GUATEMALA YTT WELCOME PACKET
Your Path to Transformation Begins in Mystical Yoga Farm in Lake Atitltan. Let the healing power of the farm awaken the teacher within.
LOCATION
The Mystical Yoga Farm, located near Santiago Atitlan, is unlike any other location we offer. Truly disconnected from the outside world, step into this self-sustainable permaculture farm and learn what it’s like to be one with nature as you connect to the land.
The farm is an off-grid spiritual sanctuary focused on healing, transformation, and empowerment!
E-mail: info@mysticalyogafarm.com
Address: Santiago Atitlan, Lago Atitlan, Solola
TRANSPORTATION
** Please put your flight information on the logistics sheet.
Fly into Guatemala City (GUA) and connect with your fellow students to see if anyone is coordinating a shared shuttle. (You will be sent a telegram group chat link 60 days before the course begins) If not, we recommend booking a private shuttle directly through www.santiagoshuttle.com.
You can also contact info@mysticalyogafarm.com for help arranging a private or group shuttle to the Mystical Yoga Farm. Their team can answer any questions you have about the 3–4 hour journey.
Shared Shuttle Recommendation
During the day, once you arrive in Panajachel, a shared boat ride is typically around 350Q.(Around $50USD) In the evening, prices may increase, so this option is best suited for flights arriving during the day. ** Does not include the boat ride to the Farm
https://www.marvelustravel.com/routes/guatemala/guatemala-city-to-panajachel/
EXTRA DAYS
We would love to have you come early or stay later at the farm. The cost of an extra night is $80 per night for a private room and $65 for a dorm room if you would like to extend your stay at the beginning or end of your trip. This rate include meals, meditation, yoga and Satsang.
Contact info@mysticalyogafarm.com to book extra nights. We also recommend staying at www.thepurposehostel.com or www.selina.com
FOOD & WATER
Please let us know of any allergies or dietary restrictions. All meals are healthy and prepared by our lovely cook who knows how to make your taste buds smile. 3 Daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) served as a buffet.
When traveling outside of your home country it is a good idea to take the extra steps to protect your immune system. If you have never traveled outside of your country, this may make you more susceptible to getting tummy sickness because your body will be exposed to unfamiliar bacteria!
We have purified water throughout the farm. For environmental purposes and convenience, bring a reusable water bottle. In general, do not drink tap water in Central America without first purifying.
Even though our retreat centers have filtered water, we recommend bringing a water filter or water purification tablets. Here are the products we recommend:
MONEY/ATM
The currency in Guatemala is Quetzales. Since you have already paid for your room and food, you do not need to carry a large amount with you to the farm. You will need money if you want to buy something from our boutique, go shopping in the nearby town, take a day trip on your day off, take a horseback ride, take Spanish lessons, or anything else that you would like to enjoy.
At the airport there are ATMs and cash exchange booths. Once you arrive to the lake, you will have access to ATMS at the nearby towns as well and often the exchange rates at the ATM’s are better than the airport.
CHECK-IN
Upon arrival, we will check you into the farm, where you will be guided you through a short orientation and welcomed to your room. Check-in is typically between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the start date of the program.
LAUNDRY
Laundry can be hand washed at the farm with biodegradable detergent, or if you prefer, you can get the boat or truck to town on the days off and drop your laundry at the lavenderia.
INTERNET
The Internet is available in some areas but we suggest to disconnect from the internet as much as possible.
SICK DAYS/MISSED HOURS
ull participation is required to complete the program. Any additional hours missed will require communication with a facilitator and an action plan as to how hours can be completed. If additional facilitator time is required to work with a student to make up hours, an additional cost per hour may incur. Students must fulfill all Yoga Alliance required hours in order to graduate.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that all students purchase travel insurance for their journey. Travel insurance can help protect you in case of unexpected flight delays, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen changes during your trip.
You can explore coverage options with our suggested provider here:
Suggested Travel Insurance Company Here
WHAT TO PACK
These are simply suggestions, none of these packing list items are mandatory. Click on any item to learn more or buy it.
MATS/STRAPS/TOWELS
Our retreat centers provide mats, so it is not mandatory to bring one! However, if you would like to invest in a mat, these are some that we like!
BODY/WELLNESS PRODUCTS
- Rash Guard
- Sun Block (suggest to bring some natural zinc oxide for face)
- Personal medications and simple first aid kit
- Any necessary medication for allergies / Anti nausea
ECO-FRIENDLY MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
CLOTHING OPTIONS
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- 5 yoga outfits
- T-shirts and shorts
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Wool socks (light and heavyweight)
- Warm layers: thermals, long sleeve yoga layers, down jacket, a light rain jacket
- Bathing Suit
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- White or other ceremonial dress – Optional for Mystical 200hr YTT
OTHER RECOMMENDED ITEMS
- Journal and pens
- Small sacred items (like crystals, white sage, pictures of guru, etc…)
- Creative tools that enable you to express your gifts such as musical instruments, painting/drawing materials, etc.
- Personal books, playing cards, travel games, hobbies, etc.
- Extra batteries
- Musical Instruments
- Art Supplies
- International power converter
- Earplugs
PASSPORT & VISA
You do not need to get a visa ahead of time. Your passport will likely be valid for 90 days.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Since there is an emphasis on cleansing and healing in this training, we recommend you begin the process of preparing your body by eating fresh foods that are organic and alkaline-forming such as fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium, calcium and magnesium. These are the alkalizing electrolyte minerals most widely used by the body. You may also want to consider limiting your consumption of meat, dairy products, salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
Drink water as often as possible and begin to listen to and notice any changes in your body’s responses to this purification process. During the training based in the tropics, you will want to drink considerably more water than normal.
As we are cleansing the body from the inside out, you may also want to consider the effects of cleansing from the outside-in. This is a perfect opportunity to look at the products you are using on your skin, hair and scalp to determine the safety or toxicity of them. Please note, cleansing and fasting is not a required part of this training. It is only offered as an additional way in which you can create more space for more light in your life and in your practice. If you are taking medication or have any personal or physical conditions that may be a contraindication to cleansing, please let us know.
Begin to reflect on any insights you are receiving. This may be about yourself, your life, the things that have brought you to this place, the things that may be holding you back, or any other parts of you that are asking to be looked at. This is a great time to begin a practice of journaling if you do not already. Contemplating the intentions of why you are doing what you are doing can bring a depth to your experience and begin the process of transformation before you even leave home!
CERTIFICATION
At the end of the course, you will receive your 200hr Yoga Teacher Certification. This course is approved by Yoga Alliance. As a graduate of this program you will qualify to register as a teacher with the Yoga Alliance organization if you choose to.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by phone or email. We are looking forward to having you here to embark on this life-changing journey to shed away layers and become your truest self.
We encourage you to begin the practice now, by reflecting on your intentions for yourself and what brought you on this journey. Together we will create a safe and sacred space within our group that will help to reveal the wisdom within and the nature of the Self. This path will ask for self -reflection, growth, and discipline. Your journey will be greatly guided by what you chose to bring to the experience. Open yourself to what is there, leave all expectations behind and enter the clear, crisp perspective and sacred landscape of Costa Rica with an open heart.