Hiking, Running, & Yoga Retreat, Puerto Rico 2017

Mission:

  1. Trek through jungle to a hidden waterfall and cave;
  2. Savor local coffee and fresh coconut water;
  3. Fall asleep to the sound of coquis in rainforest (tiny tree frogs);
  4. Conquer Caribbean heat in a local running race (World's Best 10K).

Highlights

  • Relax on the beach in the winter!
  • Roam the streets of Old San Juan
  • Stay at a rainforest retreat
  • Do daily yoga
  • Hike to a hidden waterfall in the rainforest
  • Visit an authentic mountain coffee plantation
  • Eat healthy local cuisine (vegetarian options)
  • Explore mountain towns of Utuado and Adjuntas
  • Run a famous local race - "World's Best 10K" in San Juan - optional

Destination

We will be staying at Casa Grande Retreat. Casa Grande was named "Green Inn of the Year" four times by the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association.

The quaint town of Utuado is located in the central mountains of Puerto Rico, about two hours from the airport in San Juan.

Casa Grande Mountain Retreat is owned by a Kripalu Yoga teacher. One of the amenities is a fully-equipped Yoga Temple, with yoga mats, blankets, and other props. It has plenty of natural light and is surrounded by rainforest with all the natural sounds, creating a relaxing tropical ambience. 

Included

  • Lodging for 4 nights at (2 nights at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat and 2 nights in San Juan)
  • Airport Transportation
  • Three meals a day at the Retreat
  • Daily yoga classes
  • On-trip transportation
  • Tour to coffee plantation and the Window Cave
  • Dinner in San Juan
  • Running bio-mechanics analysis, Kinesio Taping (as needed)
  • Race fee (only if you run)

Not Included

  • Airfare and lodging before the trip begins
  • Personal expenses for gifts, snacks, lunches during outings, tea and coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, and mineral water
  • Zipline adventure fee ($100/person)
  • Medical expenses in case of any emergency or injury
  • Travel insurance (please take out your own travel insurance)

What to Bring (more detailed list emailed after Registration)

  • Hiking shoes - light and waterproof - they will get wet (indispensable)
  • Running shoes (if planning to run)
  • Yoga clothing
  • Light clothing for hiking/running outdoors
  • Water bottle (recommended for longer outings)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat for hiking/running (recommended)
  • Beach wear for the beach and the pool (bathing suit, flip flops)

Basic Itinerary (detailed itinerary will be emailed to each participant before the start of the retreat)

Prior to the retreat: 

  • Participants are strongly encouraged to arrive to San Juan at least 1 day before the Retreat in case of any  travel delays especially in unpredictable winter weather
  • Recommended Lodging in San Juan will be emailed to Retreat Participants

Day 1 - Thursday - Feb. 23 

  • 7:30am - Optional run along the beach to a nearby local track followed by ocean swim
  • 10am - Meet the group at Hotel (Marriott or Hilton)
  • 10:30am - 1:30pm - Free time in Old San Juan - browse around shops, cobbled streets, and have lunch at recommended local eateries on your own  
  • 2:00pm - Depart to Casa Grande 
  • 4:00pm - Arrive and check in
  • 5:15pm - Yoga class
  • 6:30pm - Dinner

Day 2 - Friday - Feb. 24

  • 7:15am - Easy run - optional 
  • 8:15am - Yoga class
  • 9:15am - Breakfast
  • 10:30am - Visit Caves 
  • 12:30pm - 3:30pm - Beach Time with Picnic Lunch 
  • 5:15pm - Yoga class at Casa Grande
  • 6:30pm - Dinner

Day 3 - Saturday - Feb. 25

  • 7:15am - Easy run - optional 
  • 8:15am - Yoga class
  • 9:15am - Breakfast
  • 10am - Waterfall hike
  • 1:30pm - Lunch and Depart Casa Grande
  • 3:00pm - Coffee Plantation visit in Adjuntas
  • 6:30pm - Arrive at Hotel in San Juan
  • 7:00pm - Dinner

Day 4 - Race Day, Sunday - Feb. 26

  • 5am - Meet at Hotel lobby for light breakfast
  • 5:30am - Depart to Race ("World's Best 10k") 
  • 7am - Race start 
  • 10am - Meet back at the van and return to Hotel
  • 1pm - Depart to Luquillo Beach - most famous beach in PR 
  • 1:30-3:30pm - Beach time/Free time
  • 5pm - Yoga class at a local yoga studio
  • 6:30pm - Dinner 

Day 5 - Departure Day, Monday - Feb. 27

  • 8am - Breakfast at Hotel
  • 9am - Farewells and Depart to Airport in San Juan