Ecuador: Medicine & Mountains
December 4-11, 2026
DETAILED ITINERARY | PRICE | FAQS
What Makes This Adventure Special:
The Andes invite a different kind of listening. A slower, quieter attention shaped by altitude, ancestral wisdom, and vast landscapes that naturally turn you inward.
This journey unfolds in the highlands of Ecuador, moving between vibrant cities, sacred waters, equatorial crossroads, and remote mountain haciendas. From the living streets of Quito to private forest lodges beneath towering peaks, each day gently shifts your relationship with time, presence, and self.
At the heart of this experience is something we have never offered before: a carefully held plant medicine ceremony, created specifically for Root Adventures in collaboration with trusted local wisdom keepers. This is not a routine offering or a packaged retreat. It is an intentional, culturally grounded experience rooted in Andean cosmology, preparation, and integration.
Surrounding this inner work is a thoughtfully woven arc of support including Street Wisdom practices, herbal cleanses, temazcal ceremony, equatorial teachings, and meaningful encounters with horses and land. Together, they create the conditions for insight to arise and for what unfolds to be integrated with care.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience Root’s first-ever Andean plant medicine retreat, held with intention and reverence
Explore Quito through Street Wisdom practices
Receive plant blessings and herbal teachings from an Andean community herbalist
Participate in a traditional temazcal ceremony at dusk
Integrate the journey through Horse Guided Empowerment® sessions
Stay in handpicked lodges and historic haciendas surrounded by nature
Move through Ecuador with presence, humility, and deep cultural connection
WHO THIS JOURNEY IS FOR
This experience is designed for those who:
Feel called toward deeper self inquiry and reflection
Value cultural respect and intentional travel
Are open to ceremony and inner work within a supported container
Appreciate a balance of structure and spaciousness
Want both preparation and integration woven into the experience
Plus:
+ Knowledgeable guides with decades of experience and personal connections with locals
+ Daily mindfulness activities and intentional conversation
+ Opportunities to challenge your body and reconnect with Nature
+ Experienced Root tour leader
+ 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide
+ 2 pre-trip Zoom calls
+ Post-trip integration guide
+ 2 post-trip Zoom calls
+ Talk to a real human when booking and planning your trip!
Contact us:
720-743-5516 | INFO@ROOTADVENTURES.COM
The Power of Medicine in the Mountains
For thousands of years, mountains have been places of pilgrimage, prayer, and profound inner work. Their altitude, silence, and vastness naturally quiet the mind and invite a deeper kind of listening. Across cultures, people have journeyed to high places not to escape life—but to see it more clearly.
In the Andes, plant medicines have long been approached with reverence, care, and intention. When held responsibly they are understood not as something that creates insight, but as something that helps remove what stands in the way—softening the ego, amplifying awareness, and allowing deeper truths to surface.
Just as important as the medicine itself is set and setting: the mindset you bring, the environment that holds you, and the guidance that supports the journey. This is why the Andes matter. The purity of the air, the grounding presence of the land, and the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of the region create a container that supports reflection, safety, and integration.
Here, the experience is not about intensity or spectacle. It’s about presence. About being held by the mountains while you turn inward—supported by trusted guides, intentional preparation, and spacious time afterward to integrate what arises.
A quiet return to self.
Anchored by earth.
Held by the mountains.
Detailed Itinerary
click “+” to explore the daily acitivities
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Arrive in Quito
Welcome to Ecuador!
Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and orientation, where we’ll set intentions and walk through what’s to come over the next several days.
Meals: D
*You’ll need to arrive in Quito by 3PM
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Exploring Quito (UNESCO World Heritage City)
Today we experience Quito through the lens of Street Wisdom—a mindful way of exploring that invites presence, curiosity, and listening. Rather than rushing from site to site, we allow the city to speak to us.
We’ll wander the historic Colonial Quarter, visiting landmarks such as the Cathedral and La Compañía Church, one of South America’s finest examples of baroque architecture. Along the way, we’ll experience the culture, art, and food that make Quito one of the best-preserved colonial cities on the continent.
This day serves as a gentle grounding and preparation for the journey ahead.
Meals: B, L, D
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Quito → Otavalo Region
We travel north toward the Andean lake region, stopping first at the sacred Peguche Waterfall, a ceremonial site used for purification rituals during Inti Raymi celebrations.
From there, we visit the vibrant Otavalo Market, one of South America’s most colorful indigenous markets. Here you’ll encounter generations-old weaving traditions, rich textures, and master artisans who proudly share their craft.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Hacienda El Cerotal, our private forest lodge. As dusk falls, we meet Wilman, the medicine man of the San Clemente community, who will lead a traditional temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony, offering a powerful purification and grounding experience.
Meals: B, L, D
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Medicinal Gardens & Plant Medicine Ceremony
In the morning, we hike to a nearby community to visit a medicinal plant garden. Here we meet Doña María, the community herbalist, who shares plant teachings and Andean cosmovision. Those who wish may receive a traditional cleansing and blessing in preparation for the ceremony.
After returning to the lodge, we rest, hydrate, and prepare for our guided plant medicine experience, held with intention and care. The ceremony takes place in the privacy of Hacienda El Cerotal, nestled within an acacia forest.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, participants are fully supported by an experienced facilitation team, with attention given to safety, comfort, and integration.
Quiet spaces for reflection are available, along with herbal teas, light fruits, and a warm gathering area by the fireplace.
Plant medicine during the ceremony is an offering, not a requirement.
This is a fasting day, with gentle nourishment provided.
Meals: Light treats & light dinner included
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El Cerotal → Cotopaxi Region
After breakfast and a slow morning to rest and reflect, we depart toward the Cotopaxi region. Along the way, we visit Quitsato Solar Clock, where the equatorial line crosses the Earth.
Quitsato functions as both a solar clock and a calendar, offering insight into astronomical movement, agricultural cycles, and Andean understandings of time and balance. Locals consider it a time portal—a place to reflect on equilibrium between worlds, energies, and inner states.
We continue south to Hacienda El Porvenir, where a crackling fireplace and warm hospitality await.
Meals: B, L, D
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Horse-Guided Empowerment®
Today is dedicated to integration. At Hacienda El Porvenir, home to over 40 horses and deeply rooted in Chagra (Andean cowboy) culture, we participate in a Horse-Guided Empowerment® session.
Facilitated by a professional life coach, this experience does not involve riding. Instead, horses serve as intuitive mirrors, helping you reflect, feel, and integrate the insights from earlier in the journey. These sessions are known for fostering clarity, emotional coherence, and embodied awareness.
The afternoon is free for journaling, spa time, hiking, or rest.
Meals: B, L ,D
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Horseback Riding & Pachamama Ceremony
For those who wish, the morning begins early with the Chagras as they tend to the horses. After breakfast, we head out for a guided horseback ride across the slopes of Rumiñahui volcano, with sweeping views of the Avenue of Volcanoes and Cotopaxi Volcano.
This ride offers an opportunity to connect with leadership, confidence, and the land itself. Alternative activities are available for those who prefer not to ride.
In the afternoon, we gather for a Pachamama (Mother Earth) gratitude ceremony, offering thanks to the land and planting intentions for what comes next.
We close with an early farewell dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
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Return to Quito or Continue On
After breakfast, we transfer back to Quito’s airport for onward travel. Optional extensions to the Amazon or Galápagos Islands are available for those who wish to continue their journey.
Please inquire for more information about extensions.
Meals: B
*Fly out anytime on this final day!
Price: $5995 per person
Deposit: $500 due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Price based on double occupancy (2 people per room)
Solo travelers will be paired with one another
Single rooms throughout the trip are an additional $950 per person
Payment plans available, please inquire.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL OR TEXT: 720.840.0866
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL OR TEXT: 720.840.0866
frequently asked questions
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We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
+ Accommodation as per the itinerary.
+ English speaking licensed guide.
+ Transportation as per itinerary.
+All guided activities
+ Group Airport pick up and drop off
+ Meals as detailed: B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner
+ All tips/Gratuities
+ Daily mindfulness activities
+ 2 pre-trip calls
+ 2 post trip calls+ Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions logistical, emotional, or otherwise.
+ 3 month pre-trip preparation series
+ 6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience
+ Lifetime access to the Root Community -
Airfare, travel insurance, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and anything not detailed in the itinerary.
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Ecuador’s Andean region is high altitude, which means:
Days can feel warm and sunny
Evenings and mornings can be cool
Weather can shift quickly with elevations
Expect layers — light long sleeves by day, a warm outer layer for mornings and evenings, and comfortable shoes for walking and light hiking.
We’ll share a more specific packing checklist when you sign up.
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You’ll need to fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador before 3PM on Day 1.
From there, our team will meet you and transfer you directly to our first hotel.
You’ll depart from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador anytime on the final day.
We can also help arrange extra nights, transfers, or additional travel plans.
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We classify this trip a level 3 out of 5.
This is not a backpacking or physically intense trip — it’s purposefully paced to support reflection, presence, and ease.
You’ll be walking through cities and nature at a gentle to moderate pace, and there is one day with a light hike to a medicinal plant garden. Optional horseback riding is offered, but not required.
Most activities are accessible to travelers with moderate mobility.
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You’ll stay in comfortable, well-loved lodges and historic haciendas chosen for atmosphere, location, and restfulness — not dorms or hostels.
Rooms are usually double or twin with private bathrooms. Single room upgrades may be available for an additional fee (subject to availability).
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At the heart of this retreat is a guided plant medicine ceremony held with intention, care, and cultural respect.
Here’s what to know:
• Held in a private, supportive setting. The ceremony takes place at a secluded forest lodge and is facilitated by experienced guides with continuous support throughout the experience.
• Preparation and integration are central. You will not arrive unprepared. We provide guidance around mindset, intention, and integration before, during, and after the ceremony.
• This is not recreational. The experience is approached as a ceremonial, inward journey rooted in reverence and reflection.
• Safety and consent come first. Clear expectations, health screening, and ongoing care are part of the container. Time and space for rest and integration are built into the schedule.
If you have specific health considerations, are taking medications, or have questions about readiness, we encourage you to reach out so we can help you discern whether this journey is aligned for you.
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Yes. Ecuador is generally safe for travelers, and as with anywhere in the world, safety is highest when you travel thoughtfully and with trusted local partners.
At Root Adventures, safety is built into how we design our trips. We work closely with experienced local guides, long-standing community partners, and trusted drivers who know the regions intimately.
All accommodations and activities on this journey are carefully vetted, and we move together as a group throughout the trip.
Our time in Ecuador is focused on specific regions, including the Andes, small communities, and rural haciendas, rather than high-risk or unstable areas. We also choose lodging locations that prioritize comfort, privacy, and peace.
As with any international travel, we recommend staying aware of your surroundings, traveling with the group and following guide instructions, leaving valuables at home or secured, and purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind.
We continuously monitor local conditions and adjust plans if needed. Our goal is for you to feel supported, informed, and at ease so you can fully settle into the experience and the journey inward.
If you have specific concerns or questions about safety, we are always happy to talk them through with you directly.
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Yes! We work with local chefs and lodges to accommodate most dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
Please let us know early in the registration process so we can prepare.
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Below is an exact packing list, but generally you’ll want:
Layers for varying temperatures (light shirts, warm layer, rain jacket)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Hat + sunscreen
Any personal comfort items
Nothing fancy — mostly comfortable and practical pieces.
You can find a packing list here. We will also go through gear questions in more detail in our two pre-trip calls.
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Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!
Bring your travels home
Every adventure leaves a mark—why not wear yours with pride?
These limited-edition designs were hand-drawn by our founder (Breanne) and inspired by the spirit, color, and magic of travel. Whether you're joining us on the trip or just dreaming of wandering, these gifts and apparel are the perfect way to celebrate your connection to the adventure.
Grab something for yourself—or a fellow adventurer—and keep the memories alive long after the trip ends.
Mountain Mix bandana
$25.00
A collection of our favorite peaks in one vibrant bandana. Torres del Paine, Machu Picchu, and our Rooted Mountain combine in our own unique take on the traditional bandana design.
Get ready to make a statement with this all-over print bandana. Mix up your outfits by using this as a headband, necktie, or armband. In fact, why not get a second bandana to match your pet? Grab a few and hit the streets in style!
• 65% recycled polyester, 35% polyester
• Breathable and moisture-wicking material
• Lightweight and soft to the touch
• Double-folded edges
• Single-sided print
• UPF50+ protection
• Fabric is OEKO-TEX 100 standard and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified
Important sizing information: the smallest bandana size is made for small pets and won’t fit a grown-up. Please choose the medium or large size if you’re ordering for a grown-up.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
ROOT bucket hat
$35.00
Bucket hats are the best for travel. 3-day camp hair, don’t care. Sun, rain, or shine!
Make a stylish and eco-friendly choice with the organic bucket hat! This 100% cotton twill hat has the potential to become a favorite in your wardrobe thanks to its breathable material and clean look.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Baja rope cap
$38.00
Add a touch of classic style to your outfit with the golf rope cap. Featuring a structured fit, rope detail, and adjustable snapback, it’s perfect for any outing.
• 70% cotton, 30% nylon
• Unstructured, 5-panel, front panel lined
• Semi-curved bill with contrasting rope
• Contrasting snapback closure
• One size fits most
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
MiiR Rooted Mountain Camp Cup
$39.00
A travel staple - clip it to your carryon and have warm coffee everywhere. All while rocking our favorite rooted mountain design.
Make your campfire memories a little warmer with our modern take on Grandpa's old camp cup. This 12oz Camp Cup is vacuum insulated so you won't burn your hands (or melt your face) when you are at work, home, or camping. Featuring a press-fit lid to prevent spilling and a convenient handle to make picking up your coffee mug a little easier. Use it for your coffee, tea, or your favorite drink you want to keep hot or cold.
We’ve partnered with Miir because they share our values of sustainability and social dedication. As a certified B-Corp, Miir is committed to giving 3% of revenue to organizations with sustainable methods of empowerment.
Thermo 3D ™ Double Wall Vacuum Insulation Technology
Keeps cold, stays hot
Gretchen Leggitt original art
Does not sweat
Lid and cup are BPA free. Press-on lid prevents splashes and keeps drinks warm longer
18/8 Medical grade stainless steel doesn't transfer flavor & no metal aftertaste
Hardshell™ Powder coat (colored camp cups)
WANDER Crop Top
$35.00
This crop top is made of 100% combed cotton, which makes the shirt extremely soft and more durable than regular cotton shirts. The relaxed fit and dropped shoulders ensure comfortable wear, while the cropped length makes it perfect for spring and summer.
• 100% combed cotton
• Heather colors are 15% viscose and 85% cotton
• Relaxed fit
• Cropped length
• Preshrunk
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
A note from our founder:
Before my first retreat—as a guest—I was nervous. I worried I wouldn’t connect, that I’d get irritated by small talk or just crave space. I thought group travel might feel forced or draining.
But something unexpected happened. I softened. I connected. I laughed—hard. I felt seen.
Since then, group travel has become a central part of my life and work. It’s opened my heart wider than I thought possible. I’ve built friendships and community across the world, deepened my connection to cultures through local relationships, and expanded my understanding of what it means to belong.
I used to think making new friends was something you did in your twenties. But my network keeps expanding, my heart keeps opening, and I even appreciate the people already in my life more deeply now.
Traveling with others isn’t always easy—but it’s always real. It invites us to show up as we are, to listen more closely, to let our walls down just enough to grow.
And that’s the magic I hope to offer you through Root Adventures.
—Breanne
Why travel with us?
Why Group Travel? Why Root?
There’s something powerful about traveling with others—especially when those others are kind, curious, and craving connection just like you. On a group trip, you’re not just seeing new places—you’re sharing them. You’re creating moments together that go deeper than snapshots and itineraries.
At Root Adventures, our group trips are designed with intention. We keep groups small and thoughtful, led by mindfulness-trained guides who create space for both laughter and reflection. You’ll practice presence daily, share real conversations, and come home feeling seen, supported, and shifted.
Our journeys are adventuresome, beginner-friendly, and heart-led. Come as you are. Leave more you than ever.
WHAT MAKES ROOT GROUP TRIPS DIFFERENT:
Daily mindfulness practices woven into each day
Pre- and post-trip group calls to build connection and intention
Small, values-aligned groups—no big buses, no surface-level itineraries
Mindfulness-trained trip leaders + local WFR-certified guides
Real conversations and deep connection—no forced small talk
All-inclusive logistics—from meals and tips to permits and gear
Pre- and post-trip integration support, including an 8-week preparation program and a 6-week guided post-trip meditation program
Personal support talk to real people before, during, and after your journey
WHO ARE ROOT TRAVELERS?
In Transition, On Purpose
They're moving through a season of change—career shifts, empty nests, personal reinvention—and they’re doing it with curiosity and heart.
Depth Seekers
They’re not interested in surface-level travel. They crave meaning, connection, and experiences that touch the soul.
Courageously Curious
They may not have all the answers, but they’re open. To new places, new people, new ways of being. That openness is their compass.
Vibrantly Genuine
Often women in their 30s to 60s, they show up fully and authentically—real, kind, brave, and wonderfully human.
Active Explorers of Inner + Outer Worlds
They love to move—through landscapes, conversations, and inner terrain—with a sense of wonder and grounded presence.
Our group trips are more than just getaways—they’re intentional journeys designed to foster connection, curiosity, and growth.
Whether you're hiking ancient trails, practicing mindfulness under wide-open skies, or sharing stories over a meal, you’ll be surrounded by kindred spirits who value meaningful experiences and grounded adventure.
Come as you are. Leave feeling renewed, inspired, and part of something bigger.
ROOT ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE TRAVEL COMPANY, BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
What root travelers
are saying :
There’s something powerful about hearing how a journey changed someone—not just the places they went, but how they felt along the way.
From deep connections to life-shifting insights, these stories reflect the heart of what we do: helping people travel with meaning, mindfulness, and joy.
