Frequently Asked Questions
How can we get to Yelapa?
Yelapa is only a 3 hour flight from San Francisco or 2 hour from Los Angeles. Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) is a 20-25 minute taxi drive from the airport and 40 minute Water Taxi ride to Yelapa.
Yelapa is only accessible by boat. With advanced notice, we can arrange transportation to make your journey more comfortable. Please fly into Puerto Vallarta a day before the retreat starts and take the first water taxi from Los Muertos Pier the next morning to Yelapa.
We will send you detailed logistics after you book your space. Getting to Pura Vida is an easy, safe and very picturesque journey. Ask to be taken to Playa Isabel when you are on the boat taxi.
Somebody from Pura Vida will be meeting you upon your arrival in Yelapa at Playa Isabel.
Do I need to be in good physical shape to come to Pura Vida Wellness Retreat Center?
Our retreat is built on a steep hill with over 130 stairs leading from the main entrance and juice bar to the kitchen upstairs. Please take this into consideration if you have had a recent knee surgery, a hip replacement, a sprained ankle, or other injury that may make it difficult to use the stairs.
Walking at Pura Vida and in Yelapa maybe at times a little challenging for those used to straight flat urban sidewalks. The terrain is uneven, rocky and there is some walking up and down the hill. Yoga and other conscious physical practices are for all levels.
Do I need visa for Mexico?
You do not need visa. You will need valid passport for up to 6 months travel in Mexico.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No, there is no requirement for any vaccinations for traveling in Mexico.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
It is very safe. Hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to Puerto Vallarta every year.
Yelapa is only 50 minutes from Puerto Vallarta by boat – a safe and picturesque trip. It is a town of about 1500 native Mexicans living in an indigenous community, peacefully co-existing with around 200 expats (in a high season). There are no cars, no roads and no crime.
Do I need an electrical adaptor for my cell phone charger?
No, you don’t. Mexico has the same 120V electrical outlets.
Can I just stay overnight (or longer) in your hotel without engaging in your programs?
Yes, you can, if the space is available. You are welcome to join a yoga/mindfulness class in the morning and evening meditation/inquiry class, on the days when they are being offered.
You are also welcome to enjoy our kitchen serving three healthy, vegetarian meals per day buffet style, – $14 for breakfast, $16 for lunch and $16 for dinner.. Fish and chicken are available upon request day before, added fee.
If you would like to participate in one of our healing programs and retreats, select one and talk to us please.
Can I get a refund?
We typically book well in advance and have to turn people a way at times due to lack of space. In order to protect ourselves and to ensure the commitment of retreat participants, we have a strict and explicit cancellation policy for our retreats.
We ask for a 20% non-refundable deposit from all retreat hosts.
We ask for a 50% non-refundable deposit from all retreat participants. We have a 60 day cancellation policy - if you cancel 60 days or more before the date of arrival, we can offer a refund, minus 65$ processing fee. If the cancellation occurs less than 59 days before your retreat date, no refund will be issued. You may, however, receive a credit of your deposit towards a future retreat date within a year.
To protect the money you invest in your retreat at Pura Vida, we strongly recommend you consider travel insurance.
Do you have wifi and cell phone use?
There is a patchy cell phone reception at the property. We do have fast speed Wi-Fi at Pura Vida, in the common areas around the dining area and by the pools, but not in the rooms, as we intend to minimize EMF exposure. There is also Wi-Fi in the nearby pueblo (town,) just 15 minute walk. However we strongly recommend that you take a break from your computer and cell phone to experience a deeper retreat for yourself and respect others on retreat
Do you have television in the room?
We don’t have television in your rooms to invite you to enjoy quiet reflection and the silence of your being. We do have a DVD player with a projection screen and a library of spiritual and selected inspirational movies in our private cinema by the ocean.
Do you provide a space and supplies to do art?
Yes, we provide art supplies for your creative fun and healing projects.
Do you have a library?
Yes, we have a library with books on psychology, spirituality, self-growth etc. It’s an ideal facility for a writer’s retreat or simply for reading, meditating or journaling.
Can we have an alcoholic drink by the pool or with dinner?
Pura Vida is a sober space, and the use of substances is not supported here.
What are the benefits of the retreat?
Here are some of the benefits that our clients have experienced in the past from this work. (Note that we cannot guarantee these results. Each person must take 100% responsibility for their own healing, complete the program and continue healing practices after the retreat):
Stress Reduction & Relaxation
Peace of Mind
Rejuvenation of Body, Mind & Spirit
Reconnection with Nature
Healing Grief & Loss
Increase Health & Energy
Weight Loss
Freedom from Addictions; holistic support in the recovery
Transform Depression & Anxiety
Empower your Life Purpose & Vision
Heal Relationship patterns
Learn to be Present and experience Stillness
Spiritual Awakening
