SoulCentro Iboga Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Portalón, Costa Rica

If you are considering iboga in Costa Rica, SoulCentro has operated since around 2014 as a boutique retreat center in the southern hills above Portalón village, facilitating traditional Bwiti ceremonies with founders Chor Boogie and Elizabeth Bast. The center emphasizes soul connection in a rainforest setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, supporting participants through immersive experiences tied to Gabonese origins via NGO Ebota A Maghanga. Offerings included eight-day retreats at $5,500, featuring iboga ceremonies, integration, and luxury amenities, but as of August 2025, retreats are paused for sabbatical following a 2024 guest death and regulatory scrutiny, with no resumption dates announced across official sources or forums.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: A private jungle property in the hills above Portalón village, Costa Rica, with ocean views, pool, yoga deck, and rainforest access for serene immersion.
• Approach: Traditional Missoko Bwiti, using sustainably harvested iboga root bark in ceremonies for groups of 6 to 10, enhanced by spiritual showers, yoga, and creative integration.
• Suitable For: Those seeking trauma healing or soul connection in Costa Rica, preferring luxury with cultural authenticity, though feedback notes physical challenges and risks.
• Costs: $5,500 for eight-day programs in Portalón, covering ceremonies, gourmet meals, accommodation, medical support, and integration; paused as of 2025 with no pricing updates available.
• Overall Assessment: Notable for profound transformations and supportive care, with concerns over safety post-2024 incident and regulatory impacts.

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Participants in SoulCentro iboga sessions in Portalón, Costa Rica, frequently describe the medicine as a major breakthrough, with one 2024 testimonial on AyaAdvisors—a commercial review site where centers pay to play—noting clarity and soul connection surpassing years of other plant work. The safe container provided by Chor and Elizabeth is praised, as in Trustpilot reviews highlighting their Bwiti training and loving hold during vulnerability. Experiences include luxury meets healing in the jungle setting with private suites and gourmet food, though some found the process physically taxing. Aggregated from Trustpilot entries averaging around 4 stars and limited Retreat Guru—a commercial review site where centers pay to play—entries at 5/5 stars: Strong on deep healing and facilitator empathy, varied on intensity. Recent 2024 testimonials emphasize life-changing shifts, such as one attendee feeling forever grateful for the dedicated support and another equating it to profound ancestral connection. A 2024 Tripadvisor review notes the safest ceremonies experienced, while Reddit threads from 2024 discuss mixed outcomes including hellish journeys. No 2025 guest feedback located in searches; we encourage sharing your perspective through our submission form to maintain current insights.

🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/iboga and r/Psychonaut, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no confirmed cases of theft or sexual misconduct directly connected to SoulCentro iboga retreats in Portalón, Costa Rica, have emerged; however, one verified guest death occurred in 2024, alongside unverified financial misconduct claims.

• Theft: Public forums, ICEERS data, and news searches reveal no accounts of stolen belongings or valuables at SoulCentro plant medicine ceremonies.
• Sexual Misconduct: Searches across Reddit, Facebook, news databases, and ICEERS show no complaints, allegations, or legal issues involving SoulCentro staff or guides in iboga sessions.
• Crime: No arrests, police involvement, or violence linked to SoulCentro appears in Google News, Costa Rican media, retreat forums, or ICEERS documentation; however, a 40-year-old American woman, Lauren Levis, died of cardiac arrest on August 5, 2024, during a retreat, per DoubleBlind and CR Hoy reports, prompting an investigation concluded in March 2025 with no charges, though scrutiny increased on iboga practices.

That said, a September 2024 Reddit post on r/iboga alleges financial misconduct with donations not fully reaching Africa, remaining unverified. The 2024 death sparked Reddit discussions from 2024, including a claimed family member detailing lack of transparency and continued retreats post-incident. SoulCentro’s reputation remains mixed online due to these issues, alongside broader iboga hazards like cardiac strain in unregulated environments noted in ICEERS studies. No publicly available reports of additional incidents exist as of August 2025.

🔍 Critical Notes

SoulCentro’s iboga programs in Portalón, Costa Rica, seek to provide meaningful transformation through Bwiti frameworks and luxury support. Positive aspects include integration practices like fire talks assisting in applying insights to daily routines. However, considerations include iboga root bark potentially posing cardiac risks, and group sizes up to 10 possibly limiting individualized attention during peaks. Regulatory contexts: Costa Rica operates in ambiguous territory with iboga not banned but under increased scrutiny post-2024 death, leading to pauses in operations. Following the sabbatical announced in 2024, monitor for resumptions, as emphasis may lean more toward ethical practices; direct confirmation of protocols is advisable, given occasional unverified reports of inconsistencies.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

For SoulCentro iboga retreats in Portalón, Costa Rica, screening involves comprehensive medical and psychiatric disclosures regarding cardiovascular, hepatic, and psychological conditions. Preparation encompasses dietary and mental readiness, complemented by post-session discussions and access to integration sessions. Reports indicate variability in broader iboga contexts, such as instances where conditions led to difficulties. Research suggests iboga participants may encounter cardiac or transient challenges like heightened anxiety, particularly without groundwork. For trauma, benefits may include reconnection, yet avoidance is recommended for those on certain medications or with heart issues due to interaction risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential prior to engaging in iboga sessions in Costa Rica.

🧪 Brew Substance

SoulCentro employs iboga root bark as the primary component, forming traditional Bwiti preparations distinct from other psychedelics. Participants report it facilitates breakthrough introspection with potential physical effects. Supplementary elements like spiritual showers aid in purification. Those expecting milder potency may find it intense, so alignment with preferences is key for plant medicine engagements in Costa Rica. No changes noted in 2025.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Costa Rica: Situated high in the hills above Portalón village, the venue provides private suites with ocean vistas and jungle access conducive to quiet consideration, suitable for immersive ceremonies.
• Style: Emphasizes Bwiti elements with inclusions like yoga, meditation, breathwork, and gourmet meals focused on nutrition. Group interactions promote connection, incorporating Gabonese ceremonial practices.

Practical guidance: Arrive via LIR airport with private shuttle; local transport options are straightforward, but with retreats paused, no 2025 availability noted.

Should You Book?

SoulCentro presents a viable option for iboga retreats in Portalón, Costa Rica, particularly for those valuing Bwiti traditions amid luxury. With high ratings on personal development from testimonials, it suits exploration of healing or purpose. Nevertheless, if safety assurances or current operations are priorities, paused status and variable assessments on risks warrant review. The sabbatical development merits ongoing observation. Should preparation and follow-through align with your needs, it may prove beneficial; thorough evaluation is recommended.

The Team & Story

Initiated by Chor Boogie and Elizabeth Bast, SoulCentro originated from a commitment to Bwiti iboga in Costa Rica. Expansion includes NGO Ebota A Maghanga partnerships, assembling a team exceeding members like Dr. Douglas Rosales for medical support and Robert for facilitation. The narrative centers on fostering soul wholeness, influencing cultural preservation. Operations paused in 2024 with no team changes reported in 2025.

Prep & Integration Tips

Prior to participation: Adhere to a compatible diet for two weeks, excluding stimulants; fully disclose health details. Bring comfortable attire, a notebook, and an eye covering. Following: Document reflections, engage in provided forums, or arrange professional support. Effective integration sustains benefits; avoid abrupt returns to routine activities.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings are managed through SoulCentro’s platform; consult their schedule for details. Costa Rica options: Eight-day at $5,500, encompassing ceremonies, nutrition, lodging, and supportive activities. Paused as of 2025 with no resumption dates in searches, indicating a lack of public updates.