Beyond the Ordinary: Quito & Korimana Wellness Retreat

The experience begins with a hotel pick-up and a visit to Santa Clara Market, one of Quito’s most vibrant and authentic local spaces. Amidst colorful stalls of flowers, fresh produce, handwoven baskets, and ceramics, the atmosphere reflects the daily rhythm of life in the city. A freshly prepared juice adds a refreshing start, while an optional traditional limpia (energy cleansing) with a local healer offers a unique cultural connection through ancestral Andean practices.

The morning continues with a stop at La Basílica, the largest neo-Gothic church in Latin America. Its intricate architecture and towering spires provide an extraordinary setting, with sweeping views of Quito from its upper walkways offering a memorable perspective on the city’s blend of history and modern life.

Further into the historic center, the cobbled streets of La Ronda open into a world of creativity and tradition. Once a gathering place for artists, poets, and musicians, the neighborhood remains a cultural cornerstone. Inside a metalworking studio, pre-Columbian techniques passed down through generations for over 11,000 years are brought to life as local artisans guide the crafting of small artistic pieces. When available, the experience continues at a leather or inlay workshop, where traditional methods used in making classic bargueños are showcased.

At Casa de la Negra Mala, also known as the “Murcielagario,” the city’s culinary roots take center stage. Inside this historic colonial home, a cooking session led by Vicky, the owner of a celebrated Quito eatery, highlights the flavors of the region. Traditional empanadas de morocho are prepared together, served with fresh naranjilla juice and locally roasted coffee.

The journey continues along the Street of the Seven Crosses, where two iconic churches reveal the contrasts in Quito’s history and architecture. La Compañía de Jesús, with its lavish baroque design covered in gold leaf, reflects the wealth and artistic ambition of the Jesuits. In contrast, the nearby San Francisco Church, the oldest in the city, embodies a more austere and spiritual Franciscan style, highlighting two distinct eras and philosophies in Quito’s colonial past. Nearby, in a beautifully preserved colonial home, a chocolate tasting features premium dark chocolate paired with wine or hot cocoa, followed by a rich, handmade brownie.

In Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, centuries of learning and legend converge. San Gregorio Magno, Quito’s first university and now home to the National Library, stands as a testament to its academic legacy. Inside the Archbishop’s Palace, the storytelling continues with tales such as the legend of Father Almeida, complemented by traditional sweets including mistelas, caca de perro, maní, and dulce de leche.

Before returning to the hotel, an optional stop can be made at a traditional bakery for a final taste of freshly baked Quito-style bread and a warm cup of local coffee.

Additional experiences, such as entrance tickets or specialized workshops, may be added at an extra cost, extending the total duration of the tour. All elements can be adapted or tailored based on guest preferences.

Your journey begins with a scenic transfer from Quito to the tranquil region of La Maná, where the Korimana Retreat is immersed in nature. As you arrive, the pace of daily life softens, inviting you to breathe deeply and attune to the serene environment. The opening circle marks the ceremonial beginning of the retreat, creating a sacred space where individual intentions merge into a collective purpose. This intentional gathering sets the emotional and spiritual foundation for the days ahead. A gentle yoga session follows, designed to calm the nervous system and guide awareness inward, allowing gratitude to surface naturally through mindful movement and breath. As evening approaches, the group gathers around a fire, a powerful symbol of connection and reflection. Here, participants share three of their most positive life experiences, anchoring the practice of gratitude in personal storytelling and shared human experience. This first day establishes trust, presence, and a heartfelt sense of belonging.

The second day begins at sunrise, when the soft morning light accompanies a revitalizing yoga practice that awakens both body and spirit. This early ritual emphasizes the abundance found in each new day and the blessings often overlooked in daily life. The Thanksgiving Prayer Circle follows, bringing participants together in a moment of deep appreciation for nourishment, relationships, community, and the Earth itself. Gratitude is explored not only as a feeling but as a conscious choice and way of living. Later, the “Gratitude in Action” workshop delves into how thankfulness can spark creativity, inspire

generosity, and create a mindset of abundance in both personal and collective spaces. As evening arrives, the group gathers for a warm, candlelit Thanksgiving celebration filled with music, meaningful conversation, and joyful presence. This day is a heartfelt reminder that abundance multiplies when it is shared.

Gratitude becomes a tool for emotional release and personal renewal on this deeply transformative day. The morning opens with a meditation and yoga session centered on conscious breathing, honoring the cleansing power of each inhale and exhale. Through guided workshops, participants explore how gratitude can reframe challenges, transforming difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and learning. This perspective allows emotional energy to move freely, creating space for new beginnings. The day’s centerpiece is the Temazcal Ceremony, an ancestral ritual rooted in indigenous wisdom. Inside the warm, steam-filled space, silence and intention guide participants through a process of release, purification, and rebirth. Supported by natural elements, the ceremony encourages letting go of stress, fear, and emotional weight. The final evening together is intimate and reflective, celebrating shared laughter, connection, and the joy that arises when gratitude is fully embodied.

This day is devoted to the heart and soul, emphasizing openness, love, and deep connection. The morning begins with the Cosmic Portal Meditation, guiding participants inward to recognize gratitude as an ever-present source of love flowing within and around them. This practice fosters emotional expansion and a sense of unity with the larger universe. Later, the Jungle Gratitude Walk invites a slow, mindful exploration of the surrounding forest. Each step becomes an opportunity to appreciate nature’s generosity, from the textures of leaves to the songs of birds and the whisper of wind through the trees. In the afternoon, the Neuroscience of Gratitude workshop bridges ancient wisdom with modern science, revealing how consistent gratitude practices positively influence brain function, emotional resilience, empathy, and overall well-being. The day leaves participants feeling open-hearted, grounded, and deeply connected to themselves and the natural world.

The final morning unfolds gently, offering space for reflection, integration, and closure. At sunrise, a yoga and meditation practice is guided by the affirmation “Gratitude is my compass,” reinforcing the intention to carry this mindset beyond the retreat. This practice encourages participants to recognize gratitude as an internal guide that supports clarity and balance in everyday life. The Closing Ceremony follows, a meaningful ritual where each participant receives a symbolic token, such as a seed, stone, or word, representing growth, grounding, and remembrance. This gesture serves as a lasting reminder of the shared journey and inner transformations experienced. A farewell gathering allows time to honor the bonds formed, express appreciation, and celebrate the collective experience before the return journey to Quito, carrying forward a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.