Marie Lou and Anke

We are Anke and Marie Lou, retreat leaders and ayahuasqueras, known to many simply as "the German shamans."

For more than 20 years we have dedicated ourselves to plant medicine in South America, studying in Peru before settling in Costa Rica. Over the course of hundreds of ceremonies, long-term shamanic dietas, and deep periods of isolation in the Peruvian jungle, we have learned from some of the most respected Indigenous masters including Kestenbetsa and Juan Flores Salazar, as well as from visionary mentors like Marko Evoré and Michael Barnett.

What we offer is not just tradition or technique. It is the result of a long path walked with humility and devotion. Our work integrates ancient plant wisdom with contemporary approaches to healing. We draw inspiration from pioneers across a wide range of fields, from philosophy and metaphysics to trauma-informed therapy and somatic work. Our life's work is a living synthesis shaped by thinkers, mystics, and rebels whose insights continue to evolve our understanding of what it means to be fully human.

We focus not only on the depth of the ceremonial experience but equally on what comes after: on integration, embodiment, and real-life transformation. We continuously explore new modalities to refine our ability to support sustainable healing and inner clarity.

In our space, you are welcome with all that you are, have been, and may become.