Before I was a yoga teacher, I was a wildlife biologist. When I saw the possibility to offer a yoga retreat in the Galapagos, everything in me lit up. I have been fortunate to have offered this retreat in the Galapagos before. It is everything that you hope it will be: an action packed week of wondrous wildlife experiences, hikes, kayaking and swimming, and coming back at days end to a yoga practice with giant tortoises roaming outside the studio.
THE SHELTER We will stay at Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel & Coffee Plantationin the highlands of Santa Cruz island. It has nine en suite bedrooms with A/C, three large lounge areas, terraces, a fully equipped yoga studio, and laundry service. If your aim is to ‘get away from it all’ you have plenty of space and all the amenities you need to do so. Here's a video view of the property.
THE NOURISHMENT Three meals a day are provided either at the retreat center, packed for our boat trips and adventures and at local restaurants.
THE TRAVEL Fly to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Airport code is GPS. Most people will need to spend a night in Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO) on the way to the Galapagos as all Galapagos flights depart in the morning. Round trip transportation to/from the Galapagos Airport (GPS) to the retreat is included. The adventure starts right away with a boat crossing from the airport!
THE LOCATION The retreat center is at a quiet boutique hotel in the highlands (200m) of Santa Cruz island. It lies on twelve acres of endemic scalesia forest under which "conservation coffee" has been planted, with walking trails, native birds (Darwin Finches, Yellow Warblers, Dark Billed Cuckoos and Galapagos Mockingbirds thrive in the lush green canopy all year round) and spectacular giant tortoises. This highlands location is cooler than the coastal town of Puerto Ayora (12 minutes away for us to visit for meals and shopping) and offers views of the ocean. It is a great launching spot for heading off on our daily boating and wildlife adventures. April will be sunny and 80 - 90 degrees F and the water temperature will be 70-80 degrees F.
INCLUDED Naturalist accompanied visit to Charles Darwin Station Naturalist accompanied day trip with snorkeling to Bartolome Island Naturalist accompanied day trip to two of these islands: Santa Fe, South Plazas or North Seymour Snorkeling and swimming on all day tour boat excursions Naturalist accompanied Highlands Tour (pit craters, lava tunnels, cloud forest, wild tortoises) *We have an expert Galapagos Naturalist with us almost every day! Kayaking Excursion on Tortuga Bay Transport to town on free day Yoga classes - once or twice a day depending on the days adventures All meals at hotel and restaurants (alcohol not included) Transport from/to the Baltra Seymour Airport (GPS)
HEALTH GUIDELINES
All Galapagos residents are vaccinated. To travel to the Galapagos, you must show proof of Covid vaccination, or proof of a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure.
This trip requires fitness and mobility for getting on/off boats and walking distances up to two miles, sometimes on rocky terrain.
YOUR TEACHER & YOGA PRACTICES Maile has been teaching yoga for over 20 years. Before I started teaching yoga as my primary occupation, I studied Northern Spotted Owls and Preble's Meadow Jumping Mice. I am happy watching animals all day long. In Galapagos yoga sessions, we will move in a slow to moderate pace. Yoga sessions will include a mix of active practices and more meditative, restorative practices to settle us after warm days exploring the islands. All levels and bodies are welcome. If you are interested in coming and not attending yoga, or just the mellower practices, that is welcome.