6 Days Private Ayahuasca Journey in Costa Rica

Environment is everything when it comes to inner peace—but peace doesn't always mean silence. At Madrediosa’s jungle bungalow, you’re immersed in the wild: howler monkeys call from the treetops, toucans crack nuts nearby, agoutis jumping with joy at your leftover pipas- the sounds of life pulse all around you. The rich biodiversity of Puerto Viejo, paired with the warm ocean just a moment away, made it easy to reconnect with nature—and more importantly, with myself. Grounded by the lush surroundings and supported by the sacred maloca and other jungle-integrated structures, I felt my purpose there becoming clearer.

Mar is a super*natural guide—yes, pun intended—and she holds her role with deep care, precision, and presence. Her situational awareness was uncanny. In my first two Ayahuasca ceremonies, I was confronted intensely by my shadow self—especially the layers shaped by my ADHD. Everything became a trigger: thoughts, sounds, smells, touch, even Mar’s presence. My body and mind went into panic mode. I was too overwhelmed to articulate what I needed, but somehow, Mar sensed it. She held space for me—quietly, patiently—and that space became my sanctuary.

I learned that it’s okay to ask for space, whether from Mar (haha) or from the medicine itself. In my case, Ayahuasca’s presence often manifested as a loud, buzzing perimeter of energy, even guiding things like preventing me from drinking tap water. It was intense. But learning to communicate my needs—to the healing forces and to myself—was part of the healing.

Each Ayahuasca ceremony had a clear focus and purpose. The first helped me "see"—to witness the realms at work and begin accepting my chaotic mental state. The second taught me how to survive and self-regulate under immense stress. The third helped me learn to trust myself—my body, my inner voice—even when others might not understand. Of course, the body isn’t always right either (confusing, I know!). But the point is, I began to truly listen. I became less of a skeptic and more in tune with the spiritual layers of life. Each ceremony lifted a burden and helped me rebuild from a new place—with more self-love, awareness, and connection to the greater universal energies.

If you're considering this work, I strongly recommend staying longer. Give yourself time to ground, to integrate, and to develop healthier habits. It’s said that forming a new habit takes about 14 days—so allow yourself time to begin becoming the version of yourself you respect and love.

So much love and gratitude to Mar—wild, one-with-nature, fiercely compassionate—and to the incredible healing environment and community she’s cultivated. I feel so fortunate to have met so many beautiful souls. Some of them now feel like family. (Disclaimer: her amazing friends and community may not come as part of the package deal, but the longer you stay with Mar and her daughter Magdalena, the more likely you’ll get to meet these legends too!)

Before the retreat, I had spent time researching many places and guides, learning about their treatment methods, values, and philosophies. Ultimately, I chose Mar because of the instant connection I felt during our video interview. As a multicultural, neurodivergent person living with ADHD, it was crucial for me to find someone who could truly understand and guide me—not just through the ceremonies, but through the whole emotional and spiritual journey.

It wasn’t instant, though. In the beginning, there were challenges—moments of hesitation, doubt, and difficulty trusting not only Mar but also myself. Surrendering to the unknown, to the healing forces at play, felt nearly impossible. I’m naturally skeptical (and apparently pretty stubborn), so letting go was a process. But after my first ceremony, I began to understand that it was okay to have boundaries—and also okay to test and transcend them. Breaking down inner walls is part of the work, especially for someone like me.

Mar is a super*natural guide—yes, pun intended—and she holds her role with deep care, precision, and presence. Her situational awareness was uncanny. In my first two Ayahuasca ceremonies, I was confronted intensely by my shadow self—especially the layers shaped by my ADHD. Everything became a trigger: thoughts, sounds, smells, touch, even Mar’s presence. My body and mind went into panic mode. I was too overwhelmed to articulate what I needed, but somehow, Mar sensed it. She held space for me—quietly, patiently—and that space became my sanctuary.

Those two ceremonies were deeply challenging, but also transformational. Grandmother Ayahuasca showed me tools for survival—how to acknowledge and accept who I am, how to see possibility beyond struggle. I’ll be forever grateful for those foundations, even if they were born from discomfort.

The third and final ceremony was lighter. I had learned from the first two how to manage my body, which finally allowed me to open other doors—mental, emotional, and spiritual. I even discovered that I could ask Grandmother Ayahuasca to be more gentle or quieter. That changed everything. The more you open up to communication—with your guides, with the medicine—the more tools and options you uncover.

I learned that it’s okay to ask for space, whether from Mar (haha) or from the medicine itself. In my case, Ayahuasca’s presence often manifested as a loud, buzzing perimeter of energy, even guiding things like preventing me from drinking tap water. It was intense. But learning to communicate my needs—to the healing forces and to myself—was part of the healing.

Each Ayahuasca ceremony had a clear focus and purpose in retrospect. The first helped me "see"—to witness the realms at work and begin accepting my chaotic mental state. The second taught me how to survive and self-regulate under immense stress. The third helped me learn to trust myself—my body, my inner voice—even when others might not understand. Of course, the body isn’t always right either (confusing, I know!). But the point is, I began to truly listen. I became less of a skeptic and more in tune with the spiritual layers of life. Each ceremony lifted a burden and helped me rebuild from a new place—with more self-love, awareness, and connection to the greater universal energies.

If you're considering this work, I strongly recommend staying longer. Give yourself time to ground, to integrate, and to develop healthier habits. It’s said that forming a new habit takes about 14 days—so allow yourself at least that much to begin becoming the version of yourself you respect and love.

So much love and gratitude to Mar—wild, one-with-nature, fiercely compassionate—and to the incredible healing environment and community she’s cultivated. I feel so fortunate to have met so many beautiful souls. Some of them now feel like family. (Disclaimer: her amazing friends and community may not come as part of the package deal, but the longer you stay with Mar and her daughter Magdalena, the more likely you’ll get to meet these legends too!)

Exploring the ayahuasca and kambo "journey," is not for the faint of heart. It can be a very good opportunity to good deeper within mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Mar is the perfect guide to walk with you through the process. She is very thoughtful, supportive, patient, and attentive. I highly recommend you experience ayahuasca and kambo with Mar, at her beautiful location. And say "hi" to Cacao, the freest jungle kitty-kat, living her best life.

For me, it was about having this experience with a guide that understood me. Mar is the person who can authentically connect to people in a way that makes you feel safe as you explore yourself. The environment was magical, the ceremonies spiritual, and the energy was genuine and good. For anyone looking for an experience that allows you to connect with your higher self, I highly recommend Mar and her enchanted home.

Being guided by Mar throughout my first Ayahuasca journey was truly the perfect setting for me to open up a new path for my life. I felt so connected to her as a person as well as her beautiful home. I immediately fell in love with the whole vibe of this little town by the beach and the community they have build here. I had two ceremonies with Mar, both were very different for me - even while I was struggling throughout the first one, I completely trusted Mar and felt intuitively that she knew what I needed in the moment. She has such a comforting, warm presence, I felt guided and supported every step of the way. It was like I’d already known her for ages after the first day.

Her home felt like a sanctuary in the jungle, I loved just chilling in the hammocks, amidst the sounds of birds, howler monkeys and her adorable cat. Also, being able to walk to the beach in just a few minutes was perfect for the mornings after ceremony.

I will definitely be coming back for more Ayahuasca sessions and also Kambo next time, I have unfinished business!