This Journey into the Heart of the Amazon offers the rare privilege to have a profound immersion with intact Indigenous people. You will be invited into their ancestral culture, providing direct experience to learn from an uninterrupted lineage of wisdom amongst the vibrant forest. This remote environment becomes curiously familiar as it awakens an ancient memory, stored in our very DNA, of a natural and harmonious way of living and being.

You will be welcomed at Indigenous-owned lodges and villages that offer the unique opportunity to engage in intimate conversations and activities such as interpretive rainforest hikes, river trips in canoes and kayaks, cultural practices and traditions, and shamanic ceremonies.

Meet Brenda Basurto and Simon Rilling - based in Zurich, Switzerland, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - two curious souls with a shared passion for exploration, self-discovery, and the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and pristine nature. As seasoned travellers with a penchant for the Amazon, they are the ideal guides for an unforgettable journey into the depths of the rainforest.

Simon Rilling embarked on a transformative journey from the confines of an investment banking career to the boundless realms of self-discovery and creative development. Today, he is a guide for those seeking to bridge the gap between the structured Western mindset and the open-hearted freedom of Latin and indigenous perspectives. An explorer at heart, Simon's deep-rooted passion for indigenous cultures, nature, and creative development is evident in every endeavour he undertakes. Beyond his role as a creative development trainer, Simon is also the voice behind the "Beyond Perception" podcast, where he delves into the subtleties of perception, personal growth, and the human experience.

Brenda Basurto is not just an explorer but also a gifted animal whisperer, attuned to the rhythms of nature and the silent language of its inhabitants. Her innate ability to connect with the animal kingdom offers a unique perspective and enriches the journey for those fortunate enough to travel alongside her. Brenda's journey, much like Simon's, has been one of bridging worlds - from the corporate sphere to entrepreneurship, from the logical mind to the intuitive heart.

Together, Brenda and Simon's first encounter with the Amazon and its indigenous cultures was nothing short of magical. This profound experience led them to spearhead journeys into the rainforest, guiding groups of free spirits and fellow explorers. Their combined expertise, deep respect for indigenous wisdom, and genuine love for the Amazon make them the perfect duo to lead you on a journey of a lifetime.

Join Simon and Brenda as they follow their hearts, guiding you through the mesmerizing Amazon, unveiling its secrets, and offering a transformative experience that goes beyond mere exploration.

Embark with us on this profound journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Rainforest, where the lush green canopy, vibrant biodiversity and indigenous innocence, serve as the backdrop to your personal transformation. Here, amidst the ancient trees and pristine landscapes, we invite you to discover your deepest truth and experience the serenity and magic of your true nature. Through deep grounding and the falling away of concepts and beliefs, you can find a state of pure being and bliss, allowing you to connect with the essence of who you truly are. 

Join us on this transformative adventure and let the rainforest guide you towards a profound realization of self.

Group meets at 5 pm at the Sierra Alisos Hacienda, for a welcome and orientation followed by a group dinner together. Accommodations at Sierra Alisos Hacienda 

After a gourmet breakfast and an orientation meeting at Sierra Alisos Hacienda, we’ll head south on a beautiful drive descending the Andes through 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 a Salasacan elder. Continue through the waterfall-laden Pastaza River canyon to the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Dinner and evening discussion about entering the rainforest and the Achuar territory at a cozy boutique hotel at the edge of the rainforest

Our day commences with a bus journey towards Shell, a town bearing the name of an oil company that poses a significant threat to the surrounding area. Following that, we board a brief 30-minute flight to reach the Sápara village of Llanchamacocha. Upon arrival, we are greeted warmly with smiles and granted the chance to partake in a purifying ceremony.

For the four nights, we reside in a village encampment nestled alongside the serene banks of the Conambo River. During this time, we are honored to engage with village leaders and wise elder grandmothers, immersing ourselves in their vibrant history, cherished traditions, and resolute dedication to preserving the forest for future generations.

Our mornings commence with sharing dreams and participating in purification ceremonies that employ ancient techniques passed down through countless generations. Additionally, we have the opportunity to embark on hikes through the primary forest, allowing us to establish a profound connection with the Sápara people's extraordinary physical and spiritual bond with the rainforest. Along the way, we visit a medicinal plant garden situated deep within the heart of the forest, where we partake in sacred tobacco rituals and moments of tranquil solitary meditation.

An invitation will be extended to us, inviting us to partake in a profound ancient shamanic plant medicine ceremony under the guidance of Sapara elders. This remarkable occasion affords us the rare opportunity to experience the power of plant medicine in a corner of the world that remains untouched, as it was originally created.

Our time with the Sápara community concludes with a vibrant cultural exchange, encompassing songs, dances, and storytelling, as we wholeheartedly embrace Sumak Kawsay, the essence of Good Living. .

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 where we will be embraced with genuine warmth and hospitality, making this vibrant community our home for the next two nights.

During our stay in Sharamentsa, we will engage in a diverse range of activities designed to connect us with the essence of the community. This includes participating in an early morning Guayusa tea dream-sharing ceremony, where we will have the opportunity to delve into the realm of dreams and gain insights from the collective consciousness.

As our unforgettable stay draws to a close, we will gather as a community to express our deep appreciation and engage in an exchange of songs, dances, and stories with our gracious hosts. It will be a joyous celebration, fostering a profound connection and leaving us with cherished memories of our time in Sharamentsa.

After bidding our farewells to the Sharamentsa community, our journey gracefully continues with a tranquil canoe ride to our next destination: the renowned Kapawi Ecolodge. Owned and operated by the welcoming Achuar community, who extend their hospitality to host us for the next three nights. Upon our arrival at the lodge, we are gifted with invaluable free time, allowing us to engage in activities such as journaling, swimming, and exploring the captivating Kapawi surroundings.

During our time in this Achuar community, we will have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including serene canoe rides and peaceful mornings dedicated to birdwatching and observing the local wildlife. After indulging in satisfying breakfasts, we embark on a gentle forest hike, delving into the realm of medicinal plants and Achuar spirituality. This enlightening experience is followed by a period of solitary meditation beneath the towering presence of the majestic Kapok Tree.

Lunchtime offers an opportunity to recharge and reconnect with the captivating forest surroundings, allowing moments for introspection through journaling and reflection. We will engage in a meaningful discussion with the shaman, enabling us to absorb the beauty and wisdom inherent in Kapawi Lodge's natural environment.

We will also embark on a river excursion, where we can swim and peacefully float in kayaks or canoes, with the chance to encounter the legendary pink river dolphins if luck is on our side. In the evening, we will enjoy a nighttime walk, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the vibrant nocturnal life thriving within the forest's embrace.

After breakfast, we’ll canoe up the Capahuari river to head 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

After breakfast, our group departs by charter bus for Quito. Check-in at the beautiful  Cultura Manor Hotel then free time for shopping or exploring historic Quito. Evening farewell celebratory gourmet dinner.  

After breakfast and our final goodbyes, the group departs.   

End of Journey.