A Journey into Self-Expression and Higher Purpose w/ James McCrae & Bunny Michael

The Art of Your Higher Self Plant Medicine Retreat

April 30–May 8, 2027 · Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in a transformative Plant Medicine experience that blends sacred Ayahuasca ceremonies, creative exploration, and heart-centered community.

Guided by James McCrae, Bunny Michael, Kat Courtney, and the Plant Medicine People team, this retreat invites you to reconnect with your higher self, awaken your creative spirit, and remember the unique gifts you are here to share with the world.

Through Plant Medicine, writing rituals, guided meditations, and meaningful group experiences, you'll cultivate greater self-love, deepen your sense of purpose, and discover new pathways for authentic expression and transformation.

Held in the lush mountains of Costa Rica, this retreat offers a safe, inclusive, and deeply supportive space for healing, creativity, connection, and personal growth.

Retreat Details

  • Location: Santa Elena, Costa Rica

  • Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

  • Ceremonies & Experiences: 3 Ayahuasca · 1 Cacao · Temazcal · Creative Workshops · Writing Rituals · Guided Meditations

  • Facilitator Ratio: 1 facilitator per 5 participants

  • Personalized preparation interview to support physical, emotional, and mental safety.

  • Round-trip transportation to and from San José, Costa Rica.

  • Local, organic, nourishing meals thoughtfully prepared to support the healing journey.

  • Comfortable retreat accommodations with modern conveniences, cozy yurts, and beautiful natural surroundings.

  • Guided workshops with James McCrae and Bunny Michael focused on creativity, self-love, purpose, and authentic expression.

  • Daily integration circles, group activities, and opportunities for meaningful connection and reflection.

  • Waterfall walks, open-mic night, tree-planting ceremony, and plenty of space to rest, play, and connect.

  • Four full weeks of post-retreat integration support.

  • Created for those seeking healing, creativity, self-expression, community, and a deeper connection with their Higher Self.

All You Need to Know

TRAVEL & LOGISTICS

  • Arrive at San José (SJO) Airport on April 30, 2027

  • One-night hotel stay in San José (group rate provided)

  • Luxury shuttle to retreat on May 1, 2027

  • Return shuttle to San José Airport on May 8, 2027 (book flights after 2:30 pm local time)

  • Not included: $250 in-person cash fee for sacred plants (covers all medicines and sacraments)

  • Not included: International flights + first-night hotel in San José.

FOOD & DRINK

  • Vegan or Vegetarian Options Available

  • Multiple Plant Dieta-Friendly Meals and Snacks Provided Daily

  • Gluten Free

  • Dairy Free

  • Organic and Local

  • Can Accommodate Additional Allergies and Special Needs

AMENITIES

  • Free Wifi

  • Comfortable Yurts with Electricity

  • Luxurious Linens

  • Unlimited Fresh Spring Water

  • Well-Appointed Bath Houses with Fresh Towels

  • 3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies

  • Ceremonial Cacao Experience

  • Temazcal (Sweat Lodge)

  • Wellness Services Available

  • Daily Integration Circles

  • Guided Meditations and Creative Workshops

  • Plenty of Space to Rest, Reflect, and Connect

Your 9-Day Journey - Itinerary

  • All participants will arrive at any time that is convenient into the San Jose, Costa Rica airport (SJO). You'll procure your own transportation (cabs are inexpensive) to a local hotel; we will reserve a discounted block of rooms and share the location with each participant. Everyone is encouraged to get a good night's sleep, as the shuttle leaves at 730 am the next morning from the hotel.

  • The shuttle will leave the hotel at 730 am with all participants - it's about a 3.5 hour drive to our gorgeous sanctuary. Upon arrival, everyone will check in and receive a tour of the retreat, as well as access to their lux accommodations. We will then have a hearty, delicious lunch, and gather together for our opening talking circle. We'll get to know each other, discuss the format of the retreat, meet the team, and connect with the land, asking for permission to do our sacred work. We’ll have our first workshop with James and Bunny that evening, beginning the journey into higher self connection, and creating the safety of a heart-centered community.

  • After breakfast, the Temazcal ceremony is offered. We will enjoy lunch, and then connect as a tribe to prepare for the first Aya ceremony, which happens later in the evening. After the ceremony circle is closed, we will light a spirit fire and invite folks to end the night in the vibration of this magical element.

  • After breakfast, we will offer heavenly flower baths, working with our intentions and connecting with the land, and ourselves. We’ll then have our second creativity and higher self connection workshop, working with the things that arose in the first ceremony. After dinner, we’ll come together for an integration circle, sharing insights that are arising and supporting each other in what we are moving through.

  • The morning will feature a beautiful waterfall walk after breakfast, and then later in the afternoon, we will have personal interviews in preparation for the second Aya ceremony, scheduled for the evening. A fire circle will be organized after the ceremony is complete.

  • After breakfast and morning flower baths, we’ll have a lovely lunch, and then we will have a second integration workshop, diving into small groups so we can share deeply and feel held in community, as well as prepare for the third and final ceremony that evening. After the last journey, our spirit fire will be a place of celebration and connection.

  • After morning breakfast and flower baths, James and Bunny will lead us in our third workshop, giving space for creative expression, and guiding us in the embodiment of what the medicine has been bringing forth. That evening, after a big delicious dinner, we will have another powerful integration circle.

  • On our last day as a family; we will have communion with Mama Cacao - asking her medicine to ground us, to connect us to our hearts, and to celebrate the incredible week we’ve had. Then we will give back to the land in a lovely tree planting ceremony. After lunch, we’ll have our Open Mic gathering; an invitation for all those who choose to share their voices and creative expressions. Song, poetry, free-styling, dance - this is a celebration of creativity, community, and our sacred connection to ourselves. Then we’ll have a celebratory dinner, a final commitment declaration gathering, and a fire ceremony as a grand send off!

  • After a final breakfast and a chance to honor the incredible retreat staff, we will hop on a shuttle back to the San Jose airport. We encourage everyone to book flights home no earlier than 2:00 pm local time to ensure plenty of time to make our flights. For those that want to explore Costa Rica further, we are happy to offer suggestions and assist with transportation.

Pricing & Packages

Shared Accommodations

$3,800

Share a big beautiful bell tent with either a like-minded, same-sex participant or a friend, partner or family member.

Deposit: $1,400

Early Bird
Discount!

Early Bird Offer

Phase 1, through April 27, 2027:

$3,200 (Shared)
$4,300 (Private)

Phase 2:

$3,500 (Shared)
$4,600 (Private)

Private Accommodations

$4,900

Enjoy a beautiful bell tent all to yourself!

Deposit: $1,400

To Apply

Fill out the questionnaire and a team member will respond within 24 hours to confirm participation and availability. You do not need to pay a deposit until after your application has been accepted. Installment plans most welcome too - we can create one tailored for your needs once the application is accepted.
We are so very honored to have you in the Plant Medicine People Tribe!

What Past Participants Say

 FAQs

  • This retreat is for anyone who feels called to begin the new year with deep healing, renewal, and transformation through sacred plant work. Whether you are brand new to the medicine and/or the Master Plant Dieta process or you have lots of experience, you are most welcome, and will find profound value in the experience.

  • When you apply, we’ll schedule a private preparation interview to learn more about your background, health, and intentions. Together, we’ll make sure this experience is a good fit. Our screening process is thorough from both physical and mental perspectives, as safety is our number one priority.

  • Our facilitation team is trauma-informed, first-aid knowledgeable, and experienced in holding ceremony with both new and seasoned participants. We have an emergency protocol in place should anything arise, and are connected to local medical experts. You are in very good hands.

  • Traveling to Costa Rica is simple for most visitors. A tourist visa is not required for stays under 90 days for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and many other countries. No special vaccinations are required, but we encourage checking your local travel guidelines. You’ll fly into San José (SJO) airport and our team offers ground transportation to and from the retreat.

  • Our team has decades of combined ceremonial experience and extensive training with Indigenous teachers and master plants. We are committed to integrity, safety, and service. Each ceremony is led by seasoned guides who have apprenticed deeply in traditional and cross-cultural lineages.

  • No, your experience is always your choice. You’ll be invited, never pressured, to drink in each ceremony. Some guests choose to sit out a night for rest or reflection, and that’s completely honored. Every ceremony is supported by our facilitation team to help you follow your own intuitive rhythm.

  • Our ceremonies are traditional in structure, yet open and inclusive in spirit. They’re guided by experienced facilitators who hold space with prayer, music, and deep respect for the medicine. Guests are required to respect noble silence during each ceremony, however there are often times where participants are invited to share their voices and sing, and even dance and celebrate our hard work and many blessings. We have strongly held containers that are also fluid enough to honor the energies of the collective community.

  • Most participants - men and women - travel to us solo. Costa Rica is a very safe country, and this experience is extremely rewarding with or without travel companions. The group quickly becomes a family, and you’ll feel cared for and connected no matter what.

  • Yes. Once your application is accepted, we’ll introduce you to your roommate before the retreat begins through a video call. We pair guests thoughtfully, considering compatibility and energy. You’ll have a chance to connect, ask questions, and build trust before arriving in Costa Rica.

  • Absolutely. Integration is an essential part of the healing process. You’ll receive guided integration circles during the retreat and four small-group Zoom sessions afterward to help you anchor insights into daily life. You’ll also have access to our facilitators for additional support if needed.

  • We understand that life happens and always aim to handle changes with compassion and fairness. Check out the details of our cancellation policy here: https://www.plantmedicinepeople.com/refund-and-cancellation-policy

Previous
Previous

Ayahuasca, Huachuma, and the Power of Integration