Ever wondered what to bring to a yoga retreat in Central or South America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Peru, Panama, etc)? I’ve put together a yoga retreat packing list with recommendations on how to pack while still traveling light.
A few months ago when Brenda, my retreat co-host, and I were planning our annual Spring Awakening Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua, we wanted to create welcome goodie bags for our sweet tribe. We brainstormed ideas and finally decided on these amazing yoga eye pillows (handmade by the lovely Brenda, btw), and a shawl to use during meditations and Savasana.
We wrapped them up real nice (see pic below) and handed them out as they arrived. When at the airport on our way back from the retreat, we casually wondered why people didn’t use them as much as we thought they would. And then, we realized that we forgot one little detail.
We forgot to tell them the benefits of using these items and how they could have improved their practice. I mean, why would anyone know that a shawl enhances your meditation practice, and that an eye pillow makes Shavasana 10 times better? Haha, oh well…We were just giggling about it, but still taking notes for our next retreat.
So this time I decided to write a blog post with some packing list recommendations and to share the ‘whys’ of a few things. This will be the official packing list I share with my yoga retreat attendees, including my upcoming Colombia Yoga Retreat this summer of 2019.
I recommend these items from my experience as a yoga retreat leader, practitioner, and Central American Native. While some of these items are definitely not necessities (i.e. essential oils), but they’re recommended to enhance your experience. Your retreat host should also be providing you with a packing list.
Disclaimer – the links below are affiliate links. That means that if you purchase an item through those links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Yoga Essentials
Travel Mat – Most yoga retreat centers have mats and props available, but if you want to bring your own, or in the case that they don’t provide them, you can bring a light travel mat with you.
Yoga Mat Towel – This would be handy if you’re going somewhere hot and humid, like the Caribbean or during the hottest months like July and August. The mat towel prevents you from slipping and sliding when you start to sweat.
Water Bottle – Some yoga retreat centers will have filtered water available for guests. You can refill your water bottle before and after yoga practices.
Shawl – A somewhat large shawl is useful to cover yourself during meditation and Savasana. It is well known that covering yourself with a blanket or something comfortable stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you go into deeper relaxation and stillness.
Also useful for walks on the beach to avoid sun burns (see pic below).
Eye Pillow – This is useful if you’re going to lie down in Savasana outdoors and in very sunny spots. Eye pillows help to keep your eyes still during Savasana.
Essential oils to enhance your practice – some of my favorite yoga oils are Lavender for Savasana, Frankincense for meditation, and Peppermint or Grapefruit for morning practices.
Yoga clothes – A few sports bras, capri yoga pants, and tank tops should be good enough.
General Items
- Hiking Sandals or sneakers – You may be going on hikes, or there may be rocky, unpaved roads and paths on or around the retreat center.
- Bathing suits
- Water Shoes – Useful if you’re going to rivers and waterfalls where there may be rocks underwater.
- Rashguard – or long sleeve shirt – this will be useful if you’re going on day outings with little or no shade. I wish I had one of these on my recent Colombia Yoga retreat. We went river tubing where we were lying face up on tubes under the sun for about an hour. Ouch!
- Phone waterproof pouch/case – Great if want to take your phone on water adventures (waterfalls, etc.).
- Natural Sunscreen
- Natural Bug spray – I love this one from Burt’s Bees. It’s travel size and it smells heavenly.
- Beach hat
- Chapstick
- Pair of socks
- Casual summer clothing – shorts, summer dresses, rompers, etc. You do not need formal clothing at all, unless specifically asked by your retreat hosts.
- A light cardigan – more useful if you’re going around December and January where it gets cooler in the evenings, or if you’re going somewhere around the mountains, in which case I recommend a thicker sweater.
- A travel friendly cross body purse, fanny pack, or backpack.
- Kindle, ipad, or favorite book
- Flashlight
- Headphones
- Hair ties
Just in case…
Bring over-the-counter (OTC) medication – for allergies, stomach issues, and pain relief – We’ve had students get allergic reactions to things they didn’t even know they were allergic to. Additionally, not that you’ll get food poisoning on retreats, but your stomach may simply react to certain foods that it isn’t used to. Be sure to check with your local pharmacist or medical doctor to check which medications are best for you.
Dollar Bills – Most places around the world accept dollars these days. The thing is, they don’t always have change to give back to you. I recommend bringing as much loose change as possible (bills, not coins, of course).
Things to donate
You know, I’m not sure why this didn’t occur to me before. It is somewhat part of the Latin American culture to bring stuff from the U.S. back to our countries to give to family and to donate. There are rural communities and underprivileged children that could use shoes, clothing, school supplies, and things like that. You can fill-up a small bag that you can bring as carry-on and donate. I’m sure it will be very welcomed.
Great list… even for going on a retreat closer to home. Hair ties are a must.