Preparation info for Baja, Mexico
Please print a copy of this document for your reference as it contains important information about preparing for your training and travel. You can download a PDF here.
TUITION, DEPOSITS and FEES
Tuition: The price of the course includes tuition, meals, accommodation, and YTT manuals.
Airfare and airport transportation are not included. All prices are in USD.
Course Materials: If required for your course or retreat, the Yandara Asana manuals and/or Yandara Life resource manuals are provided upon arrival. In the next 24 hours, you will also receive a separate email detailing pre-course study materials if required for your course.
Deposit: A deposit is required with your registration. The amount varies on the course or retreat. If for some reason we cannot accept your registration, we will refund your deposit 100%.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation, all deposits can be used for a future program. If more than 7 days before training start date, a refund is offered. Within 7 days of training start date, a refund, is possible only if we can fill your space from our waiting list, otherwise no refund is possible.
What to do next:
First:
Thank you for submitting your registration and deposit. In the Registration Email, you received a link to your account which you can use to review and update your information. Be sure you have filled out the Emergency Contact Info, Dietary and Medical Requirements sections of the registration.
Second: Please download, print and read this page and “FAQ’s,” and “Enhance Your Experience” links as they contain important preparation information.
Third: When you have your flight information, please use the link from the Registration Email to update your Flight Information. This must be done at least 3 weeks before your arrival so we can schedule your Arrival Transportation.
Fourth: If required for your program, complete your Pre-Course Study. This information will be emailed to you.
Fifth: The remaining tuition balance, plus required Training Materials, and $80 for round-trip Airport Transportation is due by arrival day at Yandara. You will receive a payment reminder email which will allow you to check your remaining balance and submit payment if necessary. If you wish to complete your payment with another method, contact us.
Let’s connect! Start the preparations for your teacher training by following us on Google+, Facebook and Instagram. We post inspiring yoga pictures and quotes from Yandara and elsewhere. You may also invite family and friends to follow us in case they are interested in seeing photos of you and Yandara during your teacher training. Last but not least, we’d love it if you’d share your passion for yoga with us and your Yandara community by tagging “yandarayoga” in any photos or videos from your life and/or time here.
TRAVEL INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS
Passport:
If you are arriving from anywhere outside Mexico, you must have a valid passport.
You will automatically be given a 30 day tourist visa. If you plan to stay longer please request up to 180 days.
Travel Medical Insurance:
We strongly recommend that all participants have some type of travel medical insurance.
Some travel websites offer it when you purchase your ticket or you can purchase it independently. It is very inexpensive with plans starting at $26 and can be purchased online very easily. Any provider is fine or you can use the one recommended below. Some will provide full trip cancellation coverage for an added cost.
https://safetywing.com/
https://www.worldnomads.com/
http://www.imglobal.com/
ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
Arrival to Airport:
The airport code for Los Cabos International Airport is SJD.
Please schedule your arrival and check in on the first day of the training. It is preferred to arrange for flights that arrive to SJD between 11 AM and 5 PM to use the $40 shared airport pickup. We understand that is not always possible, so if you arrive outside of these times, the cost of a private shuttle is $120 USD per person, one way. If you plan to arrive in Mexico a day or more early, you can meet us back at the airport on the day prior to the start date to catch a shuttle. Please notify us ahead of time if this is your intention. The program begins at 7:30 PM on arrival day. Please schedule your departure between 11 AM and 5 PM on the final day of the program.
Upon arrival at the airport, after you have picked up your luggage and gone through customs, proceed through the exit doors to the right (do not go up the escalator). Outside, shuttle staff will be waiting for you with a Yandara sign. There are many people in the arrival area, so please take a few minutes to look for this person or allow them to find you. It is helpful to keep your Yoga mat visible! If after 20 minutes you are not able to connect with shuttle staff, have a seat in the waiting area and shuttle staff will find you there. There may be a wait of up to two hours for your shuttle departure, in order to accommodate the various arrivals.
If there are any problems, you can call us directly at (612) 141-7291.
WHAT TO BRING
– Passport
– Yoga Anatomy textbook and homework (if required)
– A sticky, non-slip yoga mat
– Yoga strap
– Water bottle
– Travel mug for hot drinks (optional)
– Toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and towels (towels are provided in the canvas cabins)
– Writing materials: lined paper, pens, etc.
– Flashlight or headlamp or cell phone (necessary)
– Battery operated alarm clock, phone or watch (You will need to carry a watch at all times)
– Extra batteries
– Layers of comfortable clothing (including WARM & COOL clothes regardless of season)
– Comfortable clothes for daily yoga practice and meditation
– Scarf/Wraps/shawls
– Fleece jacket, down vest, sweaters(except the months of July to October)
– Long underwear, warm socks(except the months of October or July)
– A winter hat (toque) (except the months of July or October)
– Shorts, tank tops, swimsuit
– A fun out on the town outfit
– Personal comfort items i.e. supplements
– Comfortable shoes for walking and sandals
– Sun hat
– Light weight long sleeve shirt for protection from sun
– During the last week of training each student will be presenting a segment of a class. At that class you might want to have some music to play, and a reading as part of the class set up. If you have some inspiring readings and music that you feel would be appropriate, please bring them. It will be helpful to download your favorite Spotify playlists since internet is not always available.
If you are bringing your own tent:
– Tent
– Sleeping bag
– Sleeping mat (Thermo-rest is a good brand)
OTHER LOGISTICS
Money:
If you want to have Mexican pesos, you can bring them with your or withdraw from the ATM in the airport. ATM machines give the best exchange rate, we do not recommend using the Exchange Booths in the airport as the exchange rate is very low. Most stores and restaurants do not accept traveler’s checks. Almost everyone accepts US dollars but you may not get the best exchange rate. At Yandara, your final bill for any phone usage, laundry or extra services is best paid in cash (US or Pesos). There is a 3% tax on credit card transactions.
At Yandara:
Phone calls at Yandara are limited to one free 5 minute call to notify loved ones of your safe arrival. After that, calls are 25 cents/min to the USA and Canada. You may use your personal phone from the airport or during your day off, in town. It is really a beautiful thing for students to limit their calls and internet usage to Sundays so as to benefit from full present moment attention during the training.
Extra Services
– Reiki
– Bodywork (Swedish/Therapeutic, Thai and Acupuncture)
– Astrology Readings
– Live Music and CD’s
– Arts and Crafts
– Fun Clothing and Jewelry
Night Under the Stars: During the 200 hour program there is an option to sleep out under the stars one evening. For those who would like to do so, sleeping bags are available here at Yandara. However, you may prefer instead to bring your own and/or a thermal rest for this outing. You may also find it convenient, for this purpose, and at other times during your stay here, to bring a small backpack with you.
Internet in Todos Santos: There are several places to use WIFI in Todos Santos on your day off. Internet is not available at Yandara except for emergencies.
Safety: The Baja is generally 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 away from town. Petty theft can be a problem everywhere so use common sense.
Food Sanitation: As in most foreign countries, you may be more susceptible to food and water that may not agree with you. When eating at local restaurants, it is necessary to be vigilant with the food you eat. Yandara uses extra precautions to ensure your health.
Substance Policy: Yandara is a smoke-free environment. Smoking must be done off premises. Alcohol and recreational drugs are not allowed during any portion of the training, including your days off.