Reconnect to Regenerate: What we experienced at the La Mano del Mono Monorail.

There is something truly special about leaving screens and remote work behind to meet face-to-face. In that space, laughter, sincere conversations and even silences take on new meaning. That's how we experience the Monoretiroheld from November 13 to 16 in the inspiring environment of Valle de Bravo, located southwest of Mexico City: a meeting that gave us profound learnings, moments of vulnerability and, above all, a genuine human connection.

From ideas to people

At La Mano del Mono, our purpose drives every step: forge partnerships that make tourism a regenerative force for natural areas and a driver of well-being for local communities. But how do we ensure that this mission is not just words, but is reflected in our essence as a team? Thus was born the Monoretiro, a space held annually, designed to strengthen both our internal connection and our shared purpose.

The trip began with breakfast in Mexico City. Between coffee and tacos, the anticipation of what was to come was in the air. During the drive to Valle de Bravo, the conversations flowed with nice jokes, empathy and naturalness, encouraging us more and more as we got closer to our destination. Arriving at the Viva CenterThe change was palpable: the fresh air, the murmur of the trees and the unmistakable scent of pine trees invited us to slow down and immerse ourselves in the environment.

Settled into cozy cabins, we began with a grounding and connection activity. Guided dynamics led us to explore the "sense of place," a concept that allowed us to connect deeply with the environment, with ourselves and with the purpose of the Monoretiro. It was a time to pause, breathe and open ourselves to all that this gathering had to offer.

Sociocracy: The Heart of La Mano de Mano, a Regenerative Organization

One of the most significant moments of the Monoretiro was the presentation of our agenda, structured under the principles of sociocracy. This system of governance is not just an organizational tool, but a reflection of how we live our purpose at La Mano del Mono. At the heart of this philosophy is the conviction that every voice counts, and that our collective decisions are as much an act of construction as they are an act of connection.

Sociocracy is more than a method; it is a cross-cutting foundation that underpins how we function as a team. In assigning roles, we do so not for formality, but to foster individual and group growth. Each role represents an opportunity to lead from different perspectives, exploring talents and assuming responsibilities that strengthen our cohesion.

Feedback: a space for growth

One of the most transformative spaces of the day led us to confront an essential but often avoided topic: feedback. Through dynamic and reflective activities, each member had the opportunity to evaluate and be evaluated in a safe and respectful space. In these moments, laughter and reflective silences intermingled, creating an environment where ideas flowed with sincerity and relationships were strengthened.

That workshop reminded us of the importance of listening and the value of being heard. The pieces of the team began to fit together in a more organic way, evidencing that, in the diversity of perspectives, we found our strength.

A system that embodies our purpose

Sociocracy is not an isolated element at La Mano del Mono, but the common thread that links our actions to our values. Just as we seek to regenerate the ecosystems and communities we work with, this model allows us to regenerate our internal dynamics. It helps us build a more human workspace, where collaboration is lived as a daily act and organizational purpose becomes a shared commitment.

In this Monoretiro, sociocracy was and is a tool to reaffirm our connection as a team. Every reflection, every shared decision and every role assumed reminded us why we are here and where we want to go: weaving alliances that make tourism a true regenerative force.

When night falls, the heart speaks

After a delicious dinner, came one of the most intimate moments: the bonfire. We gathered in a circle, illuminated by the fire, and began to open up. The dynamics invited us to share our frustrations, motivations and everything we needed to let go of. It was a powerful exercise to release tensions and to remind us that we are human; that our challenges connect us as much as our successes.

There was laughter, tears, and even music. The mezcals we shared over the fire symbolized not only what we wanted to leave behind, but a renewed commitment to our mission and to ourselves.

A harvest that goes beyond retirement

What we experienced at the Monoretiro was much more than just a break from remote work. It was a reminder of why we do what we do. We reconnected with our mission to regenerate natural areas and boost local communities, but also with the most valuable thing we have: our team, a team truly connected to the purpose of the organization and always looking to share their generosity, affection and above all friendship, on this path where coworkers become like brothers.

We left with open hearts and the feeling that, together, we can achieve anything. Now, with new energy and learning, we are ready to continue weaving alliances to make tourism a regenerative force, just as we dreamed it in our organization. La Mano del Mono LMDM.

We do not want to close this space without expressing our deepest gratitude to those who made this Monoretiro a transformative experience. To Mauricio Miramontes, Cristina de los Santos, Baltasar Cruz and the entire La Mano del Mono team: thank you for your vision, dedication and for contributing with your talent and heart to make this collective dream come true. Your effort and commitment inspire and reinforce our mission to continue working for a truly regenerative tourism.

And especially thanks to the Mexico Accelerator Programme, created by IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and New Ventures, who made this dream possible.

Thank you very much!