Unci Maka
Guided healing in a living garden
At Unci Maka, the medicinal garden is part of the work, not just a backdrop. Set in the Caribbean rainforest near Manzanillo, this intimate healing space centers on one-to-one ceremonies and treatments led by founder Julie Semarhi. The focus is plant medicine, with sessions intended to support detoxification, emotional release and holistic trauma healing; these are guided encounters rather than a packed group retreat program. A healing temple sits at the heart of the garden, where guests spend the arrival and ceremony night with Julie. The following day is framed for integration, with the option to stay in a private dome with its own bathroom, a five-minute walk away. Meals are simple, consisting of fruits and nuts, and vegan dietary options are listed. Unci Maka will suit travelers drawn to close guidance, medicinal plants and a rainforest setting. Anyone considering ceremony should ask Julie about suitability, preparation and what each session involves.
Highlights
- A medicinal garden with a wide variety of healing plants
- One-to-one ceremonies and treatments guided by founder Julie Semarhi
- A healing temple used for ceremonies and the arrival-night stay
- Optional private dome lodging with a bathroom, a five-minute walk away
- Simple fruit-and-nut meals, with vegan options
Good for
Setting
The center sits in the Caribbean rainforest near Manzanillo, with a medicinal garden at its heart and a dedicated healing temple for ceremonies. The setting feels closely connected to the surrounding plant life, making the garden an active part of the experience rather than a decorative feature.
The practice
The work here centers on plant medicine, though no specific tradition is named. Julie guides one-to-one ceremonies and treatments with aims that include detoxification, emotional release and holistic trauma healing. For newcomers, expect a personal, guided setting in the healing temple rather than a large group class. Ask Julie about preparation, suitability and the details of a session before booking.
A typical day
The visit is described as a short sequence rather than a fixed daily timetable: guests arrive and stay with Julie in the temple for the ceremony night, then move into an integration day. A private dome nearby is an optional place to stay on that second day. Confirm the exact schedule for your retreat.
Accommodation
Guests spend the arrival and ceremony night with guide Julie in the healing temple. For the integration day, a private dome with its own bathroom is an optional alternative, about a five-minute walk from Unci Maka.
What to bring
Pack light, breathable clothes for warm weather, which averages 26.7°C year-round, plus a rain layer for the wetter months, especially June, September and October. Comfortable clothing for guided sessions and sturdy shoes for walking between the garden and dome are practical choices.
How to get there
The address is Entrada del antiguo Centro Recreativo de Recope, Manzanillo, Limón. The described route is to take a shuttle to Puerto Viejo de Limón, then a tuk-tuk to Manzanillo.
Nearest airport: La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON) (61 km)
La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON) is approximately 61 km from the center. The described onward route is a shuttle to Puerto Viejo de Limón, then a tuk-tuk to Manzanillo.
Nearest city: La Fortuna
Public transport: A shuttle to Puerto Viejo de Limón followed by a tuk-tuk to Manzanillo is the described route.
Prices start at USD 122. Confirm what the quoted price includes, including lodging and meals, when arranging your visit.
Climate
Climate Zone: Tropical
Best Months: Feb, Jan, Dec
Avoid: Oct, Jun, Sep
The area stays warm year-round, with an average annual temperature of 26.7°C. February, March and April are the warmest months; October, June and September are among the wettest, while January, February and December are driest.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Where do guests sleep on the ceremony night?
The arrival and ceremony night is spent with guide Julie in Unci Maka’s healing temple. On the integration day, guests can opt for a private dome with a bathroom about five minutes away.
Can a first-time visitor take part?
The ceremonies and treatments are guided one-to-one, but no prior-experience requirement is stated. Ask Julie whether a particular session is suitable for you and how to prepare.
How do I arrange a visit?
Contact Julie or the center directly to confirm availability, dates and the reservation process.
What food is served?
Meals are listed as fruits and nuts, with vegan dietary options. Check with the center about meal details for your dates.
What language are sessions conducted in?
Ask Julie which languages she can accommodate for your visit.
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