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

Yes. Wi-Fi will be available at each of our accommodations and locations throughout the journey.

In February, the Ecuadorian Andes offer cool mountain air, crisp mornings, and the occasional refreshing rain.

Cuenca and Alausí both average daytime highs around 61°F (16°C) and cooler evenings near 43–45°F (6–7°C). Sunshine is balanced with periods of rainfall, and the UV index remains strong despite the cooler climate.

We recommend layered clothing—light sweaters, long sleeves, and a warm jacket for the evenings—along with a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear for rain. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also essential to stay comfortable under the Andean sun. Thoughtful preparation will ensure you remain both comfortable and at ease throughout your journey.

Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive our thoughtfully curated packing guide. We encourage you to travel light, bringing only what you truly need so your journey feels effortless and unburdened.

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

Your health and well-being are our highest priority. While illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, and hepatitis exist in parts of Ecuador, they are easily preventable with proper precautions.

No immunizations are required for direct entry into Ecuador unless you are arriving from an endemic area. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you are transiting through another South American country—even briefly at an airport—or entering Ecuador from an endemic zone.

For the most up-to-date guidance, we recommend consulting the CDC website (cdc.gov/travel) or your Ecuadorian consulate. As a general precaution, many travelers maintain current Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus vaccinations. If considering typhoid, the oral vaccine is often preferred for fewer side effects.

Please speak with your healthcare provider or a trusted travel clinic to ensure your personal needs are met before departure.

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, so there’s no need for exchange. We recommend bringing smaller denominations—primarily $1, $5, and $10 bills—as many local vendors and businesses may not carry change for larger notes. Having cash in these smaller amounts will make day-to-day purchases smooth and effortless.

ATMs are available only in larger cities, and PIN numbers must be 4 digits or fewer. You’ll have access to ATMs in Cuenca upon arrival and again in Alausí, though we encourage arriving with some cash on hand for convenience.

• 61+ days before the retreat: You will receive a 50% refund of payments made, less a non-refundable $500 administrative fee.

• 31–60 days before the retreat: You will receive a 20% refund of payments made, less the non-refundable $500 administrative fee.

• 0–30 days before the retreat: No refunds will be issued.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to hello@barbieenruta.com.

Please note: We are unable to offer refunds or discounts for late arrivals, early departures, flight cancellations, travel delays, or illness.

Most lodging will be shared with another retreat participant, fostering connection and community, an important part of the healing process. If a private room is important to you, please email us at krystal@callicura.com, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Note: At Hacienda Paraiso, all accommodations follow the lodge’s shared style, which is integral to the immersive and healing experience of the retreat.

Yes—your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date to Ecuador. Passports expiring within six months will not be accepted, so we recommend checking yours now to allow time for renewal if needed. Travelers with Canadian or U.S. passports do not require a visa for entry.

For your peace of mind, we require all participants to secure travel insurance, covering both medical needs and flight cancellations. Travel in remote and mountainous regions can be unpredictable, and insurance ensures you can focus fully on your journey with confidence and ease.

No. This retreat is open to all — beginners and seasoned travelers alike.

 In the Ecuadorian Andes, near sacred waterfalls and small local communities. The exact location will be shared upon registration.

Yes! Cuenca has been recognized as one of the safest cities in Ecuador. Barbara currently resides there and is well-integrated into the local community, staying informed about any political developments and aware of the safest areas to visit.