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Have you heard about Ecoventura’s Yoga departures in the Galapagos Islands?

These special voyages will take place in December 2018 on our luxury vessel, the MV ORIGIN. There have been a few changes to the former Health & Wellness weeks so please read on for more information and changes to our dates and yoga instructor.

Having contributed to Galapagos Islands conservation efforts since Ecoventura’s inception, our expedition Galapagos cruises are renowned for the holistic approach we place on protecting the health and well-being of the wildlife and the environment of the islands. However, we’re equally mindful of our guests’ health and well-being.

These special yoga departures are sure to nurture guests’ mind, body, and spirit through yoga and breathing techniques for relaxation and stress management along with all of the regularly scheduled daily adventures and incredible cuisine – all offered in paradise!

Each morning starts early with a yoga class led by our very own Ecuador-born instructor, Gustavo Plaza.

Gustavo is a respected teacher of yoga, meditation, and eastern philosophy who started his yoga practice at a very young age under the guidance of his guru, Father César Dávila. With 30 years of practice, study, and sharing his presentation of yoga, he has experience in various aspects of the tradition such as Hatha Yoga (alignment-oriented practice), Meditation, Pranayama (breathing techniques, Philosophy, Yoga Metaphysics, and Yoga Nidra (guided sleep meditation).

Gustavo has traveled through India and on various occasions had contact with the Great Masters of the Tradition. Gustavo has also received guidance, blessing, and inspiration from Great Masters like Sri Swami Veda Bharati from the Himalayas and Srila Bhaktivedanta Sadhu Maharaja, among others. He has participated as presenter and teacher in international yoga events like Bhaktifest (Joshua Tree, California, USA), Dakini Festival (Tuzla, Romania), Yoga Journal Conference (Moscow, Russia), and others.

With a steady and firm yet humorous and kind teaching style, Gustavo travels annually to different countries sharing his knowledge of the traditional schools of Yoga in master classes, retreats, and workshops.

Learn more about Gustavo’s background here.

After you greet the day on your mat, enjoy a hearty, healthy breakfast then get ready for your daily adventures! Guests can continue to indulge in daily exploration of their bodies, minds, and spirits through guided nature walks led by our incredibly well-informed naturalist guides. We offer one guide per every ten guests — more than any other Galapagos cruise company. Other highlights of the day include snorkeling among sea lions and through schools of colorful reef fish, exploring the coastline by kayak and stand-up paddle-board, and going for a ride in our new glass-bottom boat.

After the full days you’ll enjoy on land and exploring the ocean by paddle-board or kayak, you can expect a thoroughly relaxing experience back on-board where you’ll be able to rejuvenate and restore your being.

Gustavo will lead a peaceful late afternoon yoga class daily to help relax your mind and body after your active day. As a special treat, instead of the normal afternoon session, one night Gustavo will lead a Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep session for deep relaxation and inner awareness. Spend the rest of your evening unwinding in your luxury accommodations, enjoying a delicious three- or four-course meal, and sipping wine on the deck.

Oh, and did we mention the food?! Our cuisine offers nothing but the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients with healthy meals prepared by culinary school trained chefs. We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions for our guests. For those of you with plant-based diets, we also offer full vegan and vegetarian-friendly menus.

And just in case you still need your daily dose of cardio, we have an on board fitness center for your workout.

The yoga activities offered on these departures are optional and are in addition to all our regularly scheduled activities.  Yoga mats and props will be provided on board.

Although initially offered during the fall, these special departures will now take place on the MV ORIGIN the weeks of December 2-9, 2018 for Itinerary B and December 9-16, 2018 for Itinerary A.  Combine both weeks for a two week journey exploring this magical archipelago.

Our Galapagos Islands cruise rates are $7,850.00 per person and a 10% early bird discount is available up until 180 days prior to departure (subject to change at any time).

If you have any questions or are ready to book your Yoga departure today, please contact us at any time!