An International Immersion Visit & Retreat
Come check out the details below. If you are interested in an 9-day, guided visit to Ecuador in a small group of 4 or less, to join with me in dipping into the culture with local people, feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org.
Schedule
• Arrival / Urban life and roots: 3 days in the capital Quito and in Otavalo
○ Up at 9400 feet, we’ll start in the capital Quito and immerse in the urban and national culture, including a visit to the equator and the historical center. Next, we’ll visit Otavalo, a global indigenous center.
• Rural life and roots: 2 days in Chontal, a remote rural village in the medio-Andes.
○ At about 2100 ft, in a subtropical cloud forest climate, we’ll experience the rhythm of a simpler, poor rural life, integrated into the life of the local people, including the agricultural roots of Ecuador.
• Retreat & relaxation: 3 days in Mindo, an ecotourist center for relaxation, retreat, and reflection.
○ A global bird-watching attraction, we’ll relax in lodgings very close to nature. Waterfalls, chocolate-making tours, butterfly farms, artisan shops and a retreat center will provide context for a time of both guided and free reflection and discussion.
• Return: 1 day in Quito to prepare for a return
Condition: stay on the bridge
We will be traveling among the local people, by public transportation and Uber/taxis, along routes that I’ve known for years that are not part of standard tourist paths, and so do not have built-in tourist “guardrails”. For everyone’s well-being and safety, you must make a signed commitment to follow the guidelines I present. Think of it as “staying on the bridge”. We’ll have a period of private time each day for prayer, reflection, or relaxation.
Other notes:
• Travel: There will be some bus travel times from 2 to 6 hours in some cases, where we will see the mountain- and country-sides.
• Safety: We won’t be in the high-risk zones related to narco-trafficking and high crime. Always “stay on the bridge”.
• Health: Certain vaccinations may be suggested. Traveler’s health insurance is at one’s own discretion. Public health clinics and hospitals are free for foreigners, and private hospitals are very inexpensive compared to US costs.