The Centre
Terramaya Facilities
Accommodation: The centre has several wooden shared cabins:
There are larger 5 huts with ensuite bathrooms (with hot water, ecological flushing toilets and bathtub/showers). These sleep a maximum of 4 people per hut.
There are 4 smaller huts that sleep 1 /2 people. These have separate shared bathrooms with hot showers and either an ecological flushing toilet or a dry compost toilet.
Maximum capacity ~ 26/7 including staff and participants.
The Temple: The temple, a beautiful octagonal dome with a crystal pyramid in the centre of the roof, lies tucked away on the mountainside and can fit up to 20 participants. There are wide windows all around allowing for a 360-degree view of the breathtaking nature there. The space is heated by a cozy fireplace and lit at night by candlelight. The wooden floors, elegantly painted walls and firelight give a safe, gentle, and beautiful space to feel comfortable and at home. The temple comes complete with a solar-powered sound system, mattresses, blankets, pillows and buckets.
Surrounding the temple is the temple garden with magnificent views across the valley, and a short path into the forest where there is a small stream and little waterfall.
There are 2 compostable toilets within the temple garden.
Eating Room: The rustic eating room has space for around 22 people to eat at once. There are wooden tables and chairs, serving tables, a sink and a mini library.
In front of the eating room is a grassy veranda with further eating space.
Kitchen: A functional and simple kitchen with 2 sinks, stove, work surfaces and cupboards.
Surrounding Nature: Terramaya is situated within exquisite and wild nature. There is no sound, light or air pollution. It offers an opportunity to commune with pure, pristine, wild nature, untouched by man other than the simple, ecological buildings of the centre. Being immersed in such pristine nature and with incredible views of the mountains, valley and sky, often brings people to tears when they first arrive.
There are a number of natural springs which supply the drinking water, and various streams run through the centre.
There is a larger river in the valley, which has a choice of swimming holes and waterfalls.
At the top of the mountain, a roughly 1.5 hour climb from the centre, is Peite do Pombo, a stunning destination in it’s own right. It is a rock balanced on a rock balanced on the top of the mountain(!), and has views for miles around in all directions.
*Please note
There is very limited, often unreliable electricity (work in progress).
There is no phone signal.
Internet is limited and is not available for participants during retreats.
Travel
For retreat:
Travel to and from Terramaya is included within the retreat price. You can embark / disembark at either Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Galeão airport or the city closest to Terramaya, Casimiro de Abreu. The shuttle bus leaves Rio around 10am on arrival day, and reaches Rio around 4/ 5pm on the leaving day. (subject to change).
Please Note. The road doesn’t go all the way to Terramaya: there is a 20-minute walk uphill to arrive. If attending a retreat, your luggage will be carried by donkeys!
(If there is heavy rain, this may be the following day. We recommend you bring a light bag with your necessities for the first night. You will be sent more practical information in the welcome pack, and you can also find out more HERE.)
Outside of retreat time:
The following pdfs give travel information for public transport, or taxis and ubers could drive you to the nearest village, Sana. Please email us regarding your travel to Terramaya from there.
Depending on the agreement, you may responsible to carry your own luggage or hire someone.
* Disclaimer: The layout at Galeão airport is often changing. The bus pick up spot may be in a different location.
Health
As Terramaya is in the mountains, the typical mosquitos that transmit Dengue, Zika and Malaria don’t normally thrive there. Of course, we can’t guarantee it absolutely, so it is up to each one to inform themselves and decide which precautions to take. The same applies for vaccinations.
For vaccines please check your local travel health care or http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/samerica/brazil.php
COVID-19 Security Protocol
At the time of writing on May 1st, vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are able to enter Brazil.
Vaccinated travellers do not need to show a negative test. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers need to show a negative test, either PCR or antigen, taken within the 24 hours before entry.
As rules and regulations related to COVID are constantly changing, you will be notified of updates on our security protocol before the start of the retreat.
Currently, no other testing will be required to attend, although this is subject to change. If you have any covid-like symptoms, please do not come. You will be issued a full refund.
Find out updated information on Brazil's entry regulations at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/entry-requirements or under the "Entry and Exit Requirements for Travel to Brazil" section at https://br.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
We want to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable attending these workshops. Please feel free to contact us at info@terramaya.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Ready to book? Register Here.
What to Bring
torch
natural toiletries (all soaps, shampoos etc flow back into the jungle, so we appreciate you helping us to keep it chemical-free)
walking boots/ shoes
natural sunscreen
natural insect repellent / relief after bite
good rain clothes (we are in the rainforest!), rubber boots are invaluable at times
white clothes if you are attending ceremonies
On the mountains it can always get chilly so, independent of the time of year, always bring some warm clothes.
Winter clothes Jun-Aug (best to pack for 5-10 degrees Celsius night temperature)
Summer clothes Dec-Mar
water flask
sun hat
mosquito net (virtually no mosquitoes in Winter, quite some in Summer depending on hut location)
ear plugs!
