Plant Spirit Herbalism Retreat
October 9-16, 2023 (7 nights)
With Lupo Passero
Wild Ginger Herbal Center is honored to host Flower Essence Practitioner and Community Herbalist Lupo Passero of Twin Star Herbal Education for this very special Plant Spirit Herbalism Retreat. Join us in the incredible Talamanca region of Costa Rica for this spiritually fulfilling and heart led botanical experience, which is open to all plant lovers and levels of interest. Our time together will be inspired by the abundant and glorious plants and flowers that encompass the tropical terraine. As we deepen our connection to the flora and fauna alongside of the Caribbean Sea, we will work closely with the local plants and people to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual aspects of herbalism and ancestral healing. With the help of the numerous tropical plants and flowers, Plant Spirit Herbalism offers an invitation to create more meaningful relationships with the individual plants we encounter, as well as the food we share and the medicine we make together.
Lupo Passero is a Community Herbalist and Educator and the Director of Twin Star Herbal Education and Community Apothecary. She brings with her over 20 years of knowledge, intimate relationship, and understanding of the plants and flower essences. While Lupo has had the honor to learn from many teachers and lineages of plant medicine throughout Europe and Central America, she centers and draws deeply upon her own Italian and Irish ancestral knowledge.
Wild Ginger Herbal Center - Additional Activities:
At Wild Ginger Herbal Center our work centers around relationship, with the plants, the land, and with each other. In addition to the classes taught by Lupo Passero, this experience in an amazing opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica. Together we will explore plant medicine while surrounded by the infamous natural beauty. Our program will include a balance between field studies to local Black and Indigenous traditional herbalists and farms, classes at our center, and time spent exploring plants with amazing teachers who have dedicated their lives to plant medicine local to Costa Rica. You will stay at our traditional wooden rustic group Caribbean Cabinas, just one block to the Caribbean sea!
The incredible Talamancan Coast of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica is where everything got started for Wild Ginger. We have been facilitating incredible cross cultural and educational programming for many years in this region home to Indigenous communities such as the BriBri, Kekoldi, and Cabecar, as well as Chinese and Afro-Costa Rican communities who came to work building railroads and working on banana plantations. Over the years this area has become increasingly diverse with residents from virtually all over the globe. In additions to the foundational skills classes our programs focus on the local foodways as well as traditional herbalism as it is practiced across the incredible cultures that inhabit Talamanca.
Itinerary
Monday October 9
2:30 PM Group Meets at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose Costa Rica & Departs for Manzanillo
There will be a bathroom/meal stop, be sure to bring $ for food)
(try to get flights arriving no later that 1pm)
9:30 Arrival
Tuesday October 10
8:30 am Breakfast
9:30 - Orientation, Opening & Welcome
12:00 pm Group Lunch
1:30 Class with Lupo History & Introduction to Plant Spirit Healing
5:00 Group Dinner
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Wednesday October 11
7:30am Breakfast
8:00 - Bush Medicine & Plant Spirit Herbalism of the Caribe Sur Traditional Afro Costa Rican Plant Walk with Alda
12:30 Group Lunch
2:30 Class with Lupo - Energetic Hygiene - Flower & Plant Spirit Bathing & More
5:00 Group Dinner
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Thursday October 12
7:30 - Breakfast
8:30-1:30pm Indigenous Bri Bri Medicinal Plant Tour & Chocolate Making
1:30 Group Lunch
2:00 Class with Lupo Plant Communication & The Language of Plants
5:00 Group Dinner
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided this day
Friday October 13
7:00 - Breakfast
7:30 - Walk in Gandoca Manzanillo National Reserve with Local Naturalist
12:30 Group Lunch
3:00 Tropical Herbal Medicine Making with Molly
5:00 Group Dinner
6:00 Ancestral Healing Ceremony with Lupo
Saturday October 14
8:45 Breakfast
9:30 am Leave to go to Puerto Viejo Farmers Market - Meet Local Farmers, See Local Tropical Produce!
Free Day to Relax and Have Fun, explore Puerto Viejo! (with a few Flower Essence projects interwoven)
1:00PM Group Bus Back to Manzanillo (not required to return)
*Breakfast included on this day
Sunday October 15
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Tropical Flower, Plant & Gem Essences with Lupo
12:00 Group Lunch
12:30 How We Sit with the Earth (the7 Sacred Directions)
2:30 Tropical Green Breath Ceremony
4:30 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class, Despedida Celebration!
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Monday October 16
4:00am Group Shuttle Leaves to San Jose Airport
(estimated arrival at 9:30 am to airport - we cannot garentee road conditions or traffic so cannot be held responsible for missed flights.
We recommend booking flights no earlier than 12:30pm that day, again the arrival time is not a guarentee due to circumstances out of our control)
Lupo Passero is a Community Herbalist and Educator and the Director of Twin Star Herbal Education and Community Apothecary. She brings with her over 20 years of knowledge, intimate relationship, and understanding of the plants and flower essences. While Lupo has had the honor to learn from many teachers and lineages of plant medicine throughout Europe and Central America, she centers and draws deeply upon her own Italian and Irish ancestral knowledge.
Wild Ginger Herbal Center - Additional Activities:
At Wild Ginger Herbal Center our work centers around relationship, with the plants, the land, and with each other. In addition to the classes taught by Lupo Passero, this experience in an amazing opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica. Together we will explore plant medicine while surrounded by the infamous natural beauty. Our program will include a balance between field studies to local Black and Indigenous traditional herbalists and farms, classes at our center, and time spent exploring plants with amazing teachers who have dedicated their lives to plant medicine local to Costa Rica. You will stay at our traditional wooden rustic group Caribbean Cabinas, just one block to the Caribbean sea!
The incredible Talamancan Coast of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica is where everything got started for Wild Ginger. We have been facilitating incredible cross cultural and educational programming for many years in this region home to Indigenous communities such as the BriBri, Kekoldi, and Cabecar, as well as Chinese and Afro-Costa Rican communities who came to work building railroads and working on banana plantations. Over the years this area has become increasingly diverse with residents from virtually all over the globe. In additions to the foundational skills classes our programs focus on the local foodways as well as traditional herbalism as it is practiced across the incredible cultures that inhabit Talamanca.
Itinerary
Monday October 9
2:30 PM Group Meets at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose Costa Rica & Departs for Manzanillo
There will be a bathroom/meal stop, be sure to bring $ for food)
(try to get flights arriving no later that 1pm)
9:30 Arrival
Tuesday October 10
8:30 am Breakfast
9:30 - Orientation, Opening & Welcome
12:00 pm Group Lunch
1:30 Class with Lupo History & Introduction to Plant Spirit Healing
5:00 Group Dinner
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Wednesday October 11
7:30am Breakfast
8:00 - Bush Medicine & Plant Spirit Herbalism of the Caribe Sur Traditional Afro Costa Rican Plant Walk with Alda
12:30 Group Lunch
2:30 Class with Lupo - Energetic Hygiene - Flower & Plant Spirit Bathing & More
5:00 Group Dinner
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Thursday October 12
7:30 - Breakfast
8:30-1:30pm Indigenous Bri Bri Medicinal Plant Tour & Chocolate Making
1:30 Group Lunch
2:00 Class with Lupo Plant Communication & The Language of Plants
5:00 Group Dinner
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided this day
Friday October 13
7:00 - Breakfast
7:30 - Walk in Gandoca Manzanillo National Reserve with Local Naturalist
12:30 Group Lunch
3:00 Tropical Herbal Medicine Making with Molly
5:00 Group Dinner
6:00 Ancestral Healing Ceremony with Lupo
Saturday October 14
8:45 Breakfast
9:30 am Leave to go to Puerto Viejo Farmers Market - Meet Local Farmers, See Local Tropical Produce!
Free Day to Relax and Have Fun, explore Puerto Viejo! (with a few Flower Essence projects interwoven)
1:00PM Group Bus Back to Manzanillo (not required to return)
*Breakfast included on this day
Sunday October 15
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Tropical Flower, Plant & Gem Essences with Lupo
12:00 Group Lunch
12:30 How We Sit with the Earth (the7 Sacred Directions)
2:30 Tropical Green Breath Ceremony
4:30 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class, Despedida Celebration!
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Monday October 16
4:00am Group Shuttle Leaves to San Jose Airport
(estimated arrival at 9:30 am to airport - we cannot garentee road conditions or traffic so cannot be held responsible for missed flights.
We recommend booking flights no earlier than 12:30pm that day, again the arrival time is not a guarentee due to circumstances out of our control)
Everyone who registers for Wild Ginger Programs must read and agree to our Values and Agreements.
Click Here to Read and Sign!
Cost:
$1750 shared room , payment plan below
Only 10 spots available!
*To register please download the above waiver form, sign and return as attachment via email to [email protected]
(Shared rooms may have 3-4 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
Accomodations are very rustic in a traditional historic wooden Caribbean house, it is not bug or air tight, and more like enclosed camping.
VERY IMPORTANT - Cost: $1750 per person
Payment Schedule:
Payment #1 $550 deposit secures your spot
Payment #2 $500 due on or before August 1, 2023
Payment #3 $700 CASH Paid Upon Arrival in Costa Rica (we require this cash payment and cannot accept this portion online)
*all payments are final, non-refundabe and non-transferable. Though our trips tend to fill several months before that time. Please be very sure you can attend when you sign up as all payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
What's included In Your Trip!
The price includes your rustic accomadations in Manzanillo, Costa Rica, each of the classes and tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary as well as breakfast each morning. We will include certain lunch and dinners in the trip, please read the itinerary carefully so you know which meals you are responsible for. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica.
Supply List (Students Must Bring These for Themselves):
These items are not able to be bought in Costa Rica, we recommend you purchase them before arrival, via Mountain Rose Herbs, SpecialtyBottle.com, Amazon, etc.
12 glass dropper bottles - 1 oz size
Please read the Disclaimer:
*COVID-19 Disclaimer - *If participants contract or test positive for COVID-19 during the trip they will be required to quarantine separately from the group. Medical costs, care, as well as the the cost of separate accommodations in nearby hotel and or separate transportation to and from airport is not covered by Twin Star Herbal Education or Wild Ginger Herbal Center, and will be the responsibility of participant. We can provide a list of local accommodations as well as trusted private transportation if needed.
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Wild Ginger Herbal Center acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Wild Ginger Herbal Center and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Wild Ginger Herbal Center. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.centroashe.org and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
$1750 shared room , payment plan below
Only 10 spots available!
*To register please download the above waiver form, sign and return as attachment via email to [email protected]
(Shared rooms may have 3-4 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
Accomodations are very rustic in a traditional historic wooden Caribbean house, it is not bug or air tight, and more like enclosed camping.
VERY IMPORTANT - Cost: $1750 per person
Payment Schedule:
Payment #1 $550 deposit secures your spot
Payment #2 $500 due on or before August 1, 2023
Payment #3 $700 CASH Paid Upon Arrival in Costa Rica (we require this cash payment and cannot accept this portion online)
*all payments are final, non-refundabe and non-transferable. Though our trips tend to fill several months before that time. Please be very sure you can attend when you sign up as all payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
What's included In Your Trip!
The price includes your rustic accomadations in Manzanillo, Costa Rica, each of the classes and tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary as well as breakfast each morning. We will include certain lunch and dinners in the trip, please read the itinerary carefully so you know which meals you are responsible for. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica.
Supply List (Students Must Bring These for Themselves):
These items are not able to be bought in Costa Rica, we recommend you purchase them before arrival, via Mountain Rose Herbs, SpecialtyBottle.com, Amazon, etc.
12 glass dropper bottles - 1 oz size
Please read the Disclaimer:
*COVID-19 Disclaimer - *If participants contract or test positive for COVID-19 during the trip they will be required to quarantine separately from the group. Medical costs, care, as well as the the cost of separate accommodations in nearby hotel and or separate transportation to and from airport is not covered by Twin Star Herbal Education or Wild Ginger Herbal Center, and will be the responsibility of participant. We can provide a list of local accommodations as well as trusted private transportation if needed.
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Wild Ginger Herbal Center acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Wild Ginger Herbal Center and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Wild Ginger Herbal Center. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.centroashe.org and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Accomodations:
Staying onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center our rustic wooden cabina located in the Caribbean of Costa Rica. We live very very simply and rustic, our house has electricity, and is equipped with WIFI internet that will be slower than you are used to if you are from the US. We do not use chemicals to spray our home, thus in the tropics we have little geckos that will be indoors, they're your friends they eat mosquitos! Sometimes there are ants, etc, be prepared to be in community with nature! While there are wild insects and animals we lice amongst we are not able to accomadate pets with our guests. We provide communal rooms with single beds for our apprentices and guests, bug nets, fans in each room, our bathroom. Great place for relaxing, gorgeous gardens, Our classroom is right onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and our humble site is home to amazing medicinal and edible gardens. You're are one block to the beach and we make sure you have lots of relax and self care time while you are here. We do not provide laundry services on site, however you can pay to do laundry at a couple locations around town during your stay here. Additionally we utilize comparable rooms at a neighboring cabina in order to accomodate our groups beyond our capacity on site at Wild Ginger Herbal Center.
Expectations & Respect:
We expect those that apply for this program to have an true interest and excitement for plant medicine. We ask that everyone show up on time to all classes and activities in order to honor each other as well as our teachers and facilitators. When coming to Wild Ginger Herbal Center openness and respect are central. All people are welcome and we celebrate life in all our beautiful manifestations and forms. We expect people of diverse paths to come here with respect for each other, we have an expectation of non-violent communication when faced with challenges that can arise when living together during intensive communal experiences in new environments. All people of varying class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, sex, sexual orientation and religious, non-religious, or spiritual beliefs are welcome at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and we seek to build a safe community space for all.
Whats Included:
We include our group transportation to and from the Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica, our local ground transport to our activities here during the trip, all food as mentioned above on the itinerary, as well as all programs and activities mentioned above.
Foods:
Our focus is on eating an abundant healthy and whole foods based diet rich in local fruits, veggies, rice, beans, oats, different traditinoal baked goods, and plantains are central to our diet, and sometimes we get local cheese, meats, yogurt, fish, eggs. There are several options offered each meal. While we encourage everyone to participate and share in meals together, we understand some people may have special diets in which case they will need to supplement their diets with food purchased elsewhere.
Money:
Make sure to bring enough US Dollars to last you at least the first few days of the trip including stopping for a snack on your way down to us. Do not bring bills larger than $20, and make sure they are not ripped or in poor condition or folks will not accept them. Our town has no ATM, and the closes one is about 12 kilometers away. Everyone accepts US Dollars here, but again in the same town as the ATM there is a money exchange you can exchange your dollars for colones. You should expect at 500 colones to $1 exchange when using USDollars in our area. While we provide your food for all indicated meals during your time with us, and we provide drinking water during our programs, you are responsible for any extras you might need, including snacks etc etc. If you want to buy souveniers/personal care items etc you are responsible for those as well. Our town does have a few small shops "pulperias", two of which accept credit cards.
Call Your Bank!
*MAKE SURE TO CALL YOUR BANKS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU WILL BE IN COSTA RICA* - This will ensure your card does not get shut off for suspicious activity.
What to Bring:
An open mind, heart, and soul! A true openess and interest in plants and folk medicine, in learning the traditional medicine of the people of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Remember our cabinas at Wild Ginger Herbal Center are rustic and very simple, we try to live as simply and in tune with nature as possible. We do not have air conditioning and we live simply in a way very much like our local community members. Coming on this trip and life in the Caribbean here is an opportunity to go with the flow and enjoy a slower and more simple lifestyle - that is part of the medicine of your time here. Most people when they talk about the rainy season it actually refers to the pacific side, which has a very distinct rainy season, 6 months dry, 6 months wet. We will be on the Caribbean side, and while yes it rains, it is more evenly balanced through out the year. That doesn't mean it won't rain, because it certainly can and probably will. As far as clothes, bring light weight stuff that dries easily, it is HUMID! Bring a good pair of shoes to hike with that you dont mind getting muddy, and flip flops, and whatever else you'd like to have with you. Cotton tshirts and shorts are great, a rain jacket, bathing suit, towel for the beach (please do not bring hotel towels to the beach), are all great. Yoga mat if you'd like. BUG SPRAY is important to your comfort here, thankfully we do not have Zika virus etc in our area, however here in the Caribbean we do indeed have mosquitos. So bring repellent that works well for you! Bring natural bug spray if you're into that because you can't get that down there or whatever type of repellent that is actually effective for you, any personal care items you need we recommend you bring with you. Bring any regular medications/supplements you use. Bring SUNSCREEN! A hat. Sunglasses. As far as a laptop - there is internet in town so you're welcome to bring it, just depends how connected you'd like to be! It's another thing to travel with and to be conscious of while you're on buses etc. But it can be convenient, so that is totally your decision. Outlets there are the same as the US, no converter is needed. Also please remember pens and note pads for note taking. Come prepared with clothing appropriate for tropical heat and tropical rain. Sandals, Sun protection, waterbottle, hats, etc. Bathing suit, towels and sarongs. We provide bath towels but you have to bring your own towel for the beach. A first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight, any prescriptions you need. Boots suitable for getting muddy walking in the jungle or on farms, rain jacket with hood. While many people take this opportunity to "unplug" you may feel like bringing a wifi accesible device to use while onsite. These are your responsibility and while traveling we always recommend traveling without valuable goods, but take good care of what you do decide to bring. Long and short pants, long and short sleeves. Personal care products. We do not have laundry onsite but there are places in the area you may pay to get your clothes washed and cleaned. We cannot stress enough how bringing what you need to protect you from bugs will make your stay more comfortable, the struggle is real with mosquitos, sometimes sand fleas and more. These vary depending on the time of year, but we encourage you to bring protection with you!
Staying onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center our rustic wooden cabina located in the Caribbean of Costa Rica. We live very very simply and rustic, our house has electricity, and is equipped with WIFI internet that will be slower than you are used to if you are from the US. We do not use chemicals to spray our home, thus in the tropics we have little geckos that will be indoors, they're your friends they eat mosquitos! Sometimes there are ants, etc, be prepared to be in community with nature! While there are wild insects and animals we lice amongst we are not able to accomadate pets with our guests. We provide communal rooms with single beds for our apprentices and guests, bug nets, fans in each room, our bathroom. Great place for relaxing, gorgeous gardens, Our classroom is right onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and our humble site is home to amazing medicinal and edible gardens. You're are one block to the beach and we make sure you have lots of relax and self care time while you are here. We do not provide laundry services on site, however you can pay to do laundry at a couple locations around town during your stay here. Additionally we utilize comparable rooms at a neighboring cabina in order to accomodate our groups beyond our capacity on site at Wild Ginger Herbal Center.
Expectations & Respect:
We expect those that apply for this program to have an true interest and excitement for plant medicine. We ask that everyone show up on time to all classes and activities in order to honor each other as well as our teachers and facilitators. When coming to Wild Ginger Herbal Center openness and respect are central. All people are welcome and we celebrate life in all our beautiful manifestations and forms. We expect people of diverse paths to come here with respect for each other, we have an expectation of non-violent communication when faced with challenges that can arise when living together during intensive communal experiences in new environments. All people of varying class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, sex, sexual orientation and religious, non-religious, or spiritual beliefs are welcome at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and we seek to build a safe community space for all.
Whats Included:
We include our group transportation to and from the Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica, our local ground transport to our activities here during the trip, all food as mentioned above on the itinerary, as well as all programs and activities mentioned above.
Foods:
Our focus is on eating an abundant healthy and whole foods based diet rich in local fruits, veggies, rice, beans, oats, different traditinoal baked goods, and plantains are central to our diet, and sometimes we get local cheese, meats, yogurt, fish, eggs. There are several options offered each meal. While we encourage everyone to participate and share in meals together, we understand some people may have special diets in which case they will need to supplement their diets with food purchased elsewhere.
Money:
Make sure to bring enough US Dollars to last you at least the first few days of the trip including stopping for a snack on your way down to us. Do not bring bills larger than $20, and make sure they are not ripped or in poor condition or folks will not accept them. Our town has no ATM, and the closes one is about 12 kilometers away. Everyone accepts US Dollars here, but again in the same town as the ATM there is a money exchange you can exchange your dollars for colones. You should expect at 500 colones to $1 exchange when using USDollars in our area. While we provide your food for all indicated meals during your time with us, and we provide drinking water during our programs, you are responsible for any extras you might need, including snacks etc etc. If you want to buy souveniers/personal care items etc you are responsible for those as well. Our town does have a few small shops "pulperias", two of which accept credit cards.
Call Your Bank!
*MAKE SURE TO CALL YOUR BANKS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU WILL BE IN COSTA RICA* - This will ensure your card does not get shut off for suspicious activity.
What to Bring:
An open mind, heart, and soul! A true openess and interest in plants and folk medicine, in learning the traditional medicine of the people of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Remember our cabinas at Wild Ginger Herbal Center are rustic and very simple, we try to live as simply and in tune with nature as possible. We do not have air conditioning and we live simply in a way very much like our local community members. Coming on this trip and life in the Caribbean here is an opportunity to go with the flow and enjoy a slower and more simple lifestyle - that is part of the medicine of your time here. Most people when they talk about the rainy season it actually refers to the pacific side, which has a very distinct rainy season, 6 months dry, 6 months wet. We will be on the Caribbean side, and while yes it rains, it is more evenly balanced through out the year. That doesn't mean it won't rain, because it certainly can and probably will. As far as clothes, bring light weight stuff that dries easily, it is HUMID! Bring a good pair of shoes to hike with that you dont mind getting muddy, and flip flops, and whatever else you'd like to have with you. Cotton tshirts and shorts are great, a rain jacket, bathing suit, towel for the beach (please do not bring hotel towels to the beach), are all great. Yoga mat if you'd like. BUG SPRAY is important to your comfort here, thankfully we do not have Zika virus etc in our area, however here in the Caribbean we do indeed have mosquitos. So bring repellent that works well for you! Bring natural bug spray if you're into that because you can't get that down there or whatever type of repellent that is actually effective for you, any personal care items you need we recommend you bring with you. Bring any regular medications/supplements you use. Bring SUNSCREEN! A hat. Sunglasses. As far as a laptop - there is internet in town so you're welcome to bring it, just depends how connected you'd like to be! It's another thing to travel with and to be conscious of while you're on buses etc. But it can be convenient, so that is totally your decision. Outlets there are the same as the US, no converter is needed. Also please remember pens and note pads for note taking. Come prepared with clothing appropriate for tropical heat and tropical rain. Sandals, Sun protection, waterbottle, hats, etc. Bathing suit, towels and sarongs. We provide bath towels but you have to bring your own towel for the beach. A first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight, any prescriptions you need. Boots suitable for getting muddy walking in the jungle or on farms, rain jacket with hood. While many people take this opportunity to "unplug" you may feel like bringing a wifi accesible device to use while onsite. These are your responsibility and while traveling we always recommend traveling without valuable goods, but take good care of what you do decide to bring. Long and short pants, long and short sleeves. Personal care products. We do not have laundry onsite but there are places in the area you may pay to get your clothes washed and cleaned. We cannot stress enough how bringing what you need to protect you from bugs will make your stay more comfortable, the struggle is real with mosquitos, sometimes sand fleas and more. These vary depending on the time of year, but we encourage you to bring protection with you!