Xochicalco, Mexico / February 16 - 26, 2024
“Flowers from different gardens will come together in a bouquet that will be more, not less, beautiful than the individual flowers.”
– Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
Our life is nothing but the most chaotic and mystical of journeys. We brave storms, go through tunnels, climb to the top, and then enjoy a warm sunset sitting on the grass. So we also swim against the current and then feel the refreshing breeze coming from a beautiful waterfall.
Live with us this unique experience, surrounded by the most pleasant company. Expand your mind and feel the love with every kind gesture, every delicious meal, every shared story and every memory that will remain in your memory for no less than a lifetime.
The order of the programs is carefully planned. However due to weather and other circumstanses we may have to make adjustments.
In this first day, you will be able to relax and rest from your trip, while getting familiar with Ananda Madhumaya.
We will give you a tour on the installations and help you get more comfortable with the utilisation of the spaces. You will also be able to volunteer yourself for the duties you’d like to help with during the program.
In this first day, you will be able to relax and rest from your trip, while getting familiar with Ananda Madhumaya.
We will give you a tour on the installations and help you get more comfortable with the utilisation of the spaces. You will also be able to volunteer yourself for the duties you’d like to help with during the program.
Xochicalco ruins are 30 min walking distance from the center.
It is believed to have been founded by Mayan traders and artisans engaged in long-distance trade with the Teotihuacan civilization and the site contains a stylistic hybrid of elements of both cultures.
The ruins may have housed up to 20,000 people from the period of 700 to 900 CE. In 900 CE, the site appears to have been destroyed and subsequently abandoned. Nevertheless, its pyramids, stand in excellent condition.
Our first adventure will take us deep into the water.
Also known as Las Granadas, it’s a series of beautiful waterfalls and pools on the Granados river. Mil Cascadas means “1000 waterfalls” .
The tour starts with a cave which contains a pool of crystal clear water, and continues downhill where there are another 10 pools and more waterfalls that increase in beauty.
The town of Tepoztlán is one of the most attractive destinations in the state of Morelos with its pre-Hispanic treasures, ancient traditions and legends.
It is famous for its shows of exotic flavors, its handicrafts, the tour to the top of the Tepozteco hill to know the ruins of the temple that is there, its temazcal baths, and museums.
Our next adventure is a trip to the inwards of the earth.
The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park is a Protected Natural Area with one of the biggest caves in the world. The first chamber is 60m (200ft) in hight, from there it gets higher and higher! Amazing rockformations, stalagmites etc. The walk is about 2km (1.3mil)
Out side the cave there are more attractions and two underground rivers exiting the mountain a small trek below the dry cave above.
This day we would love to take you through our most frequented route for hiking. It is a path surrounded by vegetation that surrounds the retreat center and ends in a river that is nourished by the seasonal rains.
In the dry season, we take advantage of the space to read, meditate, and do some fun activities. Building pyramids with river stones is one of our favorites!
In a spectacular gushing nestled in the water park Las Estacas, the Yautepec River is born, in the midst of exuberant vegetation.
Our last adventure will be in this beautiful place which is surrounded by a chrystal water river and majestic palm trees.
The aquatic tour begins at the borbollón, a spring that is more than 10,000 years old, from which more than 7,000 liters of water per second are born.
This last full day of the program we would like to leave open to ideas of all members of the group.
There are still several places to explore in the surrounding area, as well as various activities that could take place inside and outside the retreat center.
Depending on the energy of the group, we could either decide on more adventures, or staying for more moments of learning or resting at our place.
Malinalco is one of the most beautiful towns in the state, which is characterized by its calm and friendly atmosphere. Is cobbled streets that follow the irregularity of the ground, orchards of varied fruits, as well as the climate, give it a paradisiacal aspect.
On Wednesdays, the famous tianguis takes place, dating back to pre-Hispanic times, where you can find a diverse range of handicrafts and all the products of the region.
It is never easy for us to say goodbye to the pleasant company that accompanies us for days. And yet, each program closing is equally happy and emotional.
On this last day we will support you to prepare whatever you need to start the journey back home and we will probably reach out to you to learn from your experiences with us.
If you feel it and it is possible for you, also consider offering this program as a gift to a person who needs it. Doing good for someone we love is a great way to elevate consciousness and bring wellness to our own being.
Ananda Madhumaya is a beautiful retreat center and future Master Unit of Ananda Marga.
The project started in 2014 with a small piece of land that had a big hall (ceramic workshop) and a house on top. It had been abandoned for several years. Since then, we have worked on renovations, the acquisition of nearby properties, construction and landscaping to create a beautiful environment.
Even when it is still a work in progress, Ananda Madhumaya serves already as a place with a vibrant community that endeavor to be self sufficient as much as possible and provides inspiration to members of Ananda Marga as well as the local community. Service programs are also an integral part of this vision.
Within the facilities we have an outdoor dining room, equipped kitchen, campfire area, meditation room, laundry center and parking for 8 vehicles. We also have WiFi network available with a fiber-optic internet connection.
IMPORTANT:
The most spacious of our rooms.
It has a double bed and a single bed (optional), a book area and a work table. The stone walls give it an ancient and picturesque air.
The bathroom, which has hot water (solar energy), is not attached, but is for the exclusive use of its guests.
Availability: All free / One bed for a man / One bed for a woman / We are sorry, this room is full / Available to book as a private room.
Pay before 1 Sep 2023: $1370
Pay before 1 Nov 2023: $1420
Pay before 1 Feb 2024: $1540
There is a $50 late fee after 27 Jan.
This room has a double bed and a single bed. It is comfortable enough for two people or two people and a minor.
It has a double window, which provides greater ventilation and lighting. The bathroom is attached and has hot water (solar energy).
Availability: All free / One bed for a man / One bed for a woman / We are sorry, this room is full / Available to book as a private room.
Pay before 1 Sep 2023: $1250
Pay before 1 Nov 2023: $1310
Pay before 1 Feb 2024: $1420
There is a $50 late fee after 27 Jan.
This cozy room has a double bed and a single bed. It is comfortable enough for two people or two people and a minor.
The bathroom is attached and has hot water (solar energy).
Availability: All free / One bed for a man / One bed for a woman / We are sorry, this room is full / Available to book as a private room.
Pay before 1 Sep 2023: $1140
Pay before 1 Nov 2023: $1200
Pay before 1 Feb 2024: $1310
There is a $50 late fee after 27 Jan.
This room, accessible from the outside, has three bunk beds and two individual beds. It is ideal for a family or group of people who want to enjoy living together without losing comfort.
The bathroom is attached and has hot water (solar energy).
* For this program only 4 persons will be assigned to this room, only one person will be assigned to the bunk beds.
Availability: All free / One bed for a man / One bed for a woman / We are sorry, this room is full / Available to book as a private room.
Pay before 1 Sep 2023: $970
Pay before 1 Nov 2023: $1020
Pay before 1 Feb 2024: $1140
There is a $50 late fee after 27 Jan.
Each bedroom has 4 bunk beds. Ideal for those who want to save on their lodging and enjoy sharing their space with other people.
The bathrooms do not have hot water, but they do have what is necessary to carry out the bath and half-bath practices according to the Ananda Marga system.
* For this program only 4 persons will be assigned to this room, only one person will be assigned to the bunk beds.
Availability: All free / One bed for a man / One bed for a woman / We are sorry, this room is full / Available to book as a private room.
Pay before 1 Sep 2023: $850
Pay before 1 Nov 2023: $910
Pay before 1 Feb 2024: $1020
There is a $50 late fee after 27 Jan.
What is included
Available for those who like
Not included
Life at Ananda Madhumaya is both peaceful and dynamic. There is always something to do when it comes to cooking, cleaning and gardening.
Dada Krpasundarananda is at the forefront of interior and exterior space design, remodeling, construction and maintenance projects. Didi Shanta, on the other hand, directs all efforts regarding the kitchen and food supply. The food is prepared with all the love and care of Didi, as well as being made with local and mostly organic ingredients. Arjuna, our LFT, supports the acaryas in various activities and is also active in dharma pracar and learning activities.
Finally and most importantly, spiritual practice according to our philosophy, unites us and accompanies us at every moment of the day.
Vonluntario a tiempo completo (LFT) de la organización Ananda Marga desde 2020, ha apoyado en la realización de diversos eventos altruistas. Cuenta con experiencia en comedores comunitarios, albergues, recaudaciones de fondos, rifas con causa. Para seguir su espiritu de ayuda y servicio a viajado a diversos paises entre los cuales se encuentran Portugal, España y Dinamarca. Siempre listo para escucharte y brindarte su apoyo, puede orientarte con meditaciones guiadas.
Monk and meditation teacher since 1991. Trained as a computer engineer, he loves the practical aspects. He will help Dada with logistics, organization, making sure all participants are okay, and leading the kiirtans.
He worked for several years in Australia, ten years in New Zealand, four years in South Africa and finally in Mexico where he is developing a retreat center and Master Unit.
To learn more about Dada’s work, you can visit his not so up to date website: News from Dada Krpasundarananda
She is a nun originally from the Philippines, a vegetarian sattvic cookery teacher, and a certified trainer with the International Infant Massage Association.
Didi herself worked in Africa for 20 years, where she ran a home for girls and oversaw the construction of schools and clinics. She is currently contributing to the efforts of the Ananda Marga Unit in Xochicalco, coordinating the preparation of food in programs and spiritual gatherings.
Voluntaria entusiasta originaria de la capital poblana, ha participado en programas en Ananda Madhumaya, servicio al universo realizado en Mérida, voluntariado en donadores altruistas en Cholula, Puebla y proyectos personales como la campaña de ayuda a Siria y Turquía, ayuda a animales desprotegidos, etc.
Actualmente es una ferviente estudiante de psicopedagogía, encaminada a orientar y servir
For any questions regarding the program, finances or other, please do not hesitate to contact us.
+52 55 45 83 63 83
+52 73 73 74 3122 (ask for Dada Krpa)
anandamargamx@gmail.com
+52 55 46 700 800
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Arrival & Departure
You are welcome to arrive a day earlier and or depart a day later if that works better with your flights. The suggested contribution per night, including food is $20. Beside the regular routine there are no programs. It would be great if you can see how to help with the preparations for the event or the clean up after.
By Flight:
Fly to Mexico City (MEX) and take the regular Airport bus to Cuernavaca Casino. There is a bus terminal in the airport itself. From Cuernavaca there are many buses going to Xochicalco. Just ask which one goes via the autopista (toll road), the other route is very slow. Get down at the Oxxo (convienience store like 7/11) in Xochicalco and walk as per the instructions below. Below you can also find more details on how to get to us from Cuernavaca.
By Car: (In case you have one or rent one)
Get on the autopista from Mexico City to Acapulco. About 25Km after Cuernavaca there is an exit to Alpuyeca, cross this town following the signs to Xochicalco (direction Miacatlan) Once in Xochicalco turn right at the Oxxo taking the main road towards the pyramids. After about 250m there is a health center on the left. Just after that turn left on the unpaved road and go down for 150 meters. You'll see our center and the welcome banner for the retreat. There is also a Ananda Marga sign on the main road.
Google maps will get you there by entering "Ananda Marga Retreat Center, Xochicalco, Morelos" in the search bar.
By Bus from Taxquena CDMX:
1) Around 3pm there is a direct bus (Pullman de Morelos) that passes Xochicalco. When booking your ticket you may have to ask for El Rodeo or Miacatlan (Morelos) if they do not know Xochicalco, but the bus will stop at the Oxxo in Xochicalco if you ask the driver. It's 5 min walk from there and the instructions are above.
2) There are also many busses that stop in the caseta at Alpuyeca. From the caseta you can take a taxi (if available) otherwise there are combies to Alpuyeca itself (takes 5 minutes) and there you can change to one to Xochicalco (takes 10 minutes) If they go to Xochicalco itself ask them to stop at the health center, if not get off at the Oxxo.
3) Take a bus to Cuernavaca (Casino or Central) and follow the instructions below.
By Bus from Cuernavaca:
From either terminal Casino or Central there are many buses that would stop in Xochicalco. You may have to ask for El Rodeo or Miacatlan. Xochicalco is just before El Rodeo and the bus can drop you at the Oxxo. Just make sure that the bus you take takes the autopista and not the libre as that takes one hour more.
By Bus from other towns:
Best to get to either Cuernavaca or CDMX and then follow the instructions for those towns already mentioned above.
I trust one of those options will get you here easily. If really needed I can pick you up at the caseta, especially in case it's already late. Do let me know in advance your arrival time so we can plan and you don't have to wait too long.
Arrive early
Most of the time you will be welcome to arrive any time, we just can't guarantee that your room will be ready. The registration will normally open 2-3 hours before the program commences. See if you can help out with the preparations or you could go and explore Xochicalco 🙂
Depart late
This will also not be a problem but you may have to leave your room so we can clean up. If you would join an other meal let us know. Naturally see if you can help.
Extra days:
If anyone wants to arrive earlier and or depart later than the official dates, you are most welcome. It will need to let us know in advance so we can make sure we can accommodate you and have enough food 🙂 Naturally a contribution for the extra days and meals will be much appreciated. We suggest a donation of $20 per day including food. Your help with any needed work would naturally be much appreciated.
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