Love is the Power Brazil: Preparation & Important Info
Dear immortal, unlimited, multi-dimensional, magnificent, radiant beings of light and love.
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Visa information: Important Update
As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to enter Brazil. For tourism stays of up to 90 days, travelers from these countries can apply online for an electronic visa (e-Visa). If you are traveling from another country, please check the entry requirements for your nationality.
Processing times for visas can vary. While some travelers receive their visas within just a few days, the official recommendation is to apply at least 45 days before your trip to ensure smooth approval, as it’s common to experience some back-and-forth during processing. The process is relatively easy, but does require some preparation and time, so plan accordingly.
Please apply early to avoid last-minute stress or delays! We can’t take responsibility if your visa doesn’t arrive in time.
We’ve created a simple guide below to help you apply. You will need a photo, passport scan, and flight itinerary ready before you can apply.
How to apply for your Tourist Visa
As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to enter Brazil. For tourism stays of up to 90 days, travelers from these countries can apply online for an electronic visa (e-Visa). If you are traveling from another country, please check the entry requirements for your nationality.
Processing times for visas can vary. While some travelers receive their visas within just a few days, the official recommendation is to apply at least 45 days before your trip to ensure smooth approval, as it’s common to experience some back-and-forth during processing. The process is relatively easy, but does require some preparation and time, so plan accordingly.
Please apply early to avoid last-minute stress or delays! We can’t take responsibility if your visa doesn’t arrive in time.
We’ve created a simple guide below to help you apply. You will need a photo, passport scan, and flight itinerary ready before you can apply.
How to apply for your Tourist Visa
WhatsApp Group
We’ll be sharing important updates and logistics via a WhatsApp group before and during the event. This is also where you can get travel support (we like to keep tabs on everyone in case you need help while in transit) and where participants can coordinate ride shares etc.
Joining the WhatsApp group is a required step so you don’t miss any important information.
Action step: If you're not already connected, please send Eva a quick WhatsApp message so she can add you to the group: +1 (626) 377-788
We’ll be sharing important updates and logistics via a WhatsApp group before and during the event. This is also where you can get travel support (we like to keep tabs on everyone in case you need help while in transit) and where participants can coordinate ride shares etc.
Joining the WhatsApp group is a required step so you don’t miss any important information.
Action step: If you're not already connected, please send Eva a quick WhatsApp message so she can add you to the group: +1 (626) 377-788
Travel and How to Get to Rosa
A note for those who have a layover at the São Paulo (GRU) airport:
When booking your flight, some of you may have a layover at São Paulo’s GRU airport before your final flight to Florianópolis (FLN).
If this is your route, please ensure you have at least a 2-hour layover — and know that 2 hours is tight. This is because you have to go through immigration/customs, pick up and recheck your luggage, and the domestic terminals are often far from the international arrival gates. If your layover is roughly 2 hours, be mentally prepared to move fast. I have made a 2-hour layover before — but I literally had to run through the airport.
- Fly into the town of Florianopolis, Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) (about an hour flight from Sao Paulo)
- From Florianopolis, it's a 75-90 minute Uber to the town of Rosa (the cost is roughly $30-40 USD). You can also take a taxi which are readily available outside the airport at all hours of the day, but they are a little more expensive
- We do not recommend pre-booking a taxi online, hiring a company to pick you up at the airport or any other means of travel that's not Uber or taxi! People have not had good experiences with this in the past, and you'll be booking at your own risk. Uber and taxi's are very reliable.
- Hotel check in is at 12:00pm on March 17th
- Dinner on March 17 is on your own. You can choose from the many restaurants in town, or prepare your own meals using the fully equipped kitchen in your lodgings.
A note for those who have a layover at the São Paulo (GRU) airport:
When booking your flight, some of you may have a layover at São Paulo’s GRU airport before your final flight to Florianópolis (FLN).
If this is your route, please ensure you have at least a 2-hour layover — and know that 2 hours is tight. This is because you have to go through immigration/customs, pick up and recheck your luggage, and the domestic terminals are often far from the international arrival gates. If your layover is roughly 2 hours, be mentally prepared to move fast. I have made a 2-hour layover before — but I literally had to run through the airport.
Extending your stay
Booking lodging for the optional ayahuasca ceremony
If you would like to attend the optional ayahuasca ceremony, we HIGHLY recommend you make arrangements for an extra night's lodging for the evening of March 25th. We are not responsible for making this reservation.
The ceremony begins on the last day of the retreat, the evening of the 24th, and finishes the morning of the 25th. If you do not book an extra night, you will need to check-out of Villa Valley by 3 p.m. on the 25th, the same day the ceremony ends. Booking an additional on the 25th lets you rest that day/evening, and check-out on the 26th.
You don't need to decide now whether or not you'd like to participate in the ceremony. That can happen up until the last day of the retreat, but we ask that you make lodging arrangements accordingly.
Please make this reservation directly with Pousada Villa Valley (or wherever you are staying), as we we will not be responsible for arranging lodging beyond the official retreat dates. Let them know that you are part of the Love is the Power retreat with Tom Compton, and you would like to book an additional night on the 25th, and they will be able to assist you. Their WhatsApp contact is +55 (48) 99943-1055.
Extending your stay BEYOND the ayahuasca ceremony
Some participants choose to arrive a few days early or stay a little longer to enjoy more time in Brazil. For those considering extending your stay at Pousada Ville Valley, please note that there is a big Brazilian holiday the week after the retreat, so the pousada is requiring a non-refundable reservation for the full length of March 27 to April 4th. That means if you'd like to stay at the hotel after the 26th, you cannot book just part of that time — you would need to commit to the full window.
If you only want to stay 1–2 extra days (not for that full holiday stretch), we recommend looking into other nearby lodgings in Rosa. There are many hotels and AirBnB's in the area. Below are two hotels right next to Ville Valley that we recommend. You would need to change rooms the morning of the 26th, but if you stay at one of these two hotels, it’s a very easy transition and allows for a shorter stay. Since it's a holiday the week after the retreat, hotels in the whole town are likely to fill up, so book early!
Hotels we recommend:
Descanso do Rei: One minute walk from Villa Valley
Pousada Flor de Lotus: Three minute walk from Villa Valley
Please do this directly with the hotel, as we are not responsible for these arrangements.
Booking lodging for the optional ayahuasca ceremony
If you would like to attend the optional ayahuasca ceremony, we HIGHLY recommend you make arrangements for an extra night's lodging for the evening of March 25th. We are not responsible for making this reservation.
The ceremony begins on the last day of the retreat, the evening of the 24th, and finishes the morning of the 25th. If you do not book an extra night, you will need to check-out of Villa Valley by 3 p.m. on the 25th, the same day the ceremony ends. Booking an additional on the 25th lets you rest that day/evening, and check-out on the 26th.
You don't need to decide now whether or not you'd like to participate in the ceremony. That can happen up until the last day of the retreat, but we ask that you make lodging arrangements accordingly.
Please make this reservation directly with Pousada Villa Valley (or wherever you are staying), as we we will not be responsible for arranging lodging beyond the official retreat dates. Let them know that you are part of the Love is the Power retreat with Tom Compton, and you would like to book an additional night on the 25th, and they will be able to assist you. Their WhatsApp contact is +55 (48) 99943-1055.
Extending your stay BEYOND the ayahuasca ceremony
Some participants choose to arrive a few days early or stay a little longer to enjoy more time in Brazil. For those considering extending your stay at Pousada Ville Valley, please note that there is a big Brazilian holiday the week after the retreat, so the pousada is requiring a non-refundable reservation for the full length of March 27 to April 4th. That means if you'd like to stay at the hotel after the 26th, you cannot book just part of that time — you would need to commit to the full window.
If you only want to stay 1–2 extra days (not for that full holiday stretch), we recommend looking into other nearby lodgings in Rosa. There are many hotels and AirBnB's in the area. Below are two hotels right next to Ville Valley that we recommend. You would need to change rooms the morning of the 26th, but if you stay at one of these two hotels, it’s a very easy transition and allows for a shorter stay. Since it's a holiday the week after the retreat, hotels in the whole town are likely to fill up, so book early!
Hotels we recommend:
Descanso do Rei: One minute walk from Villa Valley
- https://www.praiadorosadescansodorei.com.br/
- https://www.instagram.com/descansodorei/
- WhatsApp: 48 99864.13.16
Pousada Flor de Lotus: Three minute walk from Villa Valley
- https://pousadaflordelotus.com.br/
- https://www.instagram.com/flordelotuspraiadorosa/
- WhatsApp: +55 48 99673-4681
Please do this directly with the hotel, as we are not responsible for these arrangements.
Suggested Packing List
- Whatever you'd like to have for the beach (flip flops, swim suit, sunscreen, sandals, hat etc). The hotel will provides beach towels
- Refillable water bottle with lid
- Bug spray. See the Q&A section below for more info on mosquitoes
- Tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty/muddy. You'll want these for our morning walks. If it's rainy that week, hiking shoes, while totally not necessary, are nice to have. Please check weather reports when packing
- A light towel if you'd like to lie on the grass and rest during breaks
- For the ayahuasca ceremony: While it's not necessary, these are things that are nice to have that may make the experience nicer for you: Comfortable blanket to lie on (we will have yoga mats for you as well), comfortable clothing that you can layer as temperature may fluctuate throughout your experience, comforting essential oils (noticing a theme here? Basically anything that brings you comfort that won't disturb the participant next to you). Also small shakers or light percussion instruments are really fun to have if you'd like to join in on the music! :)
- Power adapters. Brazil uses type C plugs, which look like the blue photo below. This means you will need a power adapter for small appliances like cellphone chargers, electric toothbrushes etc. Below is a video of what a North American to Brazilian power adapter looks like.
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Q&A Section:
I have limited mobility. What should I expect?
Some parts of Rosa can be quite hilly. The walk up to the hotel from the beach is on a substantial incline. For the morning walk, there may be some paths that are slightly rocky. We will also be providing chairs in the back of the Lua for those who prefer not to sit on a back-jack on the floor. Please reach out if you have preferences for seating, and/or if there is anything we can do to support you.
Will there be coffee at the Lua?
Yes, there will be coffee and tea offered throughout the retreat, along with light snacks.
What about cell phone/internet service?
You will need to have internet access on your phone for communication purposes, Uber, maps etc. Make sure to set up some type of international plan with your phone carrier before you arrive, or you can set up an E-sim, which provides you with internet service but no local calls, which works great for most people (and is what I use when I'm here in Brazil). I recommend Air Alo: https://www.airalo.com
Do I need to exchange cash, or can I just use my credit card?
Most places in town (even small stands and street vendors) accept credit cards, and cards are generally preferred over cash in Brazil. That said, we strongly recommend bringing more than one card (e.g., 2-3 different credit/debit cards), because some people have experienced certain cards not being accepted by specific card readers.
That said, we still recommend having cash — just in case your card doesn’t work, and because the Huni Kuin will be offering handmade jewelry before the ayahuasca ceremony, and they only accept cash. If you’d like to support them or bring home something special, plan for that. If your cards are working normally, having the equivalent of around $200-$300 USD in cash should be more than enough.
The easiest way to get Brazilian reais is at the ATM in the airport when you arrive in Brazil — either during your layover in São Paulo or once you land in Florianópolis. The exchange rate is usually fair. But if you prefer to be extra prepared, you can also exchange currency at your local bank or in the airport before departure.
How to get around town:
Rosa is a walkable town, so you won't need transportation, and we will provide daily transportation to and from the Lua Encantada. However, please know that while it is easy to get an Uber from the the airport in Florianopolis to your hotel, Ubers are not as common in Rosa. We will share with you the phone number of a few local drivers once you arrive if you do need a ride somewhere.
Is Brazil safe?
Garopaba and Rosa are charming beach towns where the locals are warm and friendly. While we can't speak for the bigger cities in Brazil, we feel incredibly safe here (safer than in the U.S.!) and have never had any issues.
Anything I should know about the ayahuasca ceremony?
A note from the shaman: There are certain pre-existing physical and mental health conditions in which Ayahuasca should not be used, such as in cases of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory diseases, severe hypertension, severe mental disorders (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia, mood and personality disorders) epilepsy, acute infectious diseases, liver diseases (e.g. Hepatitis, Cirrhosis).
Ayahuasca also should not be consumed if you are taking certain medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers (e.g. lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, etc.), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) and medication which have an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (i.e. antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, etc).
For your safety, those who fall under any of these categories will not be allowed to attend the ceremony.
Also, while some recommend certain dietary restrictions before the ceremony, the Huni Kuin family do not have any recommended dietary guidelines.
Note that it is part of the HuniKuin tradition for all participants to take ayahuasca. Those who do not take ayahuasca cannot partake in the ceremony.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in March is generally warm and pleasant, though the weather in Garopaba can change drastically from week to week. Sometimes there are unexpected heat waves and other times it can rain for days. Please check the weather a few days before your arrival to get the latest updates. We will send you a list of things to pack after you've registered to help you prepare for various weather conditions.
I don't speak Portuguese. Will that be an issue?
People in Garopaba typically don't speak English and travelers manage to get along just fine (it's part of the adventure!) Having a translation app can help, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to find how easy it is to get around with limited Portuguese.
Are vaccines required to enter the country?
No vaccines are required to enter the country. Last year, most folks did not get vaccinations, and also many did, for their own peace of mind. Whether or not you get vaccinated is totally up to you and we encourage you to make a decision that will allow you to feel comfortable on your travels.
What will the food be like?
Breakfast will be served at the hotel with various egg, fruit, yogurt and tapioca options. We will be serving a vegetarian lunch at the Lua consisting of rice, pasta, beans, veggies, nuts, juice etc. For dinner, there are plenty of restaurants around town that serve local and ethnic fare. There are also small markets in Rosa that sell a limited selection of fruits and vegetables and the basics. If there are creature comforts you enjoy having, we recommend you bring them so you're comfortable during your travels.
Are there a lot of mosquitos?
While there are mosquitos that come out around dusk, and more so when it rains, overall our insect friends here are quite friendly and benign. That being said, everyone is different. When we asked participants from last year what they thought, many people said they didn't notice any mosquitos while others who were more sensitive reported being bitten a lot. Either way, we recommend you bring mosquito repellant just in case, especially if you're sensitive to bug bites. You can also purchase some here at the local shops.
For questions and support, email Eva at [email protected] or WhatsApp at 1.626.377.7885