NEW LIFE
RETREAT
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFO
CHECK-IN IS AT 3 PM. Pickup from San Jose Airport is provided at 1 pm on the start day of the retreat. A shuttle driver will arrive at SJO with a sign that says 'New Life Retreat' with your name on it. The shuttle driver is not able to wait for any delayed passengers. If you do miss the shuttle, we can help arrange transportation at your expense (approx. $150).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: You must have a valid passport and a return flight. You can not enter Costa Rica on a one-way ticket. You must have proof of exiting the country within 90 days.
WHEN YOU GO THROUGH CUSTOMS: you will be asked to provide the following information:
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PURPOSE OF VISIT: Tourism - Yoga Retreat - Please do not mention ayahuasca at immigration. Ayahuasca is not illegal in Costa Rica, they have no regulations on it at this time, however, we prefer not to bring it to the officials' attention in hopes that they do not revise the status of the plant here.
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ADDRESS: Dos Colinas - Esterillos Este, Puntarenas. If you are arriving in Costa Rica before the retreat begins please use the address of your hotel or B&B.
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OCCUPATION
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RETURN TICKET - Departing flight information
Once you get through customs, collect your bags, go outside, and follow the signs for 'restaurant/cafe' (there is only one). That is the meeting point, and the shuttle will periodically check that area for our guests. He will have a sign that says 'New Life Retreat' so please keep an eye out for the sign. If you have any issues or he hasn't found you by around 1:15 please send us a message via email or WhatsApp and we will get in touch.
The taxi drivers and 'baggage handlers' at the airport can be very aggressive. Simply say 'no gracias' to anyone that tries to take your bags, tries load them into the van or puts you into any taxi or shuttle that isn't ours.
If you will already be in Costa Rica and prefer to make your own arrangements you can arrive at the location for Dos Colinas anytime after 3pm. (The location on Google for New Life Ayahuasca is NOT accurate) We do not arrive on site until 2pm as we have to get all the groceries and supplies before the group arrives, so earlier check-in can not be accommodated. Please do not arrive earlier as you will not have access to the property.
CHECK-OUT IS AT 11AM - We will have our final share circle after breakfast and the shuttle will arrive at 11am to go to the airport for a 1pm arrival at SJO. The concierge at the retreat can help you arrange taxis to anywhere else you need to go.
PACKING - WHAT TO BRING
It is necessary to carry your bags up and down steps to reach the entrance to most rooms at the retreat. Please pack appropriately and avoid bringing bags larger than carry-on size.
Costa Rica has 2 seasons: Temperatures are around 70 - 90 degrees year-round.
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GREEN/WET SEASON (June - November) is also known as the rainy season. It's wonderful this time of year because everything is green and in bloom and even though it does rain every day we still usually get plenty of sun in the mornings. There are more bugs this time of year so be prepared with light, airy, long sleeves and pants and bug spray.
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DRY SEASON (December - May) is great because it doesn’t rain at all for almost 5 months, meaning sunshine all day long, clear skies, and beautiful sunsets. The downside is most of the vegetation in the area dies and things get very brown. The sun is very strong, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
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Bathing Suit
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Sunscreen and sun hat (high UV index)
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Bug Spray (we will also provide some)
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Sandals
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Closed-toed shoes for exploring
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Headlamp with red light option
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Personal Toiletries (soap, shampoo, and conditioner are provided)
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Light/ breathable long sleeves and pants
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Rain Jacket (during the rainy season - umbrellas are provided)
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Journal & pens
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Our ceremonies will be held in an open-air structure between 6 - 10 pm. Mosquitos can be troublesome, especially during the rainy season and it does get cool at night. Bring bug spray and light, breathable, airy long sleeves/long pants.
Laundry service is available at $5 per load (this is a policy of the retreat space we rent).
THE DIET
Please avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, red meat, dairy, and spicy foods for 5-7 days before arrival.
Caffeine (yes, that includes coffee), salt, sugar, and spices are fine in moderation.
Please do not get confused by all the contradictory information online regarding the diet. Just eat smart and healthy - whole foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid foods that are fried or processed.
If you look online you will find many many different versions of diet requirements. Different traditions have different rules and if you try to follow them all you won't be able to eat anything! Just eat healthy and you'll be fine. To better understand the diet or if you have any questions, please reference our ayahuasca diet page.