Santa Elena, Costa Rica (Near Perez Zeledon)

Plant Medicine, Icaros, and Voice Activation Retreat

Retreat Summary

Experience an indigenous-led, sacred ceremonial container with MamaAya, and learn some of her powerful medicine songs. This retreat embodies a safe container for healing, learning ancient shamanic traditions, and activating the true essence of your unique voice.

JULY 12th-20th, 2025

One of the core teachings that Aya helps many of us realize is the power of our voices. The words we choose internally and externally shape the fabric of our lives. You are invited to a portal of voice activation aligned with your true essence, and informed by shamanic wisdoms, and Aya’s powerful Icaros, or medicine songs. All participants will take part in 3 traditional Aya ceremonies, and be invited to voice activation workshops. We will also teach 3 immensely special Icaros - the songs used to drive the energy and vibration of Aya’s sacred ceremonies. Come get your healing on, and tap into the power of your voice!

PRICING:

Phase 1, through December 1st 2024: $3150 (Shared), $4250 (Private)

Phase 2 December 2nd through May 1st 2025: $3450 (Shared), $4550 (Private)

Phase 3, starting May 2nd 2025: $3750 (Shared), $4850 (Private)

+ $250 In-Person Cash Payment for Sacred Plants (one time fee includes all plants and sacraments)

Transportation, Schedule, Facilitator, and Registration

Getting to Santa Elana, Costa Rica

The retreat price is all-inclusive outside of air travel and a single night accommodation at a hotel in San Jose our first night of the adventure (plus in-person cash fee for medicines). We will procure a group rate for the hotel so that we can all leave together in the AM for our retreat home. Participants will fly into the San Jose, Costa Rica airport anytime on or before July 12th. We will then provide transportation to the retreat at 8 am on day two (July 13th) via a luxury shuttle. We also provide transportation back to the San Jose airport on the last day of the retreat. Please do not book your plane travel until after your application has been accepted.

Schedule

DAY 1 (July 12th) - All participants will arrive at any time to the San Jose, Costa Rica airport. You'll procure your own transportation (cabs are inexpensive) to a local hotel; we will reserve a discounted block of rooms and share the location with each participant. Everyone is encouraged to get a good night's sleep, as the shuttle leaves at 8 am the next morning from the hotel.

DAY 2 (July 13th) - The shuttle will leave the hotel at 8 am with all participants - it's about a 3.5 hour drive to our gorgeous sanctuary. Upon arrival, everyone will check in and receive a tour of the retreat, as well as access to their assigned tents. We will then have a light, nutritious lunch, and gather together for our opening talking circle. We'll get to know each other, discuss the format of the retreat, meet our Maestros/Maestras, and connect with the land, asking for permission to do our sacred work.

DAY 3 (July 14th) - After breakfast, the first Temazcal ceremony is offered for group 1, while group 2 will take a walk to a nearby waterfall. We will enjoy lunch, and then connect as a tribe to prepare for the first Aya ceremony, which happens later in the evening. After the ceremony circle is closed, we will light a spirit fire and invite folks to end the night in the vibration of this magical element.

DAY 4 (July 15th) - After breakfast, we will offer delicious flower baths, working with our intentions and connecting with the land. We’ll then teach an Icaro and have our first voice activation workshop. After dinner, we’ll come together for an integration circle, then get a good night’s sleep.

DAY 5 (July 16th) - The second Temazcal and waterfall walk is offered after breakfast, and then later in the afternoon, we will have our second voice activation and Icaro workshop. We’ll then do interviews with each participant in preparation for our second Aya ceremony, which will occur this evening.

DAY 6 (July 17th) - After breakfast and morning flower baths, we’ll have a lovely lunch, and then we will have an integration circle and give more language to the magic that is transpiring. After dinner, we’ll have our final Icaro and voice activation workshop.

DAY 7 (July 18th) - Breakfast, morning flower baths, and time for rest will begin our day, and then after lunch, we will meet as a tribe to ground in strong intentions for our final Aya ceremony with that evening.

DAY 8 (July 19th) - On our last day as a family; we will have a celebration with Mama Cacao - a glorious heart-opening experience to complete our sacred time together. Then we will give back to the land in a beautiful tree planting ceremony. We’ll have a delicious celebratory dinner that night, and a fire ceremony as a grand send off!

DAY 9 (July 20th) - After a final breakfast and a chance to honor the incredible retreat staff, we will hop on a shuttle back to the San Jose airport. We encourage everyone to book flights home no earlier than 2:30 pm local time to ensure plenty of time to make our flights. For those that want to explore Costa Rica further, we are happy to offer suggestions and assist with transportation.

To Apply

Fill out the questionnaire below, and a team member will respond within 24 hours to confirm participation and availability. You do not need to pay a deposit until after your application has been accepted. Installment plans most welcome too - we can create one tailored for your needs once the application is accepted. We are so very honored to have you in the Plant Medicine People Tribe!

Retreat Facilitator

The retreat is led and facilitated by Don Moises, an Ayahausquero with many years of training and experience, as well as a team of compassionate, trauma-informed, and highly gifted facilitators. We have a ratio of 1 facilitator per 6 participants, so everyone is very well taken care of in and out of ceremony. Our team are meticulously trained, impeccable with all levels of safety, and completely accessible during the entire week - we are committed to your healing and happiness!

More Testimonials From Past Retreats

For a complete list of verified retreat reviews, access our WeTravel profile here.

This retreat was everything I hoped for and more! From the amazing staff and accommodations to the absolute dream team for medicine ceremonies! I am blown away by the way PMP holds their ceremonies! So much love, safety, integrity, magic! By far the best group of people I have sat with. I am beyond grateful for this experience, for the magic of the plants, for the medicine, the safely held container, the new friends/family, and ALL of the healing and lessons I get to take with me. PS don’t skip the Temezcal it was an amazing experience as well 💗 Everything was so well thought out and put together and I’m already planning when I can come be with this beautiful group of people again! Gracias 🙏

- Lacey B, Utah. July 2024 Participant

Absolutely off the charts! The accommodations and facility was above and beyond what I expected. Everything was exceptionally clean and the food was phenomenal. The location was also stellar with what it provides and its beauty. This is second to the All-Star team of space holders for the retreat. Each one of them is an exceptional human with expert skill sets. I would return in a second. Highly, highly recommended!

- Aaron R, Florida, July 2024 Participant

I am so grateful to the Plant Medicine People team for facilitating one of the most amazing experienced of my life. I was a little fearful of traveling to another country, but they teamed us up with other journeyers and tips along the way. Every detail was thought of, and I felt safe getting to the destination. Once there, I found myself in the most hospitable setting. Roommates and "buddies" were paired w/ much intention and skill and  it showed. The medicine experiences were held by an amazing team who helped guide me through the grief and darkness I was experiencing and back into trust and faith. This was one of the most healing experiences of my life, and I am so thankful to the Plant Medicine People for guiding us through it so gracefully, skillfully, and lovingly. If you are considering a medicine retreat I couldn't recommend anyone more.

- Melissa L, Illinois, March 2024 Participant

This was the bravest, most radical experience I have yet to encounter, but it was so badly needed for my continuing evolution in this lifetime. EVERYTHING was enriching and amazing! The leaders were candid and non-judgmental; always open to enhance our journey to its highest level. Ever attendee who joined in this experience was loving, kind and supportive. The grounds were tranquil and beautifully landscaped. The food was delicious, interesting and healthy. The staff was warm and accommodating. I pray for the forward movement that ALL can openly experience plant medicine without political or governmental interference. I’m certain there would be much less stress or fear in our world if we were free to allow the gifts from Mother Earth to heal our bodies, minds and souls. I am sending continued love, peace and joy to all those who travel along this path.

- Joyce Smith, NV, Nov 2022 Participant

I am eternally thankful to everyone involved in this journey! I did hardly ANY research, I just trusted the call and dove in head first. If not for someone close to my heart I would never have done this. Every time I think I'm doing an experience for someone else, I find that I get WAY more out of it myself than I realized I needed. I can be skeptical at times and my skepticism gets peeled away one layer at a time. Thank you Kat and Laura for handling everything and making this experience absolute magic! The food was absolutely incredible! Thank you all for being so kind and gentle. I felt so comforted and joyful, I had the best, big belly laughs. The breath work was perfect for me as I get some panic attacks with hyperventilating and I think this will help me immensely! Thank you to the guardians for your kindness and patience, you were ALWAYS there for us. You always seemed to know what we needed. This journey was more meaningful than I can express in a single review, but just know that if it calls for you, then do it I'm in awe of everyone involved. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me!

- Noly S, Nevada, Nov 2022 Participant