Tulum, Mexico Logistics and Travel Information
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
US citizens will need a passport for entry into Mexico. The passport must be valid for the length of your stay and have one blank page per stamp. A visa is only required if you are staying longer than 6 months.
Please make a copy or take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself so you have one on file.
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Telephone: 011-52-55-5080-2000
Emergency Telephone: 01-55-5080-2000, extension 0
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
When arriving in Mexico, you will fill out a Visitor’s Permit. The cost of this permit is included in most all Airlines ‘fees and taxes.’ At immigration they will take half of the form and give you the other half back. HOLD ON TO THIS HALF as you will need it to exit the country. If you do lose it you can get another one at the airport upon departure, and they will charge you about $40 USD.
Flight Information and Ground Transportation
Fly into Cancun Airport (CUN)
We recommend arriving by mid-day on the start of the retreat and we will begin that evening. Check in at Amansala begins at 3pm. If you arrive earlier they will do their best to accommodate. We will finish on the last day by the early afternoon and check out is at 12pm. If you arrive days earlier or stay after the retreat, there are plenty of boutique hotels and AirBnBs to stay at.
If want to stay at an AirBnB before or after the retreat you can use this link for $40 off if it is your first time!
The car ride is about 2 hours from Cancun to Tulum. We will do our best to match you up with others arriving at the same time so you can share rides to the retreat center. The transportation is not covered in your retreat price and it will depend on how many people are in your car.
IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL
Should you have flight delays or other troubles on the day of travel, contact Kori Zornes as soon as possible.
Contact Number - Kori Zornes (702) 321-6769 Email: kori@revampretreats.com
PAYMENT
The credit card on file will be charged for the final retreat balance. All payment is non-refundable. If you have any questions email info@revampretreats.com.
Getting Ready For Your Trip
PACKING YOUR BAGS
We highly suggest you pack light. You will not want to have to lug around a lot of excess luggage. Keep in mind when choosing what clothes to pack. Nylon or quick drying fabrics work very well. Keep valuables to an absolute minimum. Revamp Retreats is not responsible for any lost or stolen items including important paperwork such as passports. Think less is more! Some more packing tips below:
1. We recommend a sturdy bag, easy to pull or push or carry. Rolling clothes instead of normal folding works wonders too in saving space.
2. Carry your daypack with you on the first day as your carry on. Keep your valuables in your daypack- i.e.: passport, money, ticket, journal, etc. We recommend you pack one set of clothes in it should your suitcase get lost.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
· 6 yoga outfits for HOT/Warm outside yoga
· 1 pairs of light pants –something you can move in
· 1 long sleeved shirt – for layering (again quick dry)
· 1 sweater or warm pull over for the plane (optional)
· Windbreaker and rain jacket (bring a VERY LIGHT rain jacket that doesn’t take up space)
· Underwear and some good sports bras
· Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
· Socks
· Flip flops or house shoes if you don’t like to walk around barefoot
· 1 pair of PJs
· 1-2 bathing suits
· Day dresses/swim wraps- casual, comfortable clothes
· 1 day pack (a small backpack you can carry with you on our treks or to the beach)
· Insect repellent
· Toiletries (sunblock, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, anti-bacterial spray etc. Think travel size and if possible biodegradable please! The hotel will also have toiletries)
· Writing Journal, a good book, and pens
· Sunglasses
· Visor/ hat/ baseball cap (VERY important for sun protection)
· Water bottle
· Any medications needed
· Hair ties, bandannas, or other things to keep your hair out of your face.
· 1 light travel yoga mat if you like to use your own– optional (the resort has all yoga supplies!)
Above all else, keep it light. Make it part of your yoga practice and be a minimalist in your packing please!
INSURANCE
Revamp Retreats does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of personal property and equipment of trip participants. We suggest you confirm with your insurance carrier that they would cover the costs if your items are stolen, lost, or damaged while on your trip. We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
MONEY & TIPPING (GRATUITIES)
You will want to bring a small amount of money for personal items, snacks, tipping and souvenirs. You may want to exchange cash at the airport or pull money out of an ATM located in the airport.
Some places will take USD but the exchange rate may be better if you pay with Pesos.
Make sure you look up exchange rates during your stay and also check fees for Exchange Centers and ATMs.
Most restaurants will add a small charge to the bill- “propina” which means tip. It is not necessary to leave extra, but tipping a couple extra dollars is greatly appreciated.
EXCURSIONS AND MASSAGES
There will be opportunities to partake in excursions and massages during your retreat. There will also be free time to explore the island!
General Information About Tulum
A LITTLE ON TULUM
The Tulum ruins are one of the most visited sites in all of Mexico- when you see it you understand why! It sits atop a cliff with the famous white sand and turquoise water.
The first inhabitants of Tulum named their city Zamá, meaning “Place of the Dawning Sun,” as it was among the first places in the Maya kingdom to receive sunlight each day. They built the Tulum walls as protection from invadors.
Tulum is also home to beautiful cenotes, which are natural pits or sinkholes, resulting from collapsed limestone bedrock. Some have amazing underwater cave systems, which are popular for diving and exploring.
LOCATION AND TIME ZONE OF TULUM
Tulum is located in the Mexican state on Quintana Roo, 80 miles south of Cancun, on the Carribean Sea. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Riveria Maya.
It is on Eastern Time Zone, 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
SAFETY
As it would be traveling to any foreign country, one must remember to be safe and respectful of others customs and situations. If this is your first experience traveling abroad, please be aware in public places, and keep a close watch on your belongings. You really won’t want to bring any unnecessary valuables. Leave all of it at home that isn’t essential.
MEDICAL CARE/VACCINES
There are some vaccines recommended by the CDC such as hepatitis A and Typhoid. Vaccines should be a personal decision and talk to your health care provider.
WATER
You should not drink tap water in Tulum. Water will be available on property and in the yoga shala– please remember to bring a reusable water bottle.
INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE
Once we arrive at our retreat site, we encourage you to disconnect as much as possible.
Feel free to get any international plans if you would like to have calling/text/data during your trip. A lot of phone carriers now include Mexico as part of thier phone plans. You can call your carrier to check ahead of time.
Amansala charges $25 for Wifi per person for the duration of your retreat- you can decide if you would like to purchase this and pay the retreat center directly upon arrival.
TEMPERATURE
The average temperature in Tulum during this time is about 75 to 88 degrees F. There is a chance of rainfall, but it is less during this time of year. Remember to wear sunscreen and have a light cover up!
We will be practicing yoga in open-air studios and it will be warm/hot. Please remember to stay hydrated.
The retreat center only runs A/C at night as part of their conservation efforts.
CRITTERS
Mosquitos are the most prominent, but there are also other critters. Please keep your eyes open, but remember that most of the insects are harmless. Be prepared with closed toed shoes and clothing to cover your self with in case of any problems. Be sure to pack bug spray (natural or deet). There are also great natural salves for bug bites that can help with itching – you may want to bring one of these!
FOOD
We believe in eating delicious local and healthy meals on our retreats. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local food. If there are any dietary restrictions please let us know ahead of time so we can inform the retreat center.
Last, but not least… here are some ways to be a Conscious Traveler:
-Go with the flow: When traveling abroad things might not always go your way. Flights may be delayed, luggage lost, languages misunderstood. It is all part of the adventure, try your best to be okay with whatever comes up and embrace it as part of the journey. Practice patience and find humor in unexpected situations.
-Respect the culture: Do some research to where you are going before you arrive. Respect the locals and their way of life (and ALSO respect the animals and wildlife). It is also great to learn a few words before arriving- please, thank you, hello. It will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
-Keep an open mind: There is so much to learn from others who live differently and do things differently than we do. Take the time to try new things and enjoy the local food and customs. Slow down, relax, and take it all in.
-Have fun: This trip is for YOU…. to relax and unwind, to dive in deep, to get to know yourself better, and to connect with others. Notice what comes up for you during the retreat. It may feel emotional, exciting, difficult… whatever comes up, embrace it. The schedule will be full of activities but also know when you need to take time alone to reflect, read, nap, or just do nothing. We are here for you on this journey and our mission is to spark passion and inspiration for your path and life purpose. Let us know how we can support you.
We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come!