Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

(Albert Einstein)

Immerse in nature, delight in amazement, and cultivate meaningful connections with a trip-of-a-lifetime to the Galápagos Islands. During this 7 night, 8 day yoga adventure you will find inspiration everywhere as you reside amongst the giant tortoises in a private forest where birds sing from the canopy tops and shade-grown coffee grows below. The night sky will light up your heart as you bask under the wonderous glow of the constellations. Private day-trip adventures cultivate purposeful, multisensory experiences with the unique landscape and wildlife found only in this UNESCO World Heritage zone. Step into another world by embracing the natural wonders of Galápagos!

Our “leave you feeling on cloud nine” package includes a naturalist-guided trip to the Charles Darwin Station; multiple private yacht tours to islands such as Bartolomé, Santa Fe, South Plazas, and North Seymour where you can snorkel, swim and revel in sea life; a naturalist-accompanied Highland tour to trek through pit craters, lava tunnels, and a cloud forest; a kayaking excursion to Tortuga Bay and its white beaches and black sea turtles. Along the way you just may spot Galápagos penguins and flamingos, swim the shores with sea lions and marine iguanas, and behold magnificent dancing blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds (the kleptomaniacs of birds), and land iguanas, just to name a few native species with which you’ll commune during this unparalleled yoga adventure. And speaking of yoga... 

This wouldn’t be a FLOW Yoga Retreats experience without the yoga, so you’ll get that too! Daily yoga classes in a fully stocked yoga studio overlooking the lush green property provide space for you connect to yourself and explore your inner nature. You may even see a giant tortoise saunter by as you stand steady in Tree pose. Pop-up yoga adventures will take you outdoors to cultivate presence and connection with the natural world and plant seeds of peace within in your inner world. With yoga as a framework and by looking deeply into nature and ourselves, we gain greater understanding of the world.          

Enchanted! A Yoga Adventure in Galápagos provides a space to disconnect from the daily pulls of life and provide a respite surrounded by the awe and beauty of the world around you. You will return home with a continued sense of delight, deeper connections to yourself and others, and a lingering feeling of joy - plus a whole bucket of happy memories, new friends, and fabulous photos!

Join us for this enchanting trip of a lifetime by reserving your spot today! This is an intimate retreat group in order to maximize the Galápagos experience, so don’t be like a tortoise. Be like the hare and hop-run fast to sign up. 

What’s Included: 

- Exclusive accommodation at Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel, with private ensuite room, standard hotel amenities (A/C, wi-fi, hair dryer, bath and pool towels, etc.), and a private balcony or terrace 

- 3 meals per day, including wine with most dinners (1-2 dinners are in the town of Puerto Ayora; all other meals on property). All dietary needs accommodated with advance notice

.....Breakfasts are freshly prepared and include fresh fruits, cereals, baked bread, eggs to order, bacon, pancakes or waffles, and an Ecuadorian twist like plantain bolones or yuka tortillas, fresh juice, tea and coffee

.....Lunches consist of traditional Ecuadorian recipes, typically a light starter such as fried plantain with cheese, a chicken, fish or vegetarian main, and dessert

.....Dinners are more cosmopolitan, generally coastal recipes (focus more towards fish/seafood)

- Tea, coffee, and fresh water are available 24/7 (both the hotel and Finch Wing have confidence bars with a variety of drinks including soda, beer, wine)

- Daily yoga with Tra and Melissa plus special pop up nature-inspired yoga classes & experiences

- Naturalist-accompanied visit to the Charles Darwin Station 

- Naturalist-accompanied day trip to Bartolomé Island, including snorkeling & swimming

- Naturalist-accompanied day trips to 2 of the following 3 Islands: Sante Fe, South Plazas, and North Seymour (weather + conditions permitting), including snorkeling & swimming

- Naturalist-accompanied Highland Tour to see pit craters, lava tunnels, cloud forest, and wild tortoises

- Kayaking excursion on Tortuga Bay

- Roundtrip ground transport from and to Baltra Airport on first and last day of retreat

- Base gratuities for hotel staff, all excursions/trips/tour guides included in the itinerary

What's Not Included:

- Roundtrip airfare to mainland Ecuador (Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO) airport) 

- Roundtrip airfare between mainland Ecuador and Seymour/Baltra Aiport (GPS), Galápagos Islands

- Migration Card fee $20 at Ecuador mainland airport and Galápagos National Park fee $100 at Baltra Airport (both in US cash only)

- Meals, beverages, alcohol not listed in above retreat package

- Other excursions/experiences not listed in above retreat package

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Additional gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and other activities not included in above retreat package (cash recommended) 

This trip includes activities such as outdoor walking, boating, and other moderate physical activities. Please familiarize yourself with the trip's itinerary, terms and conditions, and do any personal research you feel is necessary before registering and paying your non-refundable deposit. 

Live amongst the wildlife and embrace the natural awe you've come to experience in Galápagos  and leave with a deeper appreciation for and understanding of life. This is your chance to nestle in a private 12-acre forest planted with endemic and native trees and soak in the majestic, panoramic views of the Galapagos National Park, Galapagos Marine Reserve and outlying islands.

Semilla Verde, our base camp for this adventure will transport you back in time to an original and authentic Galapagos where the natural world reigns supreme and you can connect more fully with your inner nature. This award-winning boutique hotel offers an unparalled level of personal service, traditional Ecuadorian home cooking, panoramic views from raised terraces, a swimming pool, and a fully-stocked yoga studio overlooking a private forest. 

There are four tier prices of rooms, all offering a sustainable, organic, comfortable stay. All rooms have en suite bathrooms, come with standard hotel accommodations and traveler items, wifi, A/C and fans, adjoining private balcony or terrace, and hammock. Before booking your room, take a look at the different accommodations available for your selection. 

Semilla Verde actively embraces and promotes ecological responsibility and economic sustainability. Funds raised by their business are routed back into Semilla Verde's conservation effort and the local economy.  

Enchanted! A Yoga Adventure in Galápagos 

Please take the time to read and understand the Terms & Conditions detailed below prior to booking your trip. If you decide to book the trip, your electronic signature and deposit are consent and agreement to these Terms & Conditions. You will be required to agree to these terms in order to complete your booking. 

1. Your Payment or Deposit is Your Contract

When you register for the Enchanted! yoga adventure via either payment in full or a $500 per person deposit, you will be deemed to have agreed to these Terms & Conditions. Your booking deposit, together with (a) these Terms & Conditions and (b) the trip details regarding the Enchanted! A Yoga Adventure in Galapagos listed on the We Travel website will constitute a legally binding contract between you and Melissa Katz and Tra Kirkpatrick (herein collectively referred to as Retreat Leaders). (Note: If you book a trip for multiple people traveling together, then all travelers in that booking will be deemed to have read and agreed to the Terms & Conditions, and to be parties to this Agreement.)

2. Payment

In order to confirm your booking with us, you may choose to either pay in full with $500 per person of your payment non-refundable, or pay via a payment plan, starting with a $500 non-refundable per person deposit toward the total price of your trip. 

3. Payment Plan

If you select a payment plan when you register for the trip, the balance due (package price minus the first payment of a $500 per person non-refundable deposit) will be billed in three (3) remaining installments. The payment schedule shall be as follows: 

 1st payment: due by February 1, 2024

 2nd payment: due by April 13, 2024

 final payment: due by July 1, 2024 

If you choose to pay for your retreat package via a payment plan and book the trip between any of the payment dates above, your down payment (deposit) will be $500 PLUS any amounts due for payment dates that have occurred before your registration date. (For example, if you book in February 2024, your deposit will be $500 plus the 1st installment amount. You must pay remaining balance based on payment schedule above. 

If any payment is not paid on or before the due date, we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled, especially if you have not proactively communicated about your payment needs. See #8 below regarding Cancellation by Traveler. All bookings must be paid in full by July 1, 2024. 

4. Passport, Visas and Other Travel Documents

For trips outside the U.S., you must carry a valid passport. Ecuador requires that your passport be valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the trip. Please make sure to research the applicable passport requirements for your country of citizenship and travel to Ecuador. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all such required travel documents for your trip. The Retreat Leaders are not responsible if you are refused entry to Ecuador or any layover country during travel because you lack the correct travel documents.

5. Requests for Roommate (Double-Occupancy)

If you are traveling solo and register for a “Double-Occupancy” roommate plan rather than “Single-Occupancy” the Retreat Leaders will make efforts to match you with an appropriate roommate in order to accommodate the request for the lower “Double-Occupancy” (versus “Single-Occupancy”) rate. However, if Retreat Leaders are unable to match you with a roommate as of the due date for final payment, you will be responsible for the difference between the Double and Single occupancy rate. Any amounts due must be paid by the final payment due date. We encourage solo travelers who want a roommate to recruit a friend, family member or fellow yogi to attend as the roommate as the Retreat Leaders cannot and will not guarantee a registration to match your needs.

6. Inclusions & Exclusions:

The price of your trip includes:

- All accommodations as listed on the Trip Description page under “What’s Included”

- All meals as listed on the Trip Description page under “What’s Included”

- Yoga classes and special yoga outings as described on the Trip Description page under What’s Included” and in the Itinerary

- The excursions listed on the Trip Description page under “What’s Included” and in the Itinerary

- Ground transfers to the retreat location as described on the Trip Description page under “What’s Included” during the designated travel dates (arrivals and departures outside of the windows are subject to an additional charge)

- Gratuities for group experiences/excursions

The price of your trip does not include:

- Flights/airfare to mainland Ecuador 

- Flights/airfare to Galápagos Islands

- Migration fee to Ecuador ($20 USD)

- Galápagos Islands National Park fee ($100 USD)

- Passport fees (if needed)

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Meals and beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) not listed as part of the package on the Trip Description page under “What’s Included”

- Optional activities 

- Personal expenses

- Any other items listed on our website under “What’s Not Included”

- Gratuities for other support personnel outside of group experiences/excursions (e.g., hotel staff, baggage handlers, restaurant and bar staff, etc.)

7. Optional Activities

Optional activities, excursions (other than excursions listed as “included” in the Trip Description and in the Itinerary), and experiences are not included in the trip price, and do not form part of the trip or this Agreement. You acknowledge and agree that any assistance provided by any trip leader, hotel staff, or other representative in arranging optional activities does not render the Retreat Leaders liable for them.

8. Cancellation by Traveler

If you wish to cancel your booking, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund EXCEPT for the initial $500 non-refundable per person deposit. Refer to the 'cancel by' guidelines below.

-  If you cancel your trip on or before January 31, 2024, you will receive 100% of monies paid MINUS $500 per person on your reservation 

-  If you cancel your trip on or before April 12, 2024, you will receive 50% of monies paid MINUS $500 per person on your reservation 

-  If you cancel your trip after April 12, 2024, you will forfeit ALL monies paid

Failure to show up for any reason or departure from a trip prior to its completion for any reason are not entitled to any refund.

Bookings may be transferable only in certain circumstances and only with prior written communication. Please contact Retreat Leaders to see if your situation qualifies. As outlined below, the purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended and can help protect you in the event of retreat cancellation. Due to the nature of the location and multiple excursions included with the trip, Retreat Leaders must strictly adhere to the cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of retreat. 

9. Cancellation by Retreat Leaders

Retreat Leaders reserve the right to cancel trip at any time if, due to natural disaster, political instability or other disruptions and/or events beyond leaders’ control (“force majeure events”), the operating of the trip would be unsafe or otherwise unviable. As outlined below, travel insurance is highly recommended to safeguard yourself against such the financial loss caused by such circumstances or events.

10. Itineraries

The Retreat Leaders have put much thought and time into creating a retreat experience that will be inspirational, educational, and engaging and will make every effort to deliver the retreat program as scheduled. However, as part of this Agreement you acknowledge and accept that circumstances may arise which result in changes to the listed itinerary. These changes may include, without limitation, delays and/or partial or complete changes in the following: the itinerary, activities and excursions, frequency of yoga sessions, modes or quality of transportation, etc. You understand and agree that: (i) the Retreat Leaders may make last-minute or on-site decisions to address changed circumstances, (ii) Retreat Leaders do not guarantee conformity with any itineraries that have been published or furnished to you or any other participants, and (iii) Retreat Leaders reserve the right to change the itinerary with or without notice to you. All yoga and excursions/activities are optional for all participants. However, there are no discounts or refunds for non-participation in any, part, or all of the events. 

11. Travel Insurance

The purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended for all participants. While the coverage provided by travel insurance varies based on the policy you purchase, as a general rule, this type of insurance may provide coverage for a variety of losses which a traveler may incur relating to a booking, including losses relating to trip cancellation, illness, injury, theft, lost or damaged property, etc.

Be aware that, except for the limited refund rights outlined above (Section 10) for various cancellation scenarios, each client is 100% responsible for any losses, penalties, fees or other financial consequences arising out of any booking or trip, or the cancellation or interruption of any booking or trip (including, by way of example, costs related to airline tickets and fees, passport fees, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.). For all of these reasons, purchase travel insurance promptly following your booking.

12. Peace Agreement

Retreat leaders reserve the right to immediately terminate attendee’s participation in the retreat and to ask retreat attendee to leave the premises if the retreat attendee disturbs the peace and comfort of other retreat attendees, is overly intoxicated, smokes on the resort property, uses illegal drugs on the resort property, and/or is disrespectful to resort staff.

13. Photos and Marketing

With respect to still photos and/or video footage from the trip which include(s) your image and/or name, you irrevocably grant the right to use those photos and/or footage for marketing and promotional purposes (including, without limitation, on a website, in advertisements, marketing materials, and/or on social media platforms), on a royalty-free basis, throughout the world and in perpetuity.

14. Immunizations and Travel Advisories/Warnings

Each participant assumes full responsibility for verifying any requirements relating to and/or obtaining any immunizations which may be necessary or desirable for travel in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Each participant also assumes full responsibility for researching the safety and security conditions during the period of scheduled travel, and be aware of any applicable travel advisories and/or warnings. Participants may also wish to consult a physician who is knowledgeable about travel medicine and related medical issues in Ecuador.

15. Health Certification

By booking the trip, you confirm that you are mobile and in good general health, and capable of performing the various land and water activities planned for the trip you have booked. You also confirm that you are capable of caring for yourself during the trip, and that you will not impede the progress of the trip or the enjoyment of other travelers. You also confirm that you have not been recently treated for, nor are you aware of, any medical condition, infirmity or disability (whether physical or mental) that would create an unreasonable risk to yourself or others in connection with the trip.

16. Assumption of Risk

The Retreat Leaders are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all who participate in retreats. However, you must take responsibility for your own behavior and safety. Furthermore, you understand and assume the risks and hazards inherent in travel. These risks and hazards may include, without limitation, delays, injury, illness, death or other unanticipated events, and may be caused by force majeure events, the negligence of the Retreat Leaders or other persons (including third party operators), the intentional and/or criminal conduct of others or other circumstances. Certain locations are remote and require additional travel time away from city centers and towns; as such, medical attention may not always be readily available or may be of inferior quality compared to what is available at home. Also, you may be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical environment is very different than where you live, and in some cases, these differences may present increased risks and/or challenges. The Retreat Leaders use reasonably available information from the U.S. government, applicable foreign governments and support from local contacts in planning the trip itinerary, and assessing the viability of each trip itinerary as the start date approaches. However, it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with all available and relevant travel information for your destination and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge and agree that your decision to travel is made after having considered this information, and you expressly assume the personal risks involved with such travel.

17. Limitation of Liability and Release

You acknowledge and agree that the Retreat Leaders shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damage, liability, injury, loss, cost or expense you may incur (including any claim relating to personal injury, illness, death, property damage or loss, delay or other inconvenience) arising out of or by reason of (i) the acts or omissions of any Third-Party Operator or (ii) any acts or omissions of any other parties or (iv) force majeure events.

You release the Retreat Leaders from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, expenses, damages, demands, actions, causes of action, lawsuits or sums of money of any kind arising out of, by reason of, resulting from and/or related to any trip you may book and/or participate in; and you understand and acknowledge that you are fully responsible for and expressly assume any and all risks, whether known or unknown, in connection therewith.

18. Arbitration

You agree that any dispute relating to your booking, the Terms & Conditions, the Agreement or any other issues relating to your trip (including any claim you may wish to assert relating to or arising out of your trip) shall be referred to confidential and binding arbitration in Atlanta, GA, by arbitrator(s) and pursuant to rules of arbitration subject to the mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties cannot agree on the arbitrator(s) and/or the rules of arbitration, arbitration may be compelled by petition to any court of competent jurisdiction in Dekalb County, GA. Any arbitration award shall be rendered in writing and may be entered and shall be fully enforceable as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties expressly waive their right to trial, including trial by jury. Each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs.

19. Applicable Law

This Agreement (including all bookings and the Terms & Conditions) shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia applicable to contracts entered into and to be wholly performed therein (without giving effect to any conflict of laws principles under Georgia law).

20. Updating of Terms & Conditions

The Retreat Leaders reserve the right to update and/or alter these Terms & Conditions at any time. Current information can always be found under Enchanted! A Yoga Adventure in Galapagos on the We Travel retreat booking website and any updates and/or changes will supersede any previous versions.

21. Terms & Conditions Agreement

By booking this trip, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the Terms & Conditions outlined above and agree to be bound by the Terms & Conditions. You will be required to accept the Terms & Conditions with an electronic signature during the registration process. 

Coming & Going

Our adventure takes us to the Galápagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, that lie about 600 miles off its coast in the Pacific Ocean. 

All travelers should plan retreat arrival and departure through Baltra Airport (airport code GPS). 

You can fly between mainland Ecuador and Seymour/Baltra airport using either the Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO) airport. Research the location of each to see if one works better for your travel plans. 

Upon arrival to mainland Ecuador you are required to pay $20 USD migration fee (cash only). 

Upon arrival to Galápagos (Baltra) you are required to pay $100 USD national park fee (cash only). Please note that it is not possible to include these fees in your package so they are due separately during your travel. 

Your retreat package includes ground transportation between Baltra Airport and Semilla Verde on the first and last day of the retreat.  

Please note: Ground transportation is provided on the start and end dates of the retreat. Please plan your Baltra flight arrival between 1p-3p and flight departure between 10a-noon local time. 

Travel Documents

Ecuador requires a valid and current passport for entry. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond date of departure. 

Vaccinations

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including COVID-19, while traveling to any destination. Check out the CDC website and consult with your primary care physician for recommendations on vaccinations for your travel to the Galapagos Islands. 

What else do I need to know and bring?

Beginning about six months before our Enchanted! yoga adventure we will start sending periodic emails with helpful checklists, reminders, and important details. In the meantime, check out the FAQs page for more information that you may find handy. 

When should I place my deposit for this trip?

Your non-refundable deposit of $500 per person (or payment in full) is due to register for the trip. Due to the limited availably of spaces, the sooner the better!

I have to cancel. Do I get my money back?

If you cancel your trip on or before January 31, 2024 you are entitled to receive any payments back, minus your $500 non-refundable deposit (per person). If you paid in full during registration and cancel before or on January 31, 2024 you will receive the monies paid towards you package minus the $500 non-refundable deposit per person. If you cancel on or before April 12, 2024 you will receive 50% of installments paid (not inclusive of $500 non-refundable deposit per person); if you cancel after April 12, 2024 you forfeit all monies paid.  

What airport do I fly into and out of?

Your Galápagos destination is Seymour/Baltra Airport (GPS). You will fly from your home to mainland Ecuador and fly to Baltra using either the Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO) airport.

Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

No, visas are not required. You do need a valid passport that is good for three months beyond departure date. 

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not required for the trip, but we highly recommend it to ensure you are covered should any unexpected event arise. A personal, political, environmental or weather-related incident or pre-existing or unexpected medical condition may prevent or interrupt your travels. These events are rare but do occur and underscore the importance of being covered by travel insurance. There is a wide spectrum of policies and options so make sure you are clear on what is covered in the policy you are selecting, including delays, cancellations due to COVID-19.

What vaccinations do I need?

Ecuador does not require vaccinations for entry including Covid-19 vaccination; however all people should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Check out the CDC website and consult with your primary care physician for recommendations on vaccinations for your travel to Ecuador. 

What kind of yoga are we doing? Can anyone do it?

All yoga classes are all-inclusive no matter how long you've been doing yoga. Although each teacher has a different style and approach, the foundation for the classes is Tantra Hatha Yoga; we will practice pranayama (breath work), asana (posture), meditation and chanting. Expect to work a little, relax a lot, and connect to your own body and breath in a curious and loving way.

Is there an itenerary?

Yes! We have put together a lovely schedule that provides time for yoga, play, exploration, and rest. You will receive the full schedule upon your arrival to Semilla Verde.

What if I don't want to do yoga? 

This is YOUR retreat, so do as much or as little as you like. Most days we will have two classes and we will have pop-up yoga classes. You can come to every class. You can skip every class. Up to you. 

What if I don't want take part in a particular excursion or experience? 

Our goal is to provide a retreat that offers fun and wonderful experiences where attendees can learn about themselves, each other, and the wider world. That said, this is YOUR retreat, so do as much or as little as you like. Please note however, there are no refunds or pro-rates for not participating in activities that are part of the included package. 

What is the weather like there? 

Due to its location near the equator, weather stays pretty moderate all year. In October expect daytime temperatures around 79°F and nighttime temperatures around 66°F. Water temperatures are around 72°F.

What kind of money do they use in Ecuador? 

US dollars are the national currency. 

What kind of converter/adapter do I need for my stuff? 

None! (Well, if you live in the US.) Ecuador uses the same plugs and voltage as the US.

Are gratuities included in my trip price?

Some are and some are not. For group excursions, your gratuities are covered already (bus drivers, local tour guides and guides for sightseeing trips). Personal gratuities are not included (for things like room cleaning, dining & bar staff, bellhops/concierge, additional activities and services). Tips are an essential part of the economy and are greatly appreciated. Your trip packet will contain more recommendations on tipping amounts for your information. 

All content and descriptions included herein are copyrighted by FLOW Yoga Retreats, a brand of Tra Kirkpatrick and Melissa Katz. © July 2022, November 2023. All rights reserved.  

All content is believed to be accurate and correct.