TRAVEL QUESTIONS AND REFUNDS
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CANCELLATIONSCancellations: Cancellations for all or any part of the trip will not be effective until received in writing or email to Shanti. Should you have to cancel, the following terms apply: cancellations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee from time of booking to May 1; a $600 per person fee between. May 2 and 15, 2018; and a 50% fee after 15th. No shows, or an early return from the tour (unless for documented medical reasons), will result in forfeiture of 100% of your trip cost; therefore trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
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NICARAGUA TRAVEL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS:
A valid Passport for at least 6 months from the date of arrival required by all. Most travelers (those from the EU, Australia, citizens of the United States and Canada, and some Latin American countries) don't need a visa to enter Nicaragua and will obtain a 90 day Tourist Card upon arrival for US$10 (to be paid at airport immigration). Other Nationalities may need to get a visa prior to their trip. Please consult the Nicaraguan embassy in your country.
LOCATION, CLIMATE, LANGUAGE:
Nicaragua is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica (South) and Honduras (North). When booking flights to San Juan, you will want to fly into Managua International Airport (MGA), a two hour flight from Miami, and has direct flights from most major cities in North America. The main language that is spoken here is Spanish, and although most locals working in the tourism industry speak English, a few words and phrases here and there can go a long way.
RETREAT LOCATION:
We will travel to various places to enjoy the various eco-systems, including volcanoes, lakes, the ocean and the healing waters of the crater waterfall in the Island of Ometepe. Accommodations will be modest yet clean, comfortable and surrounded by natural beauty.
TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT:
We will be renting a van that will transport us all over Nicaragua, with Shanti and family who live locally as your guides.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Besides a Smile, bring your yoga clothes, swim-wear, sunscreen and hat, a light long sleeve t-shirt, walking/hiking shoes, insect repellant, toiletries.
DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE U.S. DOLLARS FOR CORDOBAS (NICARAGUAN CURRENCY) BEFORE I COME?
No, it is not necessary to get Cordobas prior to arrival. US dollar is accepted almost everywhere, but be sure to bring small bills, as larger amounts are often hard to change at small stores and local businesses. Although the exchange rate varies, $1 USD will buy you about C$ 22.
IS THERE AN ATM?
There are plenty of ATMs and all of the major National banks also have offices here as well in other touristic areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, bars and restaurants, though you can sometimes avoid an extra 15% tax by paying cash. It is not advisable to bring large amounts of cash with you.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
No vaccinations are required for entry to Nicaragua. But it is recommended to check with your personal physician or doctor before traveling.
WHAT TYPES OF ECO-EXCURSIONS DO YOU OFFER?
We will go via ferry to an island in the great Nicaragua lake and hike the inactive volcano to the waterfall. There will be opportunity to kayak, bicycle rides, boat rides, nature walks.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
It is recommended to drink filtered water or bottled water.
ARE THERE A LOT OF BUGS?
Depending on the season the amount of bugs vary. The retreats are held within a natural environment so expect to see some bugs, most of which are very beautiful at a closer inspection. We recommend you bring a natural repellant and a light long sleeve shirt for the evening.
IS PERU SAFE?
Nicaragua is acknowledged to be the safest country in Central America although like every country that attracts tourists, occasional minor thefts and robberies do take place here. A daily wage here is on average about $7 USD per day so by comparison even the most budget conscious traveler can appear to be living in the lap of luxury. Bearing this in mind, common sense will go a long way here: do not carry large amounts of money with you, keep wallets out of sight and/or in bags, always keep travel documents and identification in a secure place, keep an eye on your personal belongings especially portable electronics (ipods, cameras, laptops etc). It is advisable to never walk on the beach at night.
A valid Passport for at least 6 months from the date of arrival required by all. Most travelers (those from the EU, Australia, citizens of the United States and Canada, and some Latin American countries) don't need a visa to enter Nicaragua and will obtain a 90 day Tourist Card upon arrival for US$10 (to be paid at airport immigration). Other Nationalities may need to get a visa prior to their trip. Please consult the Nicaraguan embassy in your country.
LOCATION, CLIMATE, LANGUAGE:
Nicaragua is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica (South) and Honduras (North). When booking flights to San Juan, you will want to fly into Managua International Airport (MGA), a two hour flight from Miami, and has direct flights from most major cities in North America. The main language that is spoken here is Spanish, and although most locals working in the tourism industry speak English, a few words and phrases here and there can go a long way.
RETREAT LOCATION:
We will travel to various places to enjoy the various eco-systems, including volcanoes, lakes, the ocean and the healing waters of the crater waterfall in the Island of Ometepe. Accommodations will be modest yet clean, comfortable and surrounded by natural beauty.
TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT:
We will be renting a van that will transport us all over Nicaragua, with Shanti and family who live locally as your guides.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Besides a Smile, bring your yoga clothes, swim-wear, sunscreen and hat, a light long sleeve t-shirt, walking/hiking shoes, insect repellant, toiletries.
DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE U.S. DOLLARS FOR CORDOBAS (NICARAGUAN CURRENCY) BEFORE I COME?
No, it is not necessary to get Cordobas prior to arrival. US dollar is accepted almost everywhere, but be sure to bring small bills, as larger amounts are often hard to change at small stores and local businesses. Although the exchange rate varies, $1 USD will buy you about C$ 22.
IS THERE AN ATM?
There are plenty of ATMs and all of the major National banks also have offices here as well in other touristic areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, bars and restaurants, though you can sometimes avoid an extra 15% tax by paying cash. It is not advisable to bring large amounts of cash with you.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
No vaccinations are required for entry to Nicaragua. But it is recommended to check with your personal physician or doctor before traveling.
WHAT TYPES OF ECO-EXCURSIONS DO YOU OFFER?
We will go via ferry to an island in the great Nicaragua lake and hike the inactive volcano to the waterfall. There will be opportunity to kayak, bicycle rides, boat rides, nature walks.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
It is recommended to drink filtered water or bottled water.
ARE THERE A LOT OF BUGS?
Depending on the season the amount of bugs vary. The retreats are held within a natural environment so expect to see some bugs, most of which are very beautiful at a closer inspection. We recommend you bring a natural repellant and a light long sleeve shirt for the evening.
IS PERU SAFE?
Nicaragua is acknowledged to be the safest country in Central America although like every country that attracts tourists, occasional minor thefts and robberies do take place here. A daily wage here is on average about $7 USD per day so by comparison even the most budget conscious traveler can appear to be living in the lap of luxury. Bearing this in mind, common sense will go a long way here: do not carry large amounts of money with you, keep wallets out of sight and/or in bags, always keep travel documents and identification in a secure place, keep an eye on your personal belongings especially portable electronics (ipods, cameras, laptops etc). It is advisable to never walk on the beach at night.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
*Itinerary subject to change
Friday, October 11 - Day 1
Arrive to the City of Lima
Stay Overnight - Evening Ritual
Fly to Cusco - Welcoming Circle
Travel & Rest in El Valle Sagrado (The Sacred Valley)
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Energy Medicine Circle
A Good Night's Rest
Saturday, October 12 - Day 2
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Ritual Bath in the Golden Stream in the town of San Salvador
Healing Circle and World Peace Prayer
Lunch in the Citadel of Pisac, plus a visit to a Sacred Site
Travel to the town of Ollantaytambo
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Group Body Reflexology Therapy
Sunday, October 13 - Day 3
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Trip by train to Citadel of Machupicchu in the morning hours
Return for overnight stay in Ollantaytambo
Monday, October 14 - Day 4
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Trip the town of Lares - Thermal Baths in the Medicinal Waters
Return to a new hotel in the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley
Lunch
Free Recreational Time
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Free Time
Tuesday, October 15 - Day 5
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Visit to the town of Maras, Moray, Las Salineras and Cuidadela de Chincheros
Lunch
Free Recreational Time
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Music / Play / Relax
Wednesday, October 16 - Day 6
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Cusco City: Temple of the Sun - Koricancha and Museums then Qosco, Center for Native Art
Relaxation Meditation
Overnight in Cusco
Thursday, October 17 - Day 7
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Visit to Sacsahuaman Qenko and Tambomachay - Lightning Temple
Free Afternoon to visit craft fairs
Overnight in Cusco
Friday, October 18 - Day 8
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
South Valley: Tipon Citadel, Piquillacta and Sistine Citadel of Andahuaylillas
Explore the Night Life in the City of Cusco
Saturday, October 19 - Day 9
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Return Trip to Lima
Sunday, October 20 - Day 10
Fly Home - Recharged, Inspired and Transformed
Bon Voyage!
Arrive to the City of Lima
Stay Overnight - Evening Ritual
Fly to Cusco - Welcoming Circle
Travel & Rest in El Valle Sagrado (The Sacred Valley)
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Energy Medicine Circle
A Good Night's Rest
Saturday, October 12 - Day 2
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Ritual Bath in the Golden Stream in the town of San Salvador
Healing Circle and World Peace Prayer
Lunch in the Citadel of Pisac, plus a visit to a Sacred Site
Travel to the town of Ollantaytambo
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Group Body Reflexology Therapy
Sunday, October 13 - Day 3
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Trip by train to Citadel of Machupicchu in the morning hours
Return for overnight stay in Ollantaytambo
Monday, October 14 - Day 4
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Trip the town of Lares - Thermal Baths in the Medicinal Waters
Return to a new hotel in the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley
Lunch
Free Recreational Time
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Free Time
Tuesday, October 15 - Day 5
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Visit to the town of Maras, Moray, Las Salineras and Cuidadela de Chincheros
Lunch
Free Recreational Time
Guided Meditation
Dinner
Music / Play / Relax
Wednesday, October 16 - Day 6
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Cusco City: Temple of the Sun - Koricancha and Museums then Qosco, Center for Native Art
Relaxation Meditation
Overnight in Cusco
Thursday, October 17 - Day 7
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Visit to Sacsahuaman Qenko and Tambomachay - Lightning Temple
Free Afternoon to visit craft fairs
Overnight in Cusco
Friday, October 18 - Day 8
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
South Valley: Tipon Citadel, Piquillacta and Sistine Citadel of Andahuaylillas
Explore the Night Life in the City of Cusco
Saturday, October 19 - Day 9
Morning Ritual
Breakfast
Return Trip to Lima
Sunday, October 20 - Day 10
Fly Home - Recharged, Inspired and Transformed
Bon Voyage!
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