About the Retreat
Location, Itinerary
Location: Boquete, Panama
Boquete is a small mountain town in Panama.
It is located in the westernmost Province of Chiriquí, about 37 miles from the border with Costa Rica, and lies on the Caldera River, in Panama's green mountain highlands. Its scenic location, temperature, and natural environment make it popular with Panamanians and attracts tourists and retirees from all over the world. Its main industry remains agriculture, especially the growing of coffee beans. Boquete is well known for its coffee, judged to be among the finest in the world. Boquete is also the home of Yoganand Michael and Elzy Carroll.
Retreat Site: Valle Escondido Wellness Resort
Welcome to paradise, enjoy the splendor of Boquete, Panama at Valle Escondido Wellness Resort. Located in a beautiful valley at the foot of Barú Volcano, and only a 10 minute walk into Boquete Town, at this resort, participants can fully immerse yourselves in the charm of lush nature. Here, tasteful modern amenities, fresh organic dining options, a range of accommodation choices, and indoor and outdoor yoga settings for our group combine with the year-round spring-like climate and natural surroundings to offer an unforgettable experience.
We invite you to explore more about the hotel through their website and social media accounts, but retreat booking can only be done through Pranakriya. We have arranged special pricing and options for our group.
Setting for our retreat. Photo credit: Valle Escondido Wellness Resort
Retreat Itinerary
Retreat Leader: Betsy Marzahn-Ramos, Executive Director of Pranakriya
Yoga Leader: Usha Lakshmi, with Yoganand Michael Carroll
Activities and times subject to change.
Sunrise: between 6-6:30 am, daily
Sunset: between 6-6:30 pm, daily
Monday, March 10, 2025
For those who arrive on the morning flight, walk through town or bus ride - orientation to Boquete - lunch in town (not included), coffee, etc.
3:00 pm Check in at Valle Escondido
5:00 pm Afternoon flight from Panama City arrives
6:00 pm Gather, introductions
6:30 – 8:00 pm Yoga practice and Integration (Usha, Yoganand)
8:00 pm Light dinner (included)
Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025 (approximate daily schedule, subject to change)
Yoga Practice
Group Breakfast (included)
Integration/sharing session
Day Trip or Free Time
Lunch
Optional: group gathering to journal (location: practice space or grounds)
Yoga program session and practice
Dinner/free time (not included, except Friday)
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Breakfast, Travel home/to your next destination
Day Trips:
El Tatica waterfall (easy walk; meditation/walking meditation; bus, park entry included)
Free Time - Some Ideas:
Explore Boquete town (known for its orchids and village feel);
Spa services at hotel (schedule in advance);
Take a day trip with PK friends: hot springs, horseback riding, hiking, birding, coffee tours.
Wednesday: optional organized and guided trip to The Lost Waterfalls/las Tres Cascadas (not included, price depends on number of participants, est. $30): a vigorous hike to 3 waterfalls with an opportunity to take a cold plunge at the 2nd and 3rd (highest). See their Facebook page for more.
Rest and relax; etc.
Lunch on your own in town or at the hotel restaurants
Note about Meals: The retreat cost includes breakfast daily, two group lunches, and two group dinners. Other meals are self-pay/on your own. There are many options in Boquete town (about 10 mins walk from resort). Lunch can be had for around $5-7/person; Dinner for $10-15/person. Restaurants in town are usually open until around 9:30 pm. In Latin America, lunch is typically a larger meal than dinner. The hotel restaurant will also be open. It is more expensive than in town, but known for interesting and delicious food, and is certainly convenient. Vegan and vegetarian options are available; the hotel restaurants are known for their organic and hydroponic food grown on-site and locally.
What’s Included…
5 nights accommodations
Breakfast daily
2 group lunches, 2 group dinners
2x Daily yoga classes and lectures with Usha Lakshmi, with some participation by Yoganand Michael Carroll
Access to space for personal practice, journaling, small group gatherings
Round trip airport transfer from David airport (near Boquete) to the retreat site and back when arriving on Monday, March 10 and departing on Saturday, March 15 (one you have registered, ask Pranakriya for advice on flights/travel itineraries to take advantage of this)
2 day-trip excursions: El Tatica Waterfall, Suspension Bridges at Tree Trek
Use of the hotel’s amentities: beautiful river-side grounds, indoor heated pool, steam room, racketball court, and gym
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Any expenses in Panama City should you choose to stop there before or after the retreat (taxis to and from hotel from airport, hotel overnight, meals, etc.) See travel page for more.
Other lunches or dinners (retreat hotel menu available; meals in town will run about $7-$15/person, depending on where you eat; villas include kitchens)
Taxis from retreat to town or elsewhere.
Required international health insurance (we use Allianz, but you may use any provider).
Yoga mat: bring your own or ask us to purchase one for you locally ($15)
Use of the minibar, golf course.
Hotel spa services, tour services, etc.
2023 Retreat Group at Tres Cascadas
Hydroponic produce grown on-site at Valle Escondido
