about that other than Irake!

Irake to everyone including my fellow pasaheros.

🙏

5.0
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Life changing
Complete breakthrough. Can’t explain to others because they won’t believe

5.0
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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
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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
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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.

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