Full accommodation for the duration of the learning community retreat
•  All airport transfers
•  All ground transportation
•  Breakfast, lunch, and dinners during the retreat
•  Entrance fees to all the included attractions
•  All workshops, talks, guided tours, and classes throughout the retreat.
•  Filtered drinking water to refill your water bottles (water bottle not included).
•  Fun!

• International airfare
• Laundry
• Snacks
• Souvenirs
• Other personal items
• Meals on travel days (arrival & departure)
• International flights from your home country to the retreat location  

Many of our meals will be prepared by our team in our hostel. Breakfasts will consist of fresh fruit, juice, eggs, fresh yogurts, cheeses and local breads. Lunches will be a combination of local dishes, salads, fish and other local Mexican flavors. On the days we have full-day outings, we’ll prepare and pack lunches for our trip, including sandwiches, fruit, chips and juice. Dinners will be a combination of self-prepared meals in our lodging and dinners in local restaurants. We will make every effort to accommodate everyone’s diet restrictions including having vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please indicate any special needs on your application.

During the Mexico – PWS Intro Retreat – 9 Day Teen Learning Community, we will stay in a hostel in Guanajuato, Mexico.  Generally, teen participants always occupy dorm rooms that consist of bunk beds, so between 4-8 of our teen participants will be sharing a room at any given time.

What to Bring?

Packing List:

Clothing
The key here is ‘layers’!

2 thermals or cotton long sleeve shirts
2 pair of wool socks
4 pair of synthetic light fast drying socks
7 pairs of underwear
1 waterproof / breathable rain jacket
1 fleece, hoodie jacket or 1 cotton light hoodie jacket
1 long sleeve shirt or sweater
3 tank tops
3 t-shirts
1 pair of warm pants (remember jeans don’t dry fast and are bulky, but some love to travel with them)
1 or 2 light, cotton cargo pants
1 pair of water or walking sandals
1 pair of light hiking shoes or comfortable tennis shoes with good tread
1 bathing suit
1-2 pairs of shorts or skirts
2 pairs of leggings sleeping clothes (jammies)
1 hat with brim for the sun
1 beanie and neck scarf for the cold (could buy those there though)
rain gear (plastic poncho)

Personal items / Toiletries

tooth paste & tooth brush
soap, shampoo & conditioner
sunscreen
lotion
insect repellent
travel towel

Electronics

headlamp
small flashlight
camera
laptop computer
mp3 player

Miscellaneous

day pack/duffel bag for Machu Picchu trek
tiny first aid kit
duct tape
sleeping bag
water bottle
sunglasses
Spanish dictionary/phrase book
document belt
laundry bag
small padlock
passport
copy of passport
ATM card
small journal or notepad and pens
musical instrument costume
wigs, funky hats, etc. (if you are into that sort of thing)
sketch book
anything else you will need to lead a session

It can happen.

Altitude sickness is the most common side effect of high altitude travel and can be minimized by taking it easy the first couple days you arrive. The Project World School team has taken this into account as we’ve planned for the first few days of the retreat.

High altitudes can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, weakness and trouble sleeping. At higher altitudes the amount of oxygen mixed into the air is less. This drop in the amount of available oxygen can affect the heart, muscles, lungs and nervous system. It can affect anyone, even those in fantastic physical condition. After one to five days the body will begin to adjust and altitude sickness will subside naturally.

In the Andes, it is traditional to chew coca leaves and drink it as a tea. There will be coca tea available throughout the entire retreat as it definitely helps with overcoming issues surrounding the altitude. In addition, it is recommended that you consume a lot of water during the first few days upon arrival. We are prepared to move slower, and we will take this into consideration with the first few days of scheduling.

If you wish to explore an herbal route before you arrive in Peru for the retreat, the list below is a suggestion of herbs to explore and certainly not a prescription. Remember, the idea is to oxygenate the blood – so explore other supplements and means of getting more oxygen into the blood. The air is thinner at higher altitudes and supplements that can help the body oxygenate are beneficial. Consult your physician and do your own research.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo helps improve circulation and therefore helps improve the body’s tolerance to low levels of oxygen. Scientific studies have confirmed these results in humans. Take 120 to 150 milligrams daily. These are usually in the form of capsules. Although not common, side effects are possible. These include headaches and upset stomach.

Reishi

This is an ancient Chinese remedy that helps to improve oxygenation to the blood. Take up to 1,000 milligrams in capsule form each day or two teaspoons of tincture three times per day. Herbalists suggest you take the dosage while at a higher elevation and continue taking it for several days after.

Ginseng

Ginseng has been shown to help improve blood oxygenation and respiratory function. It is also used in treating asthma and bronchitis. Take up to four 500-milligram capsules daily while symptoms persist. Do not combine ginseng with caffeine, antidepressants or blood thinners, and do not use if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure.

Siberian Ginseng

Well known as a tonic herb, Siberian ginseng helps improve overall health when taken long-term. Begin taking a few days before ascending for maximum effect. Take up to nine 500 milligram capsules per day or up to 20 drops of tincture up to three times per day.

Ginger

Ginger is an old cure used for nausea. It can be used for altitude sickness as well as motion sickness. It comes in various forms such as tea, tincture, capsules or raw. Take up to eight 500 milligram capsules daily or ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground root per day or 10 to 20 drops of tincture per day. Dilute tincture in water to drink. Do not take ginger if you have gallbladder disease.[