Join us for a jungle adventure at our wilderness camp in the upper Ecuadorian Amazon, where we embark on a mystical journey to the Pusuno River, nestled at the base of the holy mountain of Napo-Galeras. This expedition is tailored for the fit and adventurous, involving a day long hike with packs to reach our wilderness campsite. The Pusuno River, depicted in the photos, is a breathtaking emerald green rainforest paradise valley. Situated on the equator, this isolated limestone massif brims with endemic plants, promising a truly unique experience.

Located at the heart of Botanical Diversity, our retreats are accessed after a 4-hour drive from Quito to where the trail head begins. We hike for several hours to a Kichwa family homestead where we camp for the night. The following day we hike about 8-10 hours to the magnificent Pusuno River, the "River of Bubbles." Within this Indigenous-owned and stewarded rainforest sanctuary, discover sacred sites like caves, waterfalls, and crystal-clear creeks amidst lush tropical plants. The area is considered to be, based on botanical inventories, to be the epicenter for botanical diversity and cacao origin location. A visit here will leave any plant enthusiast with a much deeper perspective on the this most wondrous subject of mega biological diversity.

Jonathon Miller Weisberger: Ethnobotanist, Rainforest Guide and Author.

Benjamin Mamallacta Alvarado: Kichwa guide, ornithologist and storyteller.

Walter Grefa Chongo: Kichwa chef and rainforest guide

To prepare yourself for this trip we provide a comprehensive Retreat Protocol, guiding you through the necessary steps for participating in this retreat. Click Here to read the Retreat Protocol. 

Following a rejuvenating soak in private hot springs nestled on the eastern slopes of the Andes, we embark on a scenic 4-hour bus ride passing breaking scenery, waterfalls and river valleys. 

This is a wilderness trip not for the light hardy. Our first day we walk for about 2 hours to a Kichwa family homestead, Here we pitch camp in their large home and receive an epic view of the wilderness we are to the hike into the following day. After breakfast, we hike a full day through gorgeous rainforest to our Pusuno River camp. The magnificent River of Bubbles. Here, amidst the lush primary rainforest, surrounded by untouched wilderness, our sanctuary offers a sacred space for introspection and growth.

Our camp is the ancestral glade of maestro Casimiro Mamallacta Mamallacta and with his blessing we come here, to the foot of the ancient limestone massif steeped in myth and biodiversity. In this setting, we invite you to embrace a path of reverence and exploration. Upon arrival, we undergo a sacred ritual of energy cleansing through aromatic plant baths, purifying our beings and harmonizing our auras with the rainforest's essence.

Refreshed, we delve into the wonders of the rainforest, learning about rare plants, exploring caves, gorgeous river valleys and cascading waterfalls, immersing ourselves in its magnificence. Nourishing our bodies with wholesome meals crafted from local wild foods, fruits, and leaves,.

Our hike back is long, and we hike one good haul to our bus that will be awaiting us to return to the Papallacta hot springs. We unwind in the soothing embrace of epic hot springs, carrying the blessings of our journey with us as we depart, forever transformed.

November 22~ 30, 2026

21st: Arrival to Quito

22nd: Papallacta hot springs, first night.

23nd: Hike to first camp, sleep at a Kichwa homestead

24rd: Arrive to Pusuno, set up camp

25th: Hike to local waterfalls

26th: Sunrise renewal ceremony at dawn, fast, walk to pools, swim, first all night ceremony.

27th: Sunrise renewal ceremony at dawn, fast, walk to pools, swim, first all night ceremony.

28th: Walk to local spots, lunch, rest pack

29th:  Departure day, long hike, to bus to arrive to Papallacta hot springs.

30th: Rest at the hot springs, leave for Quito, evening flight

Dec 1st: International departure day