Integration focused
Most of the benefit comes after the retreat, as you bring what you learned home to daily life, your crew and your community. Conversations before and after the retreat support that work.
Rest for those who meet the fire.
An eight-day wellness retreat for wildland firefighters in the Costa Rican rainforest, shaped with firefighters around rest, reflection, nature connection and integration after fire season.
8 daysat the sanctuary
3plant medicine ceremonies
16participants maximum
Your retreat protects the rainforest
Posada Natura is operated by Eco Era, a nonprofit founded in 1991. Unlike most retreat centers, every booking here directly funds the protection of more than 10,000 acres of primary rainforest and the headwaters of the Naranjo and Savegre rivers. Retreats cover roughly 80% of that conservation work.
See the conservation workShaped with the people who carry the season.
The program was developed with guidance from wildland firefighters and traditional plant medicine facilitators. It focuses on meaningful rest, connection and contemplative practice after the physical and emotional demands of fire service.
Three traditional plant medicine sessions are complemented by individual and group support, guided pre- and post-retreat integration, nature immersion, yoga, meditation and optional bodywork. Places are reserved for wildland firefighters alongside people from other backgrounds.
Space to land without an active incident.
The program is led by a facilitation team with more than 20 years of experience and roots in the Kamëntšá spiritual healing tradition of Sibundoy, Colombia. Wildland firefighters also take part in advisor and support roles.
It recognizes the cumulative effects of long shifts, smoke exposure, constant vigilance, inadequate recovery, loss and high-stakes work, and offers community without the pressure of the fireline. Every program directly funds Eco Era’s protection of the rainforest around the sanctuary, and a portion supports Indigenous-led initiatives.
Please noteThis retreat does not provide emergency services or promise treatment for PTSD, depression, addiction or other conditions. Screening is required, and participants should continue care with qualified clinicians.
Wellness made by wildland firefighters, for firefighters.
Wildland firefighters often work 16-hour days for 14 days straight, with as little as two days to recover before the next assignment. They face depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD and suicide at rates far higher than the general population.
This program was created by wildland firefighters whose own lives were changed by plant medicine and contemplative practice. Firefighters are on site as assistant facilitators throughout the retreat.
Contemplative practice
Daily meditation and mindfulness to settle the stress response, build calm and replace unhealthy ways of coping.
Communal ritual
The Temazcal, a fire-based sweat lodge ceremony traditionally used by Indigenous warriors, to release stress and fear and strengthen the group.
Connection to nature
Days shaped by the forest, the river, the seasons and the wildlife around the sanctuary.
Nervous system recovery
A quiet place filled with the sound of the forest and river, where the body can finally rest without restlessness or boredom.
Ethics of access & reciprocity
Limited partial scholarships for those with financial need. Every program directly funds Eco Era’s rainforest conservation, and a portion supports Indigenous-led initiatives.
Eight days, fully held.
Everything below is part of the retreat price. Firefighters receive 15% off with code FIRE10.
- Eight days at the rainforest sanctuary
- Three traditional plant medicine ceremonies
- Traditional Temazcal sweat lodge ceremony
- Individual counseling sessions
- Group integration circles
- Individual pre- and post-retreat conversations
- Daily yoga and meditation
- Optional bodywork
- Riverfront accommodations
- Farm-to-table, organic meals, including local chicken, fish and eggs
- Rainforest and waterfall excursion
- Manuel Antonio beach trip
- Group airport shuttle
Wildland firefighter wellness: common questions.
Who is this retreat for?
Wildland firefighters of every kind: hotshots, smokejumpers, engine, hand and helitack crews, and fire managers. Places are reserved for firefighters alongside people from other backgrounds.
When does it happen?
In the off season, when crews finally have time to rest. See the current dates on our retreat calendar.
What does it cost?
Firefighters save 15% with code FIRE10, and limited partial scholarships are available for those with financial need. See the firefighter rates.
What happens during the week?
Deep rest, nourishing meals, time by the river and in the forest, yoga, meditation, a traditional temazcal, group circles and individual support, with integration before and after.
Is this medical or mental health treatment?
No. It is a wellness retreat, not emergency care or treatment for any condition. Screening is required, and participants should continue care with qualified clinicians.
How can I support a firefighter?
Donations fund scholarships so wildland firefighters can attend. See Sponsor a firefighter.
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the U.S., call or text 988 any time to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Sponsor a firefighter.
Wildland firefighters protect our forests, homes and communities, yet they are among the lowest paid professions in the United States. Many cannot afford time away to rest and recover after the season.
Donations to Eco Era, the U.S. 501(c)(3) that operates Posada Natura, fund scholarships so wildland firefighters can join this program. In return, firefighters lend their forestry skills to help protect the rainforest reserve.
The people who hold this program.
Ceremonies are led by facilitators rooted in the Kamëntšá healing tradition. The program is produced by wildland firefighters who know the work from the inside.
Celina De Leon
Ceremony facilitator, January 22–30, 2027
Ceremony facilitator, January 22–30, 2027
Celina is the founder and director of the Circle of Sacred Nature Church. Since 2010 she has guided thousands of people from all over the world through ceremonial experiences.
Her training as a facilitator draws on more than 20 years of experience with Amazonian plant medicine and a foundation in yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. As an apprentice of Taita Juan Bautista Agreda Chindoy, leader of the Kamëntšá Indigenous people of Colombia, her ceremonial practice is grounded in a traditional lineage.
She is a Stanford graduate and a Fulbright scholar, holds a Master of Divinity from the Graduate Theological Union, and has received professional training in spiritual care through chaplaincy.
Russell Kennedy
Program producer · Alaska Smokejumper
Program producer · Alaska Smokejumper
Russell has fought wildfires since 2001. He spent five years as an Idaho City Hotshot and became an Alaska Smokejumper in 2014.
In 2017 he was introduced to plant medicine in the Colombian Amazon, which set off a profound personal transformation. He has practiced Zen Buddhism for the past seven years, drawing connections between firefighting, Buddhist principles and the wisdom of plant medicine.
He serves as Fire Marshal for the San Francisco Zen Center.
Kris Baumgartner
Program producer · Hotshot superintendent
Program producer · Hotshot superintendent
Kris has been the Superintendent of the Pioneer Peak Hotshot Crew since 2017 and has fought wildfire since 2007. He sees leadership as being in service to the people he leads.
He is a registered Peer Supporter for his agency and a member of his state's Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
Rob Thomas
Program producer · Former handcrew firefighter
Program producer · Former handcrew firefighter
Rob began his career on handcrews in Lake Tahoe and Alaska before moving into restoration forestry, where he trained young adults in the field.
His Buddhist practice grew out of plant medicine work and international travel to study religious practices. After several years in residency at the San Francisco Zen Center, he co-founded an annual retreat for wildland firefighters at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in Central California.
Facilitation teams vary by date. Meet more of our ceremony facilitators on the plant medicine page.
Published firefighter rates
Per person for the full retreat, including meals, ceremonies, counseling and excursions.
| Room | Firefighters | Regular rate | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open roomSingle bed, shared casita & bathroom | $3,060 | $3,600 | $540 |
| Shared roomSingle bed, room shared with one guest, shared casita & bathroom | $3,485 | $4,100 | $615 |
| Full private roomFull bed, shared casita & bathroom | $3,825 | $4,500 | $675 |
| King private roomKing bed, shared casita & bathroom | $3,910 | $4,600 | $690 |
| Private bungalowQueen + single bed, private bathroom | $4,080 | $4,800 | $720 |
| Private suiteQueen + single bed, private bathroom, A/C & Wi-Fi | $4,505 | $5,300 | $795 |
Enter code FIRE10 at checkout on Retreat Guru.
Rates were reviewed September 9, 2026 and may change. Contact the team for current dates, pricing and eligibility.
Next firefighter placesJan 22–30, 2027
Eight days of ceremony, integration circles, counseling, yoga and excursions, facilitated by Celina De Leon. Open to all, with places reserved for wildland firefighters.
Register now
Talk it through with the team.
Every participant completes an intake and screening before ceremony. Some health conditions, medications and circumstances can make participation unsafe, and the team confirms eligibility before your place is final. Please wait to book flights until you are confirmed.
Limited partial scholarships are available for people with financial need.
Questions about the firefighter retreat?
Ask about eligibility, dates, rates, scholarships, intake or what the week looks like. A member of our team will write back to you personally.
Prefer to talk it through? Schedule a free discovery call.
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Come for the retreat. Leave protecting the rainforest.
Every retreat at Posada Natura directly funds Eco Era, the nonprofit protecting more than 10,000 acres of primary rainforest. Join a retreat on the Naranjo River, or bring your own community into the forest.