Our Journeys offer a rare and profound opportunity to deeply immerse yourself in the lives of intact Indigenous communities. Embrace an invitation into their ancestral culture, gaining direct insight into an unbroken lineage of wisdom within the vibrant forest. This remote setting may feel strangely familiar, evoking an ancient memory encoded in our DNA, recalling a natural and harmonious way of existence.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at Indigenous-owned lodges and villages. Here, you can engage in intimate conversations and participate in a variety of activities, including interpretive rainforest hikes, serene river excursions in canoes and kayaks, exploration of cultural practices and traditions, and engaging shamanic ceremonies.

Steve Torneten

Leading transformative journeys in the Amazon has been a profound passion of mine ever since I received a calling years ago to journey in to the enchanting magic of the Amazon rainforest and connect with our indigenous brothers and sisters who call it their home. I have cultivated a relationship with these indigenous communities grounded in principles of respect and reciprocity, and for over 27 years, they have consistently upheld their commitment to this partnership.

I believe there are few journeys as impactful as the ones we offer. It serves as a transformational experience for our guests, while simultaneously providing a valuable and empowering experience for the indigenous people who generously share their ancient wisdom with the world, contributing to the creation of a new worldview.

My personal journey has been an adventurous one, spanning from serving 8 years as a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps to establishing a successful real estate business. This was followed by years of exploration into human consciousness through practices like meditation, yoga, fasting, and, ultimately, letting go of it ALL during my first journey in the Amazon.

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

 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 territory at a cozy boutique hotel at the edge of the rainforest

 A short morning bus ride will take us to the frontier town of Shell (named for the oil company threatening the areas we’ll be visiting), the closest airport to our destination. Small chartered planes will transport us on an hour-long flight over an increasingly unbroken primary rainforest, following the circuitous Pastaza River as a guide. As our plane touches down on a dirt runway in the ancestral homelands of our Achuar hosts, we’ll have arrived in one of the most remote, biologically diverse, and spiritually significant places on Earth. We'll be welcomed by the community, and once settled into our comfortable communal lodging, we'll visit the sacred Ceiba tree, huge and awe-inspiring, and central to the Achuar spirituality.

 Early morning Guayusa dream-sharing ritual with Achuar families. After breakfast, we will set out to explore Wisiram Island in the Pastaza River to take in the wildlife and learn more about the history and myths of the Achuar people. 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. Late afternoon we’ll exchange songs, chants, and dances and enjoy an Achuar feast with locally grown foods.

After breakfast, we will have the opportunity to purchase local crafts & jewelry, say our goodbyes, then start our journey through the lush Amazon rainforest to the community of Wayunsentsa. Upon arrival, we will receive a traditional welcome and then settle into our encampment. We will be invited to participate in community activities, games, and competitions.  

 After a leisurely breakfast, we will visit a remote Achuar village river followed by a cultural exchange of songs, traditions, and dances (bring a small instrument!). After a traditional Achuar meal, we will say our farewells and canoe down the Capahuari river for a beautiful ride to the acclaimed, Achuar-owned and operated, Kapawi Ecolodge. After settling into the Lodge we will enjoy some free time for journaling, swimming, and exploring the area around Kapawi.  After dinner, we'll meet to discuss preparation for the next day's ceremony.   

Early morning bird and animal watching.  After breakfast we will go for a gentle forest hike to learn more about medicinal plants, Achuar spirituality followed by solo meditation around the massive grandfather Kapok Tree. The Shaman will perform a purification ceremony before inviting us to participate in an ancient ritual that evening.  

After breakfast, we will debrief with the shaman, and take the rest of the morning to rest and relax. After lunch, 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. Late afternoon sunset canoe ride on the Pastaza river, dinner, followed by 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 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 departs by charter bus for Quito. Check-in at the 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.