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Frequently Asked Questions
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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?It is a journey, but we are committed to making your trip here as easy as possible! Book your flight into the SJO airport. You should arrive the day before he retreat. We will send you a list of hotels and B&Bs near the airport, prices range $60-$120. They all have shuttles to pick you up at the airport. Reserve a room. Get a good nights sleep. These hotels all have breakfast included. The next morning our driver will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to our Center or to Dominical where we will meet you. We are 3.5-4 hours from the airport. We will have lunch waiting. The cost of the shuttle to our Center and back to the airport is included in the price of the retreat.
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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 77°- 82°, 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 comfortable 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. There is a wash machine here so pack light. 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 with us 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 check with your phone carrier, they may have an international plan.
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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. Also you will need colones if you want to buy anything at the local farmer's market.
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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 or flies but the no-see-ums can be pesky for some people. 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 the end of February. Bring bug spray if you are especially delicious!
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Will I have access to the internet?We have WiFi but it may be slower and sometimes may disappear completely. 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 vegetarian with occasional fish, 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, shuttle, and most activities and classes are included in the price of the retreat. Extras will be: massage-$85 colonics-$85 horseback riding $50(hopefully available in 2026, not available in 2025) Microdosing- complimentary There are hotels & B&Bs near the airport for $60-$120 a night. They all have a low cost or free shuttle from the airport.(check schedule, some don't run 24 hours) 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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