Join Pure Immersion Adventures on an authentic escape to Olon, Ecuador for a chance to immerse yourself into a paradise of beauty and tranquility. As a small fishing village, Olon is an idyllic and peaceful locale, bordering miles of untouched beaches with the freedom to relax and explore to your heart’s content. Through daily yoga and meditation classes exploring yoga’s ethical practice of the Yamas and Niyamas, this experience will inspire a way of travel and of living that is pure and holistic, and that fosters self-growth and transformation. As guidelines constituting yoga philosophy, the Yamas and Niyamas are tools of insight into self-study that promote a deeper sense of consciousness and truth within ourselves, with others, and ultimately in our view and understanding of the world. Inviting you to act in ways that nurture contentment, peace, and harmony in your life and yoga practice, the study of these principles will serve as a recipe to reach fulfillment and well-being, all with the help of the ocean’s hum to calm your mind, body, and spirit.
Merge this with the chance to enjoy a variety of activities and excursions within Olon, from horseback riding and prime surfing to exploring the island Isla de la Plata, known as "poor man's Galagpgos" in hosting a beautiful biodiversity and cultural landscape all for an affordable price. See blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigates up close, swim with the Galapagos turtles, plan out a day of snorkeling, fishing, or even scuba diving, and loose yourself in a environment uniquely different from any on Earth! To indulge in a break from tranquility, head on over to to the town of Montanita to get a taste of the area’s vibrant culture and amazing local cuisine. With an array of options for choose from, this retreat to Olon will allow you to personalize your adventure and rejuvenate your soul through a combination of exploration and relaxation.
Kathleen Prantis
As a Colorado native who embraces life with a sense of passion and adventure, Kate lives with a mission is to instill in others the ability to awaken their hearts and minds to this vast and beautiful world. In choosing a dynamic and exciting career path she holds an array of athletic experience beneath her belt, having worked as a swim coach, fitness trainer, alpine and cross country ski instructor, and triathlete/bike tour guide. With this, Kate is constantly challenging herself to broaden her horizons and delve into new endeavors, from rock-climbing to horseback riding to even kiteboarding. Her passion for adventure and travel, sparked from her time spent abroad as a college student at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, has allowed Kate to embrace a fulfilling and exhilarating life path while inspiring others to approach life with the same mindset. Perhaps at the core of this is her transformative journey into yoga. As a certified yoga instructor Kate has harnessed her expertise and zest for travel through a number of exciting opportunities, amongst this a several month journey living off the grid in Nicaragua and eventually the chance to lead her first yoga retreat on Nicaragua’s Little Corn Island. Experiences like these have inspired Kate to share her love for life and adventure within amazing and diverse cultures, especially throughout Central and South America. Her most recent endeavor, an eight week yoga internship in Medellin Colombia coupled with the opportunity to teach her practice to local natives, is yet another test to the spirited mindset she carries with her.
Wilson Castaneda
Born and raised in the Colombian city of Medellin, Wilson is a man of colorful character with an authentic and heartfelt story, having grown up during turbulent times in what what once considered one of the world's most dangerous cities. As a sibling among seven in a family on a constant search for new and better opportunities, Wilson experienced a reality that was common to many. After marrying and becoming a father he emigrated to the United States, working his way up from dishwasher to chef at a restaurant in the city of Boston; a ten year journey joined by much effort and sacrifice. In returning to Medellin in 2013, his life took an unexpected turn with the opportunity of working in the transportation and tourism industry, where he has been providing guided tours and transport within the city of his youth. Having been featured by television personality Andrew Zimmern, Wilson’s depth of travel knowledge coupled with his vibrant personality and bilingual skills makes any experience led by him to be one that is memorable and worthwhile.