Welcome to The Cuyamungue Institute
This guide is designed to answer questions and provide information to ensure your comfort, safety and enjoyment. Please feel free to ask any questions this guide may not answer for you.
LOCATION
We are located in the Pojoaque valley about fifteen miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Cuyamungue Institute has its home on 280 acres of mountain desert, adjoining the reservation land of the Pojoaque Pueblo. To the east the Institute looks onto the Sangre de Christo Mountains, named the “blood of Christ” because they take on a deep crimson color in the light of spectacular New Mexican sunsets.
In the west, across a wide dry riverbed, are the Jemez Mountains where, according to Pueblo legend, humans emerged from the darkness of the Third World into the bright light of the present-day Fourth World. To the north is the dim outline of Taos Mountain, nearly 60 miles away. In the south are the lights of Santa Fe.
Every morning we climb to the ridge to greet the sun and honor the four directions and the spirits that live “in and around the mountains, in and around the hills, in and around the earth,” continuing a tradition of our Pueblo neighbors. From the Albuquerque airport, the drive is a wonderful time of pilgrimage to unwind, center and mentally prepare for your retreat experience as you drive ever deeper into the beauty of our area.
FACILITIES
Cuyamungue Institute offers rustic, simple housing accommodations. The housing is shared, not private, with simple furnishings reflective of the Southwest. You will find no air-conditioning in any of the buildings, but they do have screened windows and screen doors. Guest quarters have no clocks, radios, TV or Internet capabilities. There are cots, sleeping bags, and pillows. Two bathrooms are located in the Student Building. Each has a shower, hooks for your towel, and shelving for your bath kit. None of our trails, roads, paths or walkways are paved. Expect loose gravel.
Student Building is where we congregate to prepare and share meals, visit, and lounge.
The Bunk House is a traditionally built adobe building. This is the main guest house and has eight bunks.
The Casita is a smaller guest building next to the Kiva. Originally built as lodging for Felicitas, it is quaint, cozy and charming.
The Kiva serves as our classroom and gathering place for experience research.
Kiva East is additional sleeping quarters and Library.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Conserve Energy - Please help us by turning off lights and fans, making sure doors are securely closed in all the buildings when entering and leaving. Water is precious here. Please conserve when possible.
CAUTION - DO NOT leave clothes, towels or bedding on the floor in the buildings. This is a precaution against scorpions that sometimes come indoors in the summer and may wander under clothing or towels. Please see section on Desert Life Precautions for more information.
First Aid – a First Aid Kit is available in the main casa building.
Shoes – Sturdy shoes such as boots or sneakers are recommended if you plan on walking beyond the parking lots. It is also advisable, because of the insect world here, to shake out your shoes before putting them on.
Telephone – There are no phones in the guest rooms. Most cell phones do have service here but there are times or places when service can be interrupted.
TV/ DVD and Wireless Internet – We do not have TV/cable here. Our goal is to provide you with the time and space to rest and reconnect with your deepest self, your creative talents and your spiritual journey. We seek to limit distractions.
Journals – It is very important to keep a log of your experiences in your own personal journal.
Meals – Even though all meals are provided, you might consider bringing snacks if you need in-between meals. If you have special dietary needs -you will need to make your own arrangements and bring your own food. We ask, however, that you do not store or eat food in any buildings aside from the main Casa in order to avoid attracting rodent and insects.
Smoking / Fire Safety - All Cuyamungue Institute buildings are non-smoking. Smoking outside is discouraged due to our high fire hazard in a dry climate. Guests who do smoke should ask for the designated areas for smoking.
Scents / Incense – We ask that you not use candles and incense in rooms in order to prevent accidental fires. Please refrain from strongly scented perfumes or soaps when you are attending a group.
Sharing Space / Quiet – Many people come to The Cuyamungue Institute to enjoy the opportunity of socializing; others come to seek solitude and silence. If you have come with a group, please talk to each other about your needs for quiet/alone time and how you can respect the different needs of the group. If you are here alone or notice others who are visiting at the same time, please respect their need for quiet in the guest lodges and other areas. When holding conversations, please be mindful of others who may retire early. We request that all guests observe quiet time after 9 PM.
Hiking / Leaving the grounds – Please inform a member of your group, or a staff member, if you are going to go hiking (essential, if going alone).
Evaluations – We welcome your comments about the Institute and our workshops. Your feedback is very important to us. Please share where you heard about us, why you came, how you felt
about your experience and suggestions about what we can do better or differently. These are all pieces of information that help us do our jobs better. We also love stories about your stay and are especially appreciative if we have permission to use your story on our blog.
Checking out – Please check carefully for all your belongings. If you do forget an item we would be glad to mail it to you, and you will be charged a minimumpostage handling fee of $10.
OUTDOOR PRECAUTIONS
Every ecosystem has its beauty and dangers. This region is no different. Whenever we journey to a new land it is important to educate ourselves so that we can be mindful guests and also take care of ourselves to the best of our ability. The following information is respectfully offered so that you may be well informed to prevent mishap or crisis.
The Landscape
This is a land of wonder, beauty, expansive skies, endless stars, breathtaking views and delicate bursts of colors amidst some challenging terrain. The following tips will help you enjoy your visit. The surrounding area is mostly desert landscape, scattered with lava stones and rocks. It is advisable to wear good hiking or walking shoes or boots and to remain on pathways if possible. With prickly dried grass and cactus, it is not advisable to go barefoot. If you go “cross country” pay attention to your footing. Make sure you pay attention to the route you are taking so that you can find your way back easily. You should inform a group member of your general destination and expected return time. Also, the weather here can change quickly, with temperatures dropping significantly at dusk and at night. Make sure you have extra clothing, a flashlight and water with you. A cell phone may also be a good idea to call for help in case of an emergency.
The Cuyamungue Institute is located in the high desert area 17 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. We are at roughly 6000 feet altitude. If you are sensitive to the altitude, we strongly suggest that you remember to keep yourself fully hydrated throughout your stay. We will provide drinking water, juices and herbal teas. Some have recommended taking the supplement CoQ-10 a few weeks before arriving to offset any side effects like headaches. Difficulties with dehydration are not the norm, so use your own guidance. The cool breezes that tend to blow here year round can make you feel as if you are not getting a lot of sun, but you probably are. Please use sunscreen and pay attention to your sun exposure outdoors.
Animal Life
The area abounds with wildlife. To ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hike in the area please pay attention to the natural world around you. Any time we explore the wild it is important to remember our place. Walk gently on the earth. Almost all of the time wild animals will run away from human intruders when they can. Most often, if they do not feel cornered or threatened they pose no danger. Generally, it is best to “sneak a peek” and quietly walk away from animals.
Snakes
Snakes have been sited on our grounds over the years, but it is a rare occurrence. We do mention them here because information is helpful to have when an unexpected situation does occur. If you see a snake on the grounds, avoid contact. There have been no known snake bites during The Cuyamungue Institute’s history. Snakes are a necessary and common animal in nature all around the world. They are primarily a nocturnal animal, hunting for prey on warm summer nights. Snakes are, however, seasonally diurnal and move between hunting sites during the day in the cooler spring and fall months. They also like to sun themselves during the day. Snakes hibernate and are usually in their dens from mid October through March (or later) in our area.
For safety in areas where snakes may be found:
1. Stay alert.
2. Do not try to handle or approach a snake. Remember baby snakes are still venomous.
3. Move directly backwards from a snake that is sighted. Movement to the left and right can be perceived as a threat. A rattlesnake can strike a distance of one-half to two-thirds of its length.
4. Do not panic. Glance around your surroundings to make sure you are not running toward another snake in the area.
5. Step on top of logs or rocks before stepping over to look at the area – and make sure you are not stepping onto a snake. A walking stick can help to check out areas before stepping into them.
6. Do not reach into crevices or fallen trees etc. If you must move something, or reach into anything, use a stick first. Boots and gloves are always suggested when working outdoors.
Scorpions
Scorpions are nocturnal and hide during the day. Some species will hide under rocks, logs and in cracks; other species will dig and hide in burrows. The sting can be painful like a wasp or bee sting, but is not dangerous unless you are allergic and rarely results in further medical complications. Scorpions are not aggressive and most often sting as a result of a human accidentally sitting or laying on them.
Spiders
There are spiders in our area and general precautions apply. Bites are very rare in the region. The main spider of concern would be the Black Widow. Generally they like dark, damp areas and are not usually seen in, or right around our buildings. Avoid spiders always and do not reach into dark spaces, hollow trees or under rocks without proper gloves.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Is Alcohol Permitted? The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited on the grounds.
Are pets welcome? Pets are not allowed at The Cuyamungue Institute on the grounds or in buildings.
Are children allowed? Most of our guests are adults. At this time, we do not offer children’s programming.
