Fasting and Feasting in Costa Rica

December 31-February 5, 2011

What is fasting? Fasting has been defined in many ways, from cleansing and detox to consuming a juice-only diet to undertaking extended periods of ingesting nothing but water. With all the confusion about what fasting is, we like to make our definition as clear and simple as possible:

Fasting = Resting

Do you really need more rest?

In this day and age, resting could not be more essential. With the onslaught of information that comes to us each day through alarm clocks, phones, television, the Internet, city living, and the typical office job, many Americans are tired and unmotivated. Monday morning seems to happen every morning and to overcome the fatigue many of us reach for coffee, strong teas, energy drinks, and stimulating herbs.

Fasting is a way to overcome this lethargy, rejuvenate and renew your body, and reclaim your vigor. You can literally watch yourself grow younger. Life will never be the same after a supervised fast, as you find fitness becomes easier, thinking becomes clearer, and most of all your life and energy returns.

all photos on this page were taken at a Costa Rica Fasting trip, and use the same facilities that Dr. Graham retreats to, Rio Chirripo Retreat Center.

Is fasting for you?

Do you awaken refreshed each morning without an alarm clock?
Do you suffer from a degenerative disease?
Do you remember looking healthier, younger, and more vibrant?
Do you work a fast-paced job or live in a city?
Do you have lifestyle habits you wish to change?
Do you find yourself saying "I used to be able to" more often than you'd like?
Do you want a new competitive edge in your chosen sport?

If you answered yes to any of these, you should consider a fast.

What will you experience?

The travel

The experience begins the moment you set foot in Costa Rica. You will take a taxi to Hotel Aeropuerto from San Jose Santamaria airport; it is only five minutes away. At Hotel Aeropuerto, we will gather as a group and travel by private charter bus the following morning to Rio Chirripo retreat center. Along the way we will make sufficient stops to allow you to experience the flavor of Costa Rica, including to a wonderful hammock shop. We will strive to meet your needs. At the end of your visit, we will provide private transport back to San Jose and the airport. All of your transportation, hotel expenses, and meals are covered in the one fee. Airfare, tourist gifts, phone cards, postage, and tips, etc. are your responsibility.

Plan to arrive in San Jose on Friday December 31 (interns as well), preferably in the afternoon, but earlier is okay. We travel to Rio Chirripo Retreat on Saturday January 1, leaving our hotel in the morning by 7am. We return to San Jose on Friday February 4. Plan to fly out of San Jose on Saturday February 5.

The environment

We will stay at a secluded, private retreat center where we have hosted many past events. Most rooms offer double occupancy, though private accommodations are also available for an additional fee. The number of fasters is limited to 12. We are located up in the mountains, with spectacular mountain views, and so will get fresh air all the time.

Rarely will you hear a man-made sound. Temperatures in January tend to be in the 80s all day and into the 50s at night, when warm clothes are necessary even with the incredible warmth of the Rio Chirripo fireplaces. We will be arriving at the tail end of the rainy season. Afternoon showers are to be expected. As our visit progresses, the weather will become predictably drier and warmer. By the time you break your fast, there will be little likelihood of rain.

The fast

Each fast will be a custom designed, unique experience, as will your realimentation (refeeding) and recovery period, which generally lasts two weeks or more. There is no set length that one must fast; we simply allow 36 to 40 days (depending on which event you choose) for the entire experience, including travel. The length of your fast will be up to you, with the guidance of Dr. Graham.

Our staff will consist of both experienced and inexperienced interns. The internship program is strictly for people supportive of and interested in learning about fasting. Interns will be present to study the process in the form of classes and lectures and to benefit from your experience. Please refer to the fasting internship page for more information about this program.

The food

When you decide to break your fast, a variety of delicious fruits and vegetables will be available for you to delight in. Because it is currently very difficult to obtain 100% organic produce, we cannot guarantee all organic food at this event, though we will always select the highest-quality food possible.

The transition process is directed by Dr. Graham and his staff. They will do all they can to meet your needs. Foods are chosen in a specific sequence, volume, and rotation, to ensure that your nutritional and physiological needs have been met before you head home. Your fast will not be broken restaurant style, where you choose anything you wish from the menu. The realimentation period is considered to be a vital part of the fasting experience and will be supervised as rigorously as the rest of the fast.

The cost of this event is $9999.00 USD

All of the photos on this page were taken at a Costa Rica Fasting trip, and use the same facilities that Dr. Graham retreats to, Rio Chirripo Retreat Center.