Retreat Centers

Heaven and Earth Sanctuary

San Jos茅, Costa Rica
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Heaven and Earth Sanctuary Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Costa Rica

If you are considering ayahuasca in Costa Rica, Heaven and Earth Sanctuary has operated since 2005, facilitating plant medicine sessions along the Rio Chirrip贸 in Chimirol, Rivas, near Mt. Chirrip贸. The riverside retreat center hosts groups up to 15 for exclusive use, blending sacred geometry, natural building, and regenerative practices in a 10-acre lush sanctuary. Offerings include all-inclusive retreats with three farm-to-table meals, use of the Red Serpent Temple for ceremonies, open-air yoga pagoda, sacred copper pyramid for meditation, yoni garden, outdoor fire-pits, and direct river access for swimming in crystal-clear pools. Pricing isn’t public but similar Costa Rican retreats suggest $500-$1,000 for multi-day stays, with vegetarian/vegan options accommodating dietary needs. It is worth noting the serene mountain and jungle setting praised for grounding energy, with positive guest feedback for transformative ceremonies and caring community, though some note the remote location’s isolation, without major safety issues reported as of August 2025.

馃幆 At a Glance

  • Locations: 10-acre riverside sanctuary in Chimirol, Rivas, near Mt. Chirrip贸 in Costa Rica, with lush jungle, landscaped gardens, exotic flowers, and crystal-clear Rio Chirrip贸 for natural swimming pools and hot rocks lounging.
  • Approach: Nature-inspired and regenerative, using ayahuasca in rituals with small groups and additions like meditation in the copper pyramid, yoga in the pagoda, and community circles, emphasizing flow and sacred geometry.
  • Suitable For: Those seeking emotional release or preferring supportive, nature-immersed settings in Costa Rica, with feedback highlighting value for spiritual breakthroughs and personal growth.
  • Costs: Estimated $500-$1,000 for multi-day group hosting, covering three farm-to-table meals (specializing in vegetarian/vegan), accommodation (single or double occupancy in unique natural-built houses), WiFi, promotion, and access to massage therapist; private bookings available between retreats.
  • Overall Assessment: A peaceful, intimate haven championing sustainability and light work in Costa Rican ayahuasca retreats 2025, ideal for profound immersion with thoughtful details.

馃挰 What Guests Are Saying

Participants in Heaven and Earth Sanctuary ayahuasca sessions in Costa Rica frequently highlight powerful ceremonies as profound and life-altering, guided by masterful presence and music for deep trust. The caring community draws praise, with accounts emphasizing warm, family-like support fostering connection. Experiences include stunning location near Mt. Chirrip贸, with serene mountain energy grounding journeys, and integration focus ensuring lasting impact. Aggregated from Tripadvisor (limited but favorable reviews) and site mentions: Strong on safety, positive on overall resonance, with acclaim for the intimate, exclusive vibe and thoughtful upgrades.

We encourage sharing your perspective through our submission form to maintain current insights.

馃毄 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/CostaRicaTravel, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing, Ayahuasca Experiences, and Costa Rica Expats, news outlets like Google News and Tico Times, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no confirmed cases of theft, sexual misconduct, or crime directly connected to Heaven and Earth Sanctuary ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica have emerged.

  • Theft: Public forums, ICEERS data, and news searches reveal no accounts of stolen belongings or valuables at Heaven and Earth Sanctuary plant medicine ceremonies; Reddit and Quora yielded no complaints, and Retreat Guru reviews focus on positive aspects.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Searches across Reddit, Facebook, news databases, and ICEERS show no complaints, allegations, or legal issues involving Heaven and Earth Sanctuary staff or guides in ayahuasca sessions. While broader ayahuasca retreat risks exist, no Heaven and Earth Sanctuary-specific cases were documented (e.g., 2021 ICEERS Ayahuasca Safety Report).
  • Crime: No arrests, police involvement, or violence linked to Heaven and Earth Sanctuary appears in Google News, Costa Rican media (e.g., La Naci贸n), retreat forums, or ICEERS documentation; the remote location may contribute to its clean record.

That said, general Costa Rica ayahuasca discussions from 2023-2025 highlight broader risks like unregulated centers or boundary issues in unrelated spots, but nothing ties to Heaven and Earth Sanctuary. Heaven and Earth Sanctuary鈥檚 online reputation remains clean with positive mentions, alongside general ayahuasca hazards like psychological strain in unregulated environments noted in ICEERS studies. No publicly available reports of additional incidents exist.

New update as of August 2025: Recent Tripadvisor reviews from July 2025 praise serene, safe facilitation with no new concerns, aligning with consistent positive sentiment for Mt. Chirrip贸-area journeys; a 2025 Facebook post in Costa Rica Expats echoed the sanctuary’s upgrades without safety flags.

馃攳 Critical Notes

Heaven and Earth Sanctuary’s ayahuasca programs in Costa Rica seek to provide meaningful transformation through ancestral frameworks and group support. Positive aspects include the copper pyramid meditation and yoni garden that assist in energy flow, with outdoor fire-pits fostering harmony. However, considerations include the remote location potentially amplifying isolation during ceremonies, reliance on facilitators without on-site medical staff, and the focus on hosting groups up to 15 that could vary dynamics. Regulatory contexts: Costa Rica permits plant medicine in wellness settings with variable oversight, but Rivas’ rural spots add logistical challenges. Direct confirmation of dietary protocols, facilitator expertise from hosted light workers, and emergency measures is advisable, given occasional reports of intensity in similar Costa Rican retreats.

馃啒 Screening & Mental Health Risks

For Heaven and Earth Sanctuary ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica, screening involves consultations for health and intentions, with guidelines avoiding contraindications like certain medications. Preparation encompasses dietary readiness and mental guidance, complemented by post-session integration through workshops. Reports indicate supportive environments, but general ayahuasca research suggests approximately 55 percent of participants encounter transient challenges like heightened anxiety, particularly without sufficient groundwork. For individuals addressing trauma, benefits may include emotional reconnection, yet avoidance is recommended for those on certain medications due to interaction risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential prior to engaging in ayahuasca sessions near Mt. Chirrip贸, Costa Rica.

馃И Brew Substance

Heaven and Earth Sanctuary employs traditional ayahuasca, prepared with reverence for ancestral methods, forming a preparation that catalyzes deep personal transformation and heart-opening. Participants report it facilitates profound catharsis with insights into patterns, while add-ons like breathwork enhance grounding. Supplementary elements like embodiment practices aid therapeutic processes. Those expecting conventional potency should align with preferences for plant medicine engagements in Costa Rica, noting the emphasis on allyship for self-healing.

馃搷 Location, Setting & Style

  • Costa Rica: Situated in Chimirol, Rivas, near Mt. Chirrip贸, the venue provides a 10-acre riverside sanctuary with jungle, gardens, and crystal-clear Rio Chirrip贸 for natural swimming.
  • Setting: Immersed in lush tropical forest with fauna like monkeys and birds for reflection and reconnection to nature.
  • Style: Emphasizes regenerative elements with inclusions like meditation in the copper pyramid, yoga in the pagoda, group circles, and farm-to-table meals (vegetarian/vegan). Group interactions promote healing, incorporating sacred geometry without dependency.

Practical guidance: Arrive via San Jose airport (SJO, 3 hours away); local transport options are straightforward, and advance reservations are suggested for 2025 availability.

Should You Book?

Heaven and Earth Sanctuary presents a viable option for ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica, particularly for those valuing nature peace and light work over luxury. With positive testimonials for profound outcomes and caring teams, it suits exploration of healing or purpose. Nevertheless, if medical oversight or urban access are priorities, the remote setting warrants review. Should preparation and integration align with your needs, it may prove beneficial; thorough evaluation is recommended.

The Team & Story

Initiated by Thomas Whittier in 2005 using sacred geometry and natural building for flow, Heaven and Earth Sanctuary originated as a riverside haven for light workers. Guardianship passed to Carole Maureen Frieseen in 2017 with upgrades like new houses, yoni garden, altars, and copper pyramid. The narrative centers on fostering wholeness through retreats, trainings, and workshops, influencing programs that spread work worldwide. The approach prioritizes guidance, with skills in hosting and regenerative practices.

Prep & Integration Tips

Prior to participation: Adhere to dietary guidelines; disclose medical details for contraindications. Bring comfortable attire, a notebook, and an eye covering. Following: Document reflections, engage in workshops, or arrange professional support. Effective integration sustains benefits; avoid abrupt returns to routine activities.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Powerful ceremonies notedRemote location isolation
Nurturing integration resourcesNo on-site medical staff
Stunning Mt. Chirrip贸 settingGroup hosting variability
Caring community vibePotential logistical challenges

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings are managed through Heaven and Earth Sanctuary’s platform; consult their schedule for details. Costa Rica programs: Multi-day group hosting with ayahuasca, encompassing ceremonies, nutrition, lodging, and supportive activities. Check booking page for availability.

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