Travel Essentials
Prepare for Your Stay at Rancho Las Maravillas
We want you to feel comfortable, prepared, and ready to participate in the gathering. Since we will be camping and sharing a natural mountain environment, each person is responsible for bringing their own camping gear and personal essentials.
Please review the equipment logistics and detailed packing checklists below carefully to ensure a comfortable and self-sufficient stay.
Camping Gear: Buying, Shipping & Storage
We understand that traveling with camping equipment can be challenging. Here are three practical options to help you prepare before arriving at the ranch:
If you prefer to buy your camping gear through Amazon or another online retailer, you may be able to have it delivered directly to your hotel shortly before your arrival or coordinate with your Airbnb host to receive it for you.
If you prefer to purchase equipment after arriving in Mexico, we recommend checking Decathlon México, which offers great value for camping gear. Larger Walmart stores in the city also offer basic camping supplies.
A local family offers a private storage service in their home for participants who would like to leave their camping equipment in Mexico between ceremonies. Cost: US$150 per year for up to four bags or bundles.
After the ceremony, you leave your clearly labeled belongings with the family. They return them to the ranch a few days before the next gathering.
The organizing team only facilitates contact; the agreement is directly between you and the family. The organizers do not assume responsibility for the items.
1. Traditional Dress Code
Wearing appropriate clothing will help make your stay comfortable. Please keep the following guidelines for traditional ceremonial attire in mind as you pack your bags.
- Women (Ceremonial circle & camp): During the entire ceremony, women wear long skirts or dresses covering ankles, tops with sleeves covering shoulders. Avoid low necklines, exposed midriffs, and sheer fabrics.
- Women (Inipi / Sweatlodge): Long skirt covering ankles with sleeved blouse covering shoulders, or a comfortable cotton dress.
- Men (Ceremonial circle & camp): Long trousers at all times. Shirts or T-shirts with sleeves. Sleeveless tops and shirtless attire are not permitted.
- Men (Inipi / Sweatlodge): Modest swim trunks or board shorts. Briefs, underwear, and tight Lycra-style swimwear are not permitted.
2. Camping & Sleeping Gear
- Sturdy camping tent: Weather-resistant tent with full rainfly and sturdy stakes against wind and rain.
- Warm sleeping bag: Rated for temperatures around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). Mountain nights are cold.
- Insulated sleeping pad: Compact sleeping pad or foam mat to insulate from cold, damp ground.
- Headlamp or flashlight: With spare batteries or fully charged rechargeable battery.
- Personal hygiene items: 100% biodegradable soaps and toiletries. Pack out all used wipes with personal trash.
- Layered clothing: Warm clothing for evenings and nights (jacket, hat) and comfortable daywear for warm days.
- Reusable Bottles and Mugs: Please bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug, as glasses and cups are not provided. Plates and utensils are available for all meals.
3. Ceremonial Supplies
- Natural tobacco: Pure natural loose tobacco.
- 100% Cotton thread: Natural cotton thread for tying ceremonial prayer ties.
- 100% Cotton cloth: Squares of pure cotton fabric in traditional ceremonial colors.
4. Community Work & Outdoor Essentials
- Work gloves: Durable work or gardening gloves for handling firewood, rocks, and camp tasks.
- Sturdy footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good traction for uneven terrain.
- Sun protection: Hat or cap and sunblock.
- Pocket knife or multitool (optional): Small utility knife or multitool useful for practical campsite tasks.