Where is this retreat and how do/when do I get there? 

Where is the Colombia Yoga Retreat Located? 

This yoga retreat in Colombia is located between the towns of Puerto Nuevo and Buritaca.  We are a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive in private transport from the Santa Marta Airport.  We are a 15 minute drive from the main entrance of the Parque Tayrona (Cañaveral). 

Transfers to/from the retreat are not included, but we can help arrange them for you. 

FROM CARTAGENA:

Marsol Van is the most affordable option and it takes about 5.5 hrs.  The ONLY ones that leave from Cartagena and will drop you off right at Gitana del Mar leave Cartagena at 6:00am and 10:00am. Contact your hotel in Cartagena to organize the transport with Marsol Van for you. The Marsol Van from Cartagena to Gitana del Mar is about $80,000 COP ($26/$28 USD) per person.  We can help you organize your trip from Gitana del Mar back to Cartagena once you arrive.  The vans that leave Gitana del Mar and end in Cartagena leave around 9:00am and 3:00pm. 

Yoga classes will be 1-2 times daily and all levels.  Our teachers are amazing at creating classes that are both suitable for beginners and challenging for the more experienced!  See above to get an idea of what Devon will be offering on this retreat. 

How much free time will we have? 

YOGASCAPES yoga retreats honor giving participants plenty of free time to explore on their own or relax back at the retreat.  We pride ourselves on putting together an itinerary that allows you to dive deep into the sense of place and also dive deep into your well being and relaxation.  There will be two full days where we

What is the weather like, seasons temperature? 

The weather is warm and tropical all year long.  Most of the months of the year are very dry.  The months where we are likely to have some rain are: April, May, October, November, early December.  It will typically rain in the early morning or in the evening/overnight.  There can be days where it will rain all day, but they are few and far between.  The months of December – Feb. tend to have the most favorable weather (not so hot during day with little humidity and a little cooler at night). 

Do you have dogs? 

Yes, we have two dogs, Mia & Milu.  They are very friendly and will accompany throughout your stay.  If you do not like dogs, then Gitana del Mar might not be the best option for your vacation. 

Mia will beg you to play with her by throwing a ball, coconuts, seeds, sticks etc.  It is okay to play with her for a short time, however she has epilepsy and if she gets too agitated, she can have a seizure.  We ask that you only play with her for a short time and do not take long walks on the beach with her.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

How much money should i bring? 

Here in Colombia we use Colombian PESOS.  Please bring Cash in Pesos with you. 

Between $500,000 – $800,000 COP ($150-300).  This will help cover your tours, transports, tips for staff and guides, some of your bill upon check out etc.  WE DO NOT ADVISE TO BRING US DOLLARS OR EUROS.  IT IS EASIER TO USE YOUR ATM CARD AND TAKE OUT COLOMBIAN PESOS. 

Is there an ATM nearby? 

The closest ATM is in Santa Marta (1 hour away).  Please get cash out in the airport or in the city of Santa Marta on your way here. 

– long sleeve t-shirts or rash guard to shield from sun when you go river tubing (not necessary but helpful)

-sun hat

– sun glasses

– sunblock

-bug repellent

– books to read on time off or journal to write

– Reusable plastic water bottle (BPA Free)

– flashlight or headlamp

– Camera, Go Pro

Is the ocean good for swimming? 

The ocean (Caribbean Sea) on our beach is a wild and open ocean.  It can be rough with big waves and strong currents.  There is always some current, even if the waves are small.  It is not recommended for young children to swim when it is rough and to never be in the ocean without parent supervision.  There are no lifeguards on the beach and you must always take caution when entering the ocean.  Swim at your own risk. 

Do your rooms have Air Conditioning? 

NO, we do not have Air Conditioning (A/C).  Gitana del Mar resort an eco-resort, with a focus on lower energy consumption.  Each room has high quality ceiling fans and good ventilation. 

Do your bathrooms have hot water? 
No, our bathrooms do not offer hot water.  As an eco-resort focusing on lower energy consumption, we do not offer hot water.  The water that comes out of the showers is not too cold and depending on the time of the day it can be closer to room temperature. 

Can you drink the tap water? 
Please do NOT drink tap water.  It is fine for showering and brushing your teeth.  We have free drinking water, which you can help yourself to whenever you would like.  There is also a bottle for drinking water in your room. 

You may NOT travel with pets to Gitana del Mar. We have dogs and all of our neighbors have dogs as well as chickens, horses, donkey etc.  No one has fences that can keep their dogs and animals on their property or your dogs and animals off the neighbor’s property.  Therefore we cannot be responsible for any of our guests animals and therefore do not accept pets. 

How many people fit in one bungalow? 

Each Bungalow has a maximum capacity for 3 Adults.  If there are small children traveling and staying in the same room as their parents, we can bring an extra mattress on the floor for a child, or a foldable baby crib. 

Do you accept children? 

Yes we accept well-behaved and respectful children at Gitana del Mar. Our pricing is as follows:

Kids 0-3 years old- FREE

Kids 4-9 years old- 50% discount from normal rate

Kids 10 and up – Normal adult rate

What are the food options for children? 

For children 0-3 years old, we can make creamed veggies and fruits, simple pasta, chicken and rice dishes. 

Children 4-9 Years Old will receive the same Chef’s Daily Menu as their parents, but if they prefer something else, please let us know in advance and we can prepare a variety of different kids foods such as spaghetti, chicken, French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, simple salads etc. 

Are the bars, restaurants or nightlife nearby? 

You can order drinks, cocktails, beers and wine from our Bar until about 11 pm.  After that you can walk to the only beach bar around Koralia Bar which is only 10 minutes away down the beach from Gitana del Mar. There are no public restaurants, no nightlife and no party scene here. 

When are final payments due? 

Final balances are due 60 days before the departure date of the trip.  If final payments are not received by 60 days prior to departure, YOGASCAPES reserves the right to cancel your reservation and accept new reservations for your space.  If you do not think you can pay in time please contact us via email.