GALAPAGOS

Find Yourself on a Galapagos Adventure

The perfect combination of your dream Galapagos adventure and your ultimate yoga retreat. Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands are home to our intimate and luxurious yoga sanctuary.

You’ll unwind and rejuvenate on a property boasting three separate gorgeously appointed villas, a private yoga studio with views to Floreana Island, the Pacific and 43 acres of lush green. Endemic giant tortoises roam freely and wild horses wander. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

Our Galapagos yoga retreat is about your abundant wellness and maximum exploration.

You’ll travel with the best Certified Galapagos Naturalist throughout the week guiding you through the spectacular flora and fauna of the islands. Immerse in all things amazing while embarking on your daily yoga practice in our fully equipped and private studio.

Your trip will include visits to must-see Galapagos sites such as Bartolomé and neighboring islands as well as hidden gems and an (fall and winter only) exclusive locals immersion. You will kayak secluded bays, immerse yourself in the culture of the local town and tour the fascinating Santa Cruz highlands.

Galapagos nature is everywhere – from swimming with sea lions and turtles, to visiting a tortoise sanctuary, spotting Galapagos penguins, flamingos, marine iguanas and the amazing blue-footed boobies… there are no un-amazing days on the islands.

Unblemished, wild, and beautiful, this completely unique UNESCO World Heritage Site offers you the perfect setting for your next yoga retreat adventure.

Yoga Retreat Adventure Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights • Starting at $4395 per person

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November 9 - 16, 2019

What's included

Accommodation at a private yoga retreat center on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Twice daily yoga (excepting as noted in the itinerary)
A dedicated Certified Galapagos Naturalist for the week
- our handpicked guide will get to know each group and can tailor talks and exploration to meet the wildlife expectations of each group
Snorkeling and swimming (think sea turtles, sharks, penguins, sea lions, etc) on all day excursions
Sunrise exclusive trip to Las Grietas

Kayaking over sharks and around the mangroves on Tortuga Bay
Three meals a day (dietary needs accommodated)
Private cultural excursion (seasonal)
Two meals in the town of Puerto Ayora
12 acres of private walking paths to explore (wild Giant Tortoises roam the property)
Unlimited southern hemisphere star gazing
Transfers to and from the airport (on arrival and departure days only)

What's not included

Flights to Baltra, Ecuador (GPS)
$20 U.S. SICGAL inspection and migration card
$100 U.S. Galapagos National Park entrance fee (cash only)
Alcohol or items of a personal nature/souvenirs
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Travel Insurance (recommended)

Every day on our Galapagos adventure retreat is unique as are our rooms (which you won’t spend much time in!). Our 43 acre property boasts views of Isabela and Floreana Islands as well as Tortuga Bay on your home of Santa Cruz Island. The organic and biodynamic garden produces the veggies for your table as well as the coffee you’ll sip each morning.

The three different villas on property share modern lux interiors with ceiling fans, safe boxes, wifi and bluetooth stereos. Rooms have either two twins, a queen or a king size bed and maximum exploring with minimal packing is accommodated with individual beach towels, rubber boots, rain jackets, water bottles and flash lights available for use.

This amazing Galapagos adventure features multiple nature excursions, as well the wildlife expertise of a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide. Below is a sample itinerary. Each trip will include a trip to Bartolomé & North Seymour Island with one additional island day which could be either South Plazas or Santa Fe.

Please note that weather does play a part in some of the excursions and yogi flexibility is always appreciated.

Day One

Bienvenido! – arrival and welcome lunch and refresher
Explore the grounds & spy for Giant Galapagos Tortoises and the wild horses (yup, seriously!)
Sunset Yoga to deplane and relax
Post yoga-licious dinner
- Tuck into your first delicious meal with new friends and get an overview of hotel information and services

Day Two

Sunrise yoga
Early breakfast before a big day departure
Bartolomé is a crown jewel of Galapagos Islands for it’s special geological features, amazing dual crescent bays and verdant wildlife. Today is all about:
- Pinnacle Rock
- Galapagos penguins
- White tipped reef sharks
- Sea turtles
- Naturalist guided hiking
- Guided snorkeling
Early evening return to Santa Cruz
Dinner and crash-out-sleepy time

Day Three

Sunrise Yoga
Breakfast time
Santa Cruz Highland Tour
- Explore Los Gemelos (‘the twins’)
- Climb through the lava tunnels
- Explore the Cloud Forest
  - expect to see small birds: up to 12 species of Darwin finches live here and the famous Vermillion flycatchers
- Lunch on property
- Excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora
- Sunset Yoga
- Dinner in Puerto Ayora

Day Four

Sunrise Yoga
Refuel with breakfast
Morning excursion to Tortuga Bay
- Mangrove kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Marine iguana watching (they’re everywhere!)
Lunch on property
Free afternoon – exploration in Puerto Ayora, walk the biodynamic gardens or skip down to the beach
Evening Yoga
Dinner on property

Day Five

Rise and shine morning yoga
Breakfast vittles
Full day excursion to Santa Fe Island:
- Visit one of the oldest islands of the Galapagos (bits and pieces dating back 4 millllllllion years!)
- Endemic Barrington Land Iguanas
- Large colonies of sea lions
- Giant Opunita (Prickly Pear) trees
- Swallow-tailed gulls
- Guided snorkeling
Return to Santa Cruz
Evening yoga
Dinner on property

Day Six

Sunrise Yoga
Breakfast
Day trip to North Seymour Island – this island is a popular nesting ground and our Naturalist will find the best spots to get your birding on and for underwater adventure
- Great frigate birds
- Blue footed boobies
- Land iguana
- Sea lions
Lunch on board and post lunch siesta
Sunset Yoga
Dinner and chill time

Day Seven

Sunrise Yoga
Breakfast time
Free Morning & Afternoon
- Return to Puerto Ayora or Charles Darwin Research Station
- Rest and relax
- Visit Garrapatero Beach
Lunch on property
Sunset Yoga
Dinner in Puerto Ayora – soak up the people and animal vibes (yup, Galapagos animals go everywhere!)

Day Eight

Sunrise Yoga
Final breakfast and new friend info exchanges
Pack, hugs, goodbyes and back to the Baltra airport
Adios y viaje seguro!

The location was amazing as well as all yoga and scheduled activities. I did not want to ever leave!

- Lauren P.

I’m so glad to have travelled with your company. I was so grateful to not have to plan anything except the air travel. You organized a wonderful adventure and I can’t thank you enough.

- Suzi S.

Courtney and Jennifer were GREAT about returning email and patiently answering an infinite number of questions…The trip was truly greater than anything I could have imagined!

- Estelle L.

I felt SO well-prepared for this trip. I didn’t worry about anything. Jen is super responsive. Thanks Travel Yogi! I will definitely be back!

- Liz H.

This was the most amazing trip of my life. First, Jen at The Travel Yogi made every step of the way in booking the trip and my airfare so easy … She was unbelievably knowledgeable, helpful and eased all my fears. The way this retreat is structured is spectacular. The excursions every day, all day long- and the blend of yoga in the morning and the evening was perfect. I was terrified to leave the US and go to this tiny place so far away, but I am so glad that I did, it was truly life changing and I highly recommend this trip for everyone!! Thank you Jen and Courtney!!!

- Padhia A.

I just want to say that Jen was so instrumental in making this incredible journey to the Galapagos Islands a smooth one. The travel to the Galapagos Islands was an adventure in itself. It was an incredible time in the Galapagos Islands. It is a place where the unusual becomes the usual; and the exotic is extremely common.

Thank-you to all staff members of The Travel Yogi in planning such outrageous experiences.

- Heather J.

This trip was one of the best of my life! I loved the pace, the people, the place, all of it was perfect! The tours were great. I loved being busy and seeing so much of the islands. Wish I could have seen even more. Thanks for all your great planning, it really showed.

- Maureen K.

What airport do I fly into?

You will be traveling to the Baltra (GPS) airport in the Galapagos. Many flight schedules require an overnight in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations on hotels in Guayaquil. Some flights may also route through Quito. Quito has a great colonial district and is an excellent jumping-off point for the Ecuadorian rainforest or mountain adventures. However it is also at an elevation and the airport is approximately an hour from the city center. Unless you plan on staying in Quito for a few days, we recommend that you travel through Guayaquil for your Galapagos adventure.

Do I need a passport or visa?

US citizens will need a valid passport to visit Ecuador, but no visa is required at this time. Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page. Ecuador reserves the right to refuse entry if passports do not meet these requirements. Please know that this information can change and it is best to visit the State Department's website for current information. Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.

Do I need travel insurance?

Speaking from experience, we always recommend travel insurance. This yoga retreat is a big investment of time, energy, imagination and funds and travel insurance is your safe guard in the event that an unforeseen situation arises. You will also want to know that you are covered medically if a penguin bites off a finger (kidding!!).

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Animal sightings are never guaranteed, but then again, this is Galapagos. Expect to share dining space in town with marine iguanas, pelicans and sea lions. Frigate birds, penguins, blue-footed boobies and sharks should all be on your checklist. Giant tortoises roam freely in the highlands, will certainly be at our Montemar yoga retreat center where they share their space with the wild horses.

What is the electrical currency/outlet situation in Ecuador?

Ecuador uses the same plug and currency as the US (110-120V). Some plugs will not accept the third 'grounding' pin so a back-up adapter is recommended.

Is there internet access on property?

Yes, wifi is available on our yoga retreat property and can be accessed in the rooms or communal spaces. Please note that the signal may occasionally drop and that large files or pictures and Skype likely won't work.

Can I drink the water?

Fresh and double filtered water is available in multiple locations and fresh water and juices will be available at meal times. The water out of the tap is is filtered and ok to drink, but sensitive stomachs will be best off with the other available water options.

Do I need to bring my own yoga gear?

Our brand new yoga studio is fully stocked with Manduka mats and blocks and straps... not to mention stunning views of the ocean and neighboring islands. If you are attached to your mat and accessories, feel free to take them, but they are not necessary on this adventure.

Do I need to book any activities ahead of time?

This Galapagos yoga retreat is fully itinerized leaving only minimal time unscheduled. There is so much to see on the islands and we are bringing you on an adventure that takes it all in! Plan on full days of adventure, animal sightings and beautiful star filled nighttime skies. We recommend that you leave your limited downtime free to allow for a little quiet time for yourself or for strolling on the grounds.

What should I pack?

You will need a good sturdy pair of walking shoes as well as a pair of shoes that can go from water to land (i.e., Tevas or the like). The topography of the islands is varying and you'll want sturdy shoes for the time spent in the highlands. We will send out a packing list in your departure booklet, but some basics are your yoga clothes, casual wear, a swim suit and fully charged camera batteries!

What is the weather like?

June to November is known as the garúa season. Water temperatures are in the low 70*s and fog is typical in the mornings. Generally, this cloud cover burns off (think 'June Gloom') and the sun is still warm. Rains are also typical during this time of year. December to May is considered the 'warm' season with ocean temperatures in the high 70*s, hot day temperatures and little to no wind. Strong rain storms can blow in and out during this time of year. The islands have many micro-climates and you'll find that the weather in the highlands can vary widely from the weather in town or on the water. Layers are helpful and, no matter what time of year you visit, sunscreen is a must. There is no bad time of year to visit the islands and each season has it's own unique offerings. And year round our highland location offers fewer bugs, cooler temperatures and a natural paradise compared to the bustle of town.

After I book and pay my deposit, can I make payments on my yoga retreat?

Yes! Of course. Once you're booked you'll receive an email with important logistical information and a link to your invoice. You can pay any amount at any time on the invoice; you can use it as a payment plan or leave it alone until the final due date. Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.

GALAPAGOS

Yoga Retreat Details