FAQ
Do I need a visa to attend the retreat in Bolivia? •For U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays in Bolivia up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel or sufficient funds during your stay. •For European Union citizens: Citizens of EU countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport should also be valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and you may be required to provide proof of onward travel or sufficient funds. •Most European countries outside the European Union, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Turkey, and Norway, do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. •These are the countries in Europe that need a visa to enter Bolivia: 1.Montenegro 2.Bosnia Herzegovina 3.Albania 4.North Macedonia 5.Moldova 6.Ukraine
How do I get to the retreat? 1.Make the decision weather you want to stay 2 or 4 weeks at the retreat. 2.Pay the reservation fee. 3.Buy a plane ticket to Bolivia with the destination date being one day before the retreat starts. So if the retreat starts on February the 4th, ideally you should be in Bolivia on February the 3rd. 4.Let us know the time of your arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the retreat house.
Once I paid the reservation fee, when do I pay the rest of the money? The rest of the payment should be paid once you are at the retreat house, the rest of the payment will be with cash.
What are the available accommodations? At Vedanta Retreat, we offer two options to suit your needs: the full 28-day experience or a shorter 14-day retreat. Both options provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the simplicity and peace of monastic living. We offer four pricing options to accommodate your stay: 14-Days Retreat: •Shared Room: €1400 •Private Room: €2300 28-Days Retreat: •Shared Room: €2500 •Private Room: €3800
What do I pack for my stay? We recommend packing comfortable, modest clothing suitable for meditation, yoga, and the relaxed atmosphere of the retreat. Here are some essentials to consider: •Comfortable clothing: Bring enough comfortable clothes for the duration of your stay. You’ll want breathable, loose-fitting outfits that allow you to sit comfortably for extended periods during meditation. •Yoga attire: Make sure to bring clothing suitable for Hatha Yoga and Asana practices, such as yoga pants or leggings and light, stretchable tops. These will help you move freely during our daily sessions. •Weather-appropriate clothing: Santa Cruz has warm weather year-round, so lightweight fabrics are ideal. If you are coming from June to August, make sure to bring some warmer clothing because we do get some colder days. •Swimwear: If you plan to enjoy the swimming pool, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and sun cream.
Is the retreat suitable for beginners? Yes, the retreat benefits both beginners and also more advanced students, we will cover the basics in both philosophy, and also in Hatha Yoga
Are meals provided, and what kind of food is served? The private chef at The Monastic Retreat provides us with sumptuous breakfasts, and lunches, we also get a light and tasty noon snack. All our food is intended to be Sattvic and vegetarian, meaning, it is not only vegetarian, but also very clean and healthy food.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell phone service available at the retreat? We do have Wi-Fi at our retreat house, although we recommend not using our cellphones too often, we know it is very important to have internet connection available at all times
What is the daily schedule like at the retreat? •06:00 - Wake Up •06:00 - 06:30 - Shower and prepare for meditation •06:30 - 07:20 - Meditation •07:20 - 07:45 - Chanting •08:00 - 08:45 - Breakfast •09:00 - 10:00 - Morning Class •10:30 - 11:30 - Yoga Postures Class •11:30 - 13:15 - Break •12:30 - 13:00 - Optional Meditation •13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch •14:00 - 16:40 - Time to Relax and Study •16:45 - 17:45 - Afternoon Class •18:00 - 19:00 - Arati and Meditation •19:00 - 19:30 - Noon Snack •19:30 - 20:15 - Night Reading
How much cash should I bring with me? You will find almost everything you need at our retreat house, from food, to a washing machine, so unless you need something specific, there wont be much need to buy things from outside. Besides bringing the rest of the payment for the retreat, you will have more than enough if you bring an extra €500 to €1000 depending on your plans outside of the retreat.
Is any vaccination required? While Bolivia does not have strict vaccination requirements for most travelers, we recommend checking with your local health authority or travel clinic for the most up-to-date advice. •Yellow Fever: If you plan to visit certain lowland regions in Bolivia, including areas near Rurrenabaque or the Amazon basin, a yellow fever vaccine may be required. Although Santa Cruz itself is not a high-risk area, it’s a good idea to have this vaccination if you plan on exploring other parts of the country. •Routine Vaccines: Ensure you are up to date with routine vaccinations such as tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and seasonal flu. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip to get personalized recommendations based on your travel plans.
Do I need travel insurance? Although we highly recommend it, it is not mandatory to have travel insurance for your stay at The Monastic Retreat. Having medical insurance provides valuable protection in case of unexpected health issues during your trip, such as: •Medical emergencies: If you require any medical treatment or hospitalization while in Bolivia, travel insurance can help cover the costs. •Accidents or illness: Whether it’s a minor injury or a more serious condition, medical insurance ensures you have access to proper healthcare without financial stress. While we do our best to maintain a safe environment, it's always a good idea to be prepared for any unforeseen health-related incidents during your stay.