ROTA Retreats
Welcome to our ROTA Retreat page. We’re glad you’re here. Below you can learn more about who we are, what we do, retreat opportunities, the leading artist, what to expect, and how to join us in Ecuador!
Who We Are and What We Do
We are Nancy and Freedom Rodriguez, visual artists and missionaries living in Ecuador. Our arts ministry reaches out to young people in under-resourced communities. We are also the host directors of ROTA retreats. We desire to cultivate a creative community, encourage serving through our talents, and inspire artists toward deeper life experiences.
About ROTA Retreats
ROTA retreats are designed for artists who love the outdoors, and cross-cultural experiences, and who love to travel to paint. We strongly believe in building community among artists. So if you love art and cultural excursions with other artists, this retreat is for you.
What to Expect
Ecuador is one of the most ecologically diverse hotspots on the planet. It offers four utterly unique landscapes. They range from the rugged Andes to the mist-shrouded cloud forests, bustling colonial cities, and breathtaking coastlines. A majestic land of volcanoes, forests, and seas. Our excursions and retreats focus on the beautiful Andes, the open terrain around Cotopaxi, the lush hills around Quilotoa, the mountain range of Pichincha, and the city of Quito. Occasionally we travel to Mindo, a small town in the Andes Mountains' cloud forest in northern Ecuador. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts known for its rich biodiversity, lush landscapes, and many outdoor activities. We also love traveling further north to the beautiful artisan town of Otavalo. Otavalo is famous for its textiles, and many of the nearby villages and towns are famous for their own particular crafts.
What you will be doing creatively will depend on the leading artist for the specific retreat.
Accommodations
The following featured accommodations are an overview of the customizable options available. The final itinerary is given after the group is closed. You can also reach out to the lead artist for more information on the retreat.
La Finca
Cotopaxi
Excursion Options
Mindo
Mindo is known for its lush cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and colorful array of birds and butterflies. This tranquil oasis provides artists a chance to connect with nature and draw inspiration from the surrounding beauty. The town itself is a charming mix of traditional architecture and modern amenities, providing a perfect balance of comfort and creativity for artists seeking inspiration in the heart of nature.
Cuicocha
The Imbabura region of Ecuador is a beautiful destination for artists seeking to capture the essence of its natural beauty. Nestled in the northern part of the country, the region boasts a mesmerizing array of majestic mountains, serene lakes, verdant valleys, and charming small towns. The Cuicocha crater lake and Peguche waterfall provide stunning natural vistas. With a rich cultural heritage and vibrant colors that change with the seasons, Imbabura is an artist's dream destination, providing endless inspiration and opportunities for artistic expression. We will also visit the small town of Otavalo where you can find artisan crafts and textiles.
Quilotoa
The Quilotoa region of Ecuador is a rich treasure trove of natural beauty, offering landscape painters a stunning array of subjects to capture on canvas. The centerpiece of the region is the breathtaking Quilotoa crater lake, a stunningly beautiful natural wonder that changes color with the light of day. The surrounding Andean highlands are a patchwork of green fields and rolling hills, dotted with traditional indigenous villages and farms. The landscape is constantly changing with the seasons, offering a never-ending source of inspiration for artists seeking to capture the beauty and spirit of this magical place.
Quito
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador. The city is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
The Historical District of Quito, also known as "Old Town" or "La Ciudad Vieja," is the heart of the city's historical and cultural heritage. It is home to many colonial-era buildings, churches, and monuments, most of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Walking through the narrow streets of the Historical District, visitors can admire the stunning architecture, visit quaint shops and cafés, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The area is also home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, which offer a glimpse into Quito's rich history and cultural heritage.
We can also ascend to the Pichincha mountains, in Ecuador's Andes. The landscape offers stunning views of the mountain range and the city of Quito.
Additional Things to Know
Every retreat will have a lead artist from our ROTA Collective who will lead discussions aimed at encouraging faith and inspiring creativity.
We will have approximately 4-6 hours a day outdoors and to create. We will take advantage of the morning hours and if weather and time permits we will paint during the late afternoon.
The average elevation is 9,000 ft, however, we may go as low as 4,000ft and as high as 12,000ft. The daily climate is cool and warm year-round. Average temperature 48°F to 66°F (10°C to 23°C).
As an option, we can visit our ministry center where we serve kids. This will help you see how ArtServe International serves under-resourced communities.
A non-refundable deposit is required. However, we can refund 90% of the full amount in emergencies, e.g. *death in the family, *Ecuadorian state of emergency, *or testing positive for COVID. If cancelation on our end (Ecuador) occurs for any reason, 90% will be refunded. Retreat costs do not include airfare. *All emergencies are considered only within 15 days from the retreat starting date.
Changes to itinerary (locations and activities) while in the country may occur based on circumstances.
Travel insurance is not required, but if you’re interested you may find options here. Or you may purchase it when you purchase your flights.
We will have a virtual meeting with more traveling and retreat information, including a detailed itinerary, which will be sent one month before the retreat date.
Location: Ecuador
Lead Artist: Freedom Rodriguez
Date: August 12-20, 2025
Location: Ecuador
Lead Artist: Freedom Rodriguez
Date: August 12-20, 2025