Our Most Popular Yoga Retreat
Join us for a week in the jungle
Here you will learn the principles behind creating a healthy and thriving permaculture garden, one which is capable of supporting all life. As the world struggles through an era of increased consumerism, the planet is facing critical challenges such as habitat destruction, severe environmental degradation, and social isolation.
Here at Awaken, we believe now is the time to cultivate not only sustainable food systems but also a sense of community, that can drive positive change and learning.
What is Permaculture?
Originally derived from “permanent” and “culture”, permaculture is a design science, in which we attempt to mimic the symbiotic relationships and patterns witnessed in the natural world. We believe that permaculture is yoga for the land, as yoga is permaculture for the body. We hope to inspire people to be the change that this planet so desperately needs.
Beginners Permaculture Course
We currently offer a fun, basic introductory course to permaculture. Our beginner’s course touches on many complex and wide-ranging subjects. The purpose is to get people excited about permaculture, and hopefully encourage them to continue to learn!
Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC)
If you’re looking for a more serious deep-dive, we are going to be offering a full Permaculture Design Certificate in the future. Upon completion of the PDC, you will have a certification that allows you to pass on the teachings of Permaculture. For more information on dates, and logistics, see: PDC at Rancho Delicioso
What's Included
Our week-long adventure includes the following:
- 7 Days / 6 Nights at Rancho Delicioso
- 3 Meals per day, showcasing food from our farm or local providers
- Introduction to Permaculture – 8 Workshops
- Daily Yoga Class Included
- 2 Beach Trips (Surfing Lessons Optional)
- Aerial Silk Beginner’s Class
- Archery Class
- Raw Chocolate Making Class
- Montezuma Waterfalls Excursion
- Anamaya Yoga Excursion
- Pool Party
Introduction to Permaculture Workshops
Our Introduction to permaculture course includes eight separate lessons, that range from 90 to 120 minutes in length. At the end of your stay, you will earn an “Introduction to Permaculture” certificate from Rancho Delicioso. The classes are laid out as follows:
1. Definition, Ethics, and Principles: The foundation of Permaculture. This is structured as a participative discussion, including the “Web of Life” Activity that helps everyone in the retreat to get to know each other a bit.
2. Composting: In this lesson, we will create a “lasagna-style” compost pile and bio-fertilizers. This type of composting involves creating thin layers of organic matter, that will biodegrade with not turning or watering.
3. Biointensive Gardening: For this lesson, we will participate in hands-on mulching, seeding, transplanting, and planter bed building. We will speak about the importance of moon cycles, pest and disease control, plant propagation, and seed saving.
4. Agro-fitness: We will explore the “Double Digging” garden-bed making technique, learning how to care for the ground and prepare it properly for your growing season. You will also learn more about the many benefits of mulch.
5. Sustainable building: Discussion of various methods of natural construction techniques, natural cooling, energy, and green building. Hands-on with Cob building.
6. Food Forests: In this lesson, we will discuss tree planting and maintenance, the layers of the forest, guilds. After this, we will participate in an observation exercise in a native forest. This will include a jungle hike to Zone 5.
7. Medicinal Plants and Medicine Making: We will take the group on a beautiful native plant walk where we will be creating local tinctures, honey cough syrup, and ointments made with local herbs. Although it is specific to this region, developing an understanding and appreciation for local ingredients is an integral part of permaculture.
8. Permaculture Site Analysis: Using patterns and the ‘edge effect’. This lesson involves the design of an herb spiral or mandala garden. Site analysis is a critical aspect of Permaculture, and understanding the land, before you begin, is imperative.
Activities
Daily Yoga Classes: The purpose of our daily yoga is to allow you to connect with your body. You need not be an expert to enjoy. Whether you are just beginning your yoga journey, or are a seasoned veteran, we encourage all to join us.
Aerial Silk Basics: Have you ever wondered what it feels like to dance in the air? Our Aerial Silk workshop teaches everyone how to move with the silks. We have catered this class for the absolute beginner, teaching basics that anyone can enjoy. Aerial silk is a fun way to activate all of your muscle groups, build strength, and learn some awesome tricks to take home with you!
Archery Basics: Fancy your hand with a bow and arrow? Now is your chance to let fly a few shots into some hay bales on the farm. It’s a surprisingly addictive and cathartic activity! More Info
Chocolate Making Class – Learn all about the wonders of raw cacao, the magical nuts where chocolate comes from. we have many trees growing here, and you’ll learn how to prepare it. Then we’ll eat your creations! More Info
Herbal Medicine Making – Learn the basics of how to make your own medicinal remedies using weeds, native plants, or your own herb garden. We’ll start with a native plant walk and then finish with specific “How to’s.” More Info
Yoga at Anamaya Resort: We have a partner resort, Anamaya, and we share their spectacular deck. Here, we practice yoga with stunning views out over Montezuma, and out to the Pacific Ocean. It is a truly wonderful place to start or end your day.
Waterfall Adventure and Lunch Picnic: We will visit one of Montezuma’s famous waterfall by taking a beautiful jungle trail and crossing a set of hanging bridges. Once we arrive, there is a beautiful swimming hole, surrounded by large tropical trees. There are many rock-diving spots, and bravest may attempt the 35-ft jump into the deep waters of another pool below.
Beach and Surfing Trip: You can’t visit Costa Rica without experiencing our beautiful beaches and ocean. We will take two separate trips to the beach, where you’ll be able to swim and explore. We also offer (at an additional cost) surfboard rental and surfing classes. Boogie boards can be rented too. Here is some more information on surfing in the area: Surf Spots Near Rancho Delicioso.
Montezuma Nightlife: On Monday and Thursday nights, those who are interested can go to our local town, Montezuma, and experience Open-Mic on Mondays, or “Reggae Night” on Thursday. We dance at Chico’s bar, mingle with locals, and experience the fire dancers on the street. Montezuma is well known for its unique vibe.
Retreat Leader - Irene Alpizar
Irene Alpizar leads our retreats. She is an herbalist intuitive, and incredibly passionate about connections with nature. She possesses a wealth of knowledge about plant combinations, specifically for their healing properties. Irene loves to motivate people toward total physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. She achieves this through natural techniques, and encouraging lifestyle changes.
More about Irene here: Irene Alpizar Profile
Where are we Located?
We are located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is the perfect place for a permaculture center due to the year-round beautiful warm weather. Don’t worry, it’s not as hot as most people think! It is not commonly known, but Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world with no Army, which in part contributes to the peaceful and relaxed culture.
A local town, Montezuma, is perhaps the coolest little beach town in Costa Rica, or maybe even the planet. It is a remote and still secret spot on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It is a place that draws travelers who are seeking something unique. It is hidden away from the tourist crowds, and those who venture here are treated to one of the last unspoiled places on earth. It has become a haven for creative. Artists, hippies, fire dancers, jungle lovers, yogis, and all kinds of fun and unique people gather here. It has the most unique vibe. It is a place that wins the hearts of those fortunate enough to stumble across it!
For lots of cool photos and videos about Montezuma, click here: Montezuma
Santa Teresa and Malpais
The two towns of Santa Teresa and Malpais are just 5 minutes farther away than Montezuma to the east. Santa Teresa is considered a surfer’s paradise. Consisting of miles of white-sand beaches with year-round waves and over 100 restaurants, there is a lot going on.
It is very common for our guests to head over to Santa Teresa or Montezuma and spend time after their retreat at Rancho Delicioso. It’s a great way of experiencing the local communities in the area, and getting more surfing done!
Santa Teresa has also won the TripAdvisor “best beach town in all of Central and South America” award. More info here: www.malpaisbeach.com
The Food at Awaken
Our Food and Restaurant: On a permaculture ranch, expect healthy food. Expect a lot of vegetarian dishes, some fish and organic chicken, and a bit of vegan too. Additionally, it will be mostly gluten-free (sometimes an Italian friend of ours drops by some fresh-baked whole-wheat bread).
For your meals, you will be eating, family-style, at Wonderland restaurant, which is part of Rancho Delicioso. Meals are included, although you can order off the menu if you want something extra.
We are easily able to accommodate people with special diets such as vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, etc.
A few of the dishes we serve:
- Fish Tacos
- Yucca Gnocci with Portabello Mushrooms
- Gallo Pinto
- Huevos Rancheros
- Quinoa and veggies salad
- Farm vegetable soups
- Veggie curry
Ingredients: We source as many ingredients as we can from our ranch. However, it’s not always enough, so we supplement this from local purveyors. We aim to be as organic as possible, but the veggie truck doesn’t always bring what we want. In these cases, we buy from the local supermarket, which isn’t organic. However, this will improve over time since Costa Rica’s organic food production is rapidly growing and distribution improving.
Daily Schedule (Typical)
6:30-7:30 am – Sunrise Yoga
8:00-8:30 am – Breakfast
9:00-10:00am – Fitness Class – HIIT (optional)
10:00-12:00pm – 1st Permaculture Class
12:00-1:00pm – Lunch
1:00-4:00 pm – Siesta, Free Time, Swimming Pool, Various Activities
4:00-6:00 pm – 2nd Permaculture Class
6:00-7:00 pm – Dinner
7:00-9:00 pm – Free Time. Movies, bonfire, various extra activities
9:00 pm+ – Sleepy Time!
General Weekly Schedule
The following schedule is a general schedule, but subject to change based on teacher/tutor availability. We are flexible with regards to adding events that we feel will enhance your experience. Often, there will be people in the town that have a unique perspective to offer, and we will bring them in for the guests. Sometimes, guests will also find there are a lot of activities and would prefer to relax. You are in no way obliged to attend all events.
Click here for a calendar of classes and events.
Sunday: Orientation
- Arrival in the afternoon, 2-5 pm
- Opening Circle and Dinner. Meet your new family.
Monday: The Fun Begins
- Morning Yoga
- Permaculture: Introduction to Permaculture
- Beach Trip to Montezuma Town and Beaches
- Permaculture: Composting
- Optional – “Open Mic Night” at Cafe Organico in Montezuma
Tuesday: Anamaya and Waterfall
- Waterfall Hike and Lunch
- Ocean View Yoga at Anamaya Resort
- Archery Class
- Permaculture: Bio-intensive Gardening
Wednesday: Beach & Surf Day
- Morning Yoga
- Pemaculture: Acrofitness
- Beach Trip – Surfing Optional
Thursday: Aerial Silk Day
- Morning Yoga
- Permaculture: Green Building and/or Aquaponics
- Aerial Silk Dance Class
- Permaculture: Food Forests
- Optional – Dance and Street Party Night in Montezuma
Friday: Chocolate Day
- Morning Yoga
- Permaculture: Natural Medicine Making
- Raw Chocolate Making Class
- Permaculture: Site Analysis Class
Saturday: Goodbye Day
- Morning Yoga
- Closing Circle, group hugs, tears, and goodbyes
Rates/Prices
Awaken Retreat prices depend on your accommodations. Check out photos of our accommodations in The River Palace to see options.
| Tent or Offsite | US$580.44 | |
| Single Sofa Bed | US$740.16 | (up to 2 available) |
| Nest Bed, Shared | US$740.16 | each, shared bed |
| Nest Bed, Single | US$846.66 | (up to 6 available) |
| Private Loft, Shared | US$745.08 | each, shared bed |
| Private Loft | US$1272.66 | Single occupancy (up to 2 available) |
There is a maximum of 16 people per retreat. Usually, our retreats begin on Sunday and end on a Saturday.
Book Here
The following table shows the dates available. Click the links on the right of each date to BOOK or check the price, and rooms available.
[rs_programs category=”PYP” table show_date show_register_link width: 600;]
Single Night Stays (1-4 nights):
Includes: Lodging, food and all of the day’s activities.
Requirements: These are only booked last minute when we’re sure we will have a space available that’s not taken by a full-week guest.
Beds: $120 per person for whatever bed is available.
Tent: $90 per person
Booking Details
Payment and Deposit
The booking process requires a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable, due to the popularity of our retreat, and the time and effort that goes into organizing. The full balance must be paid two weeks before your scheduled arrival. Sometimes – if it is easier for everyone – we offer cash payment for the remaining balance on-site, but this is arranged on a case by case basis.
Cancellation Policy:
If for some reason you can’t come or decide not to come, we will apply your deposit to a future retreat with us, minus 20% rescheduling fee. As stated above, we do not issue refunds for deposits, for any reason. We suggest that you book travel insurance, to protect you in the event that you are forced to cancel.
Liability Release Form: Upon arrival, you must sign our standard liability release. Please read it before booking: Rancho Delicioso Liability Release Form