Prepare for the Journey
Every step of preparation is part of the ceremony.
The journey begins long before you arrive at Finca de la Sol.
Preparation is the first prayer — a way of honoring the medicines, the land, and your own spirit.
As you begin this process, move slowly and with intention.
The more you align your mind, body, and heart before arriving, the deeper the work will unfold once you are here.
The Spirit of Preparation
Why we prepare, what shows up, and how to walk through it
Preparation is the first ceremony. Long before you enter the maloca, the work has already begun. In ancestral ways, preparation is not a checklist; it is an alignment of body, mind, heart, and spirit so the medicine can meet you clearly. Elders often say, “We do not come to the medicine to be fixed—we come ready to listen.” Preparation helps us become good listeners.
What “preparing” truly means
Body: Clearing stimulants and heavy foods, resting more, hydrating, and moving gently so your nervous system is calm and receptive.
Mind: Reducing noise—news, social media, distractions—so you can hear your own inner voice.
Heart: Honesty about your intentions. What are you seeking—healing, clarity, closure, forgiveness, a new beginning?
Spirit: Approaching the work with humility and respect—offering prayers, spending time in nature, and remembering you’re stepping onto sacred ground.
Preparation is not about perfection. It’s about sincerity and steadiness.
Why challenges often appear before ceremony
It’s very common that, as you approach a transformative experience, obstacles arise: unexpected conflicts, doubts, fatigue, emotional waves, sudden “reasons” to cancel. Different traditions name this in different ways:
Psychological view (the ego’s resistance): The ego—whose job is to keep things familiar—may resist change. It can amplify fear (“What if I can’t handle it?”), minimize your readiness (“I’m not spiritual enough”), or create distractions (“This week is too busy”). This is normal protection behavior, not failure.
Energetic/spiritual view: Many lineages speak of tests of the path—moments when old patterns, attachments, or dense energies stir because they sense a change is coming. The “spirit of distraction” can appear as sudden urgency elsewhere, frictions with loved ones, or a heavy feeling that says, “Not now.”
Somatic view (the body’s memory): As intention clarifies, the body may surface stored emotions. You might feel tender, irritable, or strangely tired. This is the body preparing to release.
All three can be true at once. The key is to recognize resistance without obeying it.
How to navigate resistance with wisdom
Name it kindly. “This is resistance. It’s a sign change is near.” Naming softens fear and returns you to choice.
Return to your intention. Write it down daily the week before: What am I giving back to the Earth? What am I ready to receive?
Simplify your week. Reduce commitments, screen time, and stimulating conversations. Create space for quiet.
Strengthen your ground. Eat simply, hydrate, stretch or walk. Breathwork (slow nasal breathing) for 5–10 minutes calms the nervous system.
Ask for support. Share your intention with a trusted friend or elder. If you feel shaky, let them remind you why you chose this path.
Offer the obstacle to the fire. In many Amazonian ways, we “feed” the fire our worries—through prayer, tobacco, or a simple whispered intention. You can do this at home with a candle: “I offer this fear to the light. May it transform.”
Hold your seat. Unless you are ill or have a true emergency, keep your commitment. Often the strongest resistance appears right before deep breakthroughs.
The role of faith and timing
Ceremony asks for faith—not blind belief, but a steady trust that the process serves your healing. If real-life circumstances truly close a door, trust that too; but if what arises is mostly anxiety, distraction, or old patterns, remember: the threshold always feels windy. Courage is simply choosing to keep walking.
What the traditions teach about readiness
While each lineage has its own ways, shared teachings include:
Respect: The medicine is a teacher, not a product. We come with humility.
Reciprocity: We give thanks to the land, the water, the fire, the wind, and the hands that hold the space.
Silence & Listening: In many Amazonian ceremonies (including the hammock tradition we follow), silence is an ally. Preparation trains us to be comfortable with quiet so the teachings can be heard.
Clean vessel: The dieta and simple living before ceremony are not punishments—they create clarity, making the work gentler and more effective.
If doubt appears, try this simple practice
Place both feet on the ground.
Inhale slowly through the nose for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 10 times.
Put a hand on your heart and say (out loud if possible):
“I am safe. I am guided. I am willing.”Write one sentence: “Why I am coming.” Keep it close until you arrive.
A gentle promise
If you show up with sincerity, the medicine, the land, and the circle will meet you where you are.
You do not need to be perfect—only present. Preparation is how we say, “I am ready to listen.” And when resistance knocks,
we answer with faith, breath, and one steady step forward.
The Dieta
Purifying the vessel so the medicine may speak clearly
The meaning of dieta
In the Amazonian tradition, a dieta is more than a diet; it is a sacred pact of purification.
Its purpose is to clear the channels of the body and mind so that the spirit of the medicine can move freely and gently.
Through simplicity—of food, thought, and action—we cultivate the inner silence that allows the teachings to enter.
Why cleansing matters
Each thought, emotion, and meal we take in carries vibration. Heavy foods and overstimulation blur perception; calmness and lightness open it.
The dieta is the bridge between ordinary life and ceremonial life. By walking it with intention, you signal to the medicine:
“I am ready. I come with respect. Teach me.”
How to Begin the Dieta
7–10 Days Before Ceremony
Simplify what you consume
Favor fruits, vegetables, plant-based grains, soups, and gentle teas.
Avoid red meat, pork, processed foods, refined sugar, alcohol, cannabis, and recreational substances.
Limit coffee and black tea.
Reduce salt, oils, and heavy spices.
Quiet the noise
Step away from social media, gossip, and negative news.
Spend time in nature, prayer, or silence each day.
Journal your feelings and intentions.
Honor your body
Rest more than usual.
Stretch, walk, breathe deeply.
Drink plenty of pure water.
3 Days Before Ceremony
Eat even lighter—steamed vegetables, fruits, rice, quinoa.
Avoid sexual activity; conserve your creative energy.
Begin to listen inwardly. Notice emotions that surface.
Day of Ceremony
Eat a simple breakfast or fast if guided.
Keep the body clean—no perfumes, strong soaps, or chemical scents.
Carry your intention in silence; treat the whole day as sacred preparation.
Beyond Food: The Emotional & Energetic Dieta
A true dieta cleans more than the stomach—it clears the mind of control, the heart of fear, and the spirit of noise.
Many people notice emotions rising: sadness, irritability, impatience. This is the purge before the purge—old energy preparing to release.
Practices to support you
Breathwork: Inhale for 4, exhale for 6, ten times.
Writing: Each morning, note what you are letting go of and one gratitude.
Prayer: Offer simple words to the Earth, the Sun, or your own heart: “Thank you for helping me become light enough to listen.”
When Life Interferes
If you slip—a cup of coffee, a stressful day—don’t punish yourself.
Pause, breathe, and return to your intention.
The dieta is a relationship of respect, not perfection.
What matters is awareness and the willingness to realign.
Sometimes, as you cleanse, resistance reappears: cravings, distractions, arguments, self-doubt.
This is the same resistance spoken of in The Spirit of Preparation.
Recognize it as a sign that transformation is near, and choose stillness instead of reaction.
During & After Ceremony
Your dieta continues in the maloca. The body stays open and sensitive; what you consume afterward either deepens or dilutes the medicine’s work.
After Ceremony:
Continue simple eating for 7 days.
Avoid alcohol, red meat, and sexual activity.
Rest, walk slowly, stay hydrated.
Integrate through journaling, song, prayer, and contact with nature.
Think of the post-ceremonial dieta as sealing the medicine inside you—giving it time to root before new habits pull it out.
In the Words of the Elders
“The dieta is the thread that ties your heart to the plant.
Break the thread, and the song of the plant cannot reach you.
Keep it clean, and the plant will sing to you for life.”
Preparation through dieta is how we say thank you before receiving.
It is a gesture of humility that allows the work to unfold with grace.
Medications, Supplements & Safety
Honoring the Medicine through Purity and Awareness
The Amazonian elders teach that the body is a temple for spirit.
When we enter ceremony, the temple must be clear — not only from heavy foods or thoughts, but also from chemical substances that can interfere with the plant’s intelligence and energy.
Many modern prescriptions and supplements alter brain chemistry or liver metabolism. These changes can create contraindications — meaning the body may not process the medicine safely or effectively.
For this reason, we approach all medications and supplements with mindfulness, respect, and individual attention.
Why We Taper or Pause Certain Medicines
Medicines such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, MAOIs, SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and certain pain medications can strongly interact with traditional plant medicines.
Some combinations may be physically dangerous; others may simply block the visionary or emotional opening that the ceremony invites.
Even herbal or “natural” products can carry energetic or chemical potency that competes with the work of the medicine.
Common examples include high-dose stimulants, detox blends, or strong adaptogens (such as ginseng, guarana, maca, or high amounts of cacao).
When the body is clear, the plant can move with precision.
When the body is layered with chemicals, even from supplements, the signals become mixed.
The Cleansing Timeline
Every body is unique, but as a general guideline:
Begin reviewing your prescriptions and supplements at least 30 days before ceremony.
Slowly and responsibly reduce or eliminate non-essential supplements (vitamins, adaptogens, hormones, etc.) under guidance.
Pharmaceutical medications should never be stopped abruptly; taper only under supervision from your prescribing doctor.
At minimum, aim for a two-week clean window before ceremony if your system allows. Longer is always gentler.
If you are taking daily prescriptions for physical or mental-health conditions, please speak directly with us before confirming your participation.
Together we will assess whether it is safe to attend, and if adjustments are possible.
When in Doubt, Communicate
There are no judgments—only care.
Our intention is to protect your safety and honor the medicine’s integrity.
Every case is unique: some medications must continue, some can be paused, and others require more time between doses and ceremony.
Please reach out and share openly:
The name and dosage of each medication or supplement
Reason for taking it
How long you have been using it
This allows us to consult with experienced facilitators and ensure you are guided responsibly.
After Ceremony
Following ceremony, the body remains sensitive.
Wait at least seven days before resuming supplements or prescriptions unless medically required sooner.
Allow the plant’s teachings to settle before introducing outside substances again.
A Living Balance
In traditional understanding, the medicine has its own consciousness.
It asks for space within you — space free of interference, where it can speak clearly.
By honoring this request through gradual cleansing and open communication, you create the safest and most sacred foundation for your healing.
“Purity is not the absence of medicine from outside — it is the presence of listening within.”
What to Bring
Preparing the body, honoring the land, and walking lightly
When you come to Finca de la Sol, you enter a space where life moves in rhythm with the Earth. Everything you bring is part of your preparation — a reflection of simplicity, comfort, and respect. The fewer things you carry, the more freely the medicine and the land can move through you.
Essentials for the Journey
For Ceremony and Daily Life
Clothing: Wear white or natural tones during ceremonies. Choose breathable, modest, and comfortable fabrics that let you move and sit with ease.
Layers: Bring a warm sweater or shawl for the cool mountain evenings.
Footwear:
Hiking boots for trails and river paths.
Sandals or earthing shoes for inside the maloca — they keep you comfortable while allowing you to stay grounded. The maloca floor connects directly with the Earth, and light, natural footwear helps maintain that connection.
Light: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
Water: Refillable bottle — we minimize plastic waste on the land.
Rest & Comfort: Bring anything that helps you rest peacefully in your tent or hammock — such as a pillow, blanket, or mat for the floor.
Note: thick rubber mats can block grounding. If possible, choose a cloth or woven mat that allows your body to stay connected to the Earth’s energy.
Cleanliness: Natural, eco-friendly toiletries (soaps, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant). Scented products are fine if they come from natural sources.
Writing: Journal and pen to record reflections, dreams, and prayers.
Ritual & Personal Items: Bring what feels meaningful for your altar or personal practice — crystals, feathers, photos, or sacred cloths.
Offerings to the land or fire are welcome (flowers, cacao, tobacco, etc.), but avoid seeds or plants that may be restricted for air travel.
Offerings are expressions of gratitude — choose what calls to your heart.
For Connection with Nature
Swimsuit: Modest swimwear for bathing in the river or joining the temazcal (sweat lodge).
Towel and a light change of clothes for after cleansing.
Rain Protection: Poncho or light waterproof jacket — the rains are frequent, purifying, and part of the rhythm of the land.
For Camping Guests
Local visitors: please bring your tent, airbed, blanket, and pillow.
International travelers: we will provide bedding and camping gear for your comfort.
Remember: pack simply, pack consciously. The truest preparation is what you carry inside your heart.
Energetic Preparation
Before traveling, take a few moments to cleanse your belongings with intention — light a candle, offer smoke, or simply hold each item and say:
“May this serve healing, light, and harmony.”
Release what you do not need — both in luggage and in spirit.
Each item you bring should have purpose, beauty, or peace within it.
Technology
The finca is off-grid — there is limited Wi-Fi and electricity.
We invite you to disconnect from devices and reconnect with the natural rhythm.
Phones are welcome for travel and emergencies, but we ask that they rest during ceremony and prayer.
Suggested Items Guide
To help you prepare consciously, we offer a Suggested Items Guide — a separate page with links to recommended eco-friendly products, camping gear, and travel essentials.
Visit the Suggested Items Guide →
Closing Reflection
Pack lightly. Travel gently. Bring what helps you feel at home in yourself. The Earth will provide everything else.
Traveling to the Land
The path to Finca de la Sol — a journey into the heart of the mountains
Finca de la Sol rests high in the mountains of Tierras Morenas, Savegre, Costa Rica — surrounded by jungle, rivers, and the living breath of the Earth.
The journey here is part of the transformation — a passage from the noise of the world into the silence of the sacred.
How to Arrive Safely
The roads that lead to us are mountain paths — full of beauty and simplicity. To protect you and your vehicle, it’s very important to follow the recommended routes.
Safe Routes to Finca de la Sol
From Dominical: Take Peaks Road, entering through Lagunas.
From Tinamastes: Enter through Platanillo, following Valle del Guabo Road, passing San Juan de Dios.
These are the only recommended routes. The drive from either side is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour through lush green valleys and rivers.
4x4 vehicles are required.
Cars should be high off the ground, as there is a small river crossing before reaching the finca.
Low vehicles are not suitable for this terrain.
⚠️ Routes to Avoid
Please do not enter through Hatillo or the Carretera de la Muerte (“Death Road”).
These roads are extremely steep, narrow, and unsafe for cars — especially during the rainy season.
Always confirm your route before departure and use only the roads listed above.
Traveling from San José (SJO – Juan Santamaría International Airport)
We offer several ways to reach us depending on your schedule and comfort level.
Option 1 – Shuttle Flight (Recommended)
Take a domestic flight with Sansa Air from SJO to Quepos.
The cost is approximately $120 USD and the flight takes less than 45 minutes.
This is the fastest and most comfortable route, giving you time to rest before the gathering.
We recommend booking your Sansa flight to coordinate with your international arrival.
Once you arrive in Quepos, we can arrange ground transportation from the airport to Tinamastes or Dominical where we will meet you.
Option 2 – Shared Shuttle
You can take a shared shuttle from SJO to Dominical Beach for approximately $80 USD.
The drive is about 5 hours, depending on traffic.
This is a good option if your flight arrives in the morning and you enjoy scenic road travel.
Option 3 – Private Transportation
We offer private transportation from SJO directly to our shop in Tinamastes for $250 USD.
The journey takes approximately 4½ to 5 hours.
This option allows for a direct, comfortable trip at your own pace.
For Late-Night Arrivals
If your international flight arrives late, we can arrange lodging 5 minutes from the airport for $80 USD, including dinner and breakfast.
The next morning, transportation will bring you to your Sansa flight or directly to us.
This helps you rest, ground, and arrive in harmony with the rhythm of the land.
Meeting Point Before Reaching the Finca
All guests will meet first at our shop in Tinamastes before ascending to the mountain.
From there, we will provide transportation to the finca for all participants unless you prefer to drive your own 4x4 and follow us up.
This ensures that everyone arrives together and safely, and the journey begins already in prayer and community.
Arrival Time & Weather Notes
During the rainy season, we recommend arriving earlier in the day, as afternoon rains are common.
Driving after dark is not recommended — not for safety, but because you’ll want to see the beauty of the mountains and the river crossings clearly.
The roads are safe and well-traveled by locals. They are dirt roads, not paved, but full of life and charm.
The journey to Finca de la Sol is more than travel — it is a passage between worlds.
Come slowly, breathe deeply, and let the mountain greet you as a teacher.
Entering the Land & Arrival Ceremony
Crossing the threshold into sacred ground
The moment you arrive at Finca de la Sol, the journey changes from movement to stillness.
The road behind you fades into the hum of the jungle, and the voice of the Earth begins to speak again.
You are not just arriving at a destination — you are entering a living prayer.
Arrival & Gathering Point
Before ascending the mountain, all guests will meet at our shop in Tinamastes.
Here, we take a few moments to greet one another, share travel stories, and prepare as a group for the final stretch of the journey.
We will then travel together to Finca de la Sol — transportation from the shop to the land is provided for all participants, unless you prefer to drive your own 4x4 and follow us up.
This shared arrival ensures everyone reaches safely and begins in harmony with the group energy.
Crossing the Threshold
When you enter the gate of the finca, pause for a breath.
You may notice the shift — the air thick with life, the chorus of birds, the scent of wet earth.
Many visitors feel emotion arise; this is natural. The land receives what you bring and begins to transform it.
We ask that upon arrival you:
Move slowly and mindfully.
Speak softly, honoring the space and those already in prayer.
Greet the land silently or with a simple gesture — a hand to your heart, a whisper of gratitude, or a small offering such as a flower or pinch of tobacco.
This moment marks the beginning of your dieta with the land itself — the time when nature becomes your teacher.
Grounding & Orientation
Once everyone has arrived, we will gather near the fire in the maloca for a simple welcome and orientation.
Here you’ll learn:
The rhythm of the days (meals, rest, silence, and ceremonies).
The locations of the river, showers, and gathering areas.
How to care for the space — waste separation, water use, and respectful movement through the forest.
We may also share a brief grounding meditation or prayer, allowing everyone to release travel fatigue and fully arrive in presence.
Respect for Sacred Space
The maloca is the heart of the land — a place of prayer, transformation, and silence.
Inside, we gather barefoot or with earthing shoes or sandals to stay connected to the ground.
The floor itself is alive — it grounds and absorbs energy, reminding us to stay humble and in our bodies.
Please remember:
The maloca is entered only with clear energy and intention.
Silence or whispering is preferred before ceremony.
Each item you bring — a shawl, journal, or drum — becomes part of the prayer; treat it with care.
Adapting to Nature
The mountains live in rhythm with the rain.
Weather can change quickly — sunshine in the morning, mist in the afternoon, stars by night.
Embrace it all as part of the medicine.
Rain here is not an interruption — it is a blessing, a purification that reminds us that we are always in ceremony with the elements.
The Spirit of Arrival
Every arrival is an initiation.
The mountain asks for nothing but presence.
Come as you are, open your heart, and allow the Earth to show you what you’ve come to remember.
At Finca de la Sol, arrival is not the end of your travel — it is the beginning of your return.
Guardians of the Land
The energy of Finca de la Sol is lovingly cared for by a peaceful family of dogs who live freely on the mountain.
They are gentle, calm, and deeply connected to the spirit of the land — protectors who help keep harmony in both the physical and energetic realms.
Only a few of our elder dogs, who have grown up within ceremony, enter the maloca during gatherings. They know the rhythm of silence and prayer, moving softly among the hammocks or resting near the fire.
The younger ones remain outside the ceremonial space, learning by example and guarding the perimeter of the finca.
Although there are several dogs on the land, they are spread throughout the mountain and rarely all seen at once. Their presence is quiet and balanced, adding to the sense of safety and natural peace that defines this place.
Guests often find that the dogs bring comfort and grounding — a gentle reminder that every being here has its purpose.
We simply ask that you meet them with calm and respect: allow them to approach you, and refrain from feeding them unless invited.
They are not only guardians of the land, but guardians of peace — walking silently beside us, reminding us that love can take many forms.
Integration After Ceremony
Walking gently with the medicine
The moment the ceremony closes, a new journey begins.
What happens in the maloca is only one part of the transformation — the true medicine unfolds in the days, weeks, and even months that follow.
At Finca de la Sol, we see integration as a sacred process — a bridge between the unseen and the seen, between what was revealed in ceremony and how it blossoms in your daily life.
The Time After the Fire
In the hours after a ceremony, your body and spirit may feel tender — expanded, sensitive, or quiet. This is natural. The medicine continues to weave through you, bringing balance to the mind, body, and heart.
We encourage you to spend time in silence and nature, drink plenty of water and herbal teas, and avoid overstimulation such as screens, loud music, or crowds.
Allow yourself to rest. Listen.
Dreams may become vivid, emotions may rise and fall — each is a message from the spirit of the medicine, showing you what still needs your love and attention.
Integration as Ceremony
Every act after ceremony is part of your prayer — the way you eat, walk, speak, or breathe.
Bring the same reverence you held in the maloca into your daily moments.
Eat clean, grounding foods grown from the earth.
Take time for reflection or journaling.
Walk barefoot to reconnect with the soil.
Surround yourself with people and environments that support your peace.
Integration is not about trying to “understand” everything. It is about embodying what you felt — letting it change the way you see and live.
Staying Connected to the Fire
When you leave the mountain, the circle continues.
The fire that burned in the maloca also burns within you. It calls for presence, honesty, and care.
You are encouraged to stay in touch with us after your gathering — to share how the medicine is guiding you, or to ask for support if you need grounding or clarity.
Our community walks this path together. Many who come to Finca de la Sol continue their journey with ongoing dietas, monthly circles, or by returning to help care for the land.
The Return
Leaving the mountain is not the end — it is a continuation of your prayer in the world.
The river will remember your footsteps, the fire your song, and the Earth the offering of your tears.
Carry your transformation gently, as a sacred seed — it will grow in its own time, watered by your daily choices and the love you give to life itself.
Staying Connected
The circle never truly closes
Every person who comes to Finca de la Sol becomes part of a living prayer — a thread in the great web of remembrance.
When you leave the land, the connection continues. The Earth, the fire, and the medicine all remember you, and they keep guiding your steps long after you’ve returned home.
Walking Together
We believe the journey of awakening is not meant to be walked alone.
Our community continues to gather each Full Moon and New Moon, sharing fire, song, and prayer in rhythm with the cycles of nature.
Through these gatherings, we remember that healing is not a single moment — it is a way of living.
You are always welcome to return — for another ceremony, to volunteer on the land, or simply to rest and reconnect.
Many of our guests stay in touch through our newsletter, community chat, and online circles, where we share teachings, upcoming gatherings, and reflections from the jungle.
Ways to Stay Connected
• Join the Circle: Receive updates on gatherings, retreats, and wisdom shared from the mountain.
• Visit the Land Again: Return for another ceremony, a period of integration, or simply time in silence with nature.
• Offer Support: Contribute to the growth of Finca de la Sol through our donation programs — planting, building, or scholarships.
• Stay in Prayer: Wherever you are, you remain part of the same fire — the one that unites all who walk in remembrance.
A Living Family
The circle of Finca de la Sol is a family born not of blood, but of prayer.
Each person who enters brings a new light, a new story, a new way the Earth remembers herself.
Whether you are near or far, you remain part of this living prayer — woven by love, held by the land, and guided by the same sun that shines upon us all.*