Viva Medicina Ayahuasca

I’m very disappointed with my experience. I placed a deposit for this retreat and sent two emails requesting details before the scheduled dates, but I received no reply. The organizers only informed me that the retreat was canceled the night before it was supposed to begin. That kind of last-minute notice shows poor communication and planning.

To make matters worse, I still have not received a refund of my deposit. For something as personal and important as a healing retreat, I expected reliability, clear communication, and basic professionalism. Unfortunately, none of that was delivered. Until the organizers improve their responsiveness and refund policies, I cannot recommend this retreat.

I recently took part in a wonderful ayahuasca ceremony with Harold at the Viva Medicina Ayahuasca retreat. Other reviews cover much of the same experience that I had, so please read them also. The setting is in the mountains and the retreat looks out on a beautiful vista of the reserve that it borders on.

Harold was very thorough about explaining the entire process, and he is more than happy to explain his journey and experiences in helping others. He showed real concern with creating a welcoming atmosphere and checking in with me before and after to help and answer questions.

The night was long -- and somehow short at the same time. Everything flowed in a smooth process. Harold watched over us very closely, checking in from time to time to make sure our needs were met. I could tell that he had a lot of experience with leading these journeys because he could anticipate when help or direction might be needed with the different participants.

He sang and played different instruments very skillfully throughout the night, and it added an important dimension to the ceremony. His assistant Diego (El Tigre) also took part in making music, monitoring people, and seeing to our needs. Both of them stayed up the entire night watching over us.

I felt very safe and cared for. I can honestly say that I will fondly remember this whole experience and the different things it taught me for a long time to come. This is a great opportunity to take part if you are looking for something like this.
Take care---

Harold's dark eyes sparkle as he speaks with you. But before we met he talked with us in Australia and explained thoroughly the whole process of three medicines. He welcomed us with open arms to the retreat as birds of prey circled above in the picturesque, mountainous village near Cartago. Everything felt right to us, embarking on this journey with him and three others of his community. We were fortunate to have a private ceremony.
Ayahuasca is not just a business for Harold but a way of life. He is the real deal. He lived and studied with an Indigenous Peruvian Shaman for years before returning to his home in Costa Rica to share his wisdom and practices. He is modest, kind, open and grounded. Harold listens deeply and wisely, asks intuitive questions and has a profound philosophy to share without pretence. I felt completely safe and nutured by him each step of the retreat. They all played music and sang songs throughout the night, which moved me through my journey, and they assisted us with everything we needed. I am still processing the experience in dreams and reflection. Thank you, to Jamie, Ines, Diego and Bassie for helping to make our experience one that we will take forward into our lives.
If you want an authentic Ayahuasca experience in Costa Rica, don't hesitate - Harold is your man. I feel that I have made a wonderful friend, too.

Los ojos oscuros de Harold brillan mientras habla contigo. Pero antes de conocernos habló con nosotros en Australia y nos explicó detalladamente todo el proceso de tres medicamentos. Nos recibió con los brazos abiertos en el retiro mientras las aves rapaces sobrevolaban el pintoresco pueblo montañoso cerca de Cartago. Todo nos pareció bien al embarcarnos en este viaje con él y otros tres miembros de su comunidad. Tuvimos la suerte de tener una ceremonia privada.
La ayahuasca no es sólo un negocio para Harold sino una forma de vida. Él es el verdadero negocio. Vivió y estudió con un chamán indígena peruano durante años antes de regresar a su hogar en Costa Rica para compartir su sabiduría y prácticas. Es modesto, amable, abierto y con los pies en la tierra. Harold escucha profunda y sabiamente, hace preguntas intuitivas y tiene una filosofía profunda que compartir sin pretensiones. Me sentí completamente segura y nutrida por él en cada paso del retiro. Todos tocaron música y cantaron canciones durante toda la noche, lo que me conmovió durante mi viaje y nos ayudaron con todo lo que necesitábamos. Todavía estoy procesando la experiencia en sueños y reflexión. Gracias a Jamie, Ines, Diego y Bassie por ayudarnos a hacer de nuestra experiencia una que llevaremos a nuestras vidas.
Si quieres una auténtica experiencia de Ayahuasca en Costa Rica, no lo dudes: Harold es tu hombre. Siento que también he hecho un amigo maravilloso.

Thank you for guiding me through such a profound journey with ayahuasca. Harold was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. He even arranged for another participant to meet me in San Jose, ensuring I felt comfortable and guided every step of the way. The entire experience was filled with kindness, and the atmosphere was both welcoming and peaceful.

The ceremony itself was truly beautiful. The space felt safe and sacred, allowing me to fully embrace my journey. The live music was especially soothing, providing a comforting presence even during challenging moments like purging. Harold’s support extended beyond the ceremony, as he also helped arrange my return ride to San Jose.

I’m deeply grateful for this transformative experience and the care that was shown throughout. Thank you again.