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Return to The Medicine | Five Night Retreat For Return & Experienced Guests

Location icon
Paquera, Puntarenas Province, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Users icon
Up to 22 in group
Date
June 26 - July 1, 2027

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 20 - 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

Join us June 26 - July 1, 2027, at Soltara Playa Blanca, for a 5-night journey that offers three sacred Ayahuasca ceremonies in a retreat intentionally designed for return guests and our Soltara community to continue their path of healing and transformation.
This program balances ceremonial depth with the freedom to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s breathtaking nature and culture, with less emphasis on introductory teachings and more space for personal exploration.

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Highlights of This Retreat:

A concise Ayahuasca meeting with our Shipibo healers, replacing the introductory talk, to set a collective intention for the group.
Relaxed pacing, allowing for reflection, integration, and connection with nature.
Additional plant treatments with medicinal plants lovingly prepared by our Shipibo healers
Unique cultural experiences, including Shipibo cosmology sessions and a beach bonfire (weather permitting).
Integration support tailored for experienced participants, with optional one-on-one time with facilitators and healers.
Massage treatments (optional add-on)
A full year of self-paced and optional guided support from intake to integration, with the Soltara standards you know and love.

Revisit your inner healer while deepening your connection to the medicine and the natural world. Whether it’s your next step in this lifelong journey or a continuation of your transformational work at Soltara, we look forward to walking this path with you.

 
Reserve Your Space
Availability is limited to ensure an intimate, personalized experience. Click Register to join us for this special gathering.
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About Our Soltara Retreats
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. .

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Our Commitment to You
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
5.30 pm Pre-ceremony yoga
6.30 pm Ceremony
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Soltara Healing Center, Paquera, Puntarenas Province, Puntarenas, 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.

You will be returned to San Jose on the last day of your retreat by 4:30 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. Guests will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. If you are 2 people booking together, select the Private Double Suite lodging option to room togeher. This suite has a large balcony to relax in comfort against the stunning backdrop of three different islands and a sunrise over the Gulf of Nicoya, 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, ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes, fees, amenities, and more as described on our main retreat page.

Private Double Suite (*Price for 2* | King Beds)

Accommodation
*Select "2 guests" when choosing this option. This will not change the total price, and will ensure that the other person receives their own registration form to complete.* | For friends coming together or couples who prefer spaciousness and privacy during their journeys, this luxury suite features 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. 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, 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 views of the Gulf of Nicoya, allowing you to relax in comfort and privacy against the stunning backdrop of three different islands and a sunrise over the waters. 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, 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, Gulf of Nicoya, 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 Gulf 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, 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 are located under the forest canopy but do not have A/C. If you are sensitive to heat, we recommend another lodging option between February - May during the hottest months of the year. 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, ceremonies, yoga and meditation classes, workshops, taxes, fees, amenities, and more 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

  • A thorough intake process, in collaboration with therapists and medical advisors, to ensure a safe and supportive retreat
  • Extensive & holistic preparation & integration support, created by Soltara plant medicine therapists
  • An Ayahuasca diet guidebook, to prepare your body for the Ayahuasca retreat
  • Access to our community platform through Nectara, with one year of Soltara Plus membership, 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
  • 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 20 - 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

4.97 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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healing from the inside out
The pain in my hips and back has been lessened by more than half and the tension my body carried inside has been released to the ether. The medicine did more for my physical health in 4 days than any amount of PT over the last 2 years and inside (my heart and soul) I'm soft again with renewed visions of a centered and love filled future.

I also met group of people young enough to be my children/grandchildren and have renewed faith in a world led by them and their peers. I am so grateful to them all for their love, support and inclusion. We are family now.

The staff were beyond words - They were kind, compassionate, caring and supportive with exactly the kind of guidance necessary for the situation or emotional challenge. They gave freely of their time every day, all day and night to whomever needed it often initiating individual conversations, checking in to be sure we all knew they were there with help and support for any reason. They are the perfect people doing their life's calling and it was very clear. I am forever grateful for their knowledge and kindnesses. Thank you.

The food was beyond amazing. Beautifully prepared and displayed by the most loving and kind, joyful people.
Come hungry, you will not be disappointed.

The facility was in a beautiful spot on the hill overlooking the ocean. It was clean, modern, well maintained with comfortable beds and large rooms with incredible views. The buildings at the top of the hill are made of concrete with concrete floors between levels so they are virtually soundproof of each other. Wonderful!
You will see when you arrive the pictures do not do it justice.

From the bottom of my heart,
Thank you Soltara!
C

5.0
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Seven Days at Soltara — A Lifetime of Healing
I’m not sure there are words powerful enough to describe what my seven days at Soltara Playa Blanca gave me, but I’m going to try.

I arrived carrying years of anger, sadness, and pain that I had buried so deeply I wasn’t even sure how to begin releasing it. I came hoping for healing, but what I experienced went far beyond anything I could have imagined.

The ceremonies brought me a kind of relief that simply cannot be explained. The most profound moment came during my second night of ceremony, when Javier sang his ícaro to me. Something deep within me finally let go. Pain that had been buried for years was released in a way I still struggle to put into words. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.

By the time I left, I was using facial muscles I hadn’t authentically used in years. My genuine smile muscles. I wasn’t forcing happiness or putting on a brave face. I was actually smiling, and I could feel the difference from the inside out.

The healing wasn’t limited to the ceremonies. The nourishing food and intentional diet gave my body an opportunity to reset, and the benefits have followed me home. I’ve carried those healthier eating habits into my everyday life, and that alone has been a beautiful continuation of the experience.

The facilitators and staff created an environment of compassion, respect, and genuine care. And the people! Our group was made up of individuals from all walks of life, each on a completely different journey, yet somehow we found the perfect balance of vulnerability, respect, connection, and an incredible amount of laughter. My Playa Playas will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Soltara to anyone who feels called to explore deep healing and a more holistic approach to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This experience showed me that healing can come from places I never knew to look.

I didn’t leave with every answer, and I know my journey is far from over. But I left lighter. I left with less anger, less sadness, a healthier body, a more peaceful heart, and a smile that finally feels like my own again.

Thank you, Soltara. For seven days that gave me back a part of myself I thought I had lost.

5.0
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Life Changing Experience
Soltara Healing Center is truly a lifechanging experience. I've had 25 ceremonies in the past and I must say that these 4 ceremonies were one of the best moments that I've had.

It was very thoughtful from start to finish. All the facilitators, the staff, the shamans were on-point. They never missed a beat and made sure every inquiry or request was taken care of to the best of their ability.

There was no ego. I'm very grateful about the experience.

The medicine varies depending on the healer and the curanderos singing in icaros. It's very sacred and very healing.

I've done ayahuasca in many different parts of the world and this is by far the most comfortable experience for a westerner. 10/10 experience and the people you meet will become lifelong friends.

5.0
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Transformative Experience
I was skeptical of the kind of healing one can do in 7 days time and I have not a skeptic any longer. This trip was possibly the most transformational week of my life. I am so grateful for this experience and cannot believe the type of realization and epiphany’s I received during my time here. The talented facilitators are so good at what they do, the food was excellent and healthy and the amenities were nicer than I had expected. Everything was amazing and am so grateful I got to experience this place with 17 strangers whom I now consider close friends.

5.0
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A life changing experience
I absolutely loved this experience - it was so thoughtful and I felt so safe the whole time. I was able to really focus on my process because I knew that everything else was taken care of. The food was delicious. The accommodations were lovely. The surrounding jungle and ocean, and all of its creatures, gave such an immersive soundscape for our ceremonies. Maestra Slyvia is incredible and so powerful. Tati, Frida, Paola and Juliette are absolute angels. I give this whole experience 100 out of 10. AND - there were certainly challenging parts for my own experience, but again, I felt held and safe to work with them.

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