Rythmia FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Rythmia Life Advancement Center is the world's only medically licensed plant medicine center, in the Blue Zone of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Whether you're exploring what a stay involves, want to understand the cost, or have questions about safety and eligibility, you'll find honest, detailed answers here. Select a topic below or browse all FAQs on this page.
About Rythmia
Rythmia is the world's only medically licensed plant medicine center, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Founded by Gerard (Gerry) Powell, it offers week-long programs (Saturday - Saturday or Sunday - Sunday) combining ayahuasca ceremonies with yoga, meditation, breathwork, integration classes, and 24/7 on-site medical care. Over 23,000 guests have attended since 2016, with 98% reporting a life-changing miracle.
Rythmia is located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, which is one of only five Blue Zones on the planet, at Hacienda Pinilla near Playa Avellanas, Tamarindo. The nearest airport is Liberia (LIR), approximately one hour away. Downtown Tamarindo is a 10-minute cab ride from the resort.
Cost & Pricing
Rythmia starts at $4,900 USD per person for a 7-night stay, with pricing varying by room type. The rate is fully all-inclusive, and includes transportation to and from Liberia airport, accommodation, 21 organic meals, four plant medicine ceremonies, daily program sessions, spa treatments including a massage and colonic hydrotherapy, and 24/7 on-site medical care.
Every stay includes transportation to and from Liberia airport, 7 nights' accommodation, 21 farm-to-table organic meals, 4 ayahuasca ceremonies, 3 meditation classes, 3 'Answer is You' classes, 6 yoga sessions, 3 breathwork classes, 1 massage, 2 colonic cleanses, 2 beach trips, and 24/7 on-site medical care.
Ayahuasca & Plant Medicine
Yes. Ayahuasca is central to the Rythmia Way Program. Four ceremonies are included in every 7-night stay, led by a team of highly trained shamans. Ayahuasca is optional and subject to medical clearance. Rythmia also works with Yagé, a related plant medicine from the Amazon basin.
Ayahuasca is not “illegal” in Costa Rica. While it is not formally legalized, it operates in a decriminalized space that allows for its ceremonial and therapeutic use. Rythmia holds a General Medical License from the Costa Rican Ministry of Health and is separately licensed by IAFA, making it the only medically licensed plant medicine center in the world. All ceremonies take place within a fully regulated facility under qualified medical supervision.
Safety
Yes. Rythmia is the world's only medically licensed plant medicine center, with a 24/7 on-site clinical team of doctors, registered nurses, and emergency response technicians. Every guest completes a rigorous medical screening before and upon arrival. A minimum 1:4 healer-to-guest ratio is maintained throughout all ceremonies.
What to Expect
The Rythmia Way is a week-long immersive program combining four ayahuasca ceremonies with daily yoga, meditation, rhythmic breathwork, Michael Beckwith's 'Answer Is You' classes, intention-setting workshops, and integration sessions. It is built around three core intentions (Show Me Who I’ve Become, Merge Me Back With My Soul, Heal My Heart) and has a 98% miracle rate across 23,000+ past guests.
Before arriving to Rythmia, guests access the RLife App, which begins with a structured prep module, followed by a post-retreat 90-day integration program. The app features expert-led yoga, breathwork, and meditation, weekly live Zoom sessions with certified facilitators, and Michael Beckwith's 'Answer Is You' course. Optional 1-on-1 integration coaching is also available at an additional fee.
Booking
Booking begins with a call with one of our Senior Guest Consultants, followed by a medical screening. A $500 USD deposit secures your space, with the remaining balance due within 14 days. Rythmia offers 7-night and 14-night stays. If budget is a concern, our Senior Guest Consultants can walk you through available options during your call. Reach us at +1 (844) 236-5674 or visit the booking page to get started.
Preparation
Pack light, comfortable clothing for warm weather: swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, comfortable shoes, and a hat. For ceremonies, bring loose-fitting, non-restrictive clothing and a journal. Natural DEET-free insect repellent is recommended. Toiletries, hair dryers, and laundry service are all available on site.
Follow a clean diet for at least one week before arrival. The traditional ayahuasca dieta asks you to avoid processed foods, red meat, fermented foods, alcohol, caffeine, and aged cheeses. It is recommended to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Detailed written preparation guidelines are sent once your booking is confirmed.
Accommodation
Rythmia offers accommodation tiers from shared rooms to private executive suites, all within a gated resort in Hacienda Pinilla. Every room type includes the full Rythmia Way Program, all meals, and medical care if needed.
Reviews & Trust
Since 2016, more than 23,000 guests have completed the Rythmia Way Program, with 98% reporting a life-changing miracle. Rythmia consistently receives five-star reviews on Tripadvisor and Google, with guests citing profound transformation, safety, the quality of the medical team and onsite staff, and the depth of the program as standout qualities.
For the vast majority of guests, yes. The all-inclusive rate, which includes accommodation, ceremonies, access to our licensed medical team, classes, amenities, and 90 days of post-retreat support via the RLife App, represents substantial value relative to the depth of the experience and the lasting outcomes reported by 98% of attendees.
Scholarships
Yes. Rythmia's Scholarship Program was created to make the experience accessible to those who need it most. A limited number of scholarships are available each year. Visit the Scholarships page for eligibility criteria and application details, or speak directly with a guest consultant at +1 (844) 236-5674.

Transform Depression with Ayahuasca
Watch this educational webinar to explore the therapeutic potential of Ayahuasca in treating depression with Dr. Jeff McNairy and Dr. Mariana Rojas.
Here's what you'll learn in this discussion:
- How people and their brains get stuck in depression
- How Ayahuasca resets the brain of people dealing with depression
- How the Rythmia Way Program helps people reset their lives

