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.