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About this trip
If you're considering a move to the tranquil and picturesque Vilcabamba valley, this Retreat is for you! The experts at Abundant Living Ecuador will be your hosts throughout a week-long tour of Vilcabamba, Malacatos, Loja and other quaint communities in beautiful southern Ecuador. We will connect you with all of the professionals you'll need to know to ensure that your relocation is seamless and worry-free, including visa facilitators, shipping experts to help relocate your household goods, caring professionals to safely transport your beloved pets, and of course, your real estate professionals at Abundant Living Ecuador!
You'll also have fun! We'll visit waterfalls and tour a productive coffee farm; sample delicious cuisine at several delicious local restaurants; stroll along the path beside the Vilcabamba River, and view several properties for sale. We'll introduce you to other expats who, like you, sought out their perfect place and found Vilcabamba. At the end of your visit, you will be fully prepared to make an informed decision to make Vilcabamba your new home. We look forward to seeing you soon!
GETTING HERE: Quito - Loja - Vilcabamba
Aeroregional flies between Quito airport (UIO) and Catamayo (Loja). The flight you'll want to schedule is Aeroregional flight #7A 871, departing at 6:00 am on Saturday morning, July 16.
Abundant Living Ecuador will meet you at the Loja airport and we will travel to Vilcabamba together in a shuttle van.
For your return trip to Quito, the best flight is on Sunday, July 24 at 5:30 pm.
Here is the link for the Quito-Loja itineraries for Aeroregional: https://aeroregional.net/itinerarios/
There are several lodging options near the Quito airport, should you need accommodations prior to your Aeroregional flight. We have had good experiences with the EB Hotel and with the Wyndham. The airport also has an executive lounge which we find is comfortable for a stay of several hours. (links below)
https://www.ebhotels.com/quito/61-About
https://www.layoverstayquito.com/
Aeroregional Baggage Policy
UPDATE: Aeroregional's baggage policy is not listed on their website, so we reached out to them for details. Ticketed passengers are allowed two checked bags weighing up to 23kg (50 pounds) each and one carry-on bag weighing up to 10kg (22 pounds). They did clarify that an extra personal item, such as a purse or laptop is NOT included, so if you have those items they will have to be placed inside of your carry-on.
You may check additional bags at a cost of $30USD per case. I hope this information helps with your travel planning!
What’s included
- 8 nights' lodgingHostería El Descanso Del Toro offers the highest level of luxury and comfort in Vilcabamba.
- MealsVilcabamba boasts a variety of cuisines including Indian, Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, and of course, Ecuadorian. All of your meals during the Retreat are included in the price.
- Recreational ActivitiesDuring the Retreat you'll have opportunities to participate in activites which may include yoga, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and others. Your registration fee includes these activities.
- Ground TransportationFrom the moment we greet you at the Loja airport in Catamayo through the end of the Retreat, all ground transportation is included with your registration.
What’s not included
- Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic beverages will be available at most restaurants and tiendas at client expense.
- Int'l or local flightsParticipants are responsible for airline transporation to from their home location to Quito, and for the Aeroregional flight from Quito to Loja
- Extended staysClients who choose to arrive before or to stay after the Retreat to enjoy more of this beautiful country are welcome to do so at their own expense.
Itinerary
You will arrive to Loja airport at 7h50m Saturday morning, on Aeroregional flight 7A 871. Abundant Living Ecuador will meet you at the airport and we will travel together in a shuttle van to the hotel, Hostería El Descanso Del Toro, in Vilcabamba. Following check-in, you may opt to rest from traveling or venture out with us to the organic farmers' market, grab a coconut at Sonia's Natural Store, and a walking tour of Vilcabamba. We'll meet back at Del Toro for a mid-day meal and meet & greet. In the afternoon, at about 4 o'clock, you may opt to either relax on the beautiful Descanso del Toro grounds or take an easy nature hike along the river path. At 5:30 we'll travel together to El Mexicano restaurant, enjoy after dinner entertainment, and then end the day with our "Ecuador 101" presentation.