An immersive women’s+ retreat to
reconnect with your creativity—
Take a trip behind the scenes into the culture, tradition and arts of Ecuador with like-minded women, on this 7-day, all inclusive, heart-opening experience happening August 10-16, 2024.
We’ve spent years developing meaningful relationships with artisans in Ecuador who open their homes and studios to us to learn traditional crafts alongside them. This is a unique opportunity to explore creativity through hands-on workshops, embodiment practices and group reflection.
About the Trip
We believe creativity is our most precious resource…. And the good news is we’ve all got it! Sometimes it’s just buried beneath screen time and our to do lists.
Our trips are designed to wake up your creative spirit. We get our hands dirty creating alongside local artisans and we take a step back to reflect on creativity in our day to day lives.
This isn’t just a retreat… This is a deep dive into traditional crafts, connection to the earth and our innate, creative magic as women.
What's Included?
- 7 days, 6 nights
- 4 nights at the Lago de San Pablo Villa, outside of Otavalo
- 2 nights at a bed and breakfast, in the Intag Cloudforest
- Three nourishing meals a day
- All transportation during the trip
- Make Your Own Hat Workshop (hat included)
- Make Your Own Leather Wallet Workshop (wallet included)
- Natural Dye + Plant Fiber Workshop
- Guided volcano and cloud forest hike
- Cacao ceremony and embodying creativity workshop
- Daily yoga, mediation or breathwork
- Creativity focused journaling exercises and reflection
- Payment to our artisan partners
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Early Bird Pricing: $2500 all inclusive*
Normal Pricing: $2750 all inclusive*
Inclusivity Scholarship
* Does not include: Trip Insurance, Airfare, Alcohol, Tips
Hands-on Workshops
Design Your Own Hat: We’ll spend the day at the small, family-owned hat studio to understand how hats are made and to design one for ourselves.
Make Your Own Wallet: An afternoon visit to our leathersmith’s home studio for a tour, wallet workshop and conversation surrounding the impacts of leather.
Natural Dyes + Fibers: We’ll spend an entire day hanging out and learning alongside our artisan partners to create our own batch of natural dyes. Bring your own t-shirt or fabric to dye. You will also witness and learn about cabuya, the cactus fiber we use in our bags.
Take a break from your day to day and join us for a creative exploration immersed in the magic of Ecuador
If your heart is calling you we suggest securing your spot in advance. There's only 9 spots available for August and this trip will be our only offering this year.
Where we will be...
We will be in the Imbabura Region of Northern Ecuador, spending time outside of the indigenous cities, Otavalo, Cotacotchi and Lago de San Pablo all nestled between gorgeous mountain views and home to friendly locals.
We will also be in the Intag Cloudforest. This is one of the world’s most bio diverse ecosystems. Rich rainforest, fertile farmland and thousands of plants and animals. Mostly farmers, artisans and indigenous communities live in this remote paradise. Days begin with birds chirping, afternoon sun and a thick blanket of clouds that linger along the mountain tops.
Lago de San Pablo Villa
Close to a local, mountain village and just 25 minutes from the famous Otavalo market town. This space has lush gardens, beautiful views, a San Pedro Cactus walking labyrinth and fireplace. (4 nights)
A Quaint Bed & Breakfast
A cute and quaint place that's deep within the Intag Cloudforest and set right on the river. This rustic B&B supports tropical conservation education and surrounded by all the local flora and fauna. (2 nights)
This trip couples hands on workshops with reflection, embodiment practices and group processing leaving us renewed and inspired for whatever our next chapter brings. Our community members have gone on to create businesses, art projects, babies (only partial credit for that one) and have made major shifts in their lives after this experience.
Do I have to be a "creative"?
No! To us, creativity is all about following your curiosities and experimenting. Whether this is crafting a delicious meal, provoking vulnerable conversations or painting a masterpiece… you, my friend, are a creative ;)
Is everything included in the price?
Yes m’am! Everything except alcohol, trip insurance and your flight out here.
What's the food like?
All meals are included! Some of the time we’ll be cooking from home with our private chef and other times we’ll be hitting the town for some local eats. Let us know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions and we can accommodate.
How many women are on the trip?
We keep our group to 9 guests to create a more intimate, small group experience.
What's the closest airport to fly in and out of?
Quito is the closest airport, about 1.5 hours from Otavalo.
Will I have my own room?
No. We stay in an adobe home which gives us the space to connect through family meals and hangouts — with this comes shared sleeping quarters + shared bathrooms. There is one opportunity to share a King bed with a pal for a $250 discount or to pay for the room yourself. All other rooms are shared between 2-3 people.
Who are the hosts?
Emily Rathmanner - Emily spent 4 years solo traveling before she landed in Ecuador, connected with our artisan partners and created the brand, Minga. She is our connection to the local communities, helps with translation and will provide all the behind the scenes insights into running her small artisan-based business.
Marlee Newman- For over 10 years, Marlee has design and led biking and hiking trips all over the world. She’s led service trips through East Africa, studied yoga in India and is a certified breathwork facilitator. Her superpowers are leaning into "type two fun" and sniffing out the best bakery in any city.
Will you be offering any scholarships or discounts for people coming from Ecuador?
Yes, we will be offering 1-2 $500 scholarships for those who identify as BIPOC or come from Ecuador descent. Please Apply Here.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we are offering a payment plan or you may pay in full.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No worries if you don't speak Spanish, we will help with that through translation and explanations. This is a great chance to learn!
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we require that all participants are signed up for travel insurance that covers personal injury, medical expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. Travel insurance typically costs between $50-$100 USD. We recommend the following options: World Nomads, USI or Allianz.
Do you offer refunds?
No, we do not, but you can always put the trip towards your friends' stay.
