Join us on a multifaceted retreat into the heartland of Colombia, a place of rich and vibrant culture and boundless opportunity for adventure. From local city tours to countryside horseback riding to daily yoga classes in unique and beautiful locations, this is an experience that will connect you with an amazing opportunity to partake in new and thrilling endeavors within diverse locals, while enriching your perspective through exploration.
Kick off your travels in the picturesque lakeside town of Guatape, a colorful Colombian town where you can take the time to immerse yourself in the city streets or revel at the spectacular view of Laguna de Guatape from the summit of Penol Rock. Coupled with the freedom to choose from a variety of excursions, from hang gliding above the dam of Guatape to exploring the water by kayak or jet-ski, this first stop is one that pairs fun with an unmatched Colombian authenticity.
From here journey into Medellin, a city that having reinvented itself as a delightful travel destination and known as the Eternal Spring for its idyllic climate and stunning location in the bowl of the Andes mountains, is a perfect fusion of culture and adventure. Experience the tranquility of a morning yoga practice at Medellin’s Botanical Garden, relish in an array of exotic fruit within the city’s street markets, and watch the sunset fall over the Aburra Valley from Medellin’s metro car. Even try something new like salsa dancing or taking a Colombian cooking class taught by locals, who capture the city’s charm as a community that embraces life with a sense of gratitude and simplicity. Medellin is a place that will truly open your mind and heart to the world as you immerse yourself into its unique culture.
Those with an insatiable wanderlust can choose to make one last stop in Jardin, a town with a timeless feel and breathtaking beauty. Learn about Colombia’s coffee culture by visiting a plantation on horseback, hike to La Cueva del Esplendor, a remote waterfall cave in the countryside, and embrace living life for the moment in whatever you choose. Our retreat experience is aimed to be personalized for open-minded adventures who crave enjoyment, connection, and self-growth through travel, so if this sounds like you, join us in taking each day as the opportunity to broaden your world, engage your mind, and nourish your soul.
Kathleen Prantis
As a Colorado native who embraces life with a sense of passion and adventure, Kate moves with a mission to instill in others the ability to awaken their hearts and minds to this vast and beautiful world. Through choosing a dynamic and exciting career path, she holds an array of athletic experience beneath her belt in having worked as a swim coach, fitness trainer, alpine and cross country ski instructor, and triathlete and bike tour guide. With this Kate is always challenging herself to broaden her horizons and delve into new athletic endeavors, from rock-climbing to horseback riding to even kiteboarding. Her athletic and travel experience, a passion sparked from her time spent abroad as a college student at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, has allowed Kate to embrace a fulfilling and exhilarating life path while inspiring others to approach life with the same mindset. Perhaps at the core of this is Kate’s transformative journey into yoga. As a certified yoga instructor Kate has harnessed her expertise and zest for travel through embracing exciting opportunities, amongst this a several month journey living off the grid in Nicaragua and eventually the chance to lead her first ever yoga retreat on Nicaragua’s Little Corn Island. Experiences like these have inspired Kate to share her love for life and adventure while immersing herself into amazing and diverse cultures especially within Central and South America. Her most recent endeavor, an eight week yoga internship in Medellin Colombia coupled with the opportunity to teach her practice in both English and Spanish, is yet another test to the spirited and inspiring mindset she carries with her.
Wilson Castaneda
Born and raised in the Colombian city of Medellin, Wilson is a man of colorful character with a story that is heartfelt and true. Growing up during turbulent times in what what once considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities, within a culture of cartels defined by dreams of earning respect, money, and power, Wilson was a product of his youth and of his time, and lives with an authenticity that is palpable. As a sibling among seven and part of a family on a constant search for better opportunities and new beginnings, he experienced a reality that was common to many; a boy while with ambition and dreams, was as his mother would say, naughty and in love. After marrying and becoming a father, Wilson emigrated to the United States, working his way up from dishwasher to chef at a restaurant in the city of Boston, a ten year journey joined by much effort and sacrifice. While returning to Medellin in 2013 with the hope of launching his own restaurant, his life took an unexpected turn with the opportunity of working in the transportation and tourism industry, where he has been providing guided tours and transport within the city of his youth. Having been featured by television personality Andrew Zimmern, Wilson’s depth of knowledge of the ins and outs of Colombia coupled with his vibrant personality and bilingual skills makes any experience led by him to be one that is memorable and worthwhile.
Ashley WC Moody
Fusing together her love for traveling, outdoor adventure and her commitment to health and mindfulness has brought Ashley to this work with Pure Immersion Adventures. Rooted in years of experience skiing, biking, trail running, paddle boarding, horseback riding, and surfing while drawing influence and inspiration from meditation and yoga practice, she hopes to empower others to create a life that facilitates health of mind, body, and spirit; meeting others where they are and encouraging them to find a balance of work, play, and adventure that is uniquely designed for them. Living primarily in the Northeast region of the United States, Ashley has had the privilege of endless exposure to the mountains and the sea. She has also worked in different divisions of the ski and bike industry in New Hampshire and Vermont, allowing her to meet many inspiring athletes and always having endless learning opportunities at her fingertips.
Full Package
Guatape, Medellin & Jardin
12 Day Retreat
10/29/18 - 11/09/18
*This trip package is non-refundable
Guatape & Medellin Package
8 Day Retreat
10/29/18 - 11/05/18
*This trip package is non-refundable
Medellin & Jardin Package
9 Day Retreat
11/01/18-11/09/18
*This trip package is non-refundable
10-28-18 - 10/29/18
Arrive in Medellin 10/28/18 - 10/29/18. Accommodations for night of 10/28/18 not included in retreat cost.
10-29-18
10:00 AM pickup in Medellin with luxury coach van transfer to Guatape Hotel Santa Maria de las Aguas. Take the afternoon to spend time on the lake and take part in leisurely activities of choice, including kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, or just resting in the many hammocks around the property. Enjoy the picturesque location and explore the beautiful lakefront hotel. Lakefront barbecue with group at 7:30 PM.