Everything you're
wondering about
Practical answers to help you and your group prepare for SachaJi. Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out—we're happy to help.
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We are happy to help arrange transfers with a trusted outside driver between Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and SachaJi. The 37-mile drive typically takes 65–75 minutes. If your participants arrive at different times, we will help arrange group transfers to leave at set times.
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Yes! For a reasonable surcharge, we'd be happy to have members of your group come a day or two before your retreat and stay for a day or two after. We can make these adjustments after you book your group (but before you arrive).
Getting here
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SachaJi is in a land of eternal spring. The combination of two factors—SachaJi’s 9,630’ altitude and its proximity to the equator—means you’ll probably experience sunny, warm days and cool nights no matter when you visit us.
Dry season runs from June through October. Typically, we see less rain and more sun during these four months.
The wetter season runs from November through May.Vegetables and fruits ripen—and gardens are in full bloom—from the fall through the late spring. Rains, if they come, tend to pass quickly. -
Right now. But no worries if you can’t get here today: SachaJi is amazing all year.
Equinoxes and solstices at the equator are extra special.
The equinoxes bring Indigenous celebrations honoring the feminine principle. Pawkar Raymi (Garden Festival) honors Pachamama (Mother Earth) in the spring. Killa Raymi (Moon Festival) celebrates the moon, womanhood, and planting seeds in the fall. And during equinoxes, you won’t cast a shadow here when the sun reaches its peak.
The solstices mark masculine holidays associated with the sun. In our part of the high Andes, local Indigenous communities celebrate Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) around the summer solstice for nearly a month. This video shows our adoptive family from the village of Angla during Inti Raymi. The winter solstice brings Kapak Raymi (Great Festival) to celebrate transformations: the sprouting of seeds, the transition from adolescence to adulthood, personal renewal, and the honoring of current and past leaders while electing new ones.
During all Raymi festivals, participants take part in ritual bathing, often by moonlight or in the early hours around dawn. Parades and large communal gatherings take place close to noon, at the height of the sun’s passage through the sky.
Weather & timing
Altitude & wellbeing
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Be prepared for relatively high elevations. SachaJi is 9,630 feet above sea level. There’s fantastic hiking nearby at lower elevations, but some real gems start at trailheads above 10,000 feet and go even higher: Cuicocha (10,075 to 11,522 feet); our mountain, Cerro Cusin (10,038 to 13,162 feet); Imbabura (10,827 to 15,121 feet); and Cotacachi Volcano (13,123 to 16,204 feet).
Here are some tips for adjusting to the altitude:
Stay hydrated. Start increasing your water intake a few days before arrival.
Take it easy at first. To give yourself time to acclimate, avoid strenuous activity during the first day or two.
Consider supplements. Many travelers find chlorophyll drops or softgels (like ChlorOxygen Chlorophyll Concentrate) surprisingly helpful in supporting oxygen uptake. For best results, start using these a couple of weeks before arrival.
Protect yourself from the sun. The sun’s rays at the equator can be strong, even on cloudy days. Did you know that “Panama hats” didn’t start in Panama? They’re originally from Ecuador and were made famous by Ecuadorian workers who built the Panama Canal. Those workers knew sun protection was important. So bring a hat, or pick up one here in a country that knows how to make great ones.
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Weather at high altitudes can change rapidly, so be prepared with a jacket, hat, and layered clothing.
We also recommend bringing comfortable, sturdy shoes and socks suitable for walking or hiking on uneven surfaces; long pants; comfortable long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts; sweaters or sweatshirts; a scarf; and a swimsuit for the hot tub and cold plunge.
Warm ponchos and blankets will be available for everyone during your stay.
What to pack
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We get it; members of our family have special dietary restrictions, too. Our culinary wizards can cater to many special diets (vegan, gluten-free, diary-free, pescatarian, and so on). We grow most of our own organic vegetables and source all of our produce and other food locally. Delicious breakfast buffets and family-style meals are included with your booking.
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This region of Ecuador has some excellent practitioners. Either before or after booking your group, let’s talk about what you have in mind: massages, medicinal baths, energetic cleansings, facials, equine therapy, or something else.
Food & treatments
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This is a fantastic place to unplug, and a digital detox would be seriously healthy for everyone. But for anyone who “needs” or simply wants to connect with the outside world, we have dedicated WiFi areas where guests can work online or call family and friends. The group leaders’ casita and the common areas in the main structure have Wifi access.
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SachaJi’s system is compatible with the electrical system used in the U.S. You may need a converter for devices from Europe or other parts of the world.
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We have two large yoga areas—an indoor, glass-walled yoga room and ceremony space that accommodates up to 40 students, and an outdoor patio that accommodates 60 students or more. The yoga areas are equipped with mats, blocks, blankets, heaters, and a sound system.
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If laundry service is desired, please let us know so we can arrange it in advance. Our on-site facilities are not open to our guests.
On-site essentials
Still have questions?
We're happy to talk through anything that's on your mind before your group arrives.