8 Day Trauma Informed Huachuma (San Pedro) Retreat in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

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Up to 8 in group
Date
May 8 - 15, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • We invite you to experience the new paradigm of plant medicine care at Ananda Lodge. Supported by a gentle medicine carrier with extensive training in working with the sacred medicine of San Pedro and trauma-informed care, guests will experience 3 sacred ceremonies in luxury accommodations. San Pedro or also known as Huachuma, is a cactus revered as a sacred plant medicine for over 3,000 years in Peru. Despite being sometimes overlooked, Huachuma possesses profound healing properties, facilitating deep exploration of self-imposed barriers and limitations.
  • Ceremonies Led by a Trained Huachumero
  • Max 8 Participants
  • Honoring Authentic Sacred Traditions
  • 3 Medicinal Plant Ceremonies for Holistic Healing
  • Supportive Integration for Personal Growth & Healing
  • Safe Space for Self-Exploration and Transformation
  • Nurturing Community Connection
  • Serene Environment Promoting Comfort and Ease
  • Daily Yoga and Meditation Classes to Rejuvenate Mind and Body
  • Enriching Workshops to Deepen Your Experience
  • Nourishing Meals Showcasing Local Costa Rican Flavors and Traditions
  • All-Inclusive Package (Taxes, Fees, and More as Detailed on Main Retreat Page)

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Sacred Huachuma Experience
 
We invite you to experience the new paradigm of plant medicine care at Ananda Lodge.
 
Designed as a holistic, trauma-informed approach, we are here to guide and support you throughout the entire process. At Ananda Lodge we stand behind a duty to provide a space and a level of care that is attuned, empathetic, and rooted in the knowledge of trauma’s neurobiology. We believe this level of presence and care is essential for our guests to realize the full healing benefits of the medicine. We invite you to come experience the difference.
 
Experience the magic of intimacy, safety, and sacred medicine in this all-inclusive 8 day/7 night retreat hosted by gentle Huachumero, Chase Moore. Trained and living in Peru, Chase brings over 8 years of experience in working exclusively with the master plant of San Pedro. Held in a private sanctuary of nature, with stunning ocean views, this experience is limited to only 8 people, ensuring personalized care for each guest. This retreat is unlike any other you will experience.
 
Intimacy, Somatic Wisdom, & San Pedro
Supported by a medicine carrier who has done extensive training and diets with San Pedro and holding attuned, trauma-informed space,  guests will experience 3 sacred ceremonies in luxury accommodations. Each guest will enjoy single, king bedrooms with open-air showers, Guanacaste wood finishings, and private balconies with a stunning ocean view. 

As part of our holistic approach to trauma-informed support, participants will be thoughtfully guided throughout the entire process with a plant medicine specialist trained in somatic trauma care who will provide 2 somatic preparation sessions prior to the retreat, 2 onsite navigation sessions during the experinece, and 2 integration sessions after the retreat. 

JOIN US IN A DEEP MEDICINE EXPLORATION LIKE NONE OTHER

 
The Medicine
Echinopsis pachanoi, San Pedro or also known as Huachuma, is a cactus revered as a sacred plant medicine for over 3,000 years in Peru. Growing in the high altitudes of the Andes mountains, the cactus has been used for its powerful medicinal properties by South American peoples for thousands of years. The name 'Huachuma' comes from the Quechua language of Peru and translates to 'removing the head,' perhaps symbolizing the dissolution of the ego.

Despite being sometimes overlooked, Huachuma possesses profound healing properties, facilitating deep exploration of self-imposed barriers and limitations. San Pedro is unique in that it does not have the same pharmaceutical contraindications that are present with ayahuasca, allowing those on certain medications to potentially explore the healing benefits of the medicine.

Taken during the day, San Pedro invites us to slow down and take in the beauty around and within us. Known as the grandfather medicine, with experiences lasting anywhere from 8-12 hours, Huachuma is known for being empathogenic, promoting unity with self, others, nature, and the greater spiritual universe. It is a medicine of the heart where we can experience connection with our true selves.
What Makes Our Approach Unique
Trauma-informed care is not a ‘check the box’ process. At Ananda trauma-informed is a way of being and is woven into our entire Continuity of CARE process.

At Ananda Lodge Retreats, we believe in providing a level of care that is unprecedented in the plant medicine retreat business. Our process emphasizes intimacy, preparation through education and somatic resourcing, onsite individual and group processing, and post retreat integration for a wholistic and comprehensive approach to your care.

Starting with a thorough intake process, our goal is to begin learning about you, your background, and how we can best support your journey. Following the intake process, you will receive an individual 75-minute somatic preparation session. This session will help you define a clear intention and how to leverage your unique resources to go deeper with the medicine.

Prior to arrival, we will host a group orientation call where you can meet your fellow pasajeros and the onsite support team. We believe this step in the process builds additional layers of safety and support for you.

Upon arrival you will be intimately welcomed by your onsite CARE team. We will host an orientation session aimed at making you familiar with the property and the onsite CARE team. 

Throughout your stay, you will have access to 1:1 sessions with an assigned trauma-informed CARE member who will be with you throughout. These sessions are optional, and designed to provide additional support as you process feelings/sensations/insights from your experiences. Over the retreat you will also be invited to group shares and somatic integration workshops that help aid in your journey, including nature and art exploration.


We understand that continued care post-retreat is critical in your journey of plant medicine work. Following your departure, it is our pleasure to continue supporting your unique path of integration. 

As part of our continuity of CARE experience, you will receive two additional 1:1 integration sessions with a trauma-informed somatic integration specialist. These sessions, spaced out over a period of time, are designed to support your ongoing integration and healing work.

We will host an online group integration session aimed at strengthening the connection you made with fellow pasajeros. And you will have access to post-retreat programs designed to deepen your healing and transformation work.

 
Integration Beyond The Norm
At Ananda Lodge, we hold the integration journey with the same reverence and sacredness as we have towards the plants and the ceremony itself.
 

Integration is a sacred endeavor to be honored with time, commitment, compassion, and grace. In the process of integration, we grow a deeper relationship with ourselves and a deeper understanding of our true essence. 

Post retreat we offer 3 levels of tiered integration, embodiment, and transformation programs to deepen weave together the wisdom from the sacred plants.

Our Ripple Effect Healing Packages place a strong emphasis on the Somatic process, the intricate relationship between the body and mind, and empowering pasajeros to reunite with the innate intelligence of the body. 

Schedule

PRE-RETREAT
Intake Call
1:1 Somatic Preparation
Online Group Orientation

DAY 1 (ARRIVAL)
2:30PM | Airport Shuttle pick up from Liberia Airport
4:00PM | Arrive at Ananda
4:30PM | Welcome refreshments
5:00PM | Group Welcome
6:30PM | Dinner

DAY 2 (CEREMONY 1)
7:30AM | CEREMONY
1:00PM | Fruit Offering
5:30PM | Ceremony Close
6:30PM | Dinner

DAY 3 (INTEGRATION)
9:00AM | Breakfast
10:00AM | Group Integration
1:00PM | Lunch
2:00PM | Rest, Healing Services, or 1:1 consultations
5:00PM | Gentle Yoga (Optional)
6:30PM | Dinner

DAY 4 (CEREMONY 2)
7:30AM | CEREMONY
1:00PM | Fruit Offering
5:30PM | Ceremony Close
6:30PM | Dinner
7:30PM | Fire (weather dependent)

DAY 5 (INTEGRATION)
9:00AM | Breakfast
10:00AM | Group Integration
1:00PM | Lunch
2:00PM | Rest, Healing Services, or 1:1 consultations
5:00PM | Sunset
6:30PM | Dinner

DAY 6 (CEREMONY 3)
7:30AM | CEREMONY
1:00PM | Fruit Offering
5:30PM | Ceremony Close
6:30PM | Dinner
7:30PM | Fire (weather dependent)

DAY 7 (INTEGRATION)
9:00AM | Breakfast
10:00AM | Group Integration
1:00PM | Lunch
2:00PM | Rest, Healing Services, or 1:1 consultations
6:30PM | Dinner Celebration
7:30PM | Closing Fire Circle

DAY 8 (DEPARTURE)
8:30AM | Breakfast
9:30AM | Group Closing Circle
11:00AM | Depart
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Ananda Lodge

Directions

Ananda Lodge's prime location offers easy access to and from key destinations:
- 1 hour to Liberia (LIR) Airport
- 30 minute drive to Tamarindo or 5 minutes by boat ride
- 40 minutes to Potrero
- 40 minutes to Marina Flamingo

Accommodation

Capturing a sweeping view of the property and the ocean, our 8-room lodge is nothing but spectacular. With eco-sustainable construction and natural, local wood elements, the lodge is our primary housing for guests. Guests enter their rooms through the back of the lodge, allowing for unobstructed views of the property and ocean from the oversized, private balconies. Each room is thoughtfully designed for comfort, sustainability, and ultimate relaxation. Accommodations can be customized for single or double occupancy, as designated by the guest preferences. Each room is outfitted with natural, local wood and stone accents, and an open-air shower to enhance your connection with nature.

King Ocean View Room

Accommodation
Enjoy sustainable luxury and artisanal, designed furnishings in your private king, ocean-view bedroom.  Designed for relaxation with an expansive, private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the forest. Each room is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with earth elements using local woods and stones and an open-air shower designed to make you feel as if you are one with nature. Reserving this option guarantees the entire suite for your exclusive comfort. Each room is a sanctuary of comfort, equipped with: En-suite bathroom with hot showers Breathtaking views of the lush natural surroundings and the majestic Pacific Orthopedic beds and luxury linens for a restful night's sleep Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor and personal artisanal touches In-room safe for your peace of mind Pure filtered water available throughout the retreat Fresh towel service and housekeeping for your convenience Utilization of all-natural cleaning agents to ensure a healthy environment Laundry service available upon request (additional fee applies) As part of our commitment to your well-being, all accommodations include: All meals showcasing local, fresh flavors Medicinal plant ceremonies for holistic healing Yoga and meditation classes to rejuvenate mind and body Workshops to enrich your experience Taxes, fees, and more, as detailed on our main retreat page At Ananda Lodge, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Playa Grande while enjoying the comfort of our carefully crafted accommodations and the enriching experiences that come with your stay.

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
At Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, nestled in the natural beauty of Playa Grande, we offer a sanctuary where trauma-informed care meets ancestral wisdom. Our carefully crafted accommodations provide comfort as you engage in transformative experiences guided by respected Indigenous facilitators. We honor sacred plant medicines and integrate somatic practices, creating a safe, nurturing environment to support each individual's unique healing journey, allowing for deep restoration of body, mind, & spirit

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

We feature local cuisine that is fresh and nutritious, as well as fresh baked breads and pizza from our artisanal oven. Vegan, vegetarian, allergies, and dietary restrictions welcomed.

What's Included

  • 8 Day/7 Night All-Inclusive Experience
  • Ocean-view king bed accommodations
  • 3 Plant Medicine ceremonies
  • Max participants of 8
  • Private chef prepared meals
  • Trauma-informed facilitation
  • 2 somatic preparation sessions
  • 2 individual onsite navigation sessions
  • 2 post-retreat integration sessions
  • Monthly online community gatherings
  • Somatic movement and breath offerings
  • Group sound healing experience
  • Optional beach excursion to Playa Grande
  • Ananda’s Guide to Huachuma
  • Ananda’s Guide to Somatic Integration

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Massage
  • 1on1 Sound Healing Sessions

Customer Reviews

4.96 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Strongly recommend
I’ve been to a few retreats over the last few years and have done 14 ayahuasca ceremonies. This was my best retreat yet!! I cannot recommend this place enough. Every single detail was so organized and professional. I felt extremely safe at all times and taken care of in such a different way that I have NEVER felt before. Kimberly really cares about this work/healing and everyone who passes through. Since the retreats are limited to eight people, you really get that EXTRA care that you normally don’t receive. The rooms were so luxurious. I loved the outdoor shower in my room. The beds and linens were comfortable. The pool overlooking the view was beautiful. The private chefs were phenomenal. We were in awe with each meal that was served, so much thought and care put into each one. And it was always plentiful. The maestras were like none i have ever experienced. The one on one time with them was huge for me and helped me immensely with breakthroughs that I have been trying to work on for years. As well as the care team. They are trauma informed which was new for me but greatly assisted me in this journey. I learned soooo much about myself/body from the week that I was there. Having dinner and breakfast with all of them each day made me feel that much safer as well. By the end of this retreat we were genuinely like a little family and bonds that I will never forget. Truly grateful to Kimberly and her team. A life changing experience. Whether you’re a first timer or struggling to break ground on your intentions definitely come here!!

5.0
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Life changing
Tranquil, beautiful, and safe environment. Excellent food. A genuine, caring, supportive staff, with humor and grace. I can’t imagine there is a better place or program to unpack and move through emotional and physical challenges. I only hope I’ll be able to go back, and encourage anyone with the means and the desire for growth, to visit.

5.0
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Invigorating
Ananda Lodge is such a serene and beautiful place. The owners take really good care of each participant and I could tell they put a lot of thought into the space they created. Retreats here are the experience of a lifetime and the staff were such wonderful, kind, empathetic people I honestly didn't want to leave. But each retreat comes to an end and I definitely plan on attending more retreats here just because the experience is so refreshing. I love the people and oh the food was the best I've ever had!

5.0
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What a lovely adventure!
They had me at hello!

From the verbiage on the website, to the introductory call to the luxurious nature of the lodge and setting to the warmth of the staff - it was very close to perfect!

I felt so welcome, supported and nurtured. The food was deliciously wholesome and the attention to detail from black felt coat hangers to wood finishes was noticable.

The pièce de résistance was the medicine experience itself. I loved the intimate nature of the small group as well as the ability of the guides/teachers to step back and allow us to have our own experience yet still be “ight there” to catch and hold us when/if we needed them.

It was obvious that a lot of thought and love had been put into the whole experience.

I leave Amanda Lodge with a deep sense of peace, gratitude and appreciation for the whole team. This was my time to take a pause and invest in me, and Ananda Lodge exceeded my expectations.

Thank-you!

5.0
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Life Changing Retreat
I recently attended an 8-day Ayahuasca retreat at Ananda Lodge. December 2024. It was one of the most amazing and life changing experiences of my life!

First, the people. Kim and Jason, owners of the lodge were incredibly kind and loving. They have put together a beautiful team of facilitators who were caring, sincere supportive and so capable. I developed insightful and personal relationships with each. Sammy, Rachel and Iggy.. You were all incredible. Thank you. The level of personal support is off the charts. Basically one support facilitator for each visitor. It was perfect!

Second, the lodge. How they managed to build such an incredible facility is a miracle. Not only beautiful, surrounded by wildlife and jungle but comfortable. 5 star all the way! The rooms, the grounds, the private spaces, the ceremonial spaces… I miss it all.

Third, the food! Wow! I felt like a new person after just a couple days of eating fresh, local, deliciously prepared foods. Veggies, fruits, fresh fish and chicken… the way we are supposed to eat and replenish our bodies.

I could go on and on…. If you are considering a retreat to explore your spirit, heal from past traumas or just reset your life… Ananda Lodge is the place to start. I will be back and can’t imagine trusting anyone else with such an important journey. Thank you to all!

Jay Williamson
Toronto, Canada

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