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What are the accommodations?
HIGHLANDS – Rio Granobles lodge was born form the love of a family and the curious history of an ancient Hacienda in the feet of the Cayambe volcano.
The old hacienda formed part of the Ecuadorian history as it was the house of Santa Marianita de Jesus, a saint proclaimed by the catholic church. The new house was built two years ago, in the middle of green pastures and besides the Granobles river. Surrounded by the most beautiful Andean mountains and landscapes. The idea of these lodge it’s to experience what it’s like to be in an Ecuadorian home. Feel close to the nature and the culture of the country. This magical place its located 70 Km to the north of Quito. In the equatorial line, besides the town of Cayambe (the city of the flowers), and only 15 minutes away from the town of Otavalo. The country house is in one of the most beautiful areas of the Ecuadorian Andean landscapes. In the Cayambe volcano (5750 m.s.n.m.) foothills, and surrounded by the beautiful mountains Mojanda, Cajas, and Fuya Fuya. Here you can find spacious rooms, private bathrooms, huge gardens, and an ecological reserve of eucalyptus forest with the beautiful riverbank of the historic Granobles river.
GALAPAGOS – We wanted to give you a true Ecuadorian experience so we chose a beautiful estate and the quaint hotel next door. Shangri-La is described as an imaginary remote paradise, secluded hideaway, and haven of beauty and tranquility – paradise on earth. www.Airbnb.ca/rooms/21380910. This hideaway sleeps 7 and a cute little pool house that sleeps 2. The Angermeyer Waterfront Inn (a two minute walk) will accommodate another 2-6 questers. www.angermeyer-waterfront-inn.com. Both of these are Located in a secluded “auto-free” zone a short aqua taxi ride from Puerto Ayora – footsteps away is Playa de Los Alemanes.
What is a typical day?
Each day is totally different. In the Highlands, we will be hiking, horseback riding, visiting markets, yoga and meeting the people of Ecuador.
In the Galapagos, we will be enchanted by the spectacular volcanic landscapes and blue waters of this archipelago. We have different activities every day, but we will see finches, seabirds, giant tortoises, iguanas, swim with the sea lions, snorkel, surf and most importantly learn all about the habitats and evolution of the Galapagos Islands.
See the Itinerary for the day to day activities.
What will the food be like?
In the highlands – at the Rio Granobles Lodge, we will enjoy the delicious Ecuadorian meals that will be prepared by the family and a chef. All food issues will be accommodated. There will be 2 lunches and one dinner on your own.
While we are in the Galapagos, our breakfast will be cooked by a local chef. The lunches will be bag lunches as will be be travelling to the islands or a local cafe. All the dinners will be at incredible restaurants in Puerto Aryora.
Do I have to be experienced at yoga?
The retreat is open to all levels of yoga experience, from fresh beginner to the practiced yogini, as each will practice according to individual need.
What will the weather be like?
Average temperatures in Quito vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is more temperate than most — in the 79th percentile for pleasant weather. In June the temperatures range from 60-68 in the day and down to high 40’s at night. It could be colder in the Highlands. The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is June. Though the Galápagos is beautiful year round, these months offer temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, making pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife-spotting.
What about the Altitude
Quito is at 9350 ft, our lodge is at 9200 ft and one day there will be an option to hike to 11,000 ft. We will offer a few options if the hikes are not your cup of tea. (While adjusting to the higher altitudes we recommend to taking it slow, eating lightly, abstaining from alcohol, and drinking lots of water).
The Galapagos is at sea level.
Do I have to do all of the activities?
No! All activities and outings are optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you do to what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported in doing as much or as little as you choose. All of our activities will be guided by expert staff, and instruction and support will be offered for every activity according to your experience level.
Am I in good enough shape to do the retreat?
YES! We adapt to all levels of fitness. Since we break into hiking and riding groups we can accommodate just about any skill and fitness level. We have a variety of route options for activities and groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge herself. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat.
What will the hiking be like?
The hiking will be beautiful. Quito is at 9350 ft so we will get a little acclimatized. Our Lodge is at 9200 feet and we will be hiking up and down in altitude from there. Our final hike will Fuya Fuya we will be going up on an out and back, so we have options…. One review was – Possibly the most beautiful and picturesque hike I’ve done in Ecuador. The shapes and colors of the landscape is unique and reminded me of Newfoundland lol.
The Galapagos Islands are at sea level and our biggest ascent is 400 steps – piece of cake!!
What will the snorkeling and swimming be like?
FANTASTIC!! Please bring your own snorkel equipment if you have it (you can also rent).
What will the horseback riding be like?
We will visit mountain waterfalls and enjoy vistas on the horses belonging to this 17th century hacienda. We will ride hidden trails and valleys and learn about the history of this land. This is also near the Valley of the Condors where we will learn about endangered species at our Condor Huasi facilities . Our horses at Hacienda Zuleta www,zuleta.com , are very gentle so they are excellent for beginner to advanced riders.
What is the average age on this retreat?
We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15-80 years young. Each retreat will vary but the Galapagos and Ecuador are for adventurers of any age.
What if I am coming alone?
The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friend.
Extra costs
- 2 dinners and one lunch
- plane flight Quito to Galapagos (WQ will reserve and you will be billed by WQ) Approx $360-$500
- Galapagos park entrance $100 cash
- Tips for Meche, Champi and Thomas suggested($10 pp per day)
- Tips for the drivers, boat captains and crew ($5-$10pp per day)
- Tips for WQ staff – Jax ($5 pp a day)
- snorkel rental $20day, wetsuit rental $20 day