TASTE OF TRANQUILITY

What is included:

All Retreat Sessions in a beautiful eco resort located in the cloud forest

2 Group Zoom calls before departure to get acquainted with everyone and get all your questions answered before we go

6 nights private lodging

All transportation in Ecuador including airport transfers

All meals except first and last night dinner at EB Airport Hotel

All activities and tours: Equator Visit, Chocolate Factory, Hummingbird Reserve, Waterfall Cable Car, Butterfly House, Cooking Class, Coffee Farm Tour

20% discount on spa services.

One complimentary private prayer session after the retreat. Further sessions available at a deep discount.

Access to Private Facebook Group

Not included:

Airfare, tips for staff, personal shopping, spa services, food in transit and airport hotel dinners, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance. Extra activities like tubing, zip lining, professionally guided bird watching and many other activities in the area are available to add on, and can be arranged by the front desk at Las Terrazas de dana.

What are the travel dates?

Arrive in Quito Ecuador (UIO) Saturday January 24. A shuttle from the airport to the beautiful EB Hotel is included even for very late flights arriving after midnight.

We will check out of the eco resort on Friday, January 30 and be transported back to EB Hotel near the airport, where we will have the day to enjoy the hotel amenities before the airport shuttle for late night flights.

Each traveler will need to book their own flights to Ecuador. When you decide to go, you should book your flights immediately to assure availability. Let’s book a call to talk about travel arrangements and answer all your questions. I am happy to help….planning trips is what I do for fun!

What travel documents should I bring?

Make sure your passport is current. You must have at least six months before expiration at the time of travel. Have one extra form of identification and take a credit and debit card. Make paper copies and take photos of all of your documents and credit cards.

What is the Eco Resort like?

The cloud forest of Mindo, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse and fascinating ecosystems in the world, where you can observe hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, orchids and other animals and plants. Enveloped by this natural paradise, you will find Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa, a boutique lodge and spa that offers a different stay to its guests.

Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa is a family project created with meticulous attention to every detail to achieve a unique site focused on relaxation and personalized service of the highest level.

Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa is an establishment that cares about the environment and the community. The lodge has sustainable practices such as waste recycling, composting of organic matter, wastewater treatment and the use of biodegradable products. The hotel also supports the local population, hiring staff from Mindo, Ecuador as well as from little neighboring villages, buying products from farmers and artisans in the area and collaborating with social and educational projects.

Las Terrazas de Dana offers a unique and memorable experience to its guests, combining luxury, comfort, gastronomy, wellness, and adventure, with respect and love for nature and culture. It is an oasis of peace and beauty in the cloud forest, where you can disconnect from stress and connect with the essence of life.

The Mindo area offers plenty of experiences suitable for everyone, regardless of age or preference. Venture up the valley on the cable car, and find yourself in a sanctuary of waterfalls waiting to be explored. The butterfly farm invites you to understand the life cycle of these delicate creatures while admiring their varied shapes and vibrant colors. Be awestruck by the sight of orchids no larger than your finger…and experience the thrill of feeding hummingbirds, feeling their powerful wings flutter close to you. Indulge your senses in the art of chocolate making, savoring each unique flavor of the many artisanal varieties. The Coffee Farm Tour allows you to roast, grind and savor your own personally brewed cup of Ecuadorian coffee. For those seeking a rush of adrenaline, canopying, tubing, and canyoning provide the perfect blend of excitement and adventure.

Itinerary:

Friday, January 24: Fly to Quito and overnight at EB Hotel

Saturday January 25: Buffet Breakfast and 2 Stops on the way to the resort: Equator Museum Hummingbird Reserve

Sunday January 26: :Breakfast, Butterfly Pavilion, Chocolate Tour

Monday, January 27: Breakfast, Cable Car Ride, Waterfall Hike

Tuesday, January 28: Breakfast, Free Choice Day Optional Bird Watching

Wednesday, January 29: Breakfast, Coffee Tour, Cooking Class for Lunch

Thursday January 30: Breakfast, check out of eco resort, travel to Crater Overlook National Park for shopping and check into Airport Hotel until late night departure from Quito Airport.

Can I go early or stay later than the retreat?

You are welcome to extend your travel either before or after our dates, and I will make sure you have information for our pickup point in Quito where we will be transported to the Eco Resort in Mindo. Transportation from Quito to Mindo and return to the airport is included in the retreat cost. Two nights in the airport hotel (one on arrival and one the night before departure) are also included with five nights at the resort.

Do I need travel insurance?

Each traveler will be responsible for their own travel expenses in case of medical emergencies or flight disruption. Some of these policies include medical evacuation and other benefits, so it is highly recommended. You have many travel insurance options. Here is one: https://www.withfaye.com/

What currency is used in Ecuador?

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar.

Before starting your trip to Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa, make sure you have enough cash with you, because there is no ATM in Mindo.  I’ll give you some ideas on our zoom call about cash you might want to bring. 

At Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa, all spa charges can be paid by credit card without any surcharge.  Tips are individually paid in cash.  

What is the Tipping Protocol in Ecuador?

Tipping at Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa is an optional gesture of appreciation for excellent service. Should you feel moved to express your appreciation through a tip at the conclusion of your stay, the amount is entirely at your discretion. The team is dedicated to providing exceptional service without any expectation of gratuity.

We will cover more on tipping at our zoom call so you can be prepared.  

What is the weather like?

In the Mindo Valley, the weather can be unpredictable. Throughout the year, there are typically sunny mornings, so we recommend doing all outdoor activities in the morning. In the afternoons, it usually rains, so you can do activities in the town then.

The months with the most rain are March and April (with a lot of bird activity), and the hottest months are July and August. The temperature ranges from 20 to 26 °C (68 to 79 °F) all year round.

What should I pack?

Please bring very comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, and lots of layers. There is laundry service at the resort. This retreat will be geared to rest and recreation.

This is our suggestion of things to pack for your adventure in the cloud forest:

• Hat or cap

• Sunglasses

• Bathing suit for the onsite pool

• Dark or earth-toned long sleeve tees or expedition shirts

• Dark or earth-toned lightweight pants

• Breathable or moisture-wicking crew length socks

• Comfortable hiking shoes

• Raincoat or Rain poncho

• Sunblock with at least 50 FPS

• Natural insect repellent

• Camera & accessories

• Lightweight sweater or jacket

• Portable flashlight

• Ziploc style bags in which to keep your items dry

What is the Food Like?

 Food in Mindo, Ecuador is a flavorful fusion of freshness and comfort, nestled in the heart of the cloud forest. This lush little town is known for its farm-to-table goodness, with ingredients often harvested the same day. Think grilled trout caught from local rivers, tropical fruit smoothies bursting with mango, passionfruit, and soursop, and rich Ecuadorian chocolate in every imaginable form—from hot cocoa to hand-crafted truffles. All meals are included with the retreat at no extra charge.

Breakfast is served from 7:30am along with the singing of birds and a beautiful view of the mountain and Mindo´s valley. The restaurant will provide a variety of Ecuadorian and international dishes, as well as very good steaks.  There are plenty of vegetarian offerings, and the resort will have your dietary preferences before we arrive.  

At Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa all food and drinks prepared in the restaurant are made with purified water.

Is the Water safe to drink?

Always make sure to drink bottled water and bring your reusable bottles to refill at the permanent purified water station, which also offers unlimited coffee and tea. A large purified water dispenser is available to refill water bottles at the coffee and tea station. There will always be a carafe with purified water in your room.  You can use the sink water to brush your teeth without any problems.  Bottled water is also available for purchase on-site.

What about bugs?

At Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa, insects don’t pose a significant issue.

In Ecuador, there is no need for vaccinations against malaria or dengue, as we do not have these diseases in Mindo. You might come across sandflies or mosquitoes. As a precaution during walks, it is recommended to wear protective clothing with long sleeves and trousers, preferably wear colors like khaki or olive green, as bright colors attract insects.  Ensure you always have repellent accessible and use it frequently to avoid bites.  

What Languages are spoken?

In the lodge Spanish and English are spoken. We think that part of being sustainable is having local people on our team with whom we have small daily English classes, and little by little they lose their fear of speaking.

In town, English is also commonly spoken in the tourism-related businesses.

All our birding guides speak English and also some of our drivers.

Power outlets and WiFi?

Same as the US. Some outlets have a grounded 3 prong and some outlets 2 prong. It’s incredible to be surrounded by captivating nature, amazing sounds and millions of birds, and at the same time have a 50 MB Wi-Fi service and connectivity with all mobile operators.

What about Safety and Security?

Mindo is a secure and serene small town, and you can do all the activities in town as well as in nature with total peacefulness. You can walk its streets and restaurants, and as a recommendation if it gets late and you return after dark it is better to take a taxi because the road to the lodge is very dark.

At Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa all our rooms have a safe deposit box where you can store your valuables and documents. We also have Closed Circuit TV.

What is the time zone in Ecuador?

In mainland Ecuador, the local time zone is GMT-5 all year round. During some parts of the year this will be Eastern Time US, and some parts of the year will be Central Time US.

Given that the country is situated on the equator, there are 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness every day of the year. Here in the middle of the world daylight breaks at 6 a.m. and nightfall descends at 6 p.m.

Altitude: 1285 m or 4218 ft above the sea level.

What are your terms and conditions?

Thank you for choosing to journey with us!  The following guidelines are here to ensure that your retreat experience is smooth, safe, and joy-filled.  Please read them carefully.

Payment details

Payments must be made in US Dollars.  Full payment is due no later than 3 weeks prior to the retreat start date.  Last minute bookings accepted with availability

Travel Arrangements

All travel to and from the retreat is your responsibility and at your own expense.  While we are happy to help with recommendations, Susan Smith and New Vista Journeys cannot be held responsible for travel delays, cancellations, or missing documentation.

Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance that covers:

Retreat cancellations

Trip Delays

Illness or medical emergencies

Lost or stolen belongings.  

Be sure your policy covers all activities offered during the retreat, and consider bringing a copy of your policy with you

Your Health and Well-Being

Please inform us before the retreat of any injuries, medical conditions, allergies, or dietary needs.  Always listen to your body.  If something feels uncomfortable during an activity, please stop and let a team member know.  We recommend getting medical clearance from your doctor prior to participation.  Some retreat locations may include uneven terrain or rustic settings.  Participation is at your own risk, and we cannot be responsible for injuries caused by natural conditions.  We reserve the right to decline participation if we believe your health or safety (or that of others) might be at risk.

If you Need to Cancel

All Cancellations must be made in writing.  Because of the deeply personalized nature of our retreats, all deposits and registrations are non-refundable, regardless of the reason–including weather, travel disruptions, health issues, or changes of heart.  If needed we are happy to offer you a credit toward a future retreat.  Please note:  no refunds will be given for any unused portion of your retreat.  However, your travel insurance may reimburse you.

Changes By Us

In the unlikely event that we need to adjust schedules or accommodations, we will notify you right away.  Each retreat requires a minimum of 75% capacity 30 days before it begins.  If this isn’t met, we may cancel the retreat and refund all payments in full

Liability

We promise to deliver a high-quality retreat experience.  However, we are not responsible for disruptions outside our control (e.g., weather, war, travel delays, personal emergencies).  All retreat activities are voluntary and at your own risk.  Susan Smith and New Vista Journeys are not liable for injuries, medical conditions, or loss of property during or after the retreat.  

Concerns or Complaints

If any concerns arise, please let us know right away during the retreat so we can work together toward a solution.  While we strive to create a peaceful community, we are not responsible for the behavior of other guests.

Your Privacy

Your personal information will only be used for communication and retreat planning.  We do not sell or share your data—ever—unless required by law.

Photography & Media

By attending the retreat, you agree that any photos or videos taken during the experience may be used by Susan Smith and New Vista Journeys for promotional or commercial use.  You waive the right to review or approve this content.  

Thank you for taking the time to review this important information.  We can’t wait to welcome you on this beautiful journey!

With Joy,

Susan Smith

New Vista Journeys