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

Following breakfast, we will head to the nearby town of Shell where we’ll take a 60-minute flight deep into the Amazon rainforest to the visionary Achuar community of Sharamentsa. Traditional Achuar welcome with their fermented manioc beverage, chicha. Get situated in the community lodge constructed in ancestral Achuar design and ideally situated on the banks of the Pastaza river. Afternoon hike in the rainforest to get acquainted with the power and vitality of this pristine environment. 

 Early morning dream sharing ritual with Achuar families over guayusa tea. After breakfast, we will hear from the Achuar women about their maternal health program, Ikiama Nukuri, and the impact it is having on public health and women's empowerment. 

After lunch, our host will share cultural practices, including basket and ceramic making, weaving, dart making, and blowgun practice. In the evening after a traditional Achuar meal and a restful siesta, we'll meet to discuss preparation for the next day's ceremony. 

 After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll prepare our belongings and return to the community to say our farewells and start our half-day hike deeper into the Amazon rainforest to the Achuar village of Wayunsentsa on the banks of the Capahauri River. 

Upon arrival, we will receive a traditional welcome then settle into our encampment. The Shaman 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 heading down the Capahauri River 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.    

 Early morning visit to the riverside salt lick, a favorite spot of parrots and parakeets. After breakfast, we’ll set out on a hike to learn more about medicinal plants, Achuar spirituality followed by solo meditation in the forest.

Afternoon rest followed by Cocoa Shamanic Journey, dinner, and evening canoe ride in search of caiman and nocturnal life. 

 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 followed by a 4-hour  

drive through the cloud forest to an Andean highland retreat and natural hot springs called Termas Papallacta (remote, but only 1 hour from the Quito international airport).

Free time for rest, reflection, and enjoyment of the gourmet food and bathe in the natural volcanic hot springs.  

 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. 

  Enjoy the day to take in the spectacular view of the Antisana Volcano, hike through the ancient cloud forest in search of the Andean condor, black-breasted  eagle, hawks, curiquingues, sparrows, blackbirds, and various types of hummingbirds. Explore waterfalls or take an afternoon rest with a spa treatment and bathe in the natural hot springs. Early afternoon departure to a lovely ecolodge located outside of the main bustle of Quito.