Ayahuasca Ceremony in Costa Rica
Take part in a SMALL, trauma-informed ayahuasca ceremony on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Held in our jungle home, in groups of FOUR or fewer, with deep care for each person.
ceremonies with us
We hold ayahuasca ceremonies in Costa Rica from our home in the rainforest of the Caribbean coast. Our ceremonies are small and personal, with four guests or fewer, so each person is held closely and safely. Whether you are already in Costa Rica or seeking a single, focused experience rather than a full retreat, you are warmly welcome here.
What Is an Ayahuasca Ceremony?
An ayahuasca ceremony is a guided journey in which participants drink ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian plant medicine, under the care of experienced facilitators. The ceremony usually takes place at night, in a held and protected space, and is supported with song, intention and close guidance throughout.
Ayahuasca has been worked with for generations across the Amazon as a sacrament for, cleaning, healing and insight. A ceremony is the heart of that work, a space to meet yourself honestly, with support around you the whole way.
What Happens During an Ayahuasca Ceremony?
Every space is different, and here is how we hold ours.
We begin with preparation. Arriving at our home mid-afternoon, we start with making our own floral baths. We then go onto having a detailed conversation about the ceremony, its chronology, what to expect and how to work with the medicine.
Once the floral baths have been given, our evening begins gently, as we gather and settle the space with intention and an offering to the land. When the time feels right, each person is invited to drink, and we then rest in low light as the medicine begins its work. Through the night we hold the space with icaros, song, music and presence, and you are supported one to one whenever you need it.
The experience is different for everyone. Some journeys are quiet and inward, others more active. As the night closes, we come back together gently, closing the space with prayer, and the following day is given to rest, sharing and the beginning of integration.
A Single Ceremony, or a Full Retreat?
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A single ceremony:
A single ceremony is a focused experience, well suited to those already in Costa Rica or wanting one evening of deep work whilst visiting the area.
It can be a good introduction to this medicine or as a way to reconnect if you have worked with Ayahuasca before.
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A Retreat:
A retreat offers more. Several days of ceremony, rest, supporting therapies and integration, all held together in one journey, with preparation and aftercare woven in.
If you feel drawn to a fuller experience, you are warmly invited to explore our ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica.
Held With Care
We take safety seriously at every stage. Before any ceremony, each person completes a medical and psychological screening, so we can be sure the work is right for them. Our team is trauma-informed, and we keep every ceremony to six guests or fewer, so no one is without close support.
Although we sit deep in the rainforest, the nearest health clinic is only 20 minutes away.
Your ceremony is held by us, Fiona and Neil Kirwan, founders of Sowa Soma.
Between us we hold 30 years of combined experience in this work, and we have spent the last 5 years serving from our home on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
You work with us directly, from your first conversation through to the ceremony itself.
Held by Fiona & Neil
HOW TO PREPARE
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Preparation begins before you arrive. We guide you through a cleansing diet in the days beforehand, which readies the body and begins your relationship with the medicine. We talk this through with you personally, so it suits your circumstances.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
The medicine is one part of the journey. What follows matters just as much. We support you with integration, helping you make sense of your experience and carry it gently into daily life.
THE PRACTICal details
Our ceremonies are held at our home in the rainforest near Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean coast. The nearest airport is Limón, and the nearest town and bus station are in Puerto Viejo. We are happy to help with directions and travel, we can also provide a pick up and drop service as our home is located on a dirt road so 4×4 may be required at certain times of the year.
To take part, begin by enquiring below. We will arrange a video call, send you a screening form, and once we are both happy it is the right fit, confirm the details with you.
map provides general area location.
FROM THOSE WHO HAVE SAT WITH US
Frequently Asked Questions
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An ayahuasca ceremony is a guided gathering where participants drink ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian plant medicine, under the care of experienced facilitators. It usually takes place at night in a protected space, supported with song, intention and close guidance, as a space for healing and insight.
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We hold ayahuasca ceremonies at our home in the rainforest of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, near Puerto Viejo. Ceremonies are small, with four guests or fewer, and held with careful screening and trauma-informed support. You can enquire through our website to begin.
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An ayahuasca ceremony usually takes place through the evening and into the night, often lasting several (4-6) hours. The following day is given to rest, sharing and the beginning of integration, which is why ceremony is best approached with time and space around it rather than rushed.
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Ayahuasca is not prohibited in Costa Rica, which is one reason the country has become one of the most established and respected places in the world to take part in ceremony. This allows centres to work openly and with care, within a long-standing community of practice.
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Safety guides everything we do. Every guest is screened before taking part, our team is trauma-informed, and ceremonies are kept to six people or fewer, so support is always close. Although we are deep in the rainforest, the nearest health clinic is only 20 minutes away.
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Yes. Alongside our set retreats, we hold individual ceremonies for those who want a single, focused experience. This suits people already in Costa Rica, those whose dates do not match a retreat, or anyone wishing to begin gently with one ceremony. Reach out and we will talk it through.
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We keep every ceremony to four guests or fewer. Small groups are central to how we work, allowing close, personal guidance and a calmer, safer space, with care shaped around each person rather than a crowd.
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Preparation begins with a cleansing diet in the days before, which readies the body and begins your relationship with the medicine. We guide you through this personally during screening, so it suits your circumstances. You can read the full details on our diet page.
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A ceremony is a single, focused session, often one evening. A retreat is a multi-day journey that holds several ceremonies alongside rest, supporting therapies, preparation and integration. A ceremony suits a focused experience, while a retreat offers fuller immersion over several days.
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Comfortable clothing, anything that helps you feel at ease, a water bottle, swimwear, towel, and an open heart & mind, with an honest intention. We guide you on everything practical once you book, so you arrive prepared and able to simply be present.
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The first step is a relaxed discovery call with us, so we can understand what you are looking for and answer your questions. From there you complete a short health and screening form, and once we are both happy it is the right fit, you reserve your place.
