Travel Logistics
A quick guide to get to the Light Portal Retreat 
Table of contents:
Important notes before booking a flightBest airports to fly intoYour transportation optionsBest place to stay before the retreatDirections to ShambalanteWhat to expect upon arrivalDeparting from Shambalante
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING A FLIGHT
To ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival, we highly recommend booking your flight to Mexico at least one day before the retreat begins. This allows you to rest, adjust to the time zone, and make your way to the Shambalante Retreat Center without rushing. Please coordinate travel so that you arrive at the retreat center by 11:00 AM (CST) on the first day of the retreat.
Best Airports to Fly Into
When traveling to Mexico for the retreat, you have two airport options:
Mérida International Airport (MID) – The closest and most convenient airport, about a 1.5-hour drive to Shambalante. Recommended for ease of travel, however flights are often more expensive.
Cancún International Airport (CUN) – A major hub with frequent international flights. CUN is a 3-hour drive to the retreat center.
*If you prefer to arrive on the day of the retreat, flying into Mérida (MID) is the best option as it is the closest airport to Shambalante.
your Transportation options
Once you’ve landed, there are several options to get to the retreat center:
Private Transfer – Shambalante can help arrange a private driver from Mérida Airport to Shambalante directly (additional cost applies). This option is not available for Cancun Airport.
Rental Car – If you prefer flexibility and autonomy, renting a car is a great way to explore the region before or after the retreat. However, it can be more costly than public transportation options. Both airports have major rental car carriers.
Share a ride – The Light Portal Team has a WhatsApp group created for participants to coordinate. Please feel free to reach out on WhatsApp to find others interested in sharing a ride.
Public Transportation by ADO Bus – ADO Buses run from both Cancun and Merida to nearby towns. From those towns you can take a taxi to Shambalante.
Public Transportation, MAYAN TRAIN – the new Mayan Train offers another option for travel, though it operates on a limited schedule. Be sure to check the timetable in advance if you plan to use this service.
Uber? Not from Cancun – Unfortunately, Uber does not operate in areas such as Cancun, yet it does in Merida. From Cancun, you can take the Local Taxis to get to your destination.
“The Convent of San Antonio - Izamal”
BEST PLACE TO STAY BEFORE THE RETREAT
For a hassle-free trip to the retreat, we recommend participants to arrive in Mexico one day before the retreat date and depart one day after the retreat. Arriving one day before the retreat allows you to arrive at Shambalante stress-free and on time.
Stay at Izamal, Yucatan.
Why Visit? It's not just the color that's inviting; Izamal is a hub for tourists, known for its historic sites like the Convent of San Antonio and the ancient Mayan ruins. And the food? Absolutely yummy - we're fans of Kinich for its traditional Yucatan dishes!
Accommodation, things to do, and restaurants at Izamal:
Visit the town square - Take a tour of the Town on a horse carriage, visit The Convent of San Antonio (built in the 1500s), and take photos
Hotels to stay: San Miguel Arcángel Izamal (we had a great stay here and located at the Town Square)
Airbnb: You can find several villas or rooms to book at AirBnb as well.
Lunch or Dinner at Kinich Restaurant - Most popular for its savory and delicious Yucatecan dishes, check out the menu here! (they accept card transactions here as well)
Visit the ancient ruins - Free to enter
DIRECTIONS TO SHAMBALANTE
Depending on which airport you land at, please follow the route below which fits best to your schedule, comfort, and budget. These routes are the best and safest routes to Shambalante.
*please keep in mind that prices listed are estimated and can change
*it is best to bring Mexican Pesos, as local taxis may not accept credit cards
1.Mérida International Airport (MID)
Recommended for the fastest and most convenient route, especially when you want to arrive the day of the retreat. Here are some suggested options and step-by-step process you can take:
Option 1: Direct and private transfers
A pre-arranged driver will take you to Shambalante (1.5h) / 15,00 MXN ($75) up to 3 people CASH ONLY
Option 2: Mayan Train - link to buy tickets
Take a taxi/Uber from the Airport to Tren Maya Estación Mérida Teya (40 mins) / 400 MXN ($20)
Take the Tren Maya to Izamal (40 mins) / 288 MXN - 468 MXN ($14 - $23) per person
Take a taxi from Izamal to Shambalante (30 mins) - 250 MXN ($13)
In total - 2 hr journey and $56
*important note: If you are arriving on the day of travel, please arrive at the Merida airport early in the morning
Distance from Cancun airport - Cancun town - Valladolid - Shambalante
2.Cancún International Airport (CUN)
This is a longer journey but often the flights are affordable. We recommend you arrive the day before the retreat date and book an airbnb or a hotel in Izamal instead of Cancun. The trip from Izamal to Shambalante is just 30 minutes so you do not have to rush or travel far on day one of the retreat.
Airport Taxi (no Uber available)
Can take you directly to Shambalante (3 hrs) / 3500 MXN - 4500 MXN ($205 - $225)
Cons: It can be hectic as there are many taxi stands from various companies, and they can offer different prices and availability.
Mayan Train - link to buy tickets
Take the free airport transfer (located outside the exit after baggage claim- near the parking) to the Mayan Train.
Take the Mayan Train to Izamal (3hrs) / 820 MXN - 1500 MXN ($41 - $75) per person
Take a Taxi from Izamal to Shambalante (30 mins) - 250 MXN ($13)
ADO Bus - Link to buy tickets
Route 1 - CUN - Valladolid by Bus (Shambalante by taxi)
Take the ADO bus from the Airport Terminal to Cancun Town (30 mins) / 140 MXN ($7)
Take the ADO bus from Cancun Town to Valladolid (2h) / 350 MXN ($18)
Take a Taxi from Valladolid to Izamal or to Shambalante (1.5h) / 1,000 - 2,000 MXN (50 - 100 USD)
Route 2 - CUN - Merida by Bus (Taxi to Shambalante)
Take the ADO bus from the Airport Terminal to Mérida Terminal paseo 60 (4 hrs.) / 1,000 MXN ($50)
From Merida take the Taxi either to Izamal (if you are staying here) or directly to Shambalante (follow The Merida Guide above)
*important note: If you are arriving to CUN, we recommend to arrive the day before the Retreat date. Note that Cancun time is one hour behind the timezone in Shambalante.
3. From Izamal, Yucatan.
It is a breeze to go to Shambalante from Izamal, as it is just 30 minutes away. To get to Shambalante, you can either take a Taxi or have a pre-arranged taxi to pick you up from your hotel - shambalante can help organize that for you. Please keep in mind that the driver will only accept cash payments.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Long queue in the immigration and customs - So before purchasing a bus or train ticket online, consider this waiting time (immigration can often be one to three hours, depending on arrival times).
Climate – Mexico is warm and tropical. Pack light and breathable clothing. You may want to bring a jacket for chilly nights and to combat the mosquitos/bugs.
Currency Exchange – Mexican Pesos (MXN) are the local currency. We recommend you exchange money at the airport or withdraw from ATMs. It is ideal to hold MXN cash while you are in Mexico. Depending on your length of stay, we recommend having 2,000 to 5,000 MXN, which can be used to pay for local taxis or restaurants as they may not accept credit cards. Additionally, we often like to tip the Shambalante staff for their hospitality and love, so if you feel called to join in, feel free to leave a few pesos to express your gratitude.
Local Transportation – Taxis and rideshare services like Uber (Merida only) are available in big cities and often won’t be available in rural areas.
Departing from Shambalante
On the last day of the retreat, we will hold a Closing Circle from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (CST). All participants will join this meaningful conclusion to the experience. After the Closing Circle, you are free to join for lunch or begin your journey home.
For your departure, Shambalante can help arrange a private shuttle to Mérida, Cancún, or other nearby locations (additional cost applies). If you plan to take public transportation, taxis can be arranged to the nearest bus station or Mayan Train stop for your onward journey.
The price range for taking the private shuttle can range from 1,000 MXN ($50) per person or 4,500 MXN ($200) for a group, depending on the destination.
We look forward to welcoming you to Shambalante and ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible. Please don’t hesitate to keep us posted on your travels and let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. Safe travels!
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