The Art of Partnership FAQs
We look forward to meeting you and journeying into beautiful Oaxaca together. Please read the following document mindfully and completely as it has key information for your most optimal experience.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, we align with the global stand for health through loving separation. We will be extending this invitation once again when the air has cleared. Stay safe and be well – though we will not be gathering NOW, we are all in this together! Much love.
How do I get there?
Your airfare and travel bookings to and from Oaxaca are not included in the price. Please book your flight to arrive and depart from Oaxaca, Mexico (OAX) – some of the airline carriers that fly to OAX are Volaris, AeroMexico, Interjet, Delta, United, and American Airlines.
Your Magical Journey program begins with your private group transfer from OAX airport to the beautiful heart of Oaxaca City. Once you have your flight info, please email us so we can arrange a private taxi pick up from the airport to our beautiful location in the heart of Oaxaca City. We will be convening at 8:30 PM for a group orientation the night of May 27th. Note: If you have known elevation sensitivities, please visit our altitude preparation section. Please arrive into Oaxaca on May 27th as early as possible.
How will I get from the airport (OAX) to the retreat venue accommodation?
Please email (larrym@thefouranswers.com) your fight itinerary as soon as you have it. A driver will greet you at the airport to pick you up and bring you directly to Casa Catrina. Orientation begins at 8:30 PM sharp on May 27th and checkout time is 10:00 am on June 4th.
We will need your flight itinerary sent to us no later than May 15th.
Please email your fight itinerary to larrym@thefouranswers.com
What sort of Visa or Passport information do I need?
A valid passport is required to enter and depart Mexico. A tourist visa is required only if visiting for more than 180 days.
you’ll need to complete an immigration form and have this with you when you enter and leave Mexico. Immigration officials at the port of entry may ask to see proof of your departure plans from Mexico before allowing you entry to the country.
*For more information and specifics about traveling to Mexico, you can visit HERE
Do I need any vaccinations?
It is not required you are up to date for any vaccinations except your measles vaccinations. There was an outbreak of Dengue fever that started in January 2020. We should not have as many mosquito issues in the city versus the jungles of Mexico where this is prevalent.
It is advised to avoid eating raw lettuce off the street and be wary of uncooked street foods in general.
For a full list of vaccines recommended by the CDC, please visit:
What is the altitude like there, and how should I prepare?
Oaxaca City is above 5,000 feet in altitude and is located about 48 minutes from Mitla, and 280 miles southeast of Mexico City where the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges converge. The part that is confined to Oaxaca is called the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, a massive mountain range in its own right. In fact, most of the peaks in this mountain range are very high, ranging from 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) and 3,000 feet (915 meters) above sea level.
It is advised to practice hiking at elevation a few weeks prior or arrive a couple days early to acclimate yourself. Another suggestion would be to take rhodiola extract a couple weeks beforehand.
Cultural Fun Facts
The word Oaxaca come the Nahuatl and means “at the top of the Huaje (Gourd) tree”.
There are at least 16 indigenous groups in the state of Oaxaca, and all of them retain their own languages and traditions. Of these 16 groups, some have big populations, like the Zapotec (357,134) and Mixtec (290,049), while others are relatively small, like the Chocotec (524) and Ixcateco (207).
We will be visiting Monte Alban. Monte Alban, one of the premier Oaxaca tours on offer today, is considered to be the first great city of Mesoamerica. Founded around 500 BC Monte Alban’s played an important role as the dominant Zapotec socio-political and economic center for almost a thousand years. Tomb Seven at Monte Albán is the earliest-known necropolis in North America.
Oaxaca’s best-known products is “mezcal”, a drink similar to tequila but distilled from varieties of cactus other than the blue agave, which is used for tequila. The plant must be 6 to 8 years old before it can be harvested. Most bottles of mezcal include a worm, a practice that originated in the 1940’s when Jacobo Lozano Páez discovered that a worm enhances the flavor of mezcal.
Oaxaca is often called Land of the Seven Moles since each of the state’s 7 regions produces a different variation of the mole sauce. Oaxaca is the main producer of chocolate in Mexico, and there are many different ways to prepare it.
Should I bring money and what credit cards are accepted?
Cash, or Pesos is accepted everywhere. It would be advised to take out cash upon arriving to the airport. You will get better deals shopping in the markets if you convert cash into local currency.
Visa is the most widely accepted credit card. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere so it is advised to have cash with you at all times.
Call all your credit card companies before you leave home and inform them of your trip. Typically, your bank will be suspicious of overseas transactions and can freeze your credit card until confirmation.
Do I need a converter for electrical outlets and plugins?
If you’re from the US travelling to Mexico all US appliances and devices should work without a power converter or power adapter. If your device can run on 127 volts or is dual voltage but the plug won’t fit in a Mexican power outlet you’ll need to bring a suitable plug adapter for Mexico such a Type B plug adapter.
Can I drink tap water there?
Drinking purified water is a must (unlimited drinking water will be available to you at our hotel). You may want to bring purification tablets or a UV filter should you continue your travels or drink water elsewhere on the trip.
Residents in Mexico may brush their teeth with tap water but they’ll rinse and spit, being careful to not swallow. As a tourist, you may be better off taking the precaution of using bottled water to brush your teeth, and do try to remember to keep your mouth shut when you shower.
These are also safe:
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water.
Carbonated drinks.
Hot coffee or tea.
Pasteurized milk.
In Latin American, coconut milk is deemed a panacea for every conceivable stomach ailment, and then some.
Do you cater to specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, and gluten free)?
Yes, we will do our best to cater to any dietary needs you inform us of- please be sure to mention your specific needs when registering.
We do suggest bringing along a few bars or snacks or visit the market if you have unique preferences.
Is there wireless internet and cell phone service?
Complimentary wireless internet service will be available but we invite you to make this a TV and wi-fi free experience.
Call your cell phone service provider to see if they offer coverage in Mexico and request the best international plan for your needs if you must have very fast internet (taking into consideration the minutes, texts and data you plan to use).
What is the weather like in Oaxaca City and surrounding areas?
Oaxaca weather is recognized for its mild, spring-like climate year round. The rainy season lasts from May through September, with rain generally falling in the afternoons. The coastal area remains hotter and drier, while temperatures high in the mountains remain cold all year. The average annual temperature typically varies from 47°F to 87°F and is rarely below 42°F or above 93°F.
What do I need to bring with me?
- A valid passport with extra copies made – one for us and it’s always a good idea to keep an extra on you
- Plug adapter
- Travel insurance – one copy sent to us
- Workout/hiking shoes, natural sunscreen, sunglasses, earplugs, eye mask, a camera, power cords for your electronics and a credit card.
- Natural Insect Repellent
- Rain attire/ small umbrella
- A journal and pen
- Bathing suit
- Crystals, whatever energy tools you want to charge or usually work with
- Any personal medications: Please indicate these on the waiver form
What kind of physical fitness is required?
We will be trekking through ancient ruins at slight elevation, which requires a moderate level of cardio-vascular fitness. All included movement exercises will be all-level. No prior experience is necessary.