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↠EL SALVADOR

It is true that there is existing conflicts between the street gangs and the government. However, this instability is happening in the city of San Salvador, which you won’t visit during the retreat Salty Souls. The airport, even if named like the capital, isn’t actually located in the city, so you won’t find yourself in a dangerous situation there either. Moreover, the tourists are not targeted by the conflict. The Salty Villa is located in a quiet beach town (El Tunco), and is fully gated with a 24h/7 guardian.

↠ECUADOR

Ecuador is politically stable and safe to travel to. The village where you will be staying -Ayampe- is a small and quiet surfer town and there is a 24h/7 guardian at the villa.

We’ve been living in those countries for the past 3 years and we personally never felt unsafe in both El Salvador and Ecuador, so you should not be worrying. 🙂

↠ECUADOR

For your extra nights, we suggest checking the hotels La Finca Punta Ayampe or La Buena Vida which are both located a few steps away from the Salty Casa.

If you wish to stay in Montañita (a more touristic and lively town located 30 mins away from Ayampe), we would recommend the Balsa Surf House.

If you prefer to stay in Guayaquil for your nights before/after to take advantage of the free transportation included in the Experience , we recommend Chawpi Lodge or Nazu City Hostel. Both are located less than 10 mins away from the airport.

↠EL SALVADOR

For your extra nights, there are a lot of options in El Tunco. We suggest checking La Guitarra, Papaya Lodge or El Tunco Lodge.

↠ECUADOR

The U.S dollar is the official currency of Ecuador.

Since it is an all-inclusive adventure, you’ll only need money for 2 or 3 meals at the restaurant (10-20$/meal), 1 night out in Montañita and if you want to buy a few souvenirs or Salty apparel.

150$US should be plenty !

*We recommend arriving with your money, there is no ATM machine in Playa Ayampe.

↠EL SALVADOR

The U.S dollar is the official currency of El Salvador.

Since it is an all-inclusive adventure, you’ll only need money for your visa on arrival (10$), 2 or 3 meals at the restaurant (5-15$/meal), 1 night out in El Tunco and if you want to buy a few souvenirs or Salty apparel.

150$US should be plenty!

*We recommend arriving with your money, since the ATMs in the village are often empty…

 

It’s super easy to buy your flight ticket online.

We would recommend booking through sites like kayak.com/flights or google.com/flights which allow you to compare the different airline deals.

If you are flexible, look up for the “flexible dates” options, which allows you to see the most advantageous airfares in a little range of days.

Here’s some advices to find the best flight fares !

* Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months following the departure date.

↠ECUADOR

Your destination airport is Guayaquil (GYE).

↠EL SALVADOR

Your destination airport is San Salvador (SAL).

 

↠ECUADOR

No visa necessary. A maximum stay of 90 days in the country is authorized to regular tourists. 

↠EL SALVADOR

No visa is required to enter the country. Upon your arrival at airport, you’ll simply be asked to pay 10$US for a touristic card. You’ll then be allowed to stay for 90 days in the CA-4 (union between El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica).

↠ECUADOR

Recommended vaccines are tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and yellow fever. The government of Ecuador requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (see list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission).

↠EL SALVADOR

Recommended vaccines are tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The government of El Salvador requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (see list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission).

** If you’re planning on visiting an other area than the one we propose, you should consult a health travel clinic.

A travel insurance is required to participate to the Experience.

We have a partnership with Escapade Travel Insurance that offers the Saltys up to 30% discount (Excludes citizens from USA and Brazil). Click here to get a quote online (the promotional code SALTY is already registered when using this link).

Some credit card also offer a coverage for short holidays. We advise you to check with your bank first.

For USA and Brazil citizens we suggest checking World Nomads Insurance.

*If not buying with Escapade Travel Insurance, please make sure that surfing is an activity covered by your insurer.

Of course ! We actually think it would be a more profitable Experience done in solo! Whatsoever, we promise you’ll never feel alone 🙂

Yes, there is some WiFi at the house and in pretty much every cafes in the village.

The weather in both Ecuador and El Salvador is warm and tropical (between 22°C and 33°C), therefore you should be dress lightly. We recommend bringing  yoga/sports clothes, bathing suits, a rash-guard (or a t-shirt you don’t mind getting wet), one long sleeve shirt, running shoes and a beach towel. A sunscreen with a high SPF (a zinc base sun protection is the best for the face while surfing) and insect repellant containing DEET are highly recommended. And don’t forget to bring your yoga mat !

We understand that life is unpredictable, that’s why we will try to accommodate each of you the best we can. However, the cancellation of a trip will generate fees for us, that is why we can’t give a full refund.

This is our cancellation policy :

– The deposit is not refundable.

– 30 to 45 days prior to arrival: 50% of the trip is not refundable.

– 15 to 29 days prior to arrival:  75% of the trip is not refundable.

*For cancellations made less than 15 days before departure date, we can’t offer a refund.

1. Fill up the application form.

2. We will send you an email confirming your admission and the availability of the requested dates.

3. Pay your 700$US deposit to secure your spot.

4. 60 days prior to departure, the payment of the balance will be required.

Of course ! Once we’ve received your application form, we will get in touch with you and invite you to tell us about your allergies or food restriction. This way, we will be able to plan our meals consequently and offer you an option if there is a meal that doesn’t suit your needs.

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