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Galapagos and Ecuador Highlands
Quito, Granobles River Valley, Galapagos Islands                       

April 13-23, 2023

Cost: $7990

“What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life” – Mary Oliver

Welcome to the Women’s Quest Galapagos and Ecuador Highlands Adventure Retreat!

We have been leading transformational adventure travel retreats for 30 years and we are very excited you will be joining us on our first Galapagos retreat.

Our retreats are designed to re-energize your body, refresh your spirit, and ignite your mind. Created by World and National Champion athletes we bring expert, heart-felt guidance to every single QUEST retreat.

Going on a QUEST is a fun-filled journey of personal discovery and finding the athlete within. You will begin this journey with a group of like-minded travelers, each with different backgrounds, ages and expectations, but with the common goal of following their bliss. It is amazing how everyone becomes new best friends by the end.

We want this journey to be stress-free and filled with magic. That is why we have created a retreat packet which has all the information for you.

Here is your one click to paradise!

Thanks and we look forward to meeting you soon

Colleen and Jax 

 “The cure for exhaustion is not necessarily rest, it is wholeheartedness” (Brother David Sendall-Rast).  

What to Expect at the Galapagos and Ecuadorian Highlands Retreat

We are so happy that you will be joining us on this once-in-a-lifetime, customized tour to discover the magical wonders and irresistible culture of the Ecuadorian Highlands and the pristine, magical ecosystems in the world – the Galapagos Islands.  Our tour  will begin in the Highlands where our abode will be in the brand new bed and breakfast with the family of our guide Meche.  Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped volcanoes and deep-blue lakes, horseback ride the beautiful valleys, visit the largest bizarre in Ecuador and immerse yourself in the local customs with guidance from the family that has known this valley for generations.  Then on to the Galapagos Islands – where we will experience the close encounters with extraordinary Galápagos wildlife such as blue footed boobies, sea lions, giant tortoises, and many more with the expertise of our local guide.  We will also learn about the local  people  – their culture, way of living, their connection and knowledge of nature, as well as their struggles. and connect with the women for a special philanthropic project.  Our activities will include snorkeling, kayaking and hiking.

Highlights:

  • Prepare to be enchanted by the spectacular volcanic landscapes and the shimmering blue waters of this remarkable archipelago. The Galapagos are home to unique varieties of finches, seabirds, sea lions, iguanas, magical flora and fauna and delight in the GIANT TORTOISE  in the  Chato Ecological Reserve
  • CLOSE encounters with blue-footed boobies, seagulls, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and a colony of sea lions will be had while hiking North Seymour
  • Hike to the highest point on Bartolome  Island and capture the magnificent islands of the Galapagos and the famous pinnacle
  • Snorkeling in North Beach is truly amazing as we will encounter dry cleaners (fauna), sea lions, fish, rays and turtles. 
  • Go wild with swimming, snorkeling or cliff jumping in Las Grietas crystal clean swimming hole 
  • Discover the history and research of the island Charles Darwin Research Station – 60 years of scientific research 
  • Kayaking or surfing in the Galapagos Islands is the perfect way to explore its rugged coastlines , beaches and hidden bays
  • Bachas Beach has supreme snorkelling and chilling time 
  • Tour of the capital city Quito – view the beautiful baroque churches and domes, meander down the steep narrow streets with amazing shopping 
  • Hike to Cuicocha Lake – incredible views of the Cotacachi volcano and the spectacular crater that forms the lake 
  • Horseback riding in the Andes – we will ride our horses from one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador visiting beautiful waterfalls and valleys.  The outstanding valley of the condors is on our agenda – with a brief stop at the small center to learn about these magnificent birds.  
  • Visit to Otavalo Market – a wonderland of shopping – plus meeting some special textile and hat artists. 
  • Delicious dinner in the local Otavalo restaurant 
  • Learn how the locals make and create their milk and cheese at the Cheese Cave in the Highlands 
  • Amazing views form Ecuador’s most exciting mountain – Fuya Fuya summit where a collapsed crater has left behind twin summits joined by a narrow ridge.
    We have organized a truly exceptional afternoon – A deep experience with a Local Herd, of Horses.   Yoga surrounded by Horses and Meditation with an amazing sunset if we are lucky!  Claudia Vazquez, who is going to be ourTour Guide, has brilliantly planned 3 hour experience in the afternoon for Women’s Quest with Galapagos Horse Friends, www.galapagoshorsefriendsofficial.org.  Claudia Moreno is the founder and is a certified coach working to create life changing personal experiences with her herd.  The experience will be 3 hours long, with an introduction of the Galapagos Horse Friends Foundation, their mission and impact on the island.  We will complete this experience with a closing ceremony with a meditation during sunset.  
  • Meche, our certified mountain guide, born and raised in the highlands of Ecuador will be our amazing guide for the first 5 days.
  • Tomás Espinosa and Champi  will be our amazing Kenu Guides in the Galapagos. The program developed for Women’s Quest creates a bond with the environment, to encourage human growth and social awareness.  Their aim is to have an impact on sustainability for the wellbeing of future generations.
  •  QiGong and Yoga most mornings 

Included in the Price:

  • 10 nights lodging. Rates are based on double occupancy, private rooms can be arranged at an extra cost – 5 nights at Rio Granobles Lodge (Meche’s home) and 5 nights Shangrala airBnB or Ankermyer hotel 
  • Experienced Guide for Highlands 
  • Private transportation to and from Highlands 
  • All Breakfasts, lunches and dinners (except 2 lunches and 1 dinner) 
  • Quito and Oravalo Market tour 
  • Naturalist guide in the Galapagos 
  • Private transportation on, to and from the islands 
  • Private water transportation to islands 
  • Tour of Bartolome 
  • Tour of North Seymour 
  • First Aid Kits and Wilderness First Responders 

Not included in the price 

  • Lunch in Quito 
  • Lunch the horseback day 
  • Dinner the market day 
  • Alcoholic drinks 
  • Plane ticket from Quito to Galapagos April18-23,2023 (around $360-$500 ) – we are working on getting a group rate that WQ will purchase and you will reimburse
  • Fee entrance to PNG (Park National Galapagos $100)
  • Tips for Tour leaders (Meche and Tomas and Champi) 
  • Tips for WQ leader (Jax) 
  • Snorkel and wetsuit rental or bring your own
  • Tips for restaurants 
  • Snacks 
  • Travel Insurance