Experience a trip of a lifetime in the Galapagos!  Practice Yoga everyday and learn how to Stand Up Paddleboard as we explore the islands!

Travel Arrangements

Flights should be arranged to Quito, Ecuador.  To visit as a tourist, you will need a valid passport. The passport must have an expiration date of greater than six months after your return date.  You will receive a migration form from the airline you fly with.  Please keep this form with your passport at all times. You must have it to exit the country.

ARRIVING:

Participants will need to book their arrival flight no later then Thursday November 1st, 2018.

We will be meeting with you on Friday morning in the lobby at a small Guest House near the airport called Arie's Bike Company.  The information for this Guest House is in the link, just click here.  Rooms are only $25/night.  This is the most convenient place to stay when you arrive into Quito from the Airport as we will be leaving for the islands on Friday from the same Airport.  If you wish to stay at another hostel, you will need to meet with the group at Arie's at 9am on DAY 1, Friday, of the trip.  Please let us know what your plans are. 

You will be responsible for making reservations for the beginning and end of this trip. 

Departing:

Reservations for a hotel room at the end of the trip would start on the evening of:

Saturday November 10th

If your flight leaves on Sunday evening then you need to book a room for the end of your stay.  

MEALS

Meals will be served at three different lodges we will be staying at on the Galapagos.  We will go out of our way to accommodate special eating restrictions, but take into consideration that we will be experiencing a different culture with food specialties we may never have tried before.  Do not anticipate food to be prepared the same as at home.  Dishes tend to be grilled with very few sauces. On the Galapagos there will be a lot of sea food options as well as vegetarian dinners.  In general, fresh fruit and eggs are ubiquitous, and rice, yucca and potatoes are staples with every meal. The only real challenge in islands is gluten-free and vegan  options.  We recommend you bring gluten free bread and/or tortillas with you.  There is a Participant form that asks about special dietary requirements.  If the requirements seem specific we will need to talk on the phone about how to accommodate your needs. 

ABOUT THE ISLANDS

Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galápagos are a ‘melting pot’ of marine species. Ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflects the processes that formed the islands. These processes, together with the extreme isolation of the islands, led to the development of unusual animal life – such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch – that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.  UNESCO

THE CLIMATE

The November months can be cool.  the season is usually cloudy and dry.  The average temperatures are 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, cooler in the evenings.  The water temperature is approximately 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

THE CAPITAL: QUITO

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a beautiful city.  At 9,400 ft., it is surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes ¾  just 24 kilometers from the equator.  Although it was an important Indian City in Inca and pre-Inca times, its indigenous buildings have been erased, and today it is divided between the colonial architecture and sculpture of its Spanish conquest days and the clean line of its modern section. This combination of well-preserved colonial churches and contemporary architecture makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Latin America. Quito is very urban, full of ex-patriots, and their influence is everywhere. It is a well-traveled country for Europeans and staying in Quito will be one of the highlights of your trip.

THE PEOPLE AND THE CULTURE

The Culture of the Galapagos Islands
Although only 25,000 people populate the idyllic Galapagos Islands, it is home to storied cultural diversity defined by a mix of various ethnicities, customs, and traditions. Annexed by Ecuador in 1832, this volcanic archipelago constitutes one of the four ecological zones of the country and has cultural influences from Europe, the U.S., and mainland Ecuador.

Currently, only four of the islands are inhabited by people – Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, and San Cristobal. The rest of the islands are in pristine condition with visitor sites carefully managed and maintained by the Galapagos National Park. In fact, the Galapagos Islands are so culturally and biologically diverse that they are on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Columbus Travel

THINGS TO KNOW

When you go on vacation in a foreign country, leave your North American time schedule behind.  Life moves at a different pace in Ecuador.  You will find that many times you will hurry up, just to end up waiting.  Remember, you’re on vacation so leave your watch behind and let us do the logistics for you!

To visit as a tourist, all you need is a valid passport. You will want to make at least one copy of your passport before departing home.  You should carry a passport or photograph/copy of it at all times.

VACCINATIONS?

No vaccinations are required to enter the country. Diarrhea is the most common illness. We personally recommend Hepatitis, Tetanus and Flu Shots.  In addition, do not drink the tap water (bottled water is readily available). Stay clear of uncooked vegetables, salads not properly treated or unpeeled fruits.  Malaria is a small risk in the lower coastal regions. click for most recent report on Malaria.  We strongly encourage you to consult your personal physician about what would be best for you.

Check with the CDC current information on travel to Ecuador.  (click for link) You are responsible for making your own decisions regarding travel vaccinations and all participants are required to have travelers insurance for the entire time during the ten day trip.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Required

Here is the link to a web site where you can make a decision on traveler insurance.   Make sure the insurance you purchase will cover activities you wish to enjoy on this trip.  I purchase mine with Allianz Global Assistance.  Here is the link:  Travel Insurance

Bring strong sunscreen and a hat.  Altitude sickness can sometimes affect travelers arriving in Quito. Andean air is thin, so take it easy for the first day.

MONEY

Plan on bringing your money in small bills ($5 and $10 bills). It is difficult to find change for large bills (and a $20 is considered large on the street!).  Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops in Quito.  Us dollars are used on the Islands so there should be no need to exchange money unless you are traveling before or after this trip in Ecuador.

COMMUNICATION

If you need to stay in touch with those at home, plan on the following: In Quito it is effortless. There are Internet Cafes on every block, providing inexpensive computer time and Internet phone calls.  Cell phone service is exceptionally good in Ecuador. But check with your carrier about an international plan before you depart. Take caution making a phone call from a hotel room or through a US phone service—both are very expensive, especially relative to the Internet or phone cards.  Once out of Quito, you will have daily Internet access, although not always reliable.

Most places we will be staying has internet on the islands but it is very slow.  Best to leave your internet needs behind and enjoy the way of island life and simply relax.  There is a book list on this web site with good books to bring on the subject of Galapagos.

WHAT TO DO WITH EXTRA DAYS

Ecuador offers such a great diversity that we cannot possibly acquaint you with it all in your days of paddling.  We highly encourage you to spend some extra time touring Ecuador’s fascinating sites.  Options to get you started include: time in Quito with its churches and museums and great places to just “hang out”; climbing Volcano Cotopaxi or Chimborazo; Amazon Jungle Tour; 1-day bike trips from Cotopaxi; and the Otavalo Market.

What is included:

This is an all inclusive trip meaning from the time I meet you in Quito on Friday morning at 9:00am till the time I drop you off on Saturday in Quito, everything is included in the price.  Meals start with Lunch Friday, November 2nd and end with Breakfast on Sunday, November 9th.   All lodging, airfare from Quito to Santa Cruz, boat transport and all the listed activities available along with professional guides to help keep the trip safe.  A $500 deposit will secure your spot.

The cost of this trip is $3,500 and must be paid in full by Mid-night Sunday September 16th.

You will need to add $450 if you want a single (by yourself) room.  Most rooms are double occupancy and all participants will be sharing rooms with one another.  If you are traveling with a friend or a partner then you will get a double to share.

The reason for the early deadline is to make sure we are able to reserve everyone's flight to and from Galapagos.  We must have 6 weeks purchase in advance.

Payment options: 

If you are planning on using your credit card, you will be charged 3% in addition to the training cost.  This is the charge fee for using a credit card.  If you would like to send a check for the full amount not including the extra 3%, please write your check to Kristi Murrin and send it to:

Kristi Murrin

Po Box 2631

Crested Butte, Co 81224

** There are only 12 spaces available for the Yoga and Adventure Trip to Galapagos.  Once you have made a payment or a deposit, you are on the list. 

A $500 deposit is required if you would like to reserve your spot in this program before , september 16th 2018.  The option is the first on the drop down menu below.

** Please note**

There is a $250 cancellation fee for anyone who decides to cancel their trip before August 1st. 

There is a $750 cancellation fee for anyone who decides to cancel their trip after September 16th.  

Please fill out the form below when registering, thanks!

ABOUT THE YOGA

We plan to do yoga everyday in the morning and in the evening.  Depending on what the group is in the mood for we have the knowledge and experience to offer a style of yoga that fits the moment and with the activities we will be doing daily, this is important!  All together we have a training background in Vinyasa Flow, Prana Vinyasa, Ayuryoga, Iyengar yoga, SUP Yoga, Restorative Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Trance Dance Yoga.  It is so exciting to offer a trip with one of my closest friends.  The knowledge and background you will be receiving in healing arts during your 9 day adventure is what makes this trip so special.  Our teaching bio's are below.  

Kristi Murrin CHom, 500 E-RYT, Ayuryoga Wellness Consultant, Homeopathic Consultant, Certified Yoga Instructor

Kristi Murrin grew up in West Virginia and moved to Colorado in 1990.  She began her studies with healing arts when she first went to an acupuncturist in Crested Butte for chronic back pain.  She was recommended to an Iyengar yoga class and after the first week of classes she knew yoga would always be an important part of her life. 

Her interest for the healing arts grew and in 1993 she moved to Boulder, Co to begin her studies in Homeopathy at the International School of Homeopathy.  There she spent four years completing a certification program for Homeopathic Consultation.  At the same time she continued her education at the University of Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.

Her passion for adventure and travel led her to a job teaching at a traveling high school for teenagers who are advanced whitewater kayakers.  For six years she travelled around the world teaching math, science and occasionally yoga to the World Class Kayak Academy Students.  She still has a great passion for the sport of whitewater kayaking and has kayaked in Africa, China, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru and all over the US.

In 2010 she decided to travel to Indonesia and complete her first of many certifications to teach yoga with the School of Sacred Arts.  Since then, she now has over 500hrs of training with Shiva Rea, the creator and founder of Prana Flow©, a vinyasa style of yoga that integrates natural body movement with the alignment of breath and asana. 

Her most recent studies have been focused on the ancient teachings of Ayurveda, and has completed her 500hr certification as a AyuryogaÒ Wellness Consultant with Maria Garre and Dr. Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic institute in Albuquerque New Mexico.   Ayurveda teaches the art of living in harmony with the five elements in nature.   She is also trained in Ayurvedic Marma Point Therapy and Pulse diagnosis.

In the last two years, Kristi has been invited to teach weekend seminars for Yoga Teacher Trainings on Ayurveda, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yin Yoga and Vinyasa Flow.  She has a love of teaching and travelling; two activities she is finally meshing together to create magical trips focused on creating an environment for any adventure enthusiast who enjoys exploring the natural environment and a deeper connection to their personal self healing, growth and awareness. 

Kristi is a full time resident of Crested Butte Colorado and has a Homeopathy, Ayurveda and Yoga practice available for private consultations. Her contact number is (970)596-7337 to schedule an appointment.    Or visit her web page at www.kristimurrin.com

Abe Herrera Guide

Abe and I have been friends now since I first traveled to Ecuador in 2015 for a Kayaking trip.  We became friends immediately.  We both have worked for World Class Kayak Academy and shared funny stories about traveling to different countries with teenagers kayaking some of the biggest rivers in the world.  His great sense of humor and willingness to accommodate visitors to his home country, Ecuador, is infectious.  He has a lot of passion for traveling, exploring and just living the good life. 

Abe and I lead a trip to the Amazon together in November 2016 and it was one of the best trips I have ever been on.  It was super easy to lead a trip with this super fun and also highly experienced outdoor adventure enthusiast.  It was nice to know that I had someone else who has had many years of experience on the rivers and leading trips as I have had.  We work well together and I look forward to leading this trip with him.  

Abe has been a trip leader in the Galapagos Islands for 5 years introducing the area to the new sport of SUP boarding.  He has great knowledge and experience on the islands and believes SUP boarding is the best way to explore the islands.  He is a representative of SOL Paddle boards out of Telluride and spends part of the year in Telluride,  Colorado.  Abe is our logistics coordinator for the trip and everyday we will be hiring a local Galapagos Guide to show us the most amazing diversity these islands have to offer.

"After meeting the SOL team at the FibArk Festival in Salida, CO a bond was formed immediately. I have been with SOL for 3 years and "it has been the best time of my life." I am native of Ecuador but American at heart. The river is that place where I spend most of my time. I've been a professional paddler full time for the last 10 years exploring rivers in the Arctic to the Patagonia.

I have dedicated my life to explore rivers in Ecuador since 2007 and now we are using SOL Boards we have been exploring new rivers in the deep Amazon Jungle of Ecuador to the beautiful blue waters of the Galapagos Islands. It has been an eye opening ride. Looking forward to an amazing SUP season again in 2018!"  Abe

Below is a website I found that have some great books to check out:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE: Holbrook Travel Site