DESTINATION: TRANSFORMATION
How much does the retreat cost?

$2249 includes:

All Retreat Sessions, 6 nights private lodging, in-country transportation, all meals including our Farewell Feast on the last night, activities, and 20% discount on spa services.

Not included:

Airfare, tips for staff, personal shopping and spa services. Your individual airline tickets must be booked and remaining balance of $1999 paid by July 9, 2025. Reservations are transferable, and payment plans may be available.

$250 deposit holds your spot.

Early Bird Discount for limited time only: $500 discount if paying in full by May 1: Total $1749.

What is the Eco Resort like?

Mindo offers plenty of experiences suitable for everyone, regardless of age or preference. Venture up the valley via chairlift, 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 our artisanal varieties. For those seeking a rush of adrenaline, canopying, tubing, and canyoning provide the perfect blend of excitement and adventure.

Mindo is not just a place; It’s the experience of a lifetime!

Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa

https://www.lasterrazasdedana.com/

Activity link: Hummingbirds, Chocolate, Waterfalls, Orchids: https://www.lasterrazasdedana.com/mindo-all-inclusive-program-4days-3nights/

How will we travel there?

I will be traveling on Sunday, September 7 to Ecuador on American Airlines Flight #2259 departing Miami International Airport (MIA) at 7:35 PM. It is a 4 hour non-stop flight, arriving in Quito (UIO), Ecuador around 10:50 PM. Lodging that night near the airport is included.

We will check out of the eco resort on Friday, September 12 and be transported back to the Quito Hotel near the airport for our Farewell Feast. The return flight will be Saturday, September 13 at 6:40 AM on American Airlines Flight #932, arriving 12 noon in Miami. This will allow plenty of time to connect with flights back to your local area.

Each traveler will need to book their own flights including the Ecuador flights. When you decide to go, you should book your flights immediately to assure availability. You are welcome to travel with me or on different flights if you wish.

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. It’s a good idea to notify your card holder and bank of upcoming international travel.

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 four nights at the resort.

Do I need travel insurance?

Here are several recommendations for travel insurance information. Each traveler will be responsible for their own travel expenses in case of medical emergencies or flight disruption. Many of these policies include medical evacuation and other benefits, so it is worth looking into. https://www.travelinsure.com/
https://www.usnews.com/insurance/travel/best-travel-insurance

What currency is used in Ecuador?

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. However, you can also find local coins that have the same value as US coins. It is important to remember to exchange these local coins before leaving the country, as they may not be accepted elsewhere.

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.

At Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa, all extra charges can be paid by credit card without any surcharge.  This allows visitors to enjoy their stay without worrying about 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. We invite you to fully immerse yourself in the experience we offer. Should you feel moved to express your appreciation through a tip at the conclusion of your stay, the amount is entirely at your discretion. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service without any expectation of gratuity.

We’ve seen guests choose to give anywhere from $20 to $500, but please know there is no obligation. The choice is yours and any gesture of gratitude, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated.

What is the weather like?

In the Mindo Valley, the weather can be unpredictable. Throughout the year, we have 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 Ecuador is typically very fresh and minimally processed.  Our 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 remains open for lunch and dinner until 8:30pm, where you can find 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 our 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 our permanent purified water station, which also offers unlimited coffee and tea. We will always leave a carafe with purified water in your room.  You can use the sink water to brush your teeth without any problems.

We offer bottled water for purchase on-site and we also have Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa reusable water bottles available.

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 our lodge we speak Spanish and English. 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 our 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 CCTV.

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, we enjoy 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.