The following are some questions we have been asked about the Yelapa Yoga Retreat.
Where is Yelapa?
On the Mexican Pacific Coast. There are no roads to Yelapa. Access is by 40 minute boat ride from Puerto Vallarta.
TRAVEL
Passports are now required for travel to and from Mexico!
Fights are into Puerto Vallarta. There are many flights arriving daily from all over the world – many of them are direct. For ease of travel we suggest arriving at least by Saturday March 18 and spend the night in Old Puerto Vallarta. (A list of recommended hotels will be listed in your email confirmation letter which you will received after submitting your deposit)
***IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE PLACE AND TIME TO MEET WITH GROUP FOR DEPARTURE TO YELAPA SUNDAY, March 19 & AND RETURN TO PUERTO VALLARTA SATURDAY, MARCH 25
SUNDAY March 19 Departure from PUERTO VALLARTA The group will meet NO LATER THAN 1:30PM at the Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta where Surya will be waiting for you and where the boat will take our group to Yelapa. On our last trip to Yelapa we encountered several whales! It’s a 45 minute beautiful and adventurous ride. The cost of the boat ride from Puerto Vallarta and back is included in the fee.
SATURDAY MARCH 25 Departure for PUERTO VALLARTA The group will depart by boat from Yelapa at 9AM arriving in Puerto Vallarta by 10AM.
PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTA VALLARTA
Most people choose to stay in Puerta Vallarta at least the night before the retreat begins and many choose to visit a few days before and after. There are many excellent accommodations available and it is a very safe city. Our favorite area is called the Romantic Zone near the famous ocean-front Malacon boardwalk and many good restaurants. Here is a reliable booking site.
Packing List
Bring Very Little. We will be traveling by boat with a water landing meaning that you need to wear flip flops and shorts or pants you can roll up as we will be landing in mid calf high water.We will be dropped off at a small beach and take a short walk along the path to Pura Vida. The temperature is 60-65 at night and 75 – 80 in the daytime and rain is very unlikely. Yoga mats are provided by the center. Bring only a carry on size bag or duffel and a tote bag.
What to bring – This is a super casual scene..no high end resort wear!! actually it would feel quite ridiculous! (You can rinse out clothing in your bathroom to minimize what to bring) It is cool at night and in the morning. Bring a fleece jacket or sweater and shawl, bathing suit, sarong, bathing suit cover-up, 2-3 yoga leggings, a few yoga tops, shorts or capris, and a few tees, a pair of casual flowey pants( jeans, except for travel, will feel restrictive in this laid back, warm vibe), a long sleeve shirt, maybe a simple casual dress for easy transition from massage, very good walking sandals or sneakers ( Yelapa is all trails and very narrow dirt roads) and flip flops, hat, sunscreen,. If you feel inclined a long, fun, summer dress can feel sensual and feminine at the end of a day of practice and swimming..Towels and mats are provided at Pura Vida. There are no ATM machines in Yelapa. If you feel you Pesos for body work or to purchase something in Yelapa you will need access the ATM’s in Puerto Vallarta.
Please Note: This retreat is not suitable for people with walking limitations due to a number of steep stairs and uneven walkways.
Is Bodywork Available?
Massage, Watsu and energy work is available payable by credit card or cash.
Is it safe to travel to Yelapa?
Yes. Puerto Vallarta is frequently visited by travelers from all over the world and has a reputation for being very safe. Yelapa is small, without road access and very safe. Pura Vida is a 15-minute walk from the village along a narrow path and very safe.
How many participants do you expect?
There will be a maximum of 20 participants.
Are the retreats suitable for beginners?
These retreats are suitable for anyone, regardless of age, physical ability or prior experience in yoga, breathwork, and meditation. The teaching is primarily guiding each participant back to their own intuitive knowing. Students come to these retreats for different reasons and with different backgrounds. The retreat experience is unique for everyone, allowing them to have the understanding and experience they need at that particular time.
What is the daily schedule?
7am-8am Yogurt, tea, fruit
8 – 10 am Meditation, Pranayama, Asana, Meditative Movement
10 am Brunch
4- 6:00 pm Yin & Restorative yoga, Yoga Nidra, Breathwork
6:00 Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Meditation
Are there any silent periods during the retreat and if so why?
There will be silence periods from after the evening meditation until after brunch. Of course, anyone may choose to have as much “alone time” as they would like to extend the periods of silence. Most people today have busy lives and spend very little time in silence. Silence is restful, being the mirror of our natural state. Silent community creates a supportive environment in which to deepen understanding, awareness, openness and, compassion. This greatly enhances the benefits of a yoga retreat.
What are the meals like?
There will be early morning tea and fruit 7-8AM before the morning session and a hearty brunch at 10AM and dinner at 6PM. All meals are healthy vegetarian, carefully prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Where is Pura Vida located?
About a 15-minute walk from the small village of Yelapa along a narrow patch that skirts the sea. It is at the far South end of the small bay and offers deep tranquility at the edge of the sea with the jungle behind it.
Are there any additional taxes we need to pay?
No. All taxes are included in the price.
Passports are now required for travel to and from Mexico!
