"Our 7-day retreat was nothing less than phenomenal. It was truly a life-changing experience; one that we will never forget. The facilitators were genuinely engaged in our experince and personal growth. The food was healthy, delicious, and beautiful- every single dish! The maestro and maestra were beautiful and divinely-gifted healers. Their healing energy was abundant and palpable with every interaction.
We met people at Soltara who will be life-long friends. Our group had a special connection with compassion for one another.
I would do it all again!
Thanks to all of the staff for this exceptional experince! "
Highly Rated Retreats in Peru
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Types of Retreat in Peru
Short Retreats in Peru
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Experiences on Retreat
"I have just completed the 4-week Empowerment Course at The Ayahuasca Foundation and I can tell you that this is by far, one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life..... but I can also tell you that it is by far, one of the best things I've ever done in my life!
The staff are absolutely fantastic and so supportive and knowledgeable - the centre itself is really nice. I had my own room with a private bathroom and a little reading nook that looked out onto the jungle behind.
If you are considering doing the 4-week course, I would say to really think hard about your decision because you will really need to dig deep at times! But if you feel like you have some healing to do and are also interested in implementing plant medicine into your future plans, this is by far the best place to go! This is way above and beyond a retreat and will develop your love and respect for the plant world, as well as giving you the skills and confidence to continue working with plants once you return home.
I have a lot to be thankful and grateful to the AF for and for the first time in a lot of years, I have hope that I can completely heal and move forward in good health.
I don't think this will be the end of my relationship with the Ayahuasca Foundation - maybe I will see you there in the future ;-)"
"Arkana gave me everything that was promised and more. I was so at peace in the environment created by Jose and the staff. Very impressive from top to bottom. Facilitators were on top of everything and made me feel safe and cared for effortlessly. I’m in the process of booking with Arkana again and I just got home 1 week ago😆. Feeling great after a week of pure zen thanks to these beautiful humans🙏"
"This place felt like pure magic, overflowing with love and care. It was here that I rediscovered myself, and my life's path became clearer than ever before. The team at Arkana is incredible, driven by love and a genuine desire to help others heal. I let go of what was holding me back and now feel like a new person. The natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere made it hard to leave. The nourishing, delectable cuisine only added to the experience, complemented by captivating activities, yoga, sound healing and insightful integration discussions, unforgettable nights by the firelight. For those fond of furry companions, the two cats and a dog provide delightful company, offering solace even to the most introverted souls. In every sense, Arkana felt like home, and I can’t wait to return to this loving place."
"Grateful beyond measure. So much care, so much compassion, so much support, a whole lifetimes worth within one week. Truly amazing. All of the facilitators with so much insight. Thank you to the entire staff!"
"Hands down one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The plant medicine did wonders for my mind, body and soul. Every Soltara employee was warm, kind, funny, caring and compassionate. I always felt well taken care of. I will definitely be back. Thank you so much! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. "
"I had a beautiful and transformative week at Mahavana Foundation with Peter and Anna.
There are hundreds of options for plant medicine retreat centres in Peru and it can get extremely overwhelming - but here are some reasons why Mahavana is unique and stands out from the rest:
• Peter and Anna are both incredibly wise, caring, and highly experienced; and you can absolutely trust them with your journeys.
• The retreat is intimate and private, which is a rare and valuable quality. Most other centers pump out 15-25 participants per ceremony, which can be hectic and challenging especially for introverts.
• Peter, as a shaman, really honours your intuition and welcomes you to listen to your body, instead of enforcing a strict schedule like most of the other centers. He welcomed me tune into myself, and choose when and what to partake in.
• Anna has extensive background in psychology coupled with years of professional experience as a facilitator across multiple ayahuasca centres. I found our conversations extremely helpful to process my experiences.
• Both Peter and Anna are very grounded and meditative in their approach, so it's great for people who can benefit from that energy and stay rooted in the present.
Furthermore, I found it extremely helpful that the shaman was well versed in the transmission of the plants as well as western psychology, so that integration can be more graceful in my life.
About the facilities, the tambo is spacious and equipped with thoughtful touches like a water gallon. The food was prepared with care and variety. Last but not least, they have some of the most loving pets I have ever met in my life; two happy dogs and a cat that loves you for no reason and support your process.
I definitely recommend this place wholeheartedly. 🤍"
"Arkana is a magical, mystical place. My experience at Arkana helped unblock pathways that led to my healing. It supercharged clarity for me in a lot of ways to be able to move forward in areas of my life where I've been doing therapeutic work. Additionally, the facilitators and the staff were incredible people - professional, compassionate and wonderful humans. I hope to return someday. Forever grateful for Arkana!
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"Soltara is a very unique spot as they try to stay more traditional than other Ayahuasca centers, but there of course is room for improvement. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of time talking about intention and sharing your experience. The problem is the first night you get very low dose, which doesn't do much for many. I understand starting low as we are all different, but to make this a good experience they should allow people to get more if they are getting no results. Because they don't, you end up sitting there for 5+ hours waiting to leave? That's not the experience we come for as it's a waste of time and you get back to your room at 1::30am. The second night they allow you to take more, but again we're all responsible adults and communicating how we're being affected so they should implement that the first night. The other problem is when I attended it was extremely hot and just sat there sweating for 4+ hours. I'm not alone in my experience as others discussed the same views with me, but I'm more vocal. Since they don't want you to bring any supplements of any kind I didn't have my electrolytes to rehydrate. Some things they should allow for health and safety as one day people will start having heat strokes."
"This was my second time at Soltara, and it happened to be during the dry season, which looks a bit different from the pictures. It's not as green. So, if this is something that you want to be part of your experience, I recommend going during the wet season, as I did my first time there.
I had significant improvements in my well- being since my first time at Soltara in Costa Rica in 2022. My husband came with me the first time but I decided to go back on my own and have a different growth experience.
The staff and facilitators are top-tier. Authentic Shipibo practices, food, and room settings are a 10 out of 10.
I came back because I saw results. Of course, Ayahuasca is part of a group of practices that I decided to make part of my life since two years ago but I 100% recommend Soltara if you're interested in going on a deep self-knowledge dive, connecting with your spiritual side or ready to start taking a close look at your wounds and go on to heal. "
"Hi everyone, my name is Niels, from the Netherlands, I just finished my 3 weeks masterplant dieta at Mahāvana. Having experience with ayahuasca but not with the dieta, I was searching for a small and save place to go in the Peruvian jungle and follow a masterplant dieta. Searching on internet I found Mahāvana foundation and it instantly felt good. I had a video call with Peter, and afterwards decided that it was the right place for me to go, then booked my tickets. I slept one night in Iquitos after the travel (close to the airport) and next morning being picked up by Anna at my hostel. We took the motortaxi to the boat and then travelled to the jungle where Peter and their lovely dogs where waiting for us. The last part to the center was an easy walk thru the jungle if it wasn’t for me wearing my flipflops ( suggested to bring crocs :)
Warm welcome at their jungle house where we ate nice lunch and then I got shown my tambo (hut) for my stay.
The next morning started with a kambo ceremony and in the evening the first ayahuasca ceremony. Peter and Anna are really friendly and they are always there for you if you need something or need to share something. They are really helpful in your process and guide you through. The rest of your journey is up to you. The ceremonies are guided by Peter singing his beautiful icaros and playing his drum and chakapa. Peter studied at a Mestizo Maestro.
The food you get served during your dieta is tasty and portions are as big as you can or want to eat. The medicine that Peter cooks traditionally is strong.
I had some more difficulty times during my 3 weeks dieta, (which was a good thing) but overall I feel rested, heeled and awakened. I stayed a few days after the dieta and could hang out with Peter, Anna and their lovely animals. I’m going to miss them all!!!
I would definitely suggest to go here if you’re looking for a small ayahuasca center, with super friendly, English speaking people, in an unspoiled and authentic environment.
Much love for Mahāvana foundation family!💚"
"I originally attended Arkana at the end of 2018, shortly after unexpectedly losing my eye to cancer. Suddenly confronted with the fragility of my own mortality and the possibility of an early death, I attended the retreat in a state of introspection and vulnerability. The result was an experience that changed who I am as a person; and dramatically transformed and strengthened my character in the face of adversity.
In April 2024, following a confirmation of metastases and a 12 month life expectancy, I returned to the jungle retreat with my fiancee, and found it to be as beautiful, necessary and transformative as the first, helping me to develop a relationship with my grief and a resolve to live the life I have, whatever that may end up being.
Arkana is a wonderful location, with excellent food and attentive staff. The small group you share your experiences with bonds in a way that is outside the norm, for the bonding occurs in a space of truth and shared vulnerability that is difficult to replicate in the broader world.
I cannot recommend Arkana enough. "
"There is something magical about that place and the staff ….that's my first retreat so I wasn’t having any expectations like everyone else out there i dot have words to describe that experience I am not the same person my anxiety went away i am more calm person which is fantastic and there is some more work to be done but so far i am happy
Thanks "
"I have done 20 days Shamanic dieta program with PsychoNauta. Writing this review 30 days after finishing the program, so I had some time to come down and process :) A little background - I’m 42 years old and I have been on the self development path for about 15 years. Long term yoga/qigong practitioner, big on Vipassana meditation (3 x 10 days retreats + daily 1 hour practice for the last 3 years). Working with Ayahuasca for 4 years, did about 40 ceremonies before, including 1 month Shamanic dieta (Samakai) with Yawanawa tribe in Brazil. I’m not a beginner, but still a beginner… ;)
As spoiler, I’m extremely happy with the program and the results. It has totally exceed my expectations. I’m so grateful to the organisers for creating such a great conditions for this kind of work and to myself for taking the time and effort to do it - it requires quite some self-love, but it’s totally worthy and at the end you will thank yourself! But let’s go point by point:
Pre/post dieta support:
Great support, very quick and very good quality replies, super helpful with my special requests and I’m very grateful for it. Flawless pickup from the airport and transport to the place. Same about the way back. We were greeted with an amazing dinner on our arrival, followed by the comprehensive introduction meeting and intention sharing cycle. Very good, positive energy around.
Venue:
I was truly amazed with the location and the quality of the cabin I got! Totally isolated from the rest of the group, I had to go for about 10min deep in the forest to get there. Beautiful cabin, with 360 degrees jungle view, mosquito nets serving as walls, 2 floors, mattress with extra mosquito net, hammock and the desk, very spacious - perfect conditions to do your dieta work. I could sing and play instruments as loud as I want without disturbing others. Please note that the longer you stay, the better cabin you get (at least during this retreat), but I think everybody was very happy with the housing, including people who stayed for 10 days.
Mosquito nets are of high quality with no holes, creating an internal area pretty much free from any insects. There is no electricity in the cabin and you need to use candles after dawn (all provided). This is really great and together with all jungle sounds, it creates amazing atmosphere. Area is safe, there are no dangerous animals around. Also very nice to do the jungle walks during the day.
If you do yoga and/or meditation, great to take a yoga matt and the meditation pillow with you. It’s also very humid there, and it’s good to protect your clothes from getting wet overnight. There is a big plastic box in the cabin, but if you take some extra plastic bags for your clothes, it can help.
Closest toilet was around 10min walk from the cabin, which I liked as it forced me to walk more :) Alternatively you can always go into the bush and do the business there. It’s not easy to build the toilet in the jungle, but they did a great job here. It was clean, no smell as it also had a mosquito nets instead of walls and it was private at the same time. There is also water and soap dispenser to wash your hands just next to it. Top!
Maloka (where ceremonies are taking place) is another great jungle construction. Mosquito nets everywhere, plus anti-mosquito coils at the entrance to not let them in when doors are open. Coils were also available for free for the cabin use. Great ceremonial space, 20 bets arranged in the circle, toilets and shower right outside.
It was about 15min walk from my cabin to Maloka and it was the only shower available on the camp, but it was totally fine. As I said, I appreciated every opportunity to walk a bit more :)
Food:
Food is delivered daily to your cabin twice a day (around 8 and 12 o’clock). It’s a diet food, which is very limited, however I was quite happy with the quality and the quantity, while taking those strict diet conditions into account. What was great - if you need more food, you can just ask and they will increase your portion - they don’t do any problems about that. The diet has many health benefits, including cleansing and potential cancer preventing / cancer removing effects. You will also lose a few kilograms over the course of the diet. Your energy level will be much lower than what you’re used to, however body might adjust over the time and become more efficient - for me around day 15, I was pretty much back and felt quite amazing.
Program:
I truly love the design and the setup of the program. Isolation and noble silence are so important for this kind of work and we had perfect conditions to observe it. Ceremonies are pretty much every second day and they are hold by Shipibo shamans. Very high quality of work in a totally safe environment. You can really feel comfortable and relax there, it’s safe and you can just let go and immerse yourself in the process, guided by the beautiful chants of the Shipibo people. The medicine served is of a very high quality, one of the best I’ve ever tried and its consistent during the course of the diet. It’s very important as after the first ceremony, you have a good idea about the strength of it and you can decide later if you want more or less - it’s always your choice. My personal tip is to aim for a stronger experience, but it’s also okay to measure the challange to your capabilities.
On the day after the ceremony you have an optional consultation with Blazej, who is running the place. He’s very knowledgable, lots of experience, background in psychology - I found those talks extremely useful and they helped me tremendously to build a proper attitude towards the diet and the lessons that appear during that period. He’s giving a really good tips and you can trust him - he really wants you to grow and your progress is the best reward for his work. Amazing guy!
Summary:
It was one of the best and most valuable experiences in my life! 30 days after the program, I can see a lot of positive changes in myself! I feel like I’ve built fresh fundaments of my new me, that I’ll keep working on and evolving further. Those fundamentals contain love, gratitude and compassion for anything that I might be facing in life, regardless how pleasant at first it can be.
The program can be challenging at times, and it needs to be, as otherwise there won’t be much to learn. But you have a lot of space and time to work on whatever might come up from your inside. If you have a right attitude, those lessons might have a long lasting, life changing effects. I found the meditation extremely useful, I was doing 2 hours of meditation daily there and I learnt how practical it is. There are a very few things that I can’t process during one hour of meditation right now, especially if I do it daily. If I realise that something bothers me, I just sit for an hour and once I’m done - my heart is full of love, the problem is transformed into a lesson that I’m grateful for. It was a long way to get there, but every journey starts with a first step and I encourage you to go this path, the path of your heart. I’m also a human and I happen to have doubts, but I’m very happy that regardless of all of them, I decided to do the program and kept working and trying to get the best out of it, till the very last day. Trust the God, trust the process and trust yourself. I can recommend this program to anybody who is looking for a serious work and if you decide to do it, go for at least 20 days. After 10 days it was just a beginning and there were plenty lessons that I would miss - I was pouring lots of value into my diary every day. A lot of golden, life improving ideas, that I’m working on applying daily.
Blazej and Psychonauta Foundation, thanks a lot for everything, you helped me a lot and I hope our path will cross again one day. It’s beautiful what you're doing there, making the world a better place! This program can really help anybody to become a better version of yourself, a better human, a better father, a better son, a better partner, a better brother, a better leader, be better in whatever you’re doing.
Thanks a lot for everything, lots of love, Marcin!"
"While many reviews paint a perfect picture, I wanted to offer a more nuanced perspective on my experience at Soltara.
Soltara's Strengths
Professionalism and Experience: Soltara has a professional operation going, and it’s clear they’ve been doing this for awhile. There is a big team at the retreat center handling everything: food, facilitation, security, grounds keeping, etc… Overall coordination + planning was flawless. The ceremonies themselves were deeply thought through and it’s hard to think of what they could have done better.
Authentic Shipibo Practices: Soltara excels at preserving the traditional elements of Shipibo shamanism. It felt genuine and fascinating to be part of these practices.
Delicious Food: The food throughout the retreat was awesome.
Dietary Guidance: Soltara provided clear instructions and support regarding the pre-retreat dieta (dietary restrictions). The commitment from participants to the dieta was commendable.
Life-Changing Experiences: Witnessing the positive transformations of others was truly inspiring.
Comfortable setting: Modern, air-conditioned rooms, beautiful views, access to the beach.
Cons / areas for Improvement
Dry Season Ambiance: Playa Blanca during dry season does NOT look like the photos. In reality, the majority of the trees are barren. There are small fires around, and frequently the air smells smokey. At night, the atmosphere felt spooky to me (sort of nightmare-before-christmas-esque). If I was to come back, I would definitely do so during wet season!
Expectation of aligned worldview: If you’re not totally convinced that plants have spirits, and are uncomfortable saying ‘mother ayahuasca’, Soltara might not be the best fit. This vocabulary and worldview is pervasive here, and alternative views are not really mentioned. To be fair, it is an ayahuasca retreat, so I suppose much of this is to be expected, but it seemed to me that there was also a healthy dose of new-age spirituality inserted, which I have an aversion to. I thus had a hard time totally trusting the facilitators, which is a vital element of any psychedelic experience, and consequentially contributed to a feeling of not feeling totally safe. To be fair, much of that is my own problem. At no point was I genuinely in danger during the retreat, and the facilitators were there for me if I needed them.
Limited Pre-Retreat & Integration Support: An opportunity to meet fellow participants and facilitators beforehand would have been beneficial. Integration support felt somewhat lacking, with only a workbook and optional integration circles offered.
Group Size and Programming: Our group of 21 participated in all activities as a single unit. More small group interaction and additional programming outside of meals, ceremonies, and daily meetings could enhance the experience.
In Conclusion
Soltara excels at providing a well-run, authentic Shipibo-style Ayahuasca experience with modern conveniences. However, manage your expectations regarding the dry season environment and the prevalence of new-age spirituality. If these aspects align with your preferences, Soltara is an excellent choice"
"Words can't describe how phenomenal this was. Firstly, I was amazed at how kind, strong, and open minded my fellow attendees were. Great friendships were forged, and I'll be keeping in touch with and visiting many of them. The facilitators and staff were so professional and ready for any situation that emerged during the ceremonies. Whatever they are making, it isn't enough! Personally the emotional support that I received from these people during and outside of the ceremonies was lifesaving, and it got me through some very difficult moments. On top of that, the Shipibo healers themselves were incredible. I've never met people with the kind of unconditional loving energy that they displayed, and the work that they performed on us at each ceremony was profound, mystical and wonderful. The energy of the songs that they sung to us was powerful. Finally, the food served at every meal was out of this world! Fresh organic tropical fruits I had never tried, chia seed pudding, guacamole, hummus, mini omelettes, etc. I miss it all! I have come back home with a new love for myself and the people in my life. Soltara is well worth the money, and I hope to go back again."
"I’m so glad I did this. It was exactly what I needed to get out of this negative space I’ve been stuck in for too long. I’m forever grateful and can’t wait to return in the future one day. Thank you!!!"
"Stephano showed us a lot of things that normal tourists do not get to see and offered a great knowledge about Inka and prae-Inka Cultures. He escorted us on our spiritual experience very well and with gratis experience. We are very grateful."
"The retreat in the jungle was an insightful and mind-blowing experience. Will start with the organization of Arkana Spiritual Center. Very organized, kind, genuine and helpful.
Starting from all the instructions and preparations you need before you start the retreat until the last good bye ceremony. The facilitators were very clear with their explanations for any activity done and insightful in case we needed their perspective on certain view.
The venue itself is amazing as well. i could finally disconnect from the outer world and connect with the nature. The food was tasteful and delicious, so fresh and healthy. Each of the ceremonies brought to light things that i was avoiding to acknowledge and to work on. So grateful to have gone on this journey and have met some incredible human beings with whom i shared unforgetable moments. i would recommend this type of journey to people who are ready to work with the medicine, who trust the medicine and who trust the process and the incredible team of Arkana. "
"I came to Arkana from New York looking for answers for the next level of my spiritual evolution. In the 7 days that i was there, my questions were answered, the pain that i carried for many years was released, the connection with myself got strengthened, and my consciousness expanded in way that I could have never imagined.
If you're looking for healing, or personal expansion, or reconnecting with your authentic self - this is the right place. It is a retreat with 5-star accommodations, top-notch chefs, and, most importantly, a team of facilitators and staff of incredibly kind people.
This is a place of Love."
"This experience has changed my life as well as those who mean the most to me. My children. I came to Arkana wanting things that I didn't need. You will get what you need and not what you want. I heard this 100 times during my stay. Well it's true. I did get what I needed. It was a release of all the guilt and pain from being in the Marine Corps and not living up to being a good father to my 5 children. I was shown that I can't make up for it but I can be a better example for them going forward. I'm not going to say this was easy because it was, for me, the hardest thing I've ever been through but I did what facilitators asked me to do " Trust the Process" and it has made me want to walk the path that's best for me and my family. I'm forever indebted to Arkana and especially all the facilitators and the wonderful staff. I AM LOVE AND I AM LOVED now. Joe T"
"I just returned home after my second retreat with Soltara at Playa Blanca in Costa Rica. I did a ton of research starting over a year ago before I booked my first retreat with them in June 2023. It was an amazing experience, and I left knowing that I had more work to do and would be back. I scheduled my second retreat with them for April 2024 and it was the most healing and transformative experience of my life. The staff and the facilitators are top-tier. If you are looking for the perfect setting for your healing Ayahuasca journey, you have found it with Soltara. I cannot recommend them highly enough. They have amazing facilitators, staff, chef and food, yoga and rooms. The staff builds such a safe and intentional container for this important work. It makes ALL the difference. They also have after care support and other resources available for pre and post retreat. Which has been super helpful. Happy journeying "
"I recently completed my 10 day ayahuasca retreat and master plant dieta with Psychonauta Foundation. It was an absolutely incredible experience, I would definitely recommend this foundation to any seeking a true ayahuasca medicine experience. Our guide, Blazej, was amazing, kind, supportive, and so sincere in his practice. He is there with you for every step. His support staff were reflective in his nature, constantly providing support for participants. The individualized attention received from the shaman were powerful and deeply moving, to say the least. A very powerful experience in the jungles of Peru! I’m very grateful I was able to experience this blessing."
"Awesome."
"I took a great deal of time selecting the location and retreat centre I was going to do my healing with. From start to finish Soltara in Costa Rica stood out and delivered. Everything was simply incredible. The location, the food, the staff, the workers, the accommodations, everything. I look for to telling everyone about this place. Simply magical. Already looking forward to my return."
"Place is amazing"
"At the Arkana Spiritual Center, I had the opportunity to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony, and it was truly transformative. The staff members were not only professional but also incredibly courteous and supportive throughout the entire process. They created a warm and welcoming environment that immediately put me at ease. The ceremony itself was a profound and enlightening experience, and I felt safe and supported throughout. Overall, my time at the Arkana Spiritual Center was unforgettable, and I left with a renewed sense of self and purpose. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound spiritual experience."
"The experience itself was incredible and intense, I learned so much about myself and now I live a fuller life for it. I was truly impressed with how dedicated all the staff was. The shamans were incredible and the facilitators were kind and supportive. When I had difficulties navigating the experience they were there to guide and support me in an instant and I managed to turn a very challenging experience into a very constructive one.
Much gratitude and thanks to everyone at Psychonauta Foundation!"
"This was my first experience with ayahuasca, kambo and temazcal. I felt truly cared for, nurtured and supported in every step of my journey, both by the staff and the wonderful participants, who were all returnees to Xochipilli. This retreat is truly family. Arturo is a deeply knowledgeable and passionate practitioner of ayahuasca and completely invested in those who seek the healing of this medicine. Alicia went above and beyond to insure that all my logistical needs were met and was present and supportive at every moment of the retreat. I can’t say enough about their commitment to each and every attendee that comes to Xochipilli. They don’t simply offer a product, but nurture and guide a community with love and service. I left with a heart full of gratitude. "
"My experience at Soltara was truly amazing. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, located on a private property in the jungles of Costa Rica. You will get the chance to connect to nature through walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean, hiking trails and being exposed to wildlife. The grounds crew and cleaning staff do an excellent job of keeping Soltara in immaculate condition. THE FOOD! Delicious, organic, healthy meals every day. So delicious! And for me, the most important part of the experience was the facilitators. They are were the most caring, compassionate, present, skilled, knowledgeable, beautiful people I have ever been around. I could go on and on with qualities they possess. They’ve done the hard work to get there and it shows. I have immense gratitude and admiration for them. Words do not do this experience justice. You have to go through it to really know. If you feel the call, go for it! You won’t be disappointed. "