A Pachamama Journey 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.

Dr. Anita Sanchez and Dr. Kit Tennis have led journeys into the Amazon rainforest since 2012. They are long-time volunteers in many roles for the Pachamama Alliance, and Anita joyfully serves on the Board of Directors.  They each also bring 40 years of experience as trainers, consultants and managers in the non-profit, government and business world in the U.S. and across the globe.  Their love of the people and the lands of Ecuador began when they brought their two sons, aged 16 and 11, on their first, life-changing journey to the rainforest fourteen years ago, and has grown deeper every year since.  

Anita and Kit are joined on this trip by their dear Ecuadoran friend, Cristina Serrano, who has been guiding people into the forest for 25 years and is deeply loved by the communities we visit.  Together, they bring long experience, a practice of caring and light-hearted group guidance, and joy for the adventures of diving into the rich cultures and transformative immersion in the rainforest.

Group meets at 5 pm at the historic Quito hotel, Cultura Manor, for a welcome and orientation, followed by a group dinner together. Accommodations at Cultura Manor. 

Following a breakfast and orientation meeting, our journey will take us southward, descending the Andes via the breathtaking Avenue of the Volcanoes. We'll have the unique opportunity to visit the Casa de Vainilla project, where we'll explore vanilla plantations, partake in hands-on activities like harvesting vanilla pods, and gain insight into the cultural and economic significance of vanilla. Finally, we'll traverse the Pastaza River canyon, surrounded by a myriad of waterfalls, until we reach the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. As night falls, we'll gather for a dinner and engage in a discussion about visiting the Achuar territories.  

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll prepare our belongings and drive to the small town of Shell, where we will take a 60-minute flight on small planes deep into the Amazon rainforest, landing in the Achuar village of Kusutkau, where our Achuar guides will meet us. . Following a hike to the Capahuari river, you'll embark on a captivating boat ride to the Achuar-owned and operated Kapawi Ecolodge, your home for the next three nights. Settling into your lodging, you'll participate in an orientation meeting and savor a delicious lunch. Throughout your stay, you'll have the chance to engage in various activities such as early morning bird and animal watching, afternoon river excursions for swimming and kayaking, and moments of relaxation for journaling and exploration. The days will be filled with learning about medicinal plants, Achuar spirituality, and participating in cultural exchanges, all under the towering canopy of the Amazon rainforest.

 Our journey continues as we embark on a scenic canoe ride down the Capahuari River, offering us a chance to witness the awe-inspiring wildlife of the Amazon. Keep your eyes peeled for captivating creatures such as howler monkeys, capybaras, freshwater otters, and if we are fortunate, the elusive pink river dolphins. Our destination is the welcoming Achuar community of Sharamentsa, where we will be embraced with genuine warmth and hospitality, making this vibrant community our home for the next three nights.One of the remarkable highlights of our visit will be a trip to the iconic Kapok tree, a symbol of strength and resilience deeply ingrained in local culture. This majestic tree serves as a gateway to the wisdom and teachings of the land. 

During our stay in Sharamentsa, we will engage in diverse 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. Additionally, we will be invited to take part in a late-night plant medicine ceremony led by a local Shaman, providing us with a deeper spiritual experience with the land, our host, and ourselves. 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.

 From there early the next morning, we will fly in small planes deep into the most remote rainforest on Earth, the Sacred Headwaters of the Amazon, which is pristine, roadless, and spectacular. We will land on a dirt landing strip near a river and the Sapara indigenous people will conduct a beautiful ceremony to cleanse us of the intensity of the modern world and open us to the spiritual power and magic of the forest. Then, the Sapara guides will take us by canoe across the river to the beautiful camp they have created for visitors called NAKU.  

We will stay at NAKU for 2 days and nights, hiking in the forest, canoeing and swimming in the Conambo River, learning from the Indigenous people about their dream culture and embracing the amazing Cosmological vision of the Sapara people.

Afterwards, we'll soar above the lush forest and make our way towards a breathtaking spa destination. There, we'll indulge in some much-needed relaxation, reflecting on our journey, integrating our profound experiences, and delving into the invaluable work of the Pachamama Alliance. We'll immerse ourselves in understanding how we can best support our indigenous partners, equipping ourselves with the knowledge to make a positive impact.  

We'll make our way back to Quito for a final evening together, marked by a heartfelt farewell dinner. We'll savor the last moments of our journey, cherishing the bonds we've formed and the memories we've created. The following day, we'll bid farewell to one another as we embark on our individual paths, carrying with us the profound experiences and connections we've cultivated throughout our time together. 

  After breakfast and our final goodbyes, the group departs.