Colorful papel picado decorations hanging above a building with a yellow and blue tiled dome and a church tower in the background, set against a bright blue sky.

Encuentro

April 30 - May 4, 2026

Encuentro is a restorative retreat for women and non binary folx, designed to inspire connection, empowerment, and self-care. Set in the vibrant and historic city of Puebla, Mexico, this culture-filled experience blends meaningful workshops and mindfulness practices, that nurture the mind, body, and soul. See agenda here and scroll to see what’s included.

APPLICATIONS DUE NOW! ONLY 2 SLOTS LEFT!

  • $2,400 for a single room.

  • $2,000 per person for a double room for you and a friend.

Apply now!

Presented by Tamarindo, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Puebla’s cultural attractions, build community, and leave recharged with tools to thrive. Led by Wendy Amara, best-selling author and renowned transformation coach, Encuentro’s three workshops are designed to help participants unlock their potential and embrace personal growth. Perfect if you’re seeking renewal and intentional connection in a supportive, uplifting space.

Street view of Mexico City with Monument to the Revolution in the background, skyscrapers, trees, red buses, and cars.

Mexico City Add-On

Mexico City Add-On

NEW: For $600, you can add one night and one day exploring Mexico City before traveling together to Puebla. This includes:

  • Lodging and meals

  • The Anthropology Museum

  • Chapultepec

  • Condesa

Apply now
Hotel bedroom with a large bed, a wooden nightstand, lamps, a window with a balcony, and a scenic view outside.

Boutique Hotel Cartesiano will be our home during our stay offering luxurious accommodations and wellness activities.

Relax & Recharge

We’ve planned ample time for relaxation, exploration, and reflection. We are partnering with a wellness-centered boutique hotel nestled in the historic centro de Puebla. Enjoy the pool, book a massage, or take in the spectacular views.

I am ready to apply!
Nighttime view of a white historic church with red accents and decorative towers, illuminated by outdoor lighting; a few people are walking in front and multiple vehicles are parked nearby.

We’ll visit Cholula, home of the world’s largest pyramid by volume, a testament to the incredible ingenuity of our ancestors. We’ll have guided tours by an archeologist.

Cultural Immersion

Puebla and Cholula are in an area once called Cuetlaxcoapan, which means "where serpents change their skin,” a fitting description of the intention behind this retreat that aims to have attendees emerge with new ideas, connections, and inspiration.

Outdoor dining area with wooden table and chairs next to a swimming pool, overlooking trees and a distant church with red domes and towers under a blue sky.

Centro Historico de Puebla will be the inspirational backdrop to our morning breakfasts.

Connection

Our carefully crafted itinerary includes a balance of wellness, intentional community-building, and exploration. You'll return energized and centered to approach work and life with intention and purpose.

Our Team

A woman wearing a purple hat and a patterned blazer stands outdoors with her arms crossed, smiling at the camera.

Wendy Amara

Wendy is a Strategic Life and Business Coach specifically focused on the Latina experience. She has over 16 years of experience in the Coaching Industry coaching various leaders. She made a conscious decision 4 years ago to focus on coaching her fellow Latinas into Reclaiming our Confidence. 

A woman with dark hair styled in two braids, smiling, with red lipstick, wearing large gold earrings, and a colorful, patterned top with cut-out shoulders, sitting at a table.

Brenda Gonzalez

Brenda is a nonprofit capacity builder, fitness coach, and the creator of Tamarindo, a social justice podcast that centers changemakers, creatives, and healers. A native of Puebla, but raised in California, Brenda co-founded Encuentro with Tamarindo co-host Delsy Sandoval.

A woman with curly hair lying on a bed, resting her head on her hand, looking thoughtfully to the side. She is wearing a white dress, gold earrings, a necklace, and a watch, with a wooden-paneled wall in the background.
A woman with short black hair and a big smile, wearing a dark button-up shirt and large patterned earrings, sitting indoors in a modern setting.

Professional Photo Shoot Included

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling while sitting on a light-colored sofa with her arm resting on the back.
A woman with long dark hair wearing a colorful, patterned dress with jaguar and leaf designs, leaning on a black piano with her arms resting on it, in a modern, softly lit interior.
Colorful street with vibrant blue, green, pink, and yellow buildings, planters with plants lining the sidewalk, people walking, and parked cars.
Women practicing outdoor yoga, stretching with arms extended and hands in prayer position, in front of stone wall and greenery.
A spiritual ceremonial setup on a large wooden mat outdoors, with a white candle, decorative figures, glass beads, shells, bowls, and feathers, with two people sitting cross-legged in meditation nearby.
A yoga class with women lying on mats, using bolsters and blankets. An instructor is playing a large didgeridoo.
Women participating in a meditation or yoga class in a spacious, well-lit room with large windows, kneeling on mats in a cross-legged position, facing a woman instructor.
Group of women participating in a meditation or yoga session outdoors on a garden lawn, standing in a circle around a small altar with flowers and animals, surrounded by greenery and stone buildings.
A woman in a yellow floral dress standing next to a whiteboard with the words 'BE. DO. HAVE.' written on it, smiling and holding a marker.
Our closing reception was a rooftop view of La Catedral
Olin hosted our guided meditation and sound bath.
Group of women looking at a large religious painting of a hill with a covered figure of Jesus on top, set in a decorative frame.
Group of four women walking in a city street, with shops and balconies in the background, dressed in casual summer clothing.
A woman with short black hair wearing a red sweatshirt with white text, sitting on a couch, smiling, holding a notebook and pen, with a tan purse on her lap, in front of a stone wall.
Elated to bring folks to my hometown of Puebla!
Street scene with colorful paper banners, palm trees in large pots, and groups of people walking on the sidewalk, with historic buildings and a church dome in the background.

Select photographs of Encuentro 2025 by Maricruz Kwon

Book Maricruz
Indoor pool area with lounge chairs, rolled towels, and sunlight casting shadows through slatted window covers.

Our retreat’s hotel has a spa, pool, and many amenities for maximum relaxation. It is one of the newest and most beautiful hotels in the city of Puebla. Walk to incredible shopping and sightseeing steps from the hotel.

Apply Now

What’s Included

  1. Lodging: Comfortable and culturally immersive accommodations at Cartesiano Boutique Hotel in the city center of Puebla for four nights.

  2. Several Meals: Daily group breakfast at the hotel rooftop. One group dinner and one closing celebration (cocktails and appetizers).

  3. Daily Cultural Activities & Guided Tours: Engage in enriching cultural experiences, guided tours of Puebla's iconic landmarks, and opportunities to explore the city's vibrant streetscapes.

  4. Transportation within Puebla: All group transportation for scheduled activities within Puebla and Cholula is provided.

  5. Expert Coaching and Group Sessions: Engage in group discussions and sharing sessions, fostering collaboration and community building among participants.

  6. Three Wellness Activities: Enjoy rejuvenating wellness activities, including yoga sessions, guided meditation, and a restorative sound bath.

  7. Professional Photo Shoot: All participants get a 15-mini photo shoot.

What’s Not Included

  1. Airfare: Participants are responsible for arranging their own airfare to and from Puebla. We recommend flying into Mexico City. If you are near San Diego, we encourage you to explore direct flights from Tijuana to Puebla.

  2. Transportation from Airport to Hotel: Detailed instructions will be provided on how to take safe, affordable, and luxurious buses directly from the Mexico City airport to Puebla (about $40 round trip). Private transport ranges from $150+.

  3. Traveler's Insurance: Travelers insurance is required and must be purchased immediately after your deposit is received.

  4. Some meals: Our trip includes all breakfasts, one group dinner, and one closing reception (appetizers & 2-drinks). All other meals are on your own.

  5. Alcohol: Personal expenses for alcoholic beverages during the retreat. (Except the closing reception).

  6. Tips: Please plan to tip the servers at Hotel Cartesiano for each breakfast. We recommend a minimum of $50 pesos per person per breakfast.