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How do I register?To register email jungleretreats@gmail.com with your name, address, email, and phone number and we will send you instructions for completing your registration. Or follow this link: https://www.costaricajungleretreats.com/registration to fill it with your information. To secure your spot, you will need to provide a $500 deposit which can be paid via Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, or send check to our Ithaca, NY address. For the psilocybin retreat, we will have a conversation, either in person or on the phone.
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Where are you located?Our center is in the Southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica, a three and a half hour drive from the airport near San Jose (SJO). We are 2 miles off the main road, halfway between the beach town of Dominical and the city of San Isidro, about a 30 minutes drive to each. The community we live in is called Caña Blanca.
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How do I get to your center?Make sure to book your flight into the SJO airport. Do not book a flight that arrives after 12:30pm if you are planning to make it to our retreat center that day. We are 3.5-4 hours from the airport. We recommend arriving the night before, staying near the airport, and leaving early to arrive by mid-day. That way you don’t miss the first day’s events and dinner. A number of options are available; bus, shuttle, private taxi, or rental car (4-wheel drive vehicle required) If you are driving contact us for directions. Use Waze, not Google maps (it will take you the wrong way)! We will arrange a shuttle from the airport and surrounding area the morning of the retreats. Cost $50-75. Our driver will pick you up at the airport or your hotel/b&b near the airport around 9am and bring you to our center. If your flight arrives later in the day there is a shuttle leaving from the airport between 1-3:00pm (Monkey Ride $60) to Dominical. We will pick you up in Dominical. Please be aware you will not be able to find our Center after dark, which is 5:45pm here. It’s important to plan your journey to arrive here before that time.
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What’s the weather like?The temperature from December to May at our location ranges from 68°- 86° F. Our center is in an ideal spot, with temperature mostly 75°- 80°, with a slight breeze and lots of shade. The rainy season is tapering off in December and beginning again in mid April. While there is still an occasional shower, February and March are the hottest and driest summer months. The climate varies considerably due to the mountainous terrain - very hot at the beach and cool in the mountains. People around here say “if you don’t like the weather, drive 10 minutes.”
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What should I bring?Casual clothes for warm summer weather, a sweater for cooler mornings or evenings, sandals, flip flops, and good sneakers for walking and hiking. “Good” clothes or shoes will not be needed. If you are planing your visit before January or after April, an umbrella or raincoat is recommended - otherwise you should be OK without it. Bring sunscreen, shampoo, and any toiletries you may need - these items often cost more here than in the US. CR electric is the same as US so you will not need an electric plug adapter.
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Will my phone work there?Please download What’sApp to keep in touch while in Costa Rica. You will be able to call anywhere in the world where there is internet for free. Usually What’sApp is sufficient but your phone carrier may have an international plan or you can buy a sim card if you have an unlocked phone. If they are compatible you can buy an inexpensive sim card at the airport and pop it into your phone and have a working phone for your vacation. Many AT&T and T-Mobile phones will, Sprint and Verizon phones may not change sim cards. We also recommend checking with your carrier to see what they have to offer.
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Do I need local currency?Almost everyone takes dollars but getting some currency (Costa Rican Colón) at the airport is a good idea if you are taking the bus or taxis. Taxi drivers will round up or never seem to have change so have some ones and fives handy. You will need colones if you are taking the bus.
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Are there a lot of bugs?We have non-toxic cedar oil spray if you need it, or you can bring your own. There are very few mosquitoes and some no-see-ums in the area. Ants are the biggest biters so keep your eyes peeled for them. We almost never use bug spray and leave the house open all day (until we turn the lights on at night). We do have loud cicadas from mid-January to mid- March. Bring bug spray if you are especially delicious!
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Will I have access to the internet?The internet will be slower and sometimes may disappear completely but usually it’s OK. We suggest taking this opportunity to unplug from the virtual world and recommend having other things to do just in case.
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What kind of meals will you be serving?The wellness retreat will be starting with the fasting-mimicking diet for the first 5 days which is a scientifically formulated low protein, low calorie vegan diet. We then move to a low carb diet with higher protein including some animal proteins, ending with a higher carb farm-to-table meal at our neighbor’s permaculture farm. The woman’s yoga retreat will be all vegetarian simple cuisine based on yogic principles. At the psilocybin retreats we will be serving a balanced healthy diet. For all retreats there will be gluten free and vegetarian options. We strive to make delicious meals tapping into the abundance of local, mostly organic fruit and vegetables.
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What if I have a dietary restriction?We can accomodate most dietary restrictions but please email me with any questions about your needs before registering.
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What if I don’t speak Spanish?No problem! Costa Ricans are very friendly and helpful. Most speak and understand some English.
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How much extra money will I need?Meals, accommodations, most activities and classes are included in the price of the retreat. Extras will be: massage-$75 colonics-$75 horseback riding $50 shuttle to and from the center($50-75 each way). There are B&Bs near the airport for around $60 a night, many have a low cost or free shuttle from the airport. Food at restaurants and the airport is similar in price to the US. You might want to buy souvenirs when we visit the farmer’s market.
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I’m a beginner, can I still come to the yoga retreat?Yes! Beginners, any age, welcome. Come! This retreat is for all levels, for all women who need to take a break from their busy lives to go within and reconnect to their deeper selves. It will be led by Diane KALI, a student of YOGA and the healing arts. For the past 30 years, she has dedicated her life to the mastery of the practice on every level. She currently has a yoga studio and massage practice in Odessa NY. Her website- redlotusom.com It is her intention to share all she has learned as her service to humanity.
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