Galápagos Islands transformational luxury retreat
Galapagos Island, Ecuador
Cost: $4990
April 18-23, 2023
$200 off if you bring a friend.. Buddy Pass!
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands Adventure Retreat, where nature, adventure and self-discovery come together in perfect harmony. Join us as we explore the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and shimmering waters of this enchanted archipelago.
What to expect:
On our first stop, Santa Cruz Island, we will visit the El Chato Ecological Reserve and marvel at the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We will also visit the Darwin Research Station, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the important scientific work being done to preserve the unique species of the Galapagos.
Next, we will head to Bartolome Island, where we will embark on a scenic hike up 400 steps for the best view of all the Galapagos Islands. Here, we will observe the Galapagos Pinnacle, and with a little luck, swim with the fascinating Galapagos penguins. Snorkeling will provide an opportunity to see rays, turtles and a variety of flora up close.
The South End of Santa Cruz Island will be our next destination, where we can kayak, surf, or simply relax at Tortuga Bay, one of the top 10 unique beaches in the world. This magical place is home to marine iguanas, and in the afternoon, we will connect emotionally with the Galapagos horses.
Our journey continues to Santa Fe, where we will encounter colonies of sea lions, land iguanas, and in the afternoon, snorkel with sea lions, turtles, rays and wolf fish.
Finally, we will visit North Seymour, where the world-renowned blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance and red frigate birds inflate their scarlet red chests during mating season. In the afternoon, we will visit Bachas Beach, where flamingos, crabs, and marine birds await us.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands and experience adventure and self-discovery. Join us on this unforgettable journey!
Highlights:
- El Chato Ecological Reserve – the Giant Tortoise
- Hiking on paths with blue footed boobies and iguanas literally watching us looking at them
- Bartolome Adventure – hike to the summit and snorkel with the sea lions and fish
- Las Grietas crystal clean swimming hole – swim, snorkel, or cliff jump
- Charles Darwin Research Station – 60 years of scientific research
- Kayaking the rugged coastlines and hidden bays
- Bachas Beach – snorkelling and chilling time
- Cultural afternoon with the Galapagos Horse friends
- Yoga most mornings
Included in the price:
- 5 nights lodging. Rates are based on double occupancy, private rooms can be arranged at an extra cost Shangrala and Blue Heron
- All Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Naturalist guide
- Private transportation on, to and from the islands
- Private water transportation to islands
- Tour of Bartolome
- Tour of North Seymour
- All equipment for kayak
- First Aid Kits and Wilderness First Responders
Not included in the price:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Plane ticket from Quito to Galapagos April 18-23, 2023 (around $300 right now)
- $100 Cash Fee for entrance to Galapagos
- Tips for Tour leaders (Meche and Tomas and naturalist)
- Tips for WQ leader (Jax)
- Snorkelling rental or bring your own
- Tips for restaurants
- Snacks
- Travel Insurance
What are the accommodations?
We wanted to give you a true Ecuadorian experience. We chose this little family-owned hotel. It has 17 rooms, comfortable and modern, surrounded by interesting fauna, beautiful landscape and is maintaining the basic principles of conservation.
What is a typical day on the Ecuador retreat?
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.
What about the hiking?
The Galapagos Islands are at sea level and our biggest ascent is 400 steps – piece of cake!!
What about the Yoga?
Women’s Quest yoga is for everyone. We will try to practice yoga or stretch out every day but many times we are out hiking and exploring. We begin each adventure-filled Women’s Quest Day with a unique “Awakening the Senses” Yoga or a vinyasa flow yoga.
Do you have to participate in everything on the Ecuador retreat?
You do not need to participate in everything; you can pace yourself so that it is the perfect amount of activity for you. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you in the moment. The schedule gives you a sense of the flow of each day. It is subject to change, depending on the needs of the group, weather, etc. We will go over the schedule each day at breakfast.
What weather can we expect?
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is April. Though the Galápagos is beautiful yearround, these months offer temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, making pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife-spotting
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. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat.
What if I am coming alone?
The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. English is widely spoken, and we are here to answer any questions about travel that you may have. Although you may come alone, you will leave the Ecuador retreat with new, lifelong friends!
Payment Policy
A deposit is required to hold your reservation at a retreat. Deposits are $500 for domestic and $1,000 for international retreats. Additional deposits may be required to reserve a single room. All deposits are non-refundable.
We cannot hold your reservation until we have received your deposit. If you would like to reserve an available spot in a retreat 90 or fewer days prior to the retreat date, we require payment in full for the retreat to hold the spot. This is in accordance with our payment policy below.
Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation.
A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo.
You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat. We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat.
We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.
Covid-19 Policy
Cancellations by Women’s Quest: Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19. As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues. As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest. Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.
Cancellations by You: If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above. This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up.
Covid Waiver and Release
This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.
Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19. Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat. This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test. Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations. We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.
Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.
Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.
Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.
Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.
Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.
Purchasing Travel Insurance
We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses, in the event you cannot make the Women’s Quest retreat for any reason or if you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues. We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid. Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.
If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.
Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid.
You can do your own investigation by checking out Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison company that helps travelers search, compare and buy travel insurance online https://www.