RETREAT INFORMATION
Thanks for booking a retreat!
Please thoroughly read the following information as it contains pertinent information for your retreat, arrival, and departure.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
GENERAL INFO
Airport
You will fly into San Jose (SJO). We provide a complimentary shuttle to the retreat at 2pm on the start day of the retreat. We do not provide pickup from hotels.
Payments
The balance is due in Cash USD on arrival.
If you are unable to bring cash please let us know and we can find a solution.
Location
Please use the address: Dos Colinas, Esterillos Este, Puntarenas. The google address for New Life Ayahuasca is not accurate.
ARRIVAL
Check-in is at 3 pm. Pickup from San Jose Airport is provided at 2 pm on the start day of the retreat. A shuttle driver will arrive at SJO with a sign that says 'New Life Retreat'. If you can find a flight that arrives on that day before 12 pm you can just wait for the shuttle driver to arrive, however, we do encourage guests to arrive a day early and stay at a hotel or B&B and meet back at the airport for the shuttle pick-up the next day just in case you encounter any flight delays or travel disruptions. 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: There are no COVID-related entry restrictions.
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: You can not enter Costa Rica on a one-way ticket. You must have proof of exiting the country within 90 days.
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 2:15 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. Say 'no gracias' to anyone that tries to take your bags, load them into the van or put you into any taxi or shuttle that isn't ours.
If you are already 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.
DEPARTURE
Checkout is at 11 am. We will provide a complimentary airport shuttle to San Jose Airport SJO at 10 am. This will get you to the airport around 12pm, so if you are planning to fly out the day the retreat ends, please look for a flight after 2 pm.
If you are able to stay in Costa Rica for a few days after the retreat we highly recommend it. The country is beautiful and having some extra time to decompress and process the experience without the stress of jumping back into a daily routine can help you feel more prepared for integrating back home. We are located in Esterillos Este. There are a number of beaches nearby:
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MANUEL ANTONIO - Beautiful National Park, Surfing, lots of Wildlife about 45 minutes south
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PLAYA HERMOSA - Small beach town, very quiet, usually empty beach, very serene. Not great for swimming, really big waves! 20 minutes north
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DOMINICAL/UVITA - Very 'hippie' town with some surfing. 1 hour 30 minutes south
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JACO - The big tourist party town nearby. It's got lots of great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. There are many hotel and B&B options in this area. 30 minutes north
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Esterillos Oeste - The next beach over, it's a quiet spot, some surfing
OTHER LOCATIONS IN COSTA RICA - Approximate driving times to other frequently visited areas of Costa Rica that experience high levels of tourism and would also be wonderful places to visit after the retreat
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MONTEVERDE – 4 hours Cloud Forests and lots of nature excursions
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LA FORTUNA – 5 hours Arenal Volcano & Lake Arenal, Here you will find many Hot Springs
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SAN JOSE/ALAJUELA – 2 hours SJO airport
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MAL PAIS/ SANTA TERESA/MONTEZUMA – requires a ferry ride of 1 hour, plus about an hour of drive time
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TAMARINDO – 5 hours Tourist beach area with surfing
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OSA PENINSULA/ PAVONES/ DRAKE BAY – 5 hours
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PUERTA VIEJO – 8 hours Caribbean Side
COVID INFO
There are no Covid related entry requirements for Costa Rica.
(no testing, no proof of vaccination)
MEDICATIONS
You were asked to fill out a medical form to disclose any medications you may be taking. If you did not provide all the information or if for any reason you start a new medication you need to notify us immediately. Mixing medications/other drugs and ayahuasca can be very dangerous. Almost every single death associated with ayahuasca was due to drug interactions so please, take this seriously.
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.
PACKING - WHAT TO BRING
It is required to carry your luggage up and down many steps to reach your room at the retreat. Please do not bring any luggage larger than a carry-on size!
Costa Rica has 2 seasons: Temperatures are around 70 - 90 degrees year-round.
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GREEN SEASON (June - November) is also known as the rainy season. It's wonderful this time of year because everything is so green and in bloom! The mornings start out sunny and the rain comes in throughout the day. 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 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 fairly brown. The sun is very strong, so bring sunscreen and a hat for the beach.
Packing Suggestions:
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Bathing Suit
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Sunscreen (high UV index)
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Bug Spray
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Sandals
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Closed toed shoes
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Headlamp / Flashlight (preferably with a red light option)
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Personal Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
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Light/ breathable long sleeves and pants for mosquitos in the rainy season
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Rain Jacket or Umbrella (during the rainy season)
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Journal & pens
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Bring a bathing suit and sunscreen (high UV index), sandals for the beach and walking around the retreat, and closed-toed shoes for exploring.
Please bring personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste). Body wash, shampoo and conditioner will be provided.
We encourage you to bring a journal to help remember/process your experiences.
Our ceremonies will be held in an open-air structure between 6 - 10 pm. Mosquitos can be troublesome, especially during the rainy season. Bring bug spray and light, breathable, airy long sleeves/long pants. Please bring a headlamp with redlight option.
Please be aware that it is required to climb stairs at the retreat. Most of the bedrooms have pathways with steps to reach their entrance. Some level of physical fitness is necessary. New Life Ayahuasca staff is available to help participants to their rooms after the ceremony until 12 midnight. After that, you must determine your own level of comfort navigating the pathway or sleep in the ceremony space.
Laundry is not available for guest use - laundry service is available for a fee of $5 per load (not our rule, sorry! - its the policy of the space we rent)
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 60 days from the start date of the retreat are elligable for a full refund.
If you cancel between 60 - 30 days prior to the start date of the retreat then your deposit can be credited toward a future retreat within 1 year subject to availability.
If you cancel less than 30 days to the start date of the retreat your deposit will be forfeited.
COVID CANCELLATION POLICY
Covid is a known risk and something we’ve all been dealing with for 2 years now. If you choose to travel/book a retreat at this time, you assume the risk of travel disruption. We do not offer any refunds for last minute cancellations due to Covid. If you are unable to travel due to a change in travel restrictions since the time of your booking or you test positive for Covid before the retreat, then the deposit can be credited toward a future retreat within one year subject to availability.