COSTA RICA TRAUMA-INFORMED YTT: WELCOME PACKET
A Yoga Teacher Training Experience with The Somatic Yoga Institute.
A Note From Brooke and Jeanine:
Welcome! Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Trainings invite you to slow down, return to your body, and connect to a newfound sense of aliveness and purpose in your life. We’re so grateful you are here!
Aves Resort, nestled in the jungle of Montezuma, is the container that will hold this experience for us all. The ocean, the trees, the wildness, the quiet – all of it supports the humble reconnection to life itself.
THE LAND: AVES RESORT | MONTEZUMA, COSTA RICA
Welcome to Aves Resort, a peaceful haven on the Nicoya Peninsula – one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Jungle canopies, monkeys, waterfalls, and warm ocean tides create the backdrop for your month of learning, integrating, and becoming.
Montezuma is known for its waterfalls, wildlife, and bustling local culture. Just 30 minutes from Santa Teresa, you’ll find a blend of raw nature and grounded community: a nourishing environment for trauma-informed study, nervous system restoration, and embodied practice. This is a space where slowing down is encouraged, curiosity is welcomed, and your unique process is honored.
TRANSPORTATION
** Please put your flight information on the logistics sheet.
By Air
- SJO → Cobano: Costa Rica Green Airways or Sansa
- LIR (Liberia) → Cobano: Sansa
Shared Shuttle
Affordable, reliable transportation from SJO directly to the peninsula. Shuttles generally cost $40–$60 each way.
Public Bus (Budget Option – 5 hours)
Daily bus from San José (Terminal 7-10) → Cobano. About $20 each way. Bus boards the ferry with you. From Cobano, take a local bus or taxi to Aves/Montezuma.
Private or Shared Shuttle (Fastest – 3 hours)
Companies include:
- Montezuma Expeditions
- Tropical Shuttles
- Zuma Tours
For help coordinating your ride:
Reach out to AVES co-owner, Mike:
WhatsApp: +1 (213) 216-4550
Email: info @aveshotelcr.com
FOOD & WATER
Aves provides three nourishing meals per day with vegetarian options – all prepared with care and local ingredients. Please share any allergies or dietary needs on your logistics form.
Water:
Drink only purified water in Costa Rica. Aves provides purified water throughout the entire training in the shala and near accommodations. These are not needed but if you’d like to be extra cautious, you may also bring:
MONEY & ATM
Local currency: Costa Rican Colones
USD is accepted just about everywhere!
No ATM in Montezuma. Closest ATM is in Santa Teresa.
We recommend withdrawing/exchanging money before arriving on the peninsula.
Cash can be nice to have on hand for day-off activities, snacks, and local artisans. Everything at AVES can be paid for with a credit card.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is available onsite for an extra cost. Ask the front desk for details upon arrival.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though we encourage spaciousness with screens.
MISSED HOURS
Full participation is required to complete your Yoga Alliance certification. If you miss required hours, we’ll support you in creating a make-up plan.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Highly recommended. Coverage helps with unexpected delays, medical needs, and last-minute changes.
WHAT TO PACK
These are suggestions – bring what supports your body, comfort, and practice.
Yoga Gear
Mats and props provided at AVES (optional to bring your own if you prefer)
Body & Wellness
- Natural soap + shampoo/conditioner. Note: AVES provides this as well!
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Any required medications
- Simple first-aid items
Clothing
- Lightweight layers
- 4–5 yoga outfits
- Swimsuits
- Water shoes and/or Sandals
- Hat & sunglasses
- Anything you’d like to wear to our graduation ceremony – sometimes people bring something more dressy or festive for this day
Cycle-Friendly Items
- Menstrual cup, organic pads, or tampons, if applicable
Other Items
- Journal + pens
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Chargers for devices. No special adaptors are needed for students from the US.
- Earplugs for people in shared rooms.
- You’ll receive your printed Core Manual and Asana Manual once you arrive in Costa Rica. It’s not required to bring your copies of The Secret Power of Yoga or The Body Keeps the Score, though we may reference both occasionally during lectures. If you have the space in your luggage (and don’t mind packing a little heavier), you’re welcome to bring them along.
DAY-OFF ACTIVITIES (Optional)
Local activities include:
- Waterfall hikes
- Surfing
- SUP tours
- Ziplining
- Horseback riding
- Massage + bodywork
- Local food + markets
PASSPORT & VISA
- Valid passport required
- U.S., Canadian, and EU travelers do not need a visa
- Yellow fever vaccine required for travelers arriving from certain South American countries.
CERTIFICATION
Upon completing all required hours, you will receive your 200-hour Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Certification, eligible for registration with Yoga Alliance.
PREPARING YOUR BODY, HEART & NERVOUS SYSTEM
This training is a space for deep self-contemplation, learning, and becoming. To support your process, you may choose to gently prepare by:
- Drinking more water and nourishing with grounding foods
- Lots of sleep!
- This will be an alcohol and substance-free training. So option to prepare by limiting consumption of alcohol etc.
- Begin a journaling and self reflection practice
None of this is required – simply an invitation to begin attuning to yourself with care.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
If any questions arise – logistical, emotional, physical, – please reach out. We are honored to walk beside you as you prepare for this teacher training experience!
We can’t wait to meet you in Costa Rica!
Warmly,
Jeanine & Brooke
The Somatic Yoga Institute Founders