After a gourmet breakfast and an orientation meeting at Cultura Manor, we’ll head south on a beautiful drive descending the Andes through the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards the town of Baños, a picturesque town nestled among green mountains and impressive waterfalls. Have lunch at Miramelindo and an afternoon to enjoy town.

Following breakfast, we will head to the nearby town of Shell where we will take a flight to the Sápara village of Llanchamacocha. Receive a warm welcome with smiles, embraces, followed by an individualized purification ritual. We’ll get settled into our village encampment which we’ll stay at for the next three nights on the banks of the Conambo river. We’ll spend time with the leaders and elder grandmother discussing their history, customs, and vision for defending their forest for future generations of all life.  After an introduction and orientation to the Naku project and the inspiring vision the Sápara have for the future, we’ll take a refreshing swim in the Conambo river and settle into their community lodge. 

 Early morning dream-sharing, and purification ceremony using time-tested ancient techniques. After breakfast, we’ll hike through the primary forest to learn about the Sápara’s unique physical and spiritual connection to the rainforest, visiting a medicinal plant garden in the primary forest followed by a sacred tobacco ritual and solo meditation in preparation for the evening ceremony. 

After Debriefing the ceremony with the Shaman we will enjoy a restful morning. Followed by lunch then a  river swim before sharing intimate conversation with our Sapara friends, partaking in traditional foods, music, and experiencing Sumak Kawsay (Good Living) together. 

 After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll prepare our belongings and return to the community to say our farewells. Take a 40-minute flight deeper into the Amazon rainforest to the Achuar village of Sharamentsa. 

Early morning dream sharing ritual with Achuar families followed by a hike with our Achuar guide to learn about the extensive flora and fauna of this pristine rainforest. Witness how the Achuar live in an interconnected way with their environment, including the use of medicinal plants, natural building materials, and small-scale, sustainable farming. We’ll visit a sacred waterfall and learn about the Achuar cosmo-vision and spiritual practices. Here we will enjoy some quiet and contemplative time to connect with the forest and ourselves, taking in the innumerable forms of life all around us. Gentle Movement Medicine session, followed by an evening shamanic ceremony 

Morning debrief session with the shaman. Time for rest in the hammocks, journaling, reflection, etc. After a siesta, we’ll have a movement session and then have the chance to float on balsa rafts, taking in the magnificence of the rainforest. In the evening we’ll exchange songs, chants, and dances and enjoy an Achuar feast with locally grown foods. 

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll prepare our belongings and return to the community to say our farewells and take a beautiful canoe ride down the mighty Pastaza River and up the Capahauri River to the Achuar village of Wayunsentsa.  

Upon arrival, we will receive a traditional welcome then settle into our encampment. The Shaman will take us to a sacred waterfall for a purification ceremony before inviting us to participate in an ancient ritual that evening.    

Time in the community before breakfast and sharing with elder about the prior evening's ceremony. We will canoe further up the Capahauri River to visit a remote Achuar village.  After a traditional Achuar greeting and meal,  we will be invited to participate in cultural practices, including weaving, ceramic bowl making, blowgun practice,  exchange of songs, and dances (bring a small instrument!).   

In the afternoon we will canoe down the Capahuari river for a beautiful ride to the acclaimed, Achuar-owned and operated, Kapawi Ecolodge.  

Early morning bird and animal watching.  After breakfast, we’ll set out on a hike to learn more about medicinal plants, Achuar spirituality followed by solo meditation around the massive grandfather Kapok Tree. Afternoon movement medicine session followed by rest and relaxation in preparation for the evening ceremony.  

This evening an elder will invite us to participate in an ancient ceremony he has been conducting for over 50 years. 

 Debrief sharing with the shaman and quiet time to reflect and take in the forest surrounding the Kapawi Lodge. After lunch movement medicine session followed by a leisurely afternoon of swimming, hiking, and lounging around the area.   After dinner, we’ll set out on a nighttime walk to witness the incredible nocturnal life of the forest.   

After breakfast, we’ll canoe up the Capahuari river to a local Achuar community for a 60-minute flight to the small town of Shell, where our bus will take us to Papallacta Hot Springs high in the lush, beautiful cloud forest of the Andes. Rest & relaxation in the Hot Springs surrounded by verdant mountain slopes, hummingbirds, and tropical flowers.

Later in the evening, we’ll take time to celebrate with a powerful inquiry and discussion that will deepen the context and meaning of our journey, having just been with the indigenous people who inspired the work of the Pachamama Alliance.  

After breakfast, our group will have a powerful and focused Movement Medicine closing ceremony of integration and completion. Following lunch, we will depart by charter bus for Quito. Check-in at the Cultura Manor for a celebration meal together. 

 After breakfast and our final goodbyes group departs.