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Overview

Verde Espíritu Colombia: A Yoga & Nature Immersion
El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Jan 17 - 25, 2026
Ashtanga Yoga Sarasota image
Ashtanga Yoga Sarasota
$3,250
Deposit: $500

About your trip

Join us for nine unforgettable days in Colombia! From the lush mountains of Medellín to the jungle-lined rivers of Tayrona, Verde Espíritu - the green spirit of this land - will guide our days. This unique yoga journey blends cultural immersion, communal practice, deep rest, and curated adventure. It is an invitation to reconnect with nature, with yourself and with the traveling practice community. All level students are welcome and encouraged to join us!

Awakened Travel

Throughout our time together, our formal practice sessions encourage an awakening to the present moment of our travel experience. We begin to recognize that everything is practice! How we walk amongst the trees, eat in mindfulness, listen and share with our fellow travelers. On the mat, we find grounding in the unfamiliar; in meditation, we awaken to the colors and textures of our surroundings. Moving and breathing in Colombia's lush landscape, we are offered not just an external destination, but an inner journey that remains with us long after the trip ends.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking Your Spot

We’re so excited for you to join us! Your place is reserved with a $500 non-refundable deposit. Once we receive your deposit, we’ll send you a welcome packet with everything you need to know to start planning.


Payment Schedule

• $500 deposit due at booking (non-refundable)

• Remaining balances paid in full or in installments by Nov 18, 2025



If You Need to Cancel

Life happens—we understand. Our policy is designed to be as fair as possible while ensuring we can keep the retreat running smoothly.

• 90+ days before the retreat– You’ll receive a full refund of payments made, minus the deposit.

• 60–89 days before the retreat – 50% of the remaining balance will be refunded.

• Less than 60 days before the retreat – We are unable to offer a refund.

• No refunds for arriving late, leaving early, or unused portions of the retreat.



If We Have to Cancel

If, for any reason, we need to cancel the journey (including low enrollment), you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made, including your deposit.



Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, in addition to coverage (required) for medical emergencies. It’s the best way to protect your investment and travel with peace of mind.

What's included

Accommodation

Boutique lodging in Medellín, Guatapé and the Caribbean coast. Private stay for our group at the Tayrona retreat center.

Daily Practice with Val

Practice on the road, including multi-day yoga immersion in two nature-based ashrams

Local Experiences

Curated slow-travel experiences, including guided hikes, coffee tours/tasting, cultural exchange with local indigenous communities, balanced with free time to rest and explore.

Domestic Travel

One domestic flight (MDE to SMR) and private ground transportation while in Colombia, including airport transfers.

Trip Coordination

End-to-end coordination and translation assistance with our local host (Julián Santa Mariá) throughout the journey

What's not included

International Flights

International flights to/from Colombia, arrival to Medellín (MDE) and departing from Santa Marta (SMR)

Some Meals/Beverages

Meals not listed in the travel itinerary and any alcoholic beverages

Optional Activities

Massage, detox therapies, temazcal, etc...are add-on services

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended. Travel medical coverage is required for all participants.

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to Medellín

Arrival in Medellin, the "City of Eternal Spring" (Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera).

Time to settle into our handpicked boutique hotel in El Poblado. In the evening we will gather for a welcome dinner to connect our traveling sangha and set intentions for the journey ahead.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Nature Above the City

After a morning practice at our hotel, experience the iconic Medellin Metro Cable up to Parque Arvi, where we'll enjoy a gentle morning hike through forest trails, in the company of a bird-watching expert.

Return to the city for lunch at a top local restaurant. The afternoon is free to wander the cafes, galleries and shops of El Poblado.

Day 3

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Day Trip to a Pueblo

Morning practice and an excursion to El Retiro, a tranquil mountain town known as "the Cradle of Freedom" just outside of Medellin.

Enjoy an informative experience of Colombian coffee history and culture at Cafe Retiro followed by lunch at Osteria Local, known for its incredible cuisine. The afternoon is free to explore the laid-back pueblo vibes before heading back to the city.

Day 4

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Guatapé & Ashram

We depart the city early for Guatapé, renowned for its vibrant and colorful buildings, and the famous El Peñol rock. We'll climb the 740 steps (a practice in itself) to take in the breathtaking views of the lakes below.

From Guatapé we continue on to our next destination, a peaceful ashram nestled in the Antioquian mountains. We settle in, relax and slow our pace to the rhythms of nature in our new surroundings.

Day 5

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Yoga & Stillness in Nature

A full day dedicated to yoga, meditation, and nature immersion.

We will gather for morning and afternoon practices with time throughout the day for rest in the garden or by the river. A day to recharge and reconnect.

Day 6

Day 6 image

From the Mountains to the Caribbean

Practice and breakfast, then we begin our journey to the Caribbean coast.

We fly to Santa Marta, with its beautiful coastline, rich history and proximity to the Sierra Naveda de Santa Marta. Private transport will bring us to a secluded retreat center in the Tayrona foothills.

Arriving in the afternoon, we take time to settle into the tropical rhythm of our retreat center, surrounded by lush jungle and rivers.

Day 7

Day 7 image

River & Indigenous Communities

In the morning we will hike up river to meet an indigenous community of the Kogui tribe. Shaman Agustín and his family will welcome us and share information and stories from their way of life within the jungle.

We will head back via a most leisurely and captivating view of our surroundings...tubing down river to our retreat center home away from home!

Day 8

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Choose Your Path

Today we have two options. Pick the journey that speaks to you...

Option A: Explore the legendary Tayrona National Park, hike to hidden beaches and sacred spots. An adventurous option.

Option B: Enjoy the day at our retreat center, focus on wellness therapies, or simply relax.

Day 9

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Time to Bid Farewell

Our final morning together will include practice and a sacred ceremony of gratitude, guided by shaman Agustín. The sangha may head our separate ways, but our time together in mindful travel is a bond shared, and long remembered.

After breakfast/brunch, transportation is arranged to take travelers to Santa Marta airport (SMR) for flights back home.

Those travelers interested in staying in Colombia and continuing to journey, suggestions can be offered.

Our itinerary is thoughtfully designed, but travel in new lands often brings unexpected opportunities. Activities may shift slightly due to weather, local events, or other circumstances beyond our control. We’ll always communicate any changes and ensure they add to the spirit of the journey.

Location

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1. El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

About your organizer

As a senior teacher and retreat guide, Valerie's intention is to create a welcoming space wherever the road takes us, having previously guided journeys to India, Thailand, Patagonia, Mexico and Costa Rica. Nearly 30 years of practice experience fills her with deep gratitude for the exceptional teachers who have supported her practice, on-going education, and personal evolution. Val believes that traditional wisdom practices are beneficial to all and seeks to share her passion with others.

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