Join us for a very special women’s journey to the heart of our planet, the Ecuadorian rainforest. We travel here at the invitation of the indigenous Achuar people, in support of their goals to protect their ancient culture and keep their forests intact for future generations.

Our visit will focus on the groundbreaking Ikiama Nukuri program (Achuar for “Women Keepers of the Forest,”). This program has not only greatly improved community health and birthing practices but has also become a platform for women of an entire culture to find their voice. We'll hear directly from women whose lives have benefited from Ikiama Nukuri, and talk with their local health promoters to understand the challenges faced in expanding this program in a highly patriarchal culture.

Your Journey Leader

Narcisa Mashienta

COORDINATOR OF THE IKIAMA NUKURI PROGRAM

Narcisa Mashienta is a Shuar leader and activist who has devoted her life to improving maternal and child health in the Amazonian territories of the Achuar and Shuar communities. Collaborating closely with local and national indigenous leaders, she spearheads the implementation of the Ikiama Nukuri program. Additionally, Narcisa coordinates the efforts of 84 community health promoters who have been trained through the program.

Arrival in Quito-Ecuador. 

Overnight at Hotel Cultura Manor in the city.

After breakfast we will be heading south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, stopping in the town of Salasaca for a traditional Andean meal with our indigenous hosts and a purification ritual with native plants. 

Continue to Miramelindo in the afternoon. Hike to the waterfall. 

Dinner and overnight at Miramelindo.

We will head to the nearby town of Shell where we will check in for our local flight into the heart of the rainforest. One of the highlights of our rainforest adventure will be a breathtaking 1-hour flight over the sprawling primary rainforest to Achuar Territory, offering a unique perspective of the rainforest's vastness and beauty.

Upon arrival at Sharamentsa, you'll be treated to a delicious lunch and have the opportunity to meet with community members and the Ikiama Nukuri health promoters, integration activity.

Dinner and accommodations at Sharamentsa.

Early morning Wayusa Tea Ceremony

After breakfast, we will depart by boat to the Shuin Mamus Village. From the river entrance, it is about a 45-minute walk to reach the village.

Enjoy your time visiting a local farm and meeting the women from the community to talk about the Ikiama Nukuri program.

A traditional lunch will be served followed by interaction with the community, and an opportunity to purchase their locally made handicrafts.

Return to Sharamentsa for dinner and overnight

Full day activities In Sharamentsa including a Ikiama Nukuri workshop.

Share experiences with the women from different communities from the area. 

Learn about the life of women in the Achuar territory.

After breakfast, farewells and then start our journey by canoe ride to Napurak Village for a community visit. 

Group integration activity with women. Traditional birth demonstrations and  gender-based violence talk.

Continue to Kapawi Lodge for lunch

Afternoon optional swimming in the Capahuari River
Evening: Integration ceremony with fire at the ceremonial house with a night walk 

Early birdwatching to the claylick followed by breakfast.

2 hours morning hike about traditional medicinal plants of the forest.

Lunch at Kapawi

Optional: River activities in the afternoon or a visit to the Kapawi health center to talk to the resident medical staff.

After breakfast, it's time to leave and say goodbye to the Amazon rainforest.

Start the journey out of the rainforest by taking a small plane back to Shell.

We will drive from Shell to Tena.

Lunch will be on the way.

Dinner and accommodations at El Jardin Misahualli.

After breakfast, bus ride to the mountain thermal spring Spa, Termas de Papallacta.

Lunch and free time to enjoy the thermal water pools, rest, reflect, or enjoy one

of the Spa treatments available.

Dinner and accommodation at Termas de Papallacta.

After breakfast and our final goodbyes group departs.