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Shanti Wasi Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Costa Rica

Shanti Wasi offers 3-day ayahuasca retreats on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, featuring 2 ceremony nights and a full integration day, operating since 2008. The retreat provides small, intimate experiences focused on traditional plant medicine work in a safe and nurturing environment, keeping retreats affordable and rooted in tradition.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Located at Ojo del Mar Ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula, Shanti Wasi sits steps from the beach surrounded by Costa Rica’s biodiversity-rich jungle, home to 2.5% of the earth’s biodiversity. The property features cabins with fully equipped kitchens and private bathrooms, plus a large temple/practice studio for ceremonies.
• Approach: Small, intimate retreats with a maximum of 25 participants, though typically smaller groups. Ceremonies feature traditional icaros from Shipibo and Mestizo lineages sung by dedicated musician-facilitators, creating a rich musical healing environment.
• Suitable For: The retreat welcomes both newcomers to plant medicine and experienced participants, fostering a relaxed atmosphere that makes transformative practice accessible to all. Ideal for those seeking self-discovery and open to surrendering to the plant’s teachings.
• Costs: The retreat maintains affordable pricing while upholding traditional values, though specific costs weren’t detailed in available sources. Includes accommodations, meals, individual consultation, live music, and access to beaches and waterfalls.
• Overall Assessment: Directory evaluation: B+ (notable for intimate musical ceremonies and biodiversity setting, points deducted for limited transparency on facilitator credentials and pricing).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Reviews consistently highlight transformative experiences with guests describing life-changing impacts and praising the warm, welcoming team led by Jim and Trisha. Participants frequently mention feeling like family during their stay and appreciating the musical talents of the entire team who create magical ceremonial environments. First-time participants report profound healing, increased life productivity, and lasting peace following their experiences. The facilitators receive consistent praise for their ability to balance guidance with equality, providing attentive support and answering questions thoroughly before and during retreats. The natural setting with monkeys, macaws, and jungle immersion adds significantly to the healing atmosphere guests experience.

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🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no incidents or safety concerns were found regarding Shanti Wasi.

• Theft: No reports of theft or financial misconduct found across platforms checked.
• Sexual Misconduct: No reports of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior found across sources reviewed.
• Crime: No criminal allegations, arrests, or legal issues discovered in available public records or online discussions.

The retreat appears to maintain a positive reputation with no negative warnings or concerning reports identified in Reddit communities or other online forums.

New update as of March 2026: No new incidents or concerns reported.

🔍 Critical Notes

Shanti Wasi demonstrates commitment to traditional practices by honoring Shipibo and Mestizo lineages while maintaining intimate group sizes and affordable pricing since 2008. Their medicine is sourced from a local Amazon family with generational experience in preparation, handled with respect and traditional methods. However, the retreat’s website provides limited detailed information about specific facilitator credentials, medical screening protocols, or emergency procedures. They do implement wellness forms and individual check-ins, with staff review of participant suitability before arrival. Costa Rica’s regulatory environment for ayahuasca operates in a legal gray area, requiring participants to understand potential risks and ensure personal medical clearance.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

Shanti Wasi requires guests to complete wellness forms after booking, with staff reviewing submissions and contacting participants if considerations are needed before arrival. The retreat conducts one-on-one in-person check-ins on arrival day before ceremonies to address any emerging concerns. While this shows some screening effort, the specific medical and psychological criteria aren’t detailed publicly. Potential participants should consult healthcare providers before attending, especially those with mental health conditions, heart problems, or taking medications that may interact with ayahuasca.

🧪 Brew Substance

Shanti Wasi serves traditional ayahuasca made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine combined with chacruna leaves, prepared according to traditional Amazon practices used by over 75 indigenous tribes. The medicine is grown and prepared by a local Amazon family with generational experience, using fully hand-made processes with respect and humility toward the healing plants. This represents authentic ayahuasca rather than mislabeled alternatives, maintaining traditional brewing methods and sourcing.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Costa Rica: The Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica houses 2.5% of Earth’s biodiversity, creating one of the planet’s most biodiverse environments. The natural rhythm includes monkey chatter, tropical bird songs, and ocean wave pulses, providing an immersive jungle experience.
• Setting: Ojo del Mar Ecolodge features cabins with fully equipped kitchens and private bathrooms, positioned steps from the beach with a large temple/practice studio for ceremonies. The beautiful resort location combines jungle and beach access for diverse natural experiences.
• Style: 3-day retreats include 2 ceremony nights with a full integration day, featuring accommodations, meals, individual consultation, live music, and access to beaches and waterfalls. Pre-retreat immersion options allow guests to settle into the healing energy and connect with team members before ceremonies.

Practical guidance: Access is 17km from Puerto Jimenez toward Cabo Matapalo/Corcovado National Park, turning left at a white sign after the first river crossing. Immersion packages are available for early arrival to experience the natural environment before retreat begins.

Should You Book?

Shanti Wasi suits both newcomers and experienced participants seeking intimate, traditional plant medicine work in a spectacular natural setting with musical ceremony elements. The retreat appeals to those valuing affordability, traditional approaches, and small group dynamics over luxury amenities or extensive medical protocols. However, individuals requiring detailed facilitator credentials, comprehensive medical screening information, or luxury accommodations may prefer retreats with more transparent operational details and higher-end facilities.

The Team & Story

The retreat is led by Jim and Trisha (also referenced as Jim and Sassy), supported by a musical team described as having great presence and talented voices and instruments. Operating since 2008, Shanti Wasi represents a team of individuals committed to health and wellbeing through master teaching plants. They work with the Sanchez Family of the Peruvian Amazon and honor Shipibo and Mestizo lineages alongside other Amazonian traditions through their icaro singing practice.

Prep & Integration Tips

The Shanti Wasi team provides support during preparation phases leading up to retreat attendance. They offer both immersion opportunities before retreats and integration support afterward, available on and off-site. Each 3-day retreat dedicates a full day to integration work alongside the 2 ceremony nights. Specific dietary requirements or preparation protocols weren’t detailed in available information, suggesting participants should inquire directly about pre-retreat guidelines.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

After booking, guests receive retreat information and join a WhatsApp group connecting them with staff and other participants. The experience includes accommodations, meals, individual consultation, live music, and access to natural beauty including beaches and waterfalls.