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Awakened Heart: A GBTQ+ Sacred Plant Journey

With Ash Ruiz and Teo Chapelier

May 18 - 24, 2025

Book now and get $200.00 off listed prices! Limited early bird spots available.

Date and Time Details: May 18-24 2025

Location: 'The Jungle Gayborhood' San Salvador de Baru, Diamante Valley, Costa Rica

Address: San José Province, Tinamaste, Costa Rica

Contact: Team
hello@junglegayborhood.com

Included:
- Accommodations
- 3 Meals per day
- All listed activities and practices
- Group shuttle airport transfer to and from the Jungle Gayborhood (at a specific time and date)

Not Included:
- Flight
- Any Visas that may be required.

Cancellation Policy: A 50% Deposit payment is required to book your space. The remaining 50% will be processed 30 days prior to the start of the course.

90+ days prior to the start date: Full refund
89-30 days: 50% refund
29 days or less: No refunds

Please note: 13% tax will be added to all costs.

We know that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change, but our cancellation and refund policies are absolute. We recommend trip insurance that includes coverage for cancellations made for any reason. We recommend insurance companies such as: Travel Guard or World Nomads any other well-known travel insurance company.

Scholarship Options: Participants who would like to join the course but are facing financial challenges can opt for one of a limited number of scholarship options. They will be able to access the course at a greatly reduced price. Accommodation will be in a camping tent rather than a cabin.

In order to qualify, please fill out this Scholarship Application Form to let us know about your situation and the scholarship amount you are seeking.

Precio Tico: For Costa Rican nationals we offer a 50% discount on listed prices. Please email hello@junglegayborhood.com for further information. A Costa Rican passport or identity card is required.

Digital Detox: You will be strongly encouraged to switch off all electronics for the duration of the course in order to connect more deeply to nature and to yourself. Use of electronics will be strictly limited to the bedrooms. Electronics such as phones, iPads or laptops will not be able to be used in any public areas.

Doggo Notice: We have two very loving and friendly pups - Bodhi and Luna - who live here at the Gayborhood. Aside from the occasional barking spree at incoming cars, they are quiet, harmless, and very sweet. If you have any concerns about dogs being onsite, please reach out to discuss. If you have any concerns about dogs being onsite, please reach out to discuss. Aside from Bodhi and Luna, the Gayborhood is a pet-free property, please leave your furry friends at home.

4x4 (4WD) Notice: Please note that the road leading to our property is a dirt road, and during heavy rains it can be challenging for non-4x4 / 4WD vehicles to exit. In this case, non-4x4 vehicles may need to wait until any heavy rains subside before attempting to leave. Please keep this in mind when renting a vehicle or booking transportation.

Free Shuttle: Arrivals: Optional shuttle departs San Jose International airport at 10am on Sunday, May 18, for a 4pm arrival at the Jungle Gayborhood.
Departures: Optional shuttle departs the Jungle Gayborhood at 8am on Saturday, May 24, for a 2pm arrival at SJO.

Book A Call: https://calendly.com/jess-junglegayborhood/30min

  • Shared 4 Bed Cabin – $2,850.00
  • Private King Cabin – $3,600.00
  • Shared Twin Cabin – $3,300.00
  • Private Deluxe Cabin – $3,900.00
  • Camping (Gear Provided) – $2,400.00

Awakened Heart is a 7-day retreat set in the breathtaking Diamante Valley of Costa Rica, designed to help you reconnect with the truth of your intrinsic wholeness. Created specifically for the queer community, this experience weaves together sacred plant ceremonies, immersive experiences in lush nature, and holistic wellness practices to guide you toward healing, self-discovery, and a sense of profound connection. Here, in a supportive and inclusive environment, you’ll explore the themes of wholeness, our bond with nature, and the power of community while gently examining areas of life where you may feel blocked or fragmented.

This retreat welcomes GBTQIA+ men (cis and trans) of all backgrounds, body types, and experience levels. Through yoga, meditation, nature excursions, and trauma-informed integration, you’ll deepen your relationship with yourself, your community, and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore our connections to sex, sensuality, and intimacy, creating a safe and non-sexual container for open reflection and personal growth. Whether you’re experienced with sacred plant work or entirely new to this journey, you’ll find a space here to reconnect with your authentic self and reclaim the vibrant life that’s always been yours.

What to Expect

  • Sacred Plant Ceremonies: Three optional guided plant ceremonies (two nighttime and one daytime) for deep personal insight and healing, supported by trauma-informed facilitators.
    Holistic Wellness Practices: Daily yoga, meditation, and movement sessions to align body and mind. Satsang (heartfelt discussions and guided reflections) to be offered two-three times during the week.
  • Nature Immersion: Waterfall purification rituals and a nature reciprocity ceremony to strengthen your connection with the earth.
  • Supportive Community & Integration: Pre-retreat Zoom preparation for connection and intention-setting, plus post-retreat group meetings to ensure long-lasting integration of your experience.
  • Nourishment: Organic, farm-to-table meals crafted to support your body and spirit.
  • Non-sexual space: Open discussions on sexuality, but an agreement to refrain from sexual activity, fostering a secure space for deep introspection.

Who Is This For?

This retreat is for GBTQIA+ men (cis and trans) seeking:

  • Personal growth through plant ceremony and mindfulness practices.
  • A deeper connection to nature and their authentic selves.
  • A supportive and inclusive community of like-minded individuals.
  • Whether you’re experienced with yoga, meditation, or sacred plant ceremonies—or entirely new to these practices—you are welcome. Health screenings and consultations ensure this retreat is safe and supportive for all participants.

To create a safe environment conducive to healing and community development, we will ask all participants to adhere to these agreements throughout the week. While we will explore topics of sexuality, we will ask participants to refrain from sex during the retreat. This helps to create a safe environment, and encourages deep connections without the motivation of sex.


About the Facilitators

Ash Ruiz

Ash Ruiz is a seasoned guide in self-realization, nonduality, and trauma informed plant medicine facilitation, with over 30 years of experience. From performing for millions as a teen in Menudo to experiencing deep immersions with Curanderos in the Amazonian Rain Forest, his journey has been one of profound healing and transformation. Having lived in Peru […]

Learn more about Ash Ruiz

Teo Chapelier

Teo is a native from France and is a well-loved Yoga teacher in Los Angeles. His travels and studies have helped him to find his true power: to help others find their inner wisdom. His attentive approach and his deeply rooted desire to care for people is exactly the guidance you’re looking for. Whether you […]

Learn more about Teo Chapelier

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