AYAHUASCA & PSILOCYBIN RETREATS
Costa Rica | Sowa Nete
Transformative | Healing | Life Changing
WELCOME TO SOWA NETE!
Our “Healing World” provides you the perfect set and setting for the next step in your life.
Find harmony of body, mind and spirit as you dive into transformation with our Ayahuasca and Psilocybin Retreats.
Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, Sowa Nete is more than a retreat destination — it is a sacred home created for deep healing, authentic connection, and inner remembrance. Here, you are not treated as a participant passing through, but welcomed as family from the moment you arrive.
We intentionally keep our groups small and intimate so that every guest receives personal care, attention, and support throughout the entire experience. Through sacred ceremonies, mindful activities, nature, and community, we create a safe and heart-centered environment where profound transformation can naturally unfold.
At Sowa Nete, we invite you to reconnect with yourself, with spirit, and with the deeper wisdom already within you.
UPCOMING RETREATS
special RETREAT offerings
Ayahuasca Retreat in the Peruvian Amazon
November 12 – 22, 2026 | 11 days / 10 nights
You are invited into a traditional ayahuasca retreat in the Peruvian Amazon, led by Sowa Nete, with ceremonies and plant treatments guided by Maestra Elisa and her Shipibo lineage.
This journey offers the opportunity to live and experience Shipibo medicine and culture from the inside—learning about the origins of the medicine, the lineage, and the land it comes from.
The retreat includes three ayahuasca ceremonies, a master plant dieta, and traditional healing work, supported by daily practices and spacious time for reflection.
The final part of the retreat is dedicated to integration outside the jungle, with two days in and around Pucallpa. We will travel by boat, spend time at a rescue center and explore local and Shipibo markets with their art and handmade goods. These days offer a soft transition back into the world, helping to ground the experience and bring it into daily life.
Shamanic Retreat with Marston Fries
October 19 – 26, 2026 | 8 days / 7 nights
This retreat will be centered around deep connection with self, spirit, land, and community, and will include sacred ceremonies of various degrees, workshops, meditations, yoga, spa opportunities, and visits to ancient sacred sites. We will focus on connecting with the nature spirits all around us, and learning how each of us uniquely receives ancestral and nature-given guidance and information. While this is a deeply unique journey for each individual, we will gather in an intimate and heart-centered setting, sharing this experience with a small community walking the path together.
We are honored to announce that this retreat will be co-hosted alongside Marston Fries, whose own life journey led her from the fast-paced world of Wall Street into a profound path of spiritual awakening, and connection with the master plants.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM OUR RETREATS
- Greater confidence of who you are and what is the course to follow to make your dreams come true.
- Openness of vision, strength and discipline to achieve your highest potential and reach exponential growth over time.
- Acquire the tools to achieve your personal goals at internal and external levels and maintain the balance you need in difficult situations.
- Healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Healing traumas. Understanding of your wounds at a family, friendship and personal level.
- Clarity of your mission and purpose in life.
- Self-love, self-acceptance and peace with your inner self.
- Community and connection.
AYAHUASCA RETREATS
PSILOCYBIN RETREATS
PRIVATE RETREATS
WHO WE ARE
Mario
Facilitator
Carolina
Facilitator
Pedro
Holistic Chef
Jeremias
Massage Therapist
OUR MASTERS
At Sowa Nete, we walk in the footsteps of wisdom passed down through generations. Our foundation is rooted in the Shipibo tradition of the Peruvian Amazon—one of the most respected lineages of Ayahuasca medicine. Over the years, we have also been guided by masters and teachers from diverse traditions in India, Indonesia, Ecuador, Russia, Brazil, and Costa Rica, each bringing unique perspectives and blessings to our path.
ABOUT PLANT MEDICINE
ABOUT AYAHUASCA
Ayahuasca is an ancient Amazonian plant medicine used for healing, awakening, and deep inner transformation. At Sowa Nete, we honor this sacred tradition with respect, guidance, and safe practices. Learn how this medicine can help you reconnect with yourself, release what no longer serves you, and open your heart to new possibilities.
PREPARATION & INTEGRATION
Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat is more than getting ready for the ceremony—it’s about opening to transformation. We guide you gently, helping you arrive grounded, aligned, and ready to set your intention.
The ceremony is just one part of the journey. True healing often continues afterward, which is why we place loving attention on integration—supporting you to weave insights and growth into your daily life. You won’t walk away alone; we’re here to help you carry the medicine forward, gently and sustainably.
ABOUT PSILOCYBIN
Psilocybin has been revered in ancestral traditions for its ability to open the mind and heart to deeper truths. Today, modern science is confirming these timeless insights. Clinical studies show psilocybin’s potential to reduce depression, ease anxiety, and foster lasting changes in well-being. At Sowa Nete, we combine this wisdom and research with safe, supportive settings—helping you access clarity, healing, and profound inner growth.
ABOUT HAPE
Hapé is a sacred Amazonian medicine prepared from finely ground plants and tobacco. We work with Hapé as a supportive ally—used for grounding, focus, and connecting more deeply with yourself and the spirit of the medicines.
WHY JOIN OUR RETREATS?
Authentic
Our facilitators live and breathe this path. We bring ancient traditions into the present moment with humility and integrity, creating spaces where you can truly connect—with the medicine, with yourself, and with the sacred.
Safe
Safety is the foundation of every journey we hold. We prepare and serve the medicine with deep respect and prayer, honoring each person’s unique path. In this sacred space, you can open, trust, and surrender — gently held in love and protection.
Transparent
We believe in honesty, clarity, and openness. From your first question to your integration process, we’re here to answer, explain, and walk beside you — so you always feel informed and held.
Supportive
We create a sacred container where you can feel, express, release, and heal—at your own pace, in your own way. Everything is rooted in love, professionalism, and deep care for your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
COACHING
Our coaching program is designed to help you unlock your full potential. With Mario’s guidance, you’ll cultivate discipline, deepen meditation practices, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This supportive program can be experienced before or after our retreats, or independently, offering a unique bridge between inner work and everyday life.
- Develop consistent routines and a commitment to self-improvement, building the foundation for lasting growth.
- Foster mental clarity, reduce stress, and deepen mindfulness in daily life.
- Gain a deeper understanding of your values, strengths, and life purpose, guided intuitively rather than through purely analytical methods.
TESTIMONIALS
The setting was deeply intimate (just a friend and me) in the magical nature of Costa Rica and that small container made everything feel so personal and intentional. For someone who has worked with Ayahuasca before, I wasn't expecting to be moved the way I was. This was on another level entirely.
There was such a profound sense of trust, enough to travel freely, to explore different dimensions and to surrender completely. In full safety. I’m in awe.
The ceremony was a gift, the most beautiful gift.
I cannot wait to go deeper. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! 🤍
Life-expanding experience🐸🙏
During our retreat, we took part in two ceremonies that were incredibly powerful. It’s hard to fully put into words, but they were deeply spiritual and eye-opening. For me, it brought up a sense of forgiveness and comfort that I’ve been searching for since I was a kid. I left feeling like I finally see a path forward—one rooted in healing and love—and that’s something I’m really excited to continue exploring.
Mario and Carolina helped me see parts of myself I hadn’t fully recognized before. They gave me tools to keep doing the work after leaving, and while I know there’s still a lot ahead of me, I’m no longer afraid of the process.
Sowa Nete felt like a true sanctuary—a place where you can slow down, look inward, and really start to understand yourself. What I experienced there wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and spiritual in a way that sticks with you.
Their dedication and the way they connect with people is something I’ll never forget.
I’ll definitely be going back to continue the journey.
I came to Sowa Nete pretty much at my lowest point in life and hoping to find anything to grasp onto to give me hope for the future. Immediately upon meeting Mario and Carolina and their beautiful baby girl I felt completely at ease in their capable hands. They consider plant medicine to be a sacred healing journey and they treat it that way. They offer the very best accommodations and natural, delicious meals prepared with love by their wonderful chef, Mika, along with a healthy plan of activities for the week including the plant medicine ceremonies, yoga, breathing exercises, massage, trips to the beach if you want and integration groups.
Mario is an exceptional shaman and healer. He has spent the time to learn the medicine and is expert at individualized therapy to give each person what they need. I felt all through my time with them that these people really care and are doing this because they want to help people. This is not a business for them, Its a sactuary, and i felt that way about it. Carolina is very caring with a calm and loving demeanor and willing to help and give what is needed to each person to make the most out of your time there. The other facilitators, Matias and Pedro were very capable and knowledgable leaders and as a man who didn't feel much love from my father, these two had loads of love to give and I accepted it gratefully and eagerly. There is no egotistical hindrances of any kind that may prevent a full spiritual healing from any of the beautiful people at Sowa Nete. Only love, kindness and knowledge of the medicine and how best to help each person.
I highly recommend Sowa Nete as the healing sanctuary that it is for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life. I came away with the beginning of love for myself and the world around me that I had pretty much given up believing was possible. I plan on going back to reimmerse myself in their beautiful positivity.
I recently spent a few nights at this incredible retreat center, and it was truly life-changing. The setting was serene and stunning, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers...And the view! But what truly made this experience stand out was the love and care of Mario, our guide. His deep connection to nature and the plants was palpable, and his guidance and wisdom were invaluable. From the moment we arrived, Mario and Caro made us feel seen, heard, and supported. They both created a safe and nurturing environment that allowed us to tap into the healing power of mother nature. Mario even played live music for us with his incredible collection of musical instruments. I'm so grateful for this experience and would highly recommend this retreat center to anyone looking for a truly transformative journey. Thank you, Mario and Caro for sharing your gifts and your heart.
I went to my first ever retreat at Sowa Nete about a year ago. It was transformational. I was able to release so much negative and unneeded energy that I didn't even know I was holding on to. I left feeling lighter, more spiritual, more connected to myself, and seeing the world and my path in with more clarity.
It wasn't an easy few days. But with guidance from Mario and Carolina I learned how the medicine worked and how to work with it in a safe and responsible way. They were absolutely instrumental to the success I had at the retreat.
I've since been to other retreats and they do not compare to the program of personized attention and understanding I received from Mario and Carolina. They had a unique ability to understand the world I was coming from, and use that understanding to guide me toward where I needed to be.
The food and accommodations were spectacular too.
Their is a clear delineation in my life. Who I was before the retreat, and who I am now. I can't thank Sowa Nete enough for that.
I feel like I have been born again and I see life totally differently.
I feel connected to mother earth but most of all I feel connected to myself from my deepest essence.
Mario and Carolina are two incredible people, super attentive, kind, with a very beautiful and powerful energy.
I had the good fortune to wake up next to you and to be brought home again.
Thank you for giving me the possibility to feel the magical healing power of ayahuasca through your hands and souls.
I will never forget it, I wish it to all mankind.
PURA VIDA!
From the beginning, I felt that this wasn’t just about signing up and paying a fee. After submitting my reservation request, Mario scheduled a Zoom call — not just to answer my questions, but to truly understand who I was, where I was in life, and whether this was the right time and space for me to do this work. They are not in this for business. They are in this for service. If I hadn’t been ready, I have no doubt they would have kindly turned me away. Their integrity was clear from the start, and they treat this work with deep reverence.
The Experience:
My retreat was three nights with two ceremonies. Nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of the first night. It was the most challenging, disorienting, and emotionally overwhelming experience of my life. The medicine held up a mirror and showed me parts of myself I wasn’t ready to see — my ego, my fears, my lack of self-love. It was terrifying, yes, but also deeply necessary.
After the first ceremony, I swore I would never go back into that space. But Mario, Carolina, and the other participants held space for me in such a loving, grounded, and non-judgmental way. They never pressured me but gently encouraged me to trust the process and consider continuing the journey.
The second ceremony changed everything. With a day of rest, reflection, and surrender, I walked into that night ready to trust. What unfolded was the most beautiful and healing experience of my life — the kind of healing that years of therapy couldn’t have touched. It was as though the difficulty of the first night cracked me open, and the second filled me with light, love, wisdom, and a deep sense of connection — to myself, to others, and to something greater.
Mario and Carolina:
Their presence is what made this retreat safe and sacred. They are not just facilitators — they are guardians of this ancient wisdom. With roots in the Peruvian Amazon, they carry the traditions with respect, humility, and grace. Their knowledge is real. Their hearts are open. They knew how to hold space in both the darkness and the light. I felt safe in their care, seen in my vulnerability, and supported in every step of the process.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re feeling called to Ayahuasca and are ready to face yourself with honesty and openness, Sowa Nete is a place you can trust. But please, don’t go into this lightly. This work is sacred. It will challenge you. It may unravel you. But with the right mindset and the right guides — and I truly believe Mario and Carolina are among the best — it can change your life.
I’m forever grateful for their guidance and the community they’ve created. We will be connected for life.
The environment, the people, and the energy throughout the experience were all deeply nourishing. What stood out most was the way it all concluded, with beautiful, heartfelt conversations and a dinner that Mario and Carolina invited me to stay for that felt like pure magic. They welcomed me with open arms, cooked an incredible meal, and created the kind of connection that stays with you long after the retreat ends.
This wasn’t just a retreat, it was a reminder of what it feels like to be fully seen, supported, and surrounded by good-hearted people doing meaningful work. I left feeling grateful, aligned, and inspired.
I’m so grateful to have been part of this and can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone feeling called to this kind of work. Truly a transformative and soul-enriching experience.
I recently became curious about plant medicine, and how it may be of help to me. While doing research, I came across information about Ayahuasca. I have always been nervous of taking anything unknown since I have always been so sensitive to a lot of substances. (I am also allergic to marijuana). In my research I found countless websites with different retreat options around the world, but most didn’t resonate with me. Eventually I discovered Mario and Carolina at Sowa Nete in Costa Rica. After scheduling a video call with them there was zero doubt in my mind that this is where I was going to go, and with these people. The genuine love and passion for their service to people through their medicine retreats was glaringly clear, and I felt immediately connected and safe with them.
From the moment I arrived until the moment I left the retreat, I was in awe of the level of care and support. The food that we were given was clean, healthy and delicious, and was made with so much care. The activities surrounding the ceremonies were also full of love and support of the overall journey we were on, whether it was a bonfire, sunset, waterfall, breath work, mediation, or simply sitting connecting and sharing together. Being in a small group allowed for a very intimate connection with my fellow retreat folks and with Mario and his team. The ceremonies themselves were made to be very comfortable and the singing that Mario, Sofi and Pedro did was unforgettable…. I can still hear them in my mediations.
My experience with the medicine herself in the ceremony was powerful beyond the ability for words to explain. Put simply, it has changed my life. It has begun to, and will continue to heal me as the integration continues. I see through new eyes, and feel through a new heart.
I am forever grateful to Mario, Carlina and the Sowa Nete family for what they have created, and their hearts and passion for making this available in such an intimate way. I will be back to further the journey when it is time.
With so much Gratitude,
Robyn Hayley
Vancouver, BC
We went and stayed with them for a personal retreat at the end of last month, and it was life changing for us both. Their attention to making the retreat full of healing and rest and beauty, even in the two short days we had to spend, truly show how much they care about their mission to help people find healing.
The lodgings were beautiful and comfortable. Their attention views were amazing. The personal chef made wonderful meals, and the breath work and massages were exactly the thing we needed.
Our ceremonies were so wonderful as well- the setting could not have been more perfect, and their expertise and experience showed through the whole time- including the before and after prep and integration.
Mario and Carolina made us feel more than welcome- they made us feel like family, and we truly look forward to coming back again. Anyone who is trying to find a good spot for a retreat, this is it. We can’t wait to return!! ❤️
Collaborating with Mario and Carolina repeatedly has helped me develop a deep bond and a profound trust, empowering me to undertake the challenging yet essential work.
Mario and Carolina attentively and compassionately attend to your needs, offering the support each person individually requires.
Thank you for your love and support ✨🤗💛
I have no words for this powerful experience. It was magical, so much healing, the ceremony was truly profound.
I know Caro and Marito for a while and was honestly very sceptial. But somehow I felt the call and was more than happy and grateful for this experience. I never expected such strong shamans in them. They were super professional, caring deeply, and genuinely connected to the spirit of the medicine. They held a powerful, safe space with open hearts and intention, guiding us through the journey with wisdom and love.
They really put all their love into this work, you feel just safe, fully cared and loved. Anything what you need - they will make happen for you. They are really the most loving and caring humans, shamans!
Their singing was like that of shamans and elders, carrying ancient energy that touched the soul. I was thinking before,I need to go to the Amazon, to hear and experience this.
But no! Caros chanting- wooww, you have to experience her!
The chanting, the music, the sounds was breathtaking, immersing us in waves of healing vibrations. It was clear how much dedication and care they put into every detail, making the experience truly transformative.
I am endlessly grateful and will definitely return for another ceremony. Highly recommended for anyone seeking deep healing and connection or just meet the most amazing people on earth and have a new experience in life.
Thank you so much for everything 🙏🏽
I will come back for a ceremony and see you soon ❤️
Initially, I was hesitant and even a bit scared about the Ayahuasca experience, but there was truly nothing to fear. The light and positive energy I felt throughout the ceremony were indescribable. Though I need some time to fully process it all, I can honestly say that I am incredibly happy and proud to have had this experience.
Thank you! 🙏 ♥️
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOWA NETE'S RETREATS ABOUT?
Our retreats are centered around healing, reconnection, and finding self-love, peace, and acceptance. They are designed to help you connect with nature and yourself, live to your true potential, discover your purpose, and develop the right tools to live in harmony.
WHERE ARE THE RETREATS LOCATED?
Our primary location is near Santa Teresa Beach, Province of Puntarenas, in Costa Rica.
WHY SHOULD I EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY WITH PLANT MEDICINE?
Plant medicine can help release negativity and blockages, and facilitate healing on mental, physical, and spiritual levels. It can help you regain confidence, acceptance, love, and happiness, as well as heal anxiety, depression, and relationships with family, friends, and yourself. This journey can also assist you in discovering and living your true purpose.
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE JOIN THE RETREATS?
Our participants range from 18 to 65 years old. They come from various backgrounds, seeking healing, self-discovery, spiritual connection, and the realization of their potential.
IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR ME?
If you are seeking deep healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation, this retreat is suitable for you. We welcome individuals who are open to exploring plant medicine and are committed to their personal growth.
NEWSLETTER
Once a month, we share reflections from our retreats and what’s unfolding in our work.