Your journey back to yourself
- in harmony with horses and nature
Galápagos retreats with rescued horses.
Sustainable. Mindful. Transformative.
A special experience – for you and for the horses there.
This retreat combines personal development with the unique energy of the Galápagos Islands while supporting a local horse conservation project.
Sometimes we just know.
In our daily lives, we’re often busy, going through the motions, and tending to our responsibilities.
But somewhere in the midst of it all, a quiet unease creeps in.
The feeling that something is missing.
That we’re not quite as close to ourselves as we used to be.
This retreat is an invitation to pause—to reconnect.
With yourself. With nature.
And with what lies within you, waiting to be heard.
The Journey of Strength and Silence
Horses as a Mirror
There are places where nature reminds us of our origins. And there are beings that show us who we truly are. Horses are among these beings.
They don’t react to your role. Not to your past. They live in the here and now. They reflect without judgment.
In their presence, we immediately sense who we are—calm, honest, alive. Their strength and grace open up spaces where healing, courage, and trust can emerge.
At Epona Horse Journeys, they are our teachers, companions, and bridges to nature.
Experience the primal connection between people, horses, and nature.
Our Retreat in the Galápagos Islands
the location
We begin where it all started: on the Galápagos Islands—one of the most magical places on Earth.
Where wild nature seems untouched.
Where giant tortoises and sea lions share the beaches with us.
Where rescued horses have rediscovered trust and freedom.
10 days on the Galápagos Islands — with horses, with nature, with yourself.
On these islands, a journey back to your inner balance begins.
The retreat combines horse work, body awareness, nature experiences, and mindful self-exploration, all set against one of the most powerful landscapes on Earth.
Here you’ll encounter horses in the wild, hike through volcanic landscapes, and encounter animals that call only this place home. Crystal-clear water, lava fields, and fine sandy coves let you feel the forces that created this island world.
This retreat is more than just a vacation. It’s a journey back to yourself.
What you'll take home from this trip
Benefits
Inner Clarity
You’ll escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover new perspectives in the pristine nature of the Galápagos Islands — a unique setting where you can truly find yourself.
Greater self-confidence &
a deeper connection with yourself
Encountering the wild herd of horses and the unique wildlife creates a genuine connection between you, the animals, and nature. You’ll feel more present, more confident, and more connected to yourself.
Deep mental relaxation
Far away from stress and obligations, space opens up for peace and clarity. Through nature, the sea, physical activity, and mindful work with the horses, your nervous system can find calm—a feeling that will stay with you long after you return to your daily life.
New Strength & Energy
You’ll recharge your batteries, find strength, and learn to clearly communicate your boundaries. The retreat will empower you to present yourself with confidence and emerge stronger from your encounters with yourself and the horses.
Inspiration for sustainable change
The experiences will stay with you for a long time. You’ll return with new inspiration for your life and be able to take concrete steps toward your future—inspired by unforgettable moments in the Galápagos.
Your home on Santa Cruz
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll stay at a carefully selected hotel in Puerto Ayora—just a few steps from the ocean.
Modern, cozy rooms invite you to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
– Comfortable double rooms (single occupancy available)
– Close to the harbor, cafés, and small boutiques
– Breakfast included
– Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pool (depending on the hotel)
Some dinners will be enjoyed with the other retreat participants at select local restaurants—fresh, regional, and delicious.
On some evenings, there will be time for individual evening plans and culinary discoveries in Puerto Ayora.
Arrive relaxed, recharge, and enjoy.
Here's what to expect on your journey
Program
Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll spend 10 days filled with movement, mindfulness, and the power of nature – carried along by the rhythm of the islands and the silence of the ocean.
Day 1 — Arriving in the Galápagos
Upon your arrival on Baltra, you will be personally greeted and escorted to Santa Cruz.
After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have time to rest and settle in.
• Airport transfer & check-in
• Welcome gathering over dinner
• Time to relax & settle in
Day 2 — First encounter with the horses
The real journey begins at the Horse Friends Sanctuary.
You’ll first encounter the herd in silence, without any specific task or goal.
Mindful observation. Presence. Awareness.
• Visit to the horse sanctuary
• Getting to know the herd & free interaction
• Snacks & drinks in nature
• Gentle group coaching
Day 3 — Trust & Inner Balance
Today we’ll deepen the connection between body and emotion. In a guided session with horses, you’ll explore trust, healthy boundaries, and presence in relationships. Gentle yoga will help you physically integrate the experience.
• Horse-Guided Empowerment
• Workshop: “Balance & Boundaries – Connecting with Horses and Yourself”
• Yoga, mindfulness, snacks & drinks
• Return trip to Puerto Ayora
• Free afternoon for relaxation and processing the experience
Day 4 — Nature & Presence
Nature as a mirror of your sense of belonging. The morning begins once again with the horses, featuring meditation, mindfulness exercises, and sound. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz and explore a lava tube. This day will strengthen your sense of grounding and belonging.
• Meditation among the horses
• Free, intuitive contact with the herd
• Sound bath
• Lunch
• Visit to the giant tortoise reserve & the lava tunnel in the highlands
• Yoga in nature
• Evening at your leisure/for rest and reflection on the day’s experiences
Day 5 — Integration & Transformation
Letting Go – Moving On – Reorienting
The morning is dedicated to an intensive integration workshop with horses. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, personal transformation and nature conservation come together.
• Intensive work with horses
• Workshop: “Letting Go & Embracing the New”
• Snacks & drinks
• Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station + beach
Day 6 — The Sea, Relaxation & Sunset
In the morning, we’ll visit the breathtaking Tortuga Bay, a place of vastness and tranquility.
In the evening: yoga and time with the horses at sunset.
• Morning: Tortuga Bay – beach, nature, ocean
• Group lunch
• Evening: light horse work & yoga at sunset
Day 7 — Exploration tour
Trust your spirit of discovery.
A guided boat tour or land tour (depending on availability) takes you deeper into the Galápagos archipelago.
This day is all about:
• Going with the flow of the journey
• Broadening your perspective
• Integrating the Galápagos spirit of discovery into your personal journey
• Lunch on board included
Day 8 — Self-determination & Integration
A day off. This day helps you become better at listening to your needs.
You make a conscious choice:
• Rest or activity
• A massage or a walk
• Journaling or the ocean
Day 9 — Completion of the process
The program concludes with a final session with the horses.
In the evening, we’ll celebrate our journey together with a farewell dinner.
• Final Horse-Guided Empowerment Session
• Farewell to the herd & closing meditation
• A brief commemorative ritual with a keepsake gift
• Farewell dinner together
Day 10 — Departure/Return
Return home with a new sense of clarity. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport.
You’ll head home—with greater mindfulness, greater inner stability, and a truly special experience that will stay with you.
• Breakfast
• Hotel check-out
• Transfer to the airport & farewell
About Epona Horse Journeys
Mission & History
We want to connect people with places where nature, animals, and the soul are once again in harmony.
This isn’t about horseback riding in the traditional sense.
It’s about the encounter—with the horses, nature, and your own inner strength.
We exclusively offer experiences where horses are respected, treated fairly, and used with care.
No mass horseback riding tours. No commercial exploitation of animals. For us, the relationship is what matters most—not the riding route.
We create special experiences where mindfulness, movement, and nature merge into a quiet, powerful unity.
The idea for Epona Horse Journeys arose from a desire to combine the primal power of horses with the wisdom of untouched nature. After years of working with horses and traveling in nature, it became clear: The greatest power lies in silence, in connection, and in the courage to simply be.
Epona is the name of the Celtic goddess of horses.
She represents freedom, connection to the earth, courage, healing, and the inseparable bond between humans and horses.
All of this shapes our work.
Epona Horse Journeys is an invitation to rediscover your own power through encounters with horses—beyond the daily grind, performance, and expectations.
About me
The Founder
I am Ina Handrich, founder of Epona Horse Journeys—and someone who deeply believes that meaningful encounters can change the world.
Horses have been a part of my life since childhood—as teachers, mirrors, and silent companions. Their presence has taught me to listen—not just with my ears, but with my heart.
For over eight years, I have been involved in horse welfare on Santa Cruz (Galápagos). This work has deeply shaped my understanding of trust, healing, and inner strength. It has shown me that the true connection between humans and horses is not based on performance—but on compassion, patience, and mutual respect.
Epona Horse Journeys was born out of this experience. Together with an experienced local team on the Galápagos Islands, we facilitate retreats that go deeper than ordinary journeys: paths back to one’s own essence, guided by mindfulness, nature, and the wisdom of horses.
Horse welfare at the heart of it all
Our Purpose
For over 8 years, we have been supporting a horse rescue project on the island of Santa Cruz that gives injured and “abandoned” horses a life of dignity, safety, and freedom.
Here we have learned:
“Healing is not a one-way street.
When we help horses, horses help us in return.”
Every day, the animals teach us presence, trust, and genuine connection.
They remind us of who we are when the world is finally allowed to be still.
Why this retreat also contributes to nature conservation
The Galápagos Islands are among the most fragile ecosystems in the world.
Caring for the horses helps prevent them from uncontrollably sharing habitats with protected species.
By participating, you are not only supporting your own personal growth,
but also the protection of this unique natural environment.
Everything you need for your getaway
Your Retreat Package
Included in the retreat:
- Airport Transfer (Arrival & Departure)
- 9 nights at a hotel
- Breakfast & select dinners
- Transportation on Santa Cruz
- Horse-Assisted Coaching and Workshops
- Yoga & Mindfulness Sessions
- Snacks & Drinks During the Horse Days
- Visits to the Horse Sanctuary
- Guided tour of the giant tortoise reserve and the lava tunnel
- Planting an endemic plant
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Foundation
- On-site English-speaking guide
- A small farewell gift
Optional add-ons:
- Full-day excursion/day trip by boat to a nearby island
- Single room supplement
- Travel Insurance
- Additional excursions/guided bike tours & wellness/massage packages
upon request
The retreats are held in small groups of no more than 12 participants to ensure a personal and immersive experience.
Our next event:
May 12, 2026 – May 21, 2026
Does this date not work for you? We are currently planning new dates for 2026.
Sign up for our mailing list and be the first to hear about new retreat dates.
Prices & Reservation
There are two accommodation options available for your participation in the Galápagos Retreat.
Both options include the full retreat program as well as all services listed in the program.
Standard accommodation
View details
Experience the relaxed atmosphere of a small, family-run hotel in the heart of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. The rooms are comfortably furnished with private bathrooms, air conditioning, hot water, and a daily American breakfast. These accommodations offer everything you need for a pleasant stay in the Galápagos Islands and allow you to experience the beauty of the islands up close.
$2.550 per person
Including all taxes
Comfort Accommodations
View details
Enjoy a boutique hotel offering upscale comfort and a central location in Puerto Ayora, providing a higher level of comfort and service. The rooms are generally larger and furnished to a higher standard. These hotels often feature additional amenities such as a swimming pool, modern common areas, and a generous breakfast (mini-buffet or full buffet).
$2.890 per person
Including all taxes
A 30% deposit is required to secure your spot.
The remaining balance is due 90 days before the retreat begins.
Bookings are made through our partner tour operator. Their terms and conditions of participation and cancellation apply.
Information on Entry Fees
Upon arrival in the Galápagos Islands, a mandatory fee for the Galápagos National Park is required. The current rates are:
• $200 per adult
• $100 per child under 12 years of age
The fee must be paid in cash (USD) directly upon arrival at the airport in the Galápagos Islands.
In addition, a so-called Transit Control Card (approx. 20 USD) must be purchased before the flight from Ecuador to the islands.
These fees are not included in the retreat price and serve to protect and preserve the unique natural environment of the Galápagos Islands.
We are happy to assist you with any questions regarding travel planning.
Who is this retreat suitable for?
This retreat is for people who are looking for a mindful break from everyday life and are open to personal growth in connection with nature and animals.
It is especially suited for you if you:
- want to experience a deeper connection with yourself and nature.
- You're open to new experiences with horses - even without any prior experience.
- you want to take some time for personal reflection, peace and quiet, and new perspectives.
- you're interested in sustainable tourism and nature conservation.
- you’d like to experience the unique flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands up close.
Your journey awaits.
If you want to feel the power of horses…
If you want to combine adventure with mindfulness…
If you want to get a little closer to yourself…
… then we invite you to join us: Embark on your journey with Epona Horse Journeys.
Your next steps
Contact
Do you have any questions?
I’d be happy to assist you personally.
Just send me a message, and I’ll help you with everything — from travel details to planning your trip.
Ina Handrich
Or do you already feel that
this retreat is just right for you?
Wonderful! Then you can secure your spot right away:
Bookings are made through our partner tour operator. Their terms and conditions of participation and cancellation apply.
Your questions, our answers
FAQ
Does the retreat support a conservation project?
Yes. Part of our work is carried out in collaboration with a local horse rescue project.
This project cares for abandoned or discarded injured horses, thereby helping to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands.
Do I need riding experience?
No, absolutely not. Our work is done entirely from the ground — through mindful interaction with the horses.
How physically fit do I need to be?
Good health is sufficient. The outdoor activities are well balanced by breaks.
How do I get there?
Travel to the Galápagos Islands is arranged individually and organized by the participants on their own.
International flights first take you to Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). From there, you’ll take a domestic flight to the Galápagos Islands, arriving at Seymour/Baltra Airport (GPS).
We’re happy to share our personal experiences and recommendations regarding flight bookings and travel planning.
At Baltra Airport, all retreat participants will be picked up by our team and taken together to the hotel in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz.
What if I'm traveling alone?
No problem! Many participants come on their own, and we’ll make sure you feel welcome and connected right away.
You have the option to book a single room (for a small additional fee, depending on the hotel), so you have your own space for rest and relaxation.
At the same time, you’ll benefit from our small, intimate group and the unique experiences with horses, nature, and community, allowing you to make new connections and fully immerse yourself in your retreat.
How big is the group?
A maximum of 12 participants — for a personal and intimate atmosphere.
Can I eat vegetarian/vegan meals?
Yes – please specify this when booking. We can also accommodate allergies.
How does the booking process work?
You can simply send a request or book right away (as soon as our booking system is up and running).
What additional fees apply?
Upon arrival in the Galápagos Islands, a mandatory fee for the Galápagos National Park is required. The current rates are:
• $200 per adult
• $100 per child under 12 years of age
The fee must be paid in cash (USD) directly upon arrival at the airport in the Galápagos Islands.
In addition, a so-called Transit Control Card (approx. 20 USD) must be purchased before the flight from Ecuador to the islands.
These fees are not included in the retreat price and serve to protect and preserve the unique natural environment of the Galápagos Islands.
We are happy to assist you with any questions regarding travel planning.
Still not sure, or do you have other questions?
Just send us a quick message on WhatsApp. We’re happy to help with any questions you have about the retreat and travel planning.
Are you ready to listen to the language of horses and the silence of the earth?
Then join us on the Galápagos Islands and discover what lies within you.