FAQs
What is the difference between the 17 day and 23 day programs?
The main difference between the two is the pace. We recommend a stronger base knowledge of yoga for the 17-day session because of the faster pace. Both programs focus mainly on alignment based hatha and vinyasa yoga. We also include a yin and restorative yoga workshop in both programs, and the longer program will have more time to explore these styles.
We start practice teaching from day one in both programs, beginning with short segments and working our way up to longer teaching sessions. In the 23 day program, we have additional practice teaching workshops where you get to intuitively observe each other teach and give feedback on which teaching style works the best for each student.
Both sessions give you an amazing education and have wonderful teacher trainers leading the experience.
How proficient in yoga do you have to be to do the program?
We recommend a minimum of 6 months participating in 3-5 classes a week, or the equivalent.
What are the facilities like?
In Mexico, the facilities are rustic and modern, emphasizing comfortable outdoor living. We have three large enclosed yoga pavilions, a gorgeous salt water pool, glamping cabanas with private baths and canvas cabins for a more luxurious stay, comfortable furnished tents for our popular base accommodation option, flush toilets and hot water shower facilities, kitchen, dining, and lounge area.
Is the water safe for drinking or do we need bottled water?
We supply safe, bottled drinking water (also used for cooking).
What is the weather like?
Here in Mexico, we are in the desert so the temperature fluctuates a lot between night and day. For most of the year the temperatures during the day are between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C.) At night the temperature can drop as low as 50°F (10°C) in the winter. The months of July and October are normally hot and humid around 80°F (26°C.) Rain is very unlikely, but possible.
In Bali, the temperature remains around 85°F (29°C) year round and is moderately humid.
In Hawaii the temperature ranges between 68-79°F (20-26°C) with moderate humidity. This comfortable climate is often sunny with small intense bursts of fresh rain.
In Sweden, temperatures during an average summer day are typically between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C.) At night the temperature can drop as low as 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C).
What to bring?
What kind of food is available?
We mainly serve vegetarian cuisine. Mostly beans, grains and fresh vegetables. In Baja and Bali, we serve fresh local caught fish twice a week. We serve organic food as much as possible.
We are able to accommodate allergies to gluten, lactose and nuts. As we are a small facility we are not able to accommodate Paleo, Raw, or other extreme diets. Please consider your dietary needs and contact us if you have a concern.
Some popular dishes are Pad Thai, Vegetable Enchiladas, Sweet and Sour Tofu with Broccoli, Grilled Mahi Mahi (fish) with Herbs, Coconut Curry, Samosas with Cilantro Chutney, House designed Gourmet Pizza, Quinoa, Basil Pasta and Lentil Soup.
Sample menu:
Breakfast Buffet:
Herbal Tea, Fresh papaya and banana, organic oatmeal, House roasted granola, hard boiled eggs (served daily in Baja).
Lunch:
“Make your own” Tostada buffet (cheese, beans, an assortment of toppings and salsas on baked corn tostadas)
Dinner:
Vegetable curry with organic brown rice and salad
Fresh fruit, tea and water are always available.
What is there to do on our day off? What are options for meals on our day off?
In Mexico, Todos Santos is a beautiful town with good restaurants, shopping and sites to see. We will assist in arranging transportation ($5 per destination) to and from town. If you choose to stay at Yandara on your day off, lunch is not always provided.
What about tipping?
Tipping is very common in Mexico. If you would like to leave something for the kitchen and grounds staff, it will be graciously accepted.
In Bali, tipping at the retreat center is expected at the end of your stay.
What are the accommodations like?
Included in the tuition is a comfortable and popular standard furnished tent; they are spacious and have a proper bed (with blankets and bedding provided), bedside drawers, reading lamp, and an electrical outlet. For those wishing to upgrade to a more luxurious option, we have gorgeous glamping cabins with private baths and luxurious canvas cabin tents, fully equipped with polished concrete floors, rugs, a full-size bed, down comforter, linen bedding, towels, night stand, woven baskets, a place to hang your clothes, and an electrical outlet. Please visit each training page to view photos of the accommodations. They can be found at the bottom of each page.
What is included in the base cost?
Tuition, Accommodation in our standard furnished tents, Food, and YTT manuals are included. (Accommodation upgrades are available for an extra charge.)
Not included are airfare, airport transportation to/from Yandara facility, laundry, and two text books for home study.
How do I get to the facilities?
Travel for your yoga teacher training should be booked on the first and last day of the listed program dates. Please email us to ask which days are travel days if you have any questions.
Baja: We will arrange for your transportation to and from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD.) The cost is $40 each way for the shared shuttle which is available for flights arriving and departing between 11 AM and 5 PM. One of our staff will meet you at the airport where we will put you into groups so you can share shuttles to Yandara. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes by car to get here from the airport. If you are arriving or departing outside of the shared shuttle hours, or on a day other than the travel days, the cost is $120 for a private shuttle. Please remember to add your travel details to your account as soon as possible after you register. If you are driving, please email us for written directions to Yandara.
Hawaii: Yandara provides transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure days for $40 each way. Please contact us for exact information.
Bali: Arrival Airport is Denpasar (DPS). Yandara provides transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure days for 650.000 IDR (~$55 USD) each way, these shuttles can be shared with other students arriving at the same time. Those wishing to arrive in Bali early can come to a meeting point on the day before the program starts to be picked up along with the other students by our shuttle service. Please contact us for exact information.
Sweden: Arrival Airport is Stockholm Vasteras (VST) or Arlanda Airport (ARN), then take a train to Skinnskatteberg where you will be picked up by car.
How safe is it to Travel to Mexico? / Is it safe there?
Southern Baja is a safe area of Mexico in regards to any kind of violent crime, 80% less violent crime than California. Yandara is even safer, as it is located in a small rural farming community. Petty theft can be a problem everywhere so exercise caution. There is very little crime in our area. We are very far away from the problem areas in Mexico.
Is there any phone and internet access?
While we recommend digital detox during your time at Yandara, we provide 45 min Wi-Fi vouchers whenever you need to check your mails or contact your loved ones. Cell service is good in our area.
Are there any laundry facilities in Mexico?
We do provide a laundry service once a week (~$9.00 a load, washed, dried and folded). If you prefer, there are sinks and laundry soap for hand washing on site.
What about swimming, is it safe in Mexico?
When the waves are big, it may not be safe to swim. There is another beach, with a more shallow bottom, a 15 minute walk away; it is easier to get in the water there, but we still advise caution. We will give you safety instructions about swimming when you arrive.
Is there access to electrical outlets in Mexico?
Yes, but we are solar-powered, so electricity is limited. Hair dryer or straightening iron may not be used. Charging small devices is allowed.
What is the vegetation and setting like in Mexico?
Yandara is located in the Baja California desert – one of the largest and best preserved deserts in Mexico. The main vegetation is silver-colored shrubs, plump aloe vera, blue agave, thick-stemmed trees, and majestic cacti. The desert is also home to many endemic and endangered species of both plants and animals. From our yoga pavilions, located a stone’s throw from the beach, you have phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, and the beautiful Baja desert. Our beach is one of the best places to view spectacular sunsets every evening!
Are there mosquitoes, scorpions, tarantulas, or rattle snakes in the area?
There are generally not many mosquitoes. Scorpions are sometimes seen. Scorpion stings, which are easily treated with ice, feel a little worse than a bee sting. There are spiders, and, on rare occasions, tarantulas. Tarantulas are harmless to humans. Rattle snakes are passive and generally hibernate during the winter, but we recommend being cautious when walking about in the desert. Please use your flashlight when walking at night.
Are there medical services close by in case of emergency in Mexico?
There is a small hospital in Todos Santos, serviced 24 hours by a doctor. There is a Red Cross ambulance service in Todos Santos as well. There are additional larger hospitals 45 minutes away in Cabo San Lucas. These are normally covered by US Travel Insurance plans. Please check your policy before you leave and carry travel medical insurance.
Are there many ocean animals to be seen while I will be in Mexico?
Yes! Here in Baja, we have whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds that can be seen depending on the season. Whale season peaks in the winter months of January through March.
Do I need to know Spanish in Mexico?
No, however learning a few phrases to be courteous would be helpful.
How do I prepare for a program?
Go to as many yoga classes as you can and begin to create a personal practice at home. Please have a basic understanding of Sun Salutations.
Will I get a workout every day?
There are many hours of Asana practice every day, but not always a hard workout. Since it is a teacher training, many of the classes are workshop-style. If you are used to a vigorous daily workout, we recommend either doing an additional personal practice before the first morning yoga class, or go for a daily jog or walk on the beach.
What is the daily schedule like?
There are sample daily schedules on each training page.