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 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 and Sápara territories at a cozy boutique hotel at the edge of rainforest.

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 two days 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. Afternoon 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 Kusutkau. We will hike to the Capahuari river for a beautiful boat ride to the acclaimed, Achuar-owned and operated, Kapawi Ecolodge.

Early morning Guayusa dream-sharing ritual in local Achuar village followed by a cultural exchange of songs, traditions,  and dances (bring a small instrument!) After a traditional Achuar meal and a restful siesta, we'll meet to discuss preparation for the next day's ceremony.  After dinner, a nighttime canoe ride to look for caiman.   

 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 in the forest. Early afternoon we’ll head down the Capahuari river to the far banks of the Pastaza River where we will be greeted by an Achuar Shaman. He will take us to a sacred waterfall for a purification ceremony before inviting us to participate in an ancient ritual that evening.   

Debrief sharing with the shaman before saying our farewells and heading back to the Kapawi Lodge for some quiet time to reflect and take in the forest. In the afternoon we’ll go out on the river to swim and float in kayaks or canoes - mingling with the legendary pink river dolphin if we’re lucky.  Free time for journaling, swimming, exploring the area around Kapawi. 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 head to a local Achuar community for a 60-minute flight to the small town of Shell where our bus will take us to a cozy boutique hotel in the charming community of Banos. Free time for rest, reflection, and enjoyment of the gourmet food and comfortable environment. 

 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.