If you cancel your reservation:

61 days or more prior to the start of the retreat, you receive 50% of the money you have paid (minus a non-refundable $500 administrative fee).

31-60 days prior to the start of the retreat, you receive: 20% of the money you have paid (minus a non-refundable $500 administrative fee).

0-30 days prior to the start of the retreat, no refunds are given.

To cancel, you must send an email stating that you wish to do so to hello@barbieenruta.com

There will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness.

Most of lodging will be shared accommodations with another member of the group, but if it’s important for you to have your own room, please email me at hello@barbieenruta.com and I will do my best to accommodate you.

note: At Hacienda Paraiso all accommodations will be shared as per the style of the lodge.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your date of entry in order to enter Ecuador. You will not be allowed to enter the country with a passport that expires within six months of your date of entry. Be sure to check your passport now to see if you meet this requirement so you can secure a timely renewal if necessary. No visa is required for entry with a Canadian or US passport.

We require that you purchase travel insurance (medical & flight cancellation) for your time away from home. This kind of travel can be unpredictable.

You’ll fly into the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador. A private taxi will be there to greet you and bring you to Cuenca, which is a short 3 hour car ride.

WiFi is accesible in every location we will visit.

In February, the Ecuadorian Andes experience cool temperatures and relatively dry conditions, as it falls within the region's dry season (June–September).

Both Cuenca and Alausí experience cool temperatures with frequent rainfall. Cuenca sees average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F), with rain over 16 days, moderate sunshine, and a high UV index. Alausí has similar temperatures, ranging from 16°C (61°F) during the day to 7°C (45°F) at night, but experiences heavier rainfall with high humidity. Given the weather conditions, you should pack layered clothing, including sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a warm jacket for cooler evenings. Waterproof jackets, sturdy footwear, and umbrellas are essential for the rain, while sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are necessary due to the strong UV exposure despite the cooler climate. By preparing for fluctuating conditions, attendees will stay comfortable throughout the retreat.

You'll have an opportunity to purchase local handmade crafts like jewelry and ceramics. We suggest $250 in personal spending cash.

Once you register, you will receive our suggested packing list. We do encourage you to pack lightly and pack only what you will need.

In countries like Ecuador, diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and hepatitis can be contracted. However, if the necessary preventative steps are taken, these illnesses can be successfully avoided. This information is provided to keep you safe and healthy during the trip.

• Immunizations: No immunizations are required for entry into Ecuador unless you are entering from an endemic area. Yellow fever immunization is required if you are passing through any other South American country on your way to Ecuador (even when you are only in an airport) or if you are entering Ecuador from an endemic area. The Center for Disease Control has an extensive website with travel related information at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. Your Ecuadorian consulate can also advise you on current requirements.

Please consult your healthcare professional or local travel clinic for more information on these topics and to meet your specific needs. It is generally recommended to have an updated Hep A, Hep B, and Tetanus vaccination. If you choose to get a typhoid vaccination we recommend taking it orally for less side effects.

Ecuador’s economy is based on the US dollar so there is no need to make an exchange. Be sure to bring your money in loose change and dollars in smaller denominations (mostly $1’s, $5’s, $10’s and just a few $20’s). Most vendors and local businesses will not have the appropriate change and $1 and $5 bills will be very handy and even necessary.

Credit cards may be accepted at larger establishments but often with a surcharge.

ATMs are available only in Ecuador’s larger cities and pin numbers must not be longer than 4 digits. You will have access to an ATM in Cuenca upon arrival and then in Alausi.