Best Ayahuasca Retreat Costa Rica: Resorts for Spiritual Healing in 2025

Ayahuasca (or «iowaska») retreats and wellness centers in Costa Rica have become a top choice for people looking for healing and personal growth in a peaceful, tropical setting. While Costa Rica is known for its safe and welcoming retreats, other countries like Peru and Ecuador offer a deeper connection to the Amazonian traditions where Ayahuasca (or «ayawaska») originated. No matter where your Ayahuasca tourism takes you in Latin America, it’s crucial to evaluate the safety measures, the facilitators’ experience, and the support offered to help you process and integrate the experience.

Ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica offer a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual depth. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Beautiful Nature: With its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and serene beaches, Costa Rica provides a stunning backdrop for your spiritual journey.
• Amazonian Jungle Vibe: While not located in the Amazon, Costa Rica’s tropical landscapes and vibrant ecosystems create a similar atmosphere, ideal for connecting with nature and the medicine Ayahuasca.
• A Lot of Retreat Centers: The country is home to numerous well-established retreat centers, offering a variety of options to suit different needs, budgets, and levels of experience.

Costa Rica is home to several idyllic retreat destinations that combine natural beauty with spiritual exploration. Here are a few options for such a holiday destination:

Located on the Pacific Coast, Samara offers tranquil beaches and serene jungle settings, making it an ideal spot for deep healing. Some retreats here provide a unique blend of Ayahuasca tradition and Western support.

Nestled in the mountains, San Ramón is known for its cooler climate and lush greenery. Retreats in this area are perfect for those seeking a quiet, introspective experience surrounded by nature.

With its sunny weather and stunning landscapes, Guanacaste is a popular choice for retreats.

A lively coastal town with pristine beaches, Tamarindo offers a unique mix of relaxation and spiritual growth. Retreats here often cater to travelers who want both transformation and the chance to unwind.

APL Shamanic Journeys, a retreat center based in Spain, Ecuador and Peru, offers unique programs across Latin America every year. For those craving more travel and adventure, there’s an opportunity to visit indigenous tribes in Ecuador and immerse yourself in their culture. Prices start from $4,500.

APL Shamanic Journeys, leadinfg European retreat center, offers both retreats and advanced dieta programs in Peru, providing opportunities to explore traditional Shipibo healing practices. For those who have already experienced Ayahuasca, the dieta programs offer a deeper connection with master plants and jungle teacher-plants. Prices start from $3,000 and include 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies. Whether you’re seeking a transformative retreat or a more advanced dieta, APL provides a supportive environment to connect with these sacred traditions.

The cost of an Ayahuasca retreat varies widely depending on factors like location, duration, and the level of amenities provided.

• Location: Costa Rica is known for offering more luxury experiences, tend to range from $2,000 to $5,000.
• Duration: Shorter retreats, such as 3-day ceremonies, are typically cheaper, while week-long or extended programs cost more due to additional ceremonies and integration support.
• Amenities: Luxury retreats with private accommodations, spa-like facilities, and personalized care are at the higher end of the price spectrum, while more basic options, such as shared dorms and simple meals, cater to those seeking a budget-friendly experience.
• Additional Offerings: Programs that include excursions, yoga, meditation, or sessions with experienced shamans or gurus often come at a premium.

Whether you’re looking for a affordable and authentic experience or a luxury retreat with all the extras, there’s an option to fit your needs and budget.

We strongly discourage attending retreats that offer only a single ceremony during one day. Just one ceremony can be an intense and challenging experience, often bringing up deep questions that require additional ceremonies to explore and resolve. While you may find offers for such «trip» starting at affordble $500 in Costa Rica, the true cost can be much higher, as you may need therapy or additional support afterward to process unresolved issues.

Three-day programs often include two ceremonies held back-to-back, which can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Prices for these retreats start at around $700, but we don’t recommend them as they can lead to emotional or psychological strain—too much, too soon, without adequate time for integration.

7-day retreat provides enough time to fully experience Ayahuasca’s teachings and process the insights gained. If you’re considering Ayahuasca in Costa Rica, we recommend prioritizing retreats of this length for a more balanced and transformative journey. Prices typically start at around $2,000.

In this section, we provide brief and straightforward answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Ayahuasca retreats. Perfect for those looking for quick insights!

The legal status of Ayahuasca in Costa Rica is somewhat unclear, as it is not directly addressed in the country’s laws. While numerous retreats operate openly, the lack of specific regulations places Ayahuasca tea in a legal grey zone. This means there is no explicit law either allowing or banning its use, which has created opportunities for many retreat centers to establish themselves in this space.

Costa Rica offers a variety of Ayahuasca retreats, often located in serene, natural settings that enhance the ceremonial experience. Popular regions include Guanacaste with its sunny coastlines, the tranquil mountain retreats of San Ramón, and the lush jungles near Samara. Each location offers unique atmospheres, with experienced facilitators ensuring a safe and transformative journey.

When selecting an Ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica or nearby, prioritize safety and authenticity. The setting in which you drink Ayahuasca tea is crucial—everything depends on it. A poor setting can completely undermine the experience, while the right environment ensures a safe and transformative journey. Look for:

• Experienced Facilitators: Ensure the retreat works with trained shamans and facilitators knowledgeable in traditional ceremonies and trauma-informed care.
• Transparent Practices: Choose centers that provide clear details about their ceremonies, integration support, and safety protocols.
• Medical Screening: A safe retreat will ask about your medical and psychological history to ensure Ayahuasca is suitable for you.
• Reputation: Read reviews, check testimonials, and research the retreat’s credibility.
• Location and Amenities: Opt for a center that provides a secure environment, comfortable accommodations, and access to natural surroundings.

Taking the time to research will help you find a retreat that offers a safe and meaningful journey.

Ayahuasca is called a "medicine" due to its role in Amazonian healing traditions, where it is used for physical, emotional, and spiritual cleansing. It’s seen as a tool to purge toxins, heal trauma, and restore balance. In Shipibo tradition of Peruvian shamanism Ayahuasca is also called “Doctor” as a plant which can identify a disease and prescribe a treatment.

Yes, Ayahuasca is considered a psychedelic, but it is more correct to call is Entheogen. An entheogen is a sacred plant that induces profound spiritual experiences, guiding deep healing and connection with the divine. Unlike typical psychedelics, Ayahuasca is a plant teacher, working beyond brain chemistry through ritual, Icaros, and ancestral wisdom. It’s not just about altered perception—it’s a medicine, a guide, and a doorway to higher awareness. Ayahuasca contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a powerful psychoactive compound, and MAO inhibitors from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which prevent DMT from being broken down in the body. Together, these components induce altered states of consciousness, including vivid visions, emotional insights, and spiritual experiences. However, unlike many Western perceptions of psychedelics, Ayahuasca is traditionally viewed as a medicinal and spiritual tool rather than just a recreational substance.

An Ayahuasca retreat is not a rehab in the traditional sense, but it can provide therapeutic and transformative experiences that some people find helpful for addressing issues like trauma, addiction, or emotional challenges. Unlike rehab centers, which focus on structured medical and psychological treatments, Ayahuasca retreats center around ceremonial use of Ayahuasca, often guided by indigenous traditions, and emphasize spiritual growth, self-discovery, and healing. While some participants may seek retreats for personal healing, they should not replace professional medical or rehabilitation programs for serious conditions, but rather complement them.