Passports must be valid for the next six months after arrival in order to enter Nicaragua, so don’t forget to check the expiration date! The visa cost is $10 cash upon arrival to the airport here at MGA.

It’s never a bad idea to have some cash at hand while traveling. The Nicaraguan currency is the Cordoba and the exchange is roughly 23 Cordobas to 1 Dollar. There will be a couple of opportunities within the airports to exchange some US for Cordobas but it's hardly necessary. The US Dollar is widely accepted when in mint condition and is generally preferred for it’s stability. $20 dollar bills are easier to spend than $100's. Credit cards are accepted in most places as well but ATM’s have yet to make it out to the rural location of the retreat. There will be one opportunity to use an ATM on the way to the retreat, and another on the way back to the airport so keep that in mind when deciding how much cash to bring.

Although traveling with liquids is a super pain you will most definitely be glad you did. Not much variety in the toiletry department down here so if you are particular about your bathroom products it’s best to bring your own.
It’s not a bad idea to put together a small remedy kit just in case. It’s not uncommon to get a sick stomach anytime you travel and it’s nice to have what you need when you need it. Also, again keeping in mind the lack of variety. If you prefer homeopathic herbal remedies you will definitely not find that here. Although there is a clinic just a few miles down the road, their approach is very westernized.

The sun is potent down here 365 days a year. Don't worry... you'll go home with a nice bronze tan even if you're coated in 50 spf for the duration of your visit. No shortage of vitamin d in this part of the world : )

This one is an absolute MUST bring. Don't leave home without them.

Hmmm... looks like a bit of a theme here. A good percentage of the items on the checklist are for protection from the sun. We have no shortage of beautiful sunshine. Sometimes it's just better to enjoy from under the brim of a comfy hat.

You will definitely want to have a good pair of hiking shoes for the hike day, as well as if you go horseback riding or take on any other adventures during your vacation. Other than that a couple pairs of flip-flops or whatever your preferred beach footwear is will do.

Towels for the rooms and pool will be provided by the resort. We do suggest bringing a beach towel or sarong of your own for taking to the beach.

We doubt you'll forget your cloths : ) Comfortable yoga clothes, pajamas, comfy hiking outfit (yoga clothes will do), casual beach attire, swimming suits (2 would be best). Don’t worry about having enough clothes for every asana. We will have laundry service available throughout your stay. Just keep in mind it's a tropical climate. Long sleeves are not necessary.

If you're a beginner or more recreational surfer then you need not worry about bringing a board. We'll provide you with a surf board during your stay with us. On the other hand... if you're a more experienced surfer who already owns his/her own equipment, then we recommend bringing that along for the vacation.

Yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets etc. will be provided. If you have any specialized props that you like to use in your practice (ex. wedge) feel free to bring it with you if convenient. Yoga paraphernalia is almost impossible to come by in Nicaragua so most everything is imported and anything donated by guests is greatly appreciated!

True beauty can almost never be completely captured but it’s always worth a try! There are plenty of breathtaking vistas that you will want to take home with you as well as capturing the overall experience and new friends. Professional photos will be taken throughout the retreat for purchase for those interested.

No vaccinations are required to enter Nicaragua. It's never a bad idea to make sure you're up-to-date with your basic vaccinations such as tetanus, etc..., but again, no vaccinations are required to enter Nicaragua. We do not suggest any malaria prevention considering that the risk is almost non-existent in this region of Nicaragua. Some places recommend malaria vaccinations (Chloroquine) which is taken orally starting a week before the trip and continued for four weeks after the trip, but we think this measure is unnecessary for this area. Simply using mosquito repellant in the afternoon is generally enough to prevent the mosquitos from bothering you.