Your pilgrimage begins, and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Welcome to your comprehensive travel preparation guide for Soltara Healing Center in Playa Blanca, Costa Rica. This step-by-step guide ensures you’re well-prepared for a seamless and stress-free arrival.

• Traveler’s Medical Insurance: Mandatory coverage for your dates of travel. This must be international travel insurance—regular health insurance from your home country typically does not meet this requirement. You’re welcome to use a provider from your own country, or you may purchase coverage through Costa Rican providers such as INS or Sagicor.
• Proof of Onward Travel: Required within the 90-day tourist visa limit. Check your specific country’s requirements.
• Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Depending on your country of origin, visa requirements may apply.
• Yellow Fever Vaccine: Required if traveling from certain countries such as Peru. See the list here.
• Arrival Form: Once you book your flights, complete your Soltara arrival form.
• Balance Due: Bring your remaining balance due in like-new, USD bills (if applicable.)

• Arrival: Book flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
  • We offer pickup on Day 1 of your retreat
    • 10 am pickup at the Fairfield by Marriot San Jose Airport Hotel, for an 10:30 am sharp departure with the group shuttle.
  • We recommend arriving the day before, in case of any flight delays.
  • If flying in on Day 1, your flight must land by 7 am to catch the shuttle.
  • Ayahuasca-friendly lunch will be provided for you during travel.
  • For any time-sensitive questions or travel updates surrounding your arrival and/or departure, you can contact our Retreat Director Ilan via WhatsApp at +1 (250)-751-5313
• Departure: Group shuttle will depart Soltara at 10:30 am on the last day, ensuring you’re back at the Wyndham and Fairfield Hotels by 3:30 – 4 pm.
  • We highly recommend departing at least 1 day after your retreat ends.

• Check-in is between 3:00 – 4:00 pm if you are coming from elsewhere in Costa Rica or do not wish to travel with the group. Please indicate this on your arrival form.

  • Ferry Coordination: If meeting the shuttle at the Puntarenas Ferry Port, plan to be there by 1:00 pm for the 1:30 pm ferry departure. Indicate this on your arrival form so we can purchase your ferry ticket.
  • Driving Instructions: Use Google Maps for accurate directions to Soltara Playa Blanca. Look for the black “Playa Blanca” sign with colored letters off the main paved road, when nearing Soltara from the direction of the ferry. After that turn onto the dirt road, Maps defines the correct road straight to our main gate.
  • For any time-sensitive questions or travel updates surrounding your arrival and/or departure, you can contact our Retreat Director Ilan via WhatsApp at +1 (250)-751-5313
  • Taxi/Private Transport: For reliable transfers, consider booking with Montezuma Travels. Contact via:
    • Email: [email protected]
    • WhatsApp: +506 8814-1370 with Stiven
    • Signal: 8814-1370 with Stiven

• In San Jose: We recommend staying at the Fairfield by Marriott where the shuttle will pick up on Day 1 of the retreat. They offer a discounted rate of $125 per night plus tax for Soltara guests (discounted rooms can accommodate 1 or 2 guests).
  • For the Soltara discount, book 1 of 2 ways:
    • Book online with our corporate code:
      • Go to Marriott.com
      • Under Destination, type/select “Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela”
      • Under Rate dropdown list (below Destination), change from “Lowest Regular Rate” to “Corp/Promo Code”
      • Type in Code “S5299“
      • Select desired rooms, guest #, and stay dates
      • Click “Find Hotels” and it will bring up the hotel room pricing for $125 per night/per room for single or double room
    • Or, email [email protected] including:
      • Full name
      • Check-in/out dates
      • Number of guests
      • Request Soltara corporate rate (code S5299)
  • Airport Shuttle is offered for free through Fairfield. Once outside the terminal, look for the shuttle with the hotel logos for Fairfield or Courtyard – you can use either as the hotels are right next to each other. Shuttles run every 30 minutes from 4 am until midnight.

  • Getting Around: Utilize taxis or Uber, or book a hotel shuttle when staying at the Fairfield.

  • UberEats works in San Jose, and the hotel front desk can receive your order

*Please Note* For the integrity of your process and the safety of our healing container, all guests are required to remain onsite throughout the retreat. The only exception is walking to the local beach, which is permitted during free time — we simply ask that you sign out when leaving and sign back in upon return.

The weather in Costa Rica is tropical! Although we are on the Gulf, temperatures can reach up to 25 – 30 C (80 – 90 F) with high humidity. While things can cool down after rain, the sun is very strong. You’ll want to wear light and breathable clothing. In addition to warm weather clothes, we recommend you bring some light loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to help protect against sun and occasional mosquitos. The following list covers everything to ensure your journey is as pleasurable as possible!

• Digital and printed copies of your travel insurance
• Sun hat/scarf/bandana to cover head: important for after last ceremony/arcana)
  • Red Flashlight(s): Important! LED RED LIGHT for ceremonies – see example here
• Reusable water bottle
• Lighter(s) (for Mapacho, a sacred jungle tobacco sometimes smoked in ceremony)
• Hand fan (fold out/manual)
• Hand sanitizer (for travel – provided by Soltara while on retreat)
• Sneakers/walking shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• 1-3 pairs swimming gear
• 1 pair loose fitting, breathable pants
• 1-2 loose fitting, breathable long-sleeved shirts
• Casual/active hot weather attire (enough for 7 days, laundry service available on request)
• 1 Warm sweatshirt (just in case)
• 1 Rain jacket or poncho (May through December – rainy season)
• Insect repellant (natural only, please – no DEET)
• Sunscreen (30+ SPF Recommended) – the sun is very strong here!
• Personal watch (so you don’t have to use your phone for the time)
• Small first-aid kit for scrapes, cuts and bug bites
• Toiletries
• Power adaptor if necessary (our plugs are the same as USA/Canada – Type A/B)
• Necessary medications that have been approved during intake process – please consult with a facilitator before taking any while on your retreat
• Notebook / Journal & pens
• Passport + 2 photocopies of passport
• Money belt/passport wallet
• Bank card with “Plus” or “Visa/MC/AMEX” logo
• Credit card with cash withdrawal option
• Travel/medical insurance information
• USD $300-$1000 (for souvenirs, Shipibo market, meals when not at Soltara, etc. – large Shipibo tapestries can cost $500+ USD depending on size and design)
• Remaining balance due for retreat (if applicable) in crisp, like-new USD bills (no tears please, thank you for your understanding!)
• Notify financial institution of travel plans