"Over a month has now passed since I was blessed to attend this retreat in Granada. It has taken this much time to write this review because I could not find the words to do justice to this incredible experience. In fact, I don’t think I will ever find them, so these humble words will have to do.
Awakening 2.0 has been truly life changing for me. I am stunned daily by the change in the way I think and act. Where there was only negativity, there is now gratitude and positivity. Where there was total despair, there is now hope brimming over. Where there was only my mind, there is now heart as well.
Before, I couldn’t show anybody how I felt. I lived in a daily turmoil, being tormented by my own out of control mind. I felt alone and lost and out of place in the world. I had no faith, and felt like I had no future.
After just a few weeks, I don’t feel like that anymore. And the best part is, I know that my journey has barely begun - from now on, my life will just get better and better.
This incredible change is a result of the safe, warm, loving space that Jose & Bianca created for us with Luna and Ali, the incredible group of human beings who arrived to the retreat, and the natural beauty of Hidden Paradise.
If you are contemplating a spiritual retreat and your search has brought you to this page, I could not recommend more highly that you stop searching and book.
I am filled with gratitude to Jose, Bianca, Luna and Ali and everybody who attended the retreat.
I am so blessed to be part of this special community."
Highly Rated Retreats in Turrubares San Jose Costa Rica
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Types of Retreat in Turrubares San Jose Costa Rica
Short Retreats in Turrubares San Jose Costa Rica
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Upcoming Retreats in Turrubares San Jose Costa Rica
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Experiences on Retreat
"One week with Bianca and Jose (Samadhi Journeys) and my whole world has changed:
The way I look at others.
The way I talk to myself.
The way others see me.
There is something wonderful about how the oriental world, the plant medicines, the care about our current society, and the indigenous culture connect through their sessions not just spiritually but mentally and physically as well.
They have wisdom and humidity, and they care and teach with gentle softness.
They build a community paying attention to all the details: choosing breathtaking locations, having delicious and healthy catering support, preparing the attendees with all the needed resources and last but not least, with their aftercare, the (re)integration is smooth and effortless after such a powerful retreat.
This week was not just about two Ayahuasca ceremonies, but we had the chance to try other tools (Rapé, Sananga, Icebath, Breathwork, Mambé, Kambo), learning about their origins and incorporating them with our intentions, meanwhile our mind (with workshops) our body (with healthy food and yoga practices) together with our spirit could arrive just in the needed time and space to build a "tribe" to be part of a community and have each other's support system along our individual journeys.
Unbelievable and absolutely above my expectations.+++"
"The Retreat was Way beyond my expectations. Bianca and Jose organised a awesome week. Perfect mix between Integration and Learning through plant medicine / breathwork / speaking to other Group members. The Food was absolutly amazing. So was the Location. So calm and the breathtaking view. They were always there for questions. I would definitly recommend the Retreat and i think i will do it again in the Future."
"Bianca and Jose hold the *ultimate* space to experience plant medicine, community and love in the fullest capacity. If you're looking for an authentic experience delivered in a safe and thorough way, this is the direction to take. Their work will lead you to your highest self, you will be guided and heard the entire way. I have the deepest respect and gratitude for what this team does, creating a soul families around the globe. "
"I have just competed a one-week retreat in Granada, and the experience is life changing. This comes down to the prepration, care and masterful delivery of everything extraordinary, by Bianca Kempe and Jose Reynoso. Signing up for a retreat like this means the individuals are at crossroads, looking for a shift in their life - meaning we were all somewhat stressful and nervous about what is coming. Thanks to the unbeliveable professionalism of Bianca and Jose, we all felt in the best possible hands and could not have imagined such a complete, wholesome experience if it wasn't for them. Their spirit seeped through every little detail of the reatreat - making it one that was perfectly assembled, orchestrated and delivered. Looking forward to our next one. All the blessings to both wonderful humans."
"The Retreat was Way beyond my expectations. Bianca and Jose organised a awsome week. Perfect mix between Integration and Learning through plant medicine / breathwork / speaking to other Group members. The Food was absolutly amazing. So was the Location. So calm and the breathtaking view. They were always there die questions. I would definitly recommend the Retreat and i think i will do it again in the Future. "
"Wow... it's hard to come up with words to describe the amazing time we had with Jose & Bianca. I've been to different retreats, but this was something different. The way Jose & Bianca care about each and every participant in the retreat is beautiful to see; after spending just a couple of hours with them I had immense trust in them, and I knew we were in the right hands. The retreat was not just 'a retreat', it was something beyond this world, literally haha. We had the most amazing time and created new memories that'll be with us forever.
I can say with complete confidence, that I'm a different person than I was before meeting Jose & Bianca. It's been a couple weeks since the retreat and I'm noticing how I'm making different 'n better decisions and feel more energized and happier. If you're considering to join one of the retreats, I would say stop thinking and go for it. You won't regret it.
Jose, - Bianca, - thank you for everything you do!
- Nikita"
"I had the opportunity to attend this retreat organized by Jose and Bianca, and what I can say! Just wooow! The best 5 days in my life.
In this magical retreat, love and care manifests in every activity organized. The wisdom and knowledge of J&B gave me the necessary tools that I needed to fulfill my dreams and have the life that I want.
The medicines are provided with great respect to ancestral tradition and you really feel the spirits welcoming in every contact with them.
The retreat was full of surprises: from the delicious food to the epic activities, to the music, small talks and fun that we had together. Everything looked like a perfect dream full of love.
Jose & Bianca, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this experience.
I am really happy to see beautiful souls like you making this earth a better place.
And for everyone who want to experience the full potential of his life: trust the process and enjoy the life and care of the universe with Bianca and Jose."
"Very peaceful and comfortable retreat, loved being here. Jose and Biance know what they are doing ,everyone had their best care taken care of while on the medicine or off it. Will never forget this place , met wonderful people and had very insightful experiences.
Also had more than my money's worth and that for me is a big win.
Thank you once again"
"Bianca is a Beautiful Soul with the ability to calm fears in anybody. The welcome hug I have received from her brought me to tears. During my 3 days with Bianca and Jose, I had wonderful Universe exploration. I was anxious and nervous before smoking Bufo but I felt very comfortable with these beings. They are very genuine with what they do and I am glad I found their place. I am looking forward to doing it again with them. I had an absolutely loving time and I have learn a lot from them. Love you both and thank you!"
"So I got online ,found retreat.guru, and then signed up for this retreat with Samadhi Journeys.....Well. I absolutely LOVE Samadhi Journeys! Bianca and Jose are the owners and...Wow..they are top notch,just the best! Their love and sincerity and sense of humor made me feel like a true brother and part of their family. Bianca with her Yoga instruction ,and Jose with Wim-Hof breathing and the Ice Bath method,they are absolute master teachers and instructors.Real professionals.The love and excitement about what they do is so obvious and genuine...and contagious!I have always wanted a morning practice and now I have one that I love and do every day with kundalini yoga and Wim-Hof Method. Fun ,friends, delicious healthy food,and also real work,pushing myself especially with the breathwork,thanks to Jose. They have a personal touch that made me feel so loved and right at home right away.It felt like we were all family for four days.Things felt so well organized,so much care ,thought and consideration,especially with the beautiful plant medicines.The space that Bianca and Jose created allowed me to have an experience that was truly beyond,beyond......Thank You guys from the bottom of my heart....I am forever changed."
"Describir en unas líneas las experiencias vividas con Josito y Bianca en cualquiera de sus retiros se me hace muy difícil. Me siento muy afortunada de haber tenido la suerte de que, personas tan maravillosas como ellos se hayan cruzado en mi camino y hayan sido capaces de cambiarme la vida. Solo quiero dar gracias infinitas a esta maravillosa pareja que dedica su vida a transmitir la verdad y el amor para que esta sociedad en la que vivimos sea capaz de quitarse la venda de los ojos que nos ponen nada más nacer. Superar miedos, experiencias dramáticas, traumas, insatisfacción, ansiedades.. Lo que en occidente es la realidad de mas personas de las que uno pueda imaginar. Josito y Bianca te abren las puertas a un camino de vida que consigue que uno mismo sea capaz de superarlo prácticamente todo. Dándole un sentido a tu vida en la que cada mañana te despiertas dando gracias por el regalo tan maravilloso que es “simplemente” existir y respirar. Pero ellos te enseñan y te van guiando en tu proceso para que realmente empieces a disfrutar de cada instante en presencia, sanando cuerpo y alma a niveles muy profundos. Dando gracias cada día por estar en este mundo, con todo lo bueno y lo malo, y viviendo una vida plena siendo de verdad autentico y fiel al espíritu verdadero de uno mismo. Pasando solo unos momentos con ellos, ya son capaces de transmitir una belleza y sabiduría interior que está muy fuera de nuestro alcance en nuestra vida cotidiana. Tengo la suerte de haber visto el cambio y formación de mi amigo y hermano Josito desde hace años, y cada vez que le veo siempre me vuelve a sorprender con continuas técnicas para mejorar tu vida. Lo transmite de una manera casi innata. Por supuesto, y como no podía ser de otra manera, ha elegido compartir su vida con una de las mujeres mas especiales y amorosas que he conocido, Bianca. Cada uno te aporta cosas tan mágicas, y herramientas tan potentes para llevar a tu día a día que consiguen dar un giro a la vida de toda aquella persona que tiene la suerte de compartir tiempo con ellos. Son muy profesionales y sobretodo saben muy bien lo que hacen y cómo hacerlo. Seguiré asistiendo a sus retiros las maximas veces q pueda, es de las mejores cosas que he podido hacer en mi vida. AHO"
"I had the pleasure of sitting with Vanessa in 2017 for a Kambo Ceremony in Panama.
Her energy was so calm and grounding. She allowed us plenty of space to have our own journey while making us feel safe and supported. She knew the exact amount we all needed for the healing journey we were seeking.
Her musical medicine songs were really the best part of sitting with her. Her use of voice, and empowerment teachings to help others find their voice are such powerful healing tools.
She taught me the most powerful sounds for healing are often not the prettiest sounding, and sparked a curiosity in me to explore different parts of my voice.
I can't wait to see when our paths will cross next, and what medicine she now has to share as an ever evolving Light Worker."
"I met Bianca at the end of a one year trip around South East Asia. While I thought at the time that I had already learned so much from this experience, Bianca surely taught me the last lesson I needed to, from what I believed, complete this personal journey. She helped me understand something that for a bunch of different reasons I had missed out; my journey was actually far away from being completed, it had just begun! During her classes as well as our conversations, she created a safe inspiring space and energy that changed my days and perspective. Bianca has such a calm, understanding and compassionate presence and this comes through in her teaching. She is one of these inspiring and generous people who make you understand the challenge of self-fulfillment, the importance of being master of your own choices and life, but also the importance of sharing with others. After we met, all my concerns about “going home” had vanished; this travelling experience was not a once in a lifetime thing before getting back to my routine, it had rather helped me find the right direction to pursue my personal journey. I truly believe that people are meant to cross our path for a reason, and Bianca was there to help me develop my own self in a more colorful way which is probably the greatest gift people can give to one another."
"The space is phenomenally beautiful, but it is nothing in comparison to the genuine, whole hearted, kind, and caring people that make this place so special. I attended a medicine of Eros retreat here and it was life changing. I am forever grateful to everyone that made it possible. What a beautiful experience! Thank you jungle family for making me feel welcomed, challenged and loved all at the same time. "
"I was going through a rough patch with my mental well-being and finding those that shared the same desire to better themselves.
This experience introduced me to a healthy gay community of men that were more than their trauma, without judgment or prejudice.
I felt liberated, free, loved and heard. There were so many beautiful souls here that shared their stories with me.
I found that the key was to take a leap of faith and come with an open heart and mind."
"Arriving at the house you think: this is not the right place...but entering closer, you will realize the absolute beauty of this area !! Erick is a very nice person, very sensitive, professional, good organized. His team helped to let you feel just great, the dog Odin is a charming one. Spectacular view, my sleeping was 10' away, in a wonderfull place in the jungle, where monkeys pass in front of you. The ceremony was mindblowing, never had a such a trip. The whole group of persons were really nice, we had a lot of good chats. I can only strongly reccomend this experience and place. JUST GO 4 IT !!! Many thanks Erick, it was a pleasure to meet you, your friends snd to share these unforgettable moments. All the best !!"
"I thought long and hard for years before deciding to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony. I’m eternally grateful for finally arriving at Ayahuasca Costa Rica as my choice.
Erick and his team welcomed me to their retreat and guided me through my journey with a seemingly unconditional understanding, patience and love.
In two ceremonies I experienced the healing and transformation worth a whole lifetime and beyond.. and still this only describes a fraction of a journey which language or thought could ever recount.
Thank you forever.
/The leaf that fell into the river
"
"Erik is a fantastic guide and provides safe, comfortable lodging. Our group only had 4 people which was great and he tends to keep it small which I think is majorly beneficial to the experience (especially if it's a first time). I was really happy I took his preparation counsel seriously and came with an intent. It helped me out a lot and Erik's knowledge and guidance were key to the experience, I highly and confidently recommend Erik and his team!"
"I had read so many positive reviews before joining this retreat, and this still exceeded my expectations. Erick and his team are so friendly and accommodating, the environment is peaceful and clean, and the food is delicious! I hope to visit again soon."
"I was blown away by the welcoming spirits of Erick and his friends. During my short stay they ensured I felt safe and comfortable during the ceremonies. The retreat is simple yet has an amazing view. I returned with a sense of clarity and calm after completing the Ayahuasca. Suggestions for guests would be to keep in mind when traveling the day of the ceremony, that the Uber ride can take about 4 hours to the retreat, since it is located in the mountains outside of the city. Also, if you choose to go to the beautiful waterfall, please remember to bring cash since you will pay for a driver and an entrance fee.
I would certainly go again to Ayahuasca Costa Rica and experience the ceremony again!"
"Before I joined Erick's ayahuasca cérémonie I already had a 2-days-ceremonie in Holland, in which I didn't experienced in a good way. For that reason, I was really careful by choosing the next one in Costa Rica. To be honest, Erick is not easy to be found on the Internet and there is also hardly advertisment for his retreat! His reviews and small groups convinced me to get in contact with him. An interview was needed which I really appreciated! After the call with him I was 100 % sure that I need to go there.
The arrival, welcome, staff and surrounding was more than I expected and there is really nothing to say about it - everything is more than perfect! Erick takes a lot of time to get to know the person better and I really felt in good hands. I also told him about my fear and the experience I had in this big group in Holland. He really could explain it in logical way that calmed me down. Initially, the cérémonie should take place with another couple so alltogether we would be three. They had a logistic difficulty why they cancelled the booking. But for Erick that was no problem at all! Actually, he was happy to do the cérémonie one-to-one and I was so glad to get this chance after my bad experience in a big group!
The cérémonie itself was perfectly prepared. Erick already started days ago to get prepared and invite the "energies". I could really feel it. There is really another atmosphere and you feel like a welcomed and highly respected guest for whom the cérémonie is prepared. I received a purification and an instruction. Erick's retreat is at the very top of the village San Isidro which is why you can also feel the nature in a very intense way! The cérémonie was done outside under the stars with a campfire. I will not share my individual experience here which wouldn't be correct. What I can say is that this place is really sacred. I felt ancient and highly respectable surrounding. There is a lot of experience, authenticity and seriousness in how you receive your purification and information. I could let me fall and transform in the way I have to.
All in all, I really respect and admire Erick's passionate and dedicated work. He is really a gift for this planet and places great value on your individual journey!
Much love <3"
"My husband and I tried this one day ceremony.
It was INCREDIBLE.
Our experiences were unique and different, as the medicine reacts to each person on an individual level. You honestly have to try it for yourself to understand the intensity and complex levels in which this medicine works. But it is worth it.
And Erick will be there to help you debrief when you are ready.
As physically exhausting and mentally exhilarating as this experience was, all credit goes to Erick and his team, who made the experience absolutely safe, delicious (there is a chef who prepares all of your meals) and informative.
Never in my life has someone cared for me during a ritual the way Erick and his team (in the case of this ceremony, his co-medicine man was his brother) have. And as a practicing witch, I have a lot of ritual experience. Trust me. This ritual was something special.
The level of care, assurance and compassion these two had for us, equals the level of love my mother offered me the first time I got sick with the flu.
We were practically strangers, and yet Erick and his brother were present with us from before the ceremony even started to the moment we fell asleep in our bed after the medicine had mostly worn off. They were with us for 11.5 hours, chanting, singing, whistling, playing instruments, connecting with us to make sure we were okay, and holding our hands when we needed to get up on our feet.
There was no judgement. No negative energy, nothing but love, compassion and support.
My husband and I continue to talk about how safe and how grateful we felt during the ceremony, towards Erick and his brother, for creating an experience and environment where we always felt they were with us 100% while we were working with the medicine to purge, grow, see and evolve.
I highly recommend this retreat. The medicine will offer you what you need. And Erick will make sure your experience is as fulfilling and comfortable as possible. We only knew Erick for a little over 24 hours. But my husband and I trust him with our lives. And that kind of connection is rare and honorable. He is a gifted medicine-man with a lot to offer those who need this medicine. If you are looking for a place to experience ayahuasca, look no further. This is it."
"My wife and I had a wonderful experience at Ayahuasca Costa Rica. It was clean and simple, with a small intimate group, and we always felt safe and well cared for."
"Honestly, I was initially skeptical of this retreat. I've done a lot of research on ayahuasca locations in Peru and decided to do Costa Rica last minute - choosing this location after very little research. It was without a doubt one of the best decisions I've made. From start to finish, Erick and his entire team and the group could not have been more warm, welcoming, accommodating and professional. The ceremony and the space Erick has created is truly special. He is honest and shares his experiences from the heart. If you feel called to the medicine and you have the chance to visit here, do it."
"One of the most amazing experiences of my life! As a young, female solo-traveler, coming to CR solely to try my first Ayahuasca experience – I recommend this place to the fullest.
During my one-night ceremony, where I was the only "participant" in the experience, Erick and Gaby (and her sister) - here at Ayahausca Costa Rica - made me feel so safe, valued and seen throughout. Every element from my arrival to when I left, was obviously well thoughtout from their great experience and knowledge.
The place itself is breathtaking, and I simply can't imagine a better place to experience Ayahausca.
I'm forever grateful, and I know I will come back again one day."
"We just finished a 4 day ayahuasca retreat here and.. it was phenomenal. I came here to learn how to overcome my insecurities, and I felt like I got a rebirth. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for this experience. But I’ll try.
Erick’s house sits on a mountain. It was about 3.5 hours drive from San Jose and much closer if you fly to the local airport. It has an adorable one year old German Shepard, two roosters that roam the garden, a white kitty, a swimming pool, a massive garden with banana and orange trees, a hut overlooking the cliff that guests can sleep in and the jaw-dropping perfect view of the adjacent mountain range.
I did two ceremonies - “ayahuascal the first night and “yopo” the third night. Around nightfall, the open terrance is transformed from a tranquil spot with hanging hammocks to a spiritual place with a bonfire, mattresses for participants to meditate and sleep through the night, and half a dozen instruments Erick and Gaby will use for the ceremonies.
My two experiences were vastly different. The first one, “Ayahuasca”, is known as the female energy. For this, I chucked down a cup of brown herbal tea with bits of barks at the bottom. This was pretty bitter but Erick had a cup of honey waiting for me. I lied down on the mattress. Ten minutes passed and I still hadn’t felt a thing. Another five minutes and my body started to heat up. First it was my arms, then my neck, then it felt like my right jaw was starting to melt. I’ve never felt anything like it. It was wicked. I kept my eyes closed and just followed the music (which had a jungle feel to it, perfectly synchronized with the animal sounds Erick was making). A kaleidoscope of vivid colours and characters from music videos emerged. Then, before I can see it all clearly, everything turned into this beautiful sky blue colour, with music notes flowing down from the heaven in a circular motion. If I look into the music notes, I could see people dancing and singing around it. It was like micro-cosmos of happy vibes. I also came out of my body, saw how temporary it was and realized the real me was separate from it. From then I rose up, stood from the creator’s angle and looked at how awesome but also ignorant humanity is. Then I began thanking my logic as if it was a person. The whole experience lasted about 6-7 hours.
“Yopo”, on the other hand, is the male energy. Instead of drinking it, it went in my nose. Almost immediately, I felt like I couldn’t breath. I sat up and breathed heavily through my mouth. Very little oxygen was going in and I got a bit scared. The next thing I remember is me throwing up, quite vigorously. My arms felt like jelly and my boyfriend later told me I was folding my arms as if I had no bones in them. I felt this energy in me that wanted to come out, and I started screaming. It was very dark, and I could tell I was scaring my boyfriend, Erick and Gaby. All three of them was looking down on me, telling me not to fight it. And.. just like that. Every time a big burst of energy comes out, I’d have a mental breakthrough. First, it’s the traditional values I’ve been living under for decades, such as the “marriage is for lifetime” romanticized notion I’ve held so dear to heart. Then, at some point when I realized humanity is just one dimension in this universe of energy.
When I woke up the next morning, I was filled with so much love and gratitude for this person I call myself and by extension, everyone in this world <3. Thank you so much Erick and Gaby for guiding us with this amazing transformative experience."
"Though still processing a lot of experiences I had on my aya trip, I can already see that "there was a before and after phase". I think my perception of reality, life and myself have changed in ways that I am still discovering (my retreat was only 2 weeks ago). Erick and Gabi are a formidable team - they make you feel comfortable, safe and welcome. Gabi is an excellent vegan chef and I looked forward to each meal. Erick is wise, yet relatable and answers all your questions honestly and succinctly. I could not have had a better experience!"
"Erik and his team were VERY Attentive, Helpfull and knowledgeable during this whole experience. They open me and my friends eyes to a whole different level of consciences that was just simply AMAZING. I CAN NOT EXPRESS The amount of LOVE AND GRATTITUDE we have for them...
Thankyou"
"I finally found my peace, thanks Erick.
I have been at war with myself for 20 years and it has been a fucking mess. I been filled with so much anxiety, rage, hate, hopelessness and meaninglessness about myself and my past. Ive gone so deep that I have almost killed myself. I have always felt like this war but in the middle of the second ceremonial I felt at peace with myself. A peace I never felt before and its still with me. I am light as a feather and I think all my emotional attachment to my past is gone.
I did a 4 days retreat with 2 ceremonies and I can tell you it was the most intense two nights of my entire life. It was a fucking nightmare combined with a beautiful fairly tale. I got so many answers on questions I didn't even knew I had. Got some of my values incorporated even deeper withing myself.
I couldn't ask for more of Erick, he was a true hero and with the help of the Ayahuasca I found my inner peace and the war with myself is over. I will do it again and I think everyone should experience Ayahuasca and the healing power it has.
I feel blessed and I would recommend Erick to everyone because of hes action, knowledge and the way he made me feel safe."