Retreat Information
TRAVELLING TO PR

Traveling
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Travel Agent:
Melissa Boone
Email: [email protected]
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For Flights:
Check out websites like Google Flights on an incognito (private) web search so in case you want to purchase later, they don’t track it and increase the prices. Also consider going directly to the airlines to see if they offer better fares. Please know that Southwest is not included in the Google Flight site, and they tend to offer flights to PR from some East Coast Airports.Â


Transportation
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We will facilitate coordinating with bus transportation to/from San Juan International Airport and Casa Grande. The cost will depend on how many participants join the ride; please remember this is an extra cost and the driver takes only cash. Ideally, the flights need to arrive by 10:00 am, Thursday the 26th of June. If you arrive before, you can take an Uber or taxi to the airport meet at the pick-up area and join the bus on June 26th. Otherwise, you can schedule your taxi/Uber or rent a car.
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Things to Do in PR
Adventure Tours:
Nativos Eco Tours
https://www.nativosecotours.com/
Batey Adventures
https://bateydelcemi.com/
Tanama River Adventures
https://tanamariveradventures.com/

Sights to See When Visiting Borikén aka Puerto Rico
San Juan:
- Explore Old San Juan & El Morro Fort.
- Walk around "El Morro Fort" during Sunrise/Sunset time. Enjoy a Piragua (Shave Ice with Fruit Flavor) from a street stand or better yet, a Pina Colada drink with a BBQ pincho (Chicken Kebab). If the day is hot, get a homemade popsicle from Senor Paleta to cool down.
- Visit the Bacardi Rum Factory. Get a few cocktails & a tour of the history of #1 selling rum in the world. This is a free tour.
- Visit Distrito de T-Mobile for nightlife.
- Visit La Placita de Santurce during night time and enjoy live salsa music.
- Eat at Jose Enrique restaurant (1021 Ashford Avenue, SJ 00907), Santaella restaurant (Placita de Santurce) or Mario Pagan restaurant (1110 Avenue Magdalena, SJ 00907), La Factoria Bar La Factoria Old San Juan (lafactoriapr.com)
Culebra and Vieques:
- Enjoy the white sand & clear waters of Flamenco Beach in the Island of Culebra. Rated one of the top 10 beaches of the world. Go there by airplane. The views are breathtaking when you are about to land. Take a flight there from Ceiba or San Juan.
- Fly to Culebra Island & enjoy the White sand and clear waters of Flamenco Beach. You can fly from San Juan or Ceiba Click this link to book a flight Air Flamenco (flyairflamenco.com) or you can go by Ferry from Ceiba: https://www.puertoricoferry.com/en/routes-schedules/ceiba-culebra/
- Vieques has beautiful beaches- some are Playa Caracoles, La Chiva, Playa Negra, Playa Esperanza, and Sun Bay.
Bioluminescent bay:
- Visit the Bioluminescent (Mosquito) Bay in Vieques Island, Fajardo, or Lajas. Watching the water glowing is spectacular.
Rio Grande:
- El Yunque Rainforest. Hike through nature & explore amazing waterfalls! Don’t forget to make reservations before going to El Yunque. Some parts of the forest require a reservation: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300017
- When you’re done with your hike, stop by Los Kioskos de Luquillo for after lunch/dinner and maybe a dip in Luquillo Beach Balneario Monserrate.
Cabo Rojo:
- See the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse in the Westside of PR. Short hike to get there. Next to the beach & the cliffs are very impressive. Great spot to watch the sunset!
Orocovis:
- Go to Toro Verde Zip-Lining Adventure. Get on "La Bestia" & go up to 60mph. High adrenaline experience!! https://www.toroverdepr.com/
Fajardo:
- Take a Catamaran Tour to Icacos Island. One of the most beautiful beaches if you don't want to take a trip to Culebra Island. You can book a day tour for only $115 including food and drinks via East Island Excursions
- Visit Pinones Loiza - Authentic Puerto Rican Food and Beach Experience (Order, Piononos, Bacalaitos, Alcapurrias, Mofongo, Arepas Rellenas de Seafood, Pastelillos, Papas Rellenas). Don’t forget to visit Kiosko Boricua for some of the best frituras in Piñones!
Utuado:
It’s such a sacred place that holds so much of the indigenous history of Puerto Rico. While in the area, try to visit:
- Centro Indígena Caguana
http://www.conoceapuertorico.com/parque-ceremonial-caguana/ - La Piedra Escrita
http://www.conoceapuertorico.com/la-piedra-escrita/ - Cañon Blanco
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/puerto-rico/central-region/canon-blanco-sendero-el-sofa?u=i
Jayuya:
Neighbors to Utuado, you’ll find the town of Jayuya with wonderful history and indigenous sites to see:
- El Cemi Museum in Jayuya
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cemi-museum - El Sol de JAYUYA
https://agencias.pr.gov/municipio/jayuya/turismo/Lugaresinteres/Pages/ElSoldeJayuya.aspx
The island of Puerto Rico, and its people, have so much to offer. There is so much more to visit than is on this list. Consider this a starter list! The island has rich history and is a collective that believes in the pueblo helping the pueblo. To help and support your neighbor is the Boricua way of life. We hope this, too, will be your experience! Reach out to us if you have any questions!
When visiting a resort in Puerto Rico during the summer, consider the following clothing recommendations:
1. Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics/clothing -
temperatures are in the mid 80’s during the day (up to the 90’s) and low 70’s late at night. The resort doesn’t have AC in main meeting areas or rooms - though, they have ceiling fans.

2. Special Outfit:
We will have a special ceremony and to help make it more special, we’re asking that you bring a White Outfit.

3. Swimwear:
Pack a few swimsuits or swim trunks to enjoy the resort’s saltwater pool and nearby river (if the conditions permit to swim in it)

4. Sun Protection:
Bring wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts or cover-ups to protect your skin from the sun's rays.

5. Sandals or Flip-Flops:
Pack comfortable, open-toe footwear such as sandals or flip-flops that are suitable for poolside relaxation and casual walks around the resort.

6. Rain Gear:
Be prepared for occasional showers by packing a lightweight rain jacket or a travel-sized umbrella.

7. Active Wear:
If you plan to engage in outdoor activities like hiking or exploring, bring comfortable activewear and sturdy walking shoes.

8. Accessories:
Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a camera or smartphone for capturing memories.

9. Mosquito Repellant:Â
There are mosquitos mostly at sundown and at night. If you tend to be allergic or prone to mosquito bites, we recommend that you bring mosquito repellant sprays and other similar, as well as any medication for allergic reactions, if applicable.Â
Other recommendations/important information:
1. Reception is limited in the resort.
They have WiFi but are not always reliable. So please plan ahead, if you don't mind. They do have landline phones if needed.
2. Food is vegan, the days that we’re there all day -
You’ll get 3 main meals and 2 snacks daily. On Wednesday, there will be lunch (between 12-1:30 pm), and dinner. On Saturday, you’ll receive breakfast and lunch.
3. Feel free to bring snacks that don’t require refrigeration.
We will also bring some extra snacks as well.
4. Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that you get travel insurance to protect your investment, in the case of a medical emergency, to help with travel delays or baggage delays, and more. Some companies we found that have good ratings are: Yonder, and CLICK HERE to read an article in Forbes with more recommendations.
Special Ceremonies by Guest Speakers: TBD
Cacao Ceremony
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Drumming Fire CeremonyÂ
Important Contact Information
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Remember to join the group WhatsApp -
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*Coming Soon*Â
Contact:
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Contact Lydiana - 310-592-5333
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Contact Natalie -Â 845-662-8128
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Casa Grande: 787-702-3156
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Casa Grande address: Carretera 612 Km. 0.3 Barrio, 00641, Puerto Rico
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Alfredo (Transportation): (787) 502-3964 (you can also communicate with Alfredo via WhatsApp).


Group Call Dates
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Pre-Retreat:
June: TBD
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Post-Retreat:
August: TBD
September: TBD
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