We apologize for any email you received about 1099-K. No action is required, and your account remains secure. We apologize for the confusion and appreciate your understanding.

Another trip of a lifetime with Steve and Juan!  It couldn't have been better: great off-the-beaten-path itinerary, great food, people, accommodations:

Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Pilgrimage

Fabulous journey! Loved the entire experience! Highlights for me were the San Pedro ceremony and time at Lake Titicaca. Loved all the hikes and being off the beaten track! Juan Fernando was totally professional, personal, and caring the entire time. Special kudos to him! I am recommending Travels With Steve and Juan to others.

United Arab Emirates Dirham

Afghan Afghani

Albanian Lek

Armenian Dram

Netherlands Antillean Gulden

Angolan Kwanza

Argentine Peso

Australian Dollar

Aruban Florin

Azerbaijani Manat

Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Barbadian Dollar

Bangladeshi Taka

Bulgarian Lev

Bahraini Dinar

Burundian Franc

Bermudian Dollar

Brunei Dollar

Bolivian Boliviano

Brazilian Real

Bahamian Dollar

Bhutanese Ngultrum

Botswana Pula

Belarusian Ruble

Belize Dollar

Canadian Dollar

Congolese Franc

Swiss Franc

Chilean Peso

Chinese Renminbi Yuan

Colombian Peso

Costa Rican Colón

Cuban Convertible Peso

Cuban Peso

Cape Verdean Escudo

Czech Koruna

Djiboutian Franc

Danish Krone

Dominican Peso

Algerian Dinar

Estonian Kroon

Egyptian Pound

Eritrean Nakfa

Ethiopian Birr

Euro

Fijian Dollar

Falkland Pound

British Pound

Georgian Lari

Ghanaian Cedi

Gibraltar Pound

Gambian Dalasi

Guinean Franc

Guatemalan Quetzal

Guyanese Dollar

Hong Kong Dollar

Honduran Lempira

Croatian Kuna

Haitian Gourde

Hungarian Forint

Indonesian Rupiah

Israeli New Sheqel

Indian Rupee

Iraqi Dinar

Iranian Rial

Icelandic Króna

Jamaican Dollar

Jordanian Dinar

Japanese Yen

Kenyan Shilling

Kyrgyzstani Som

Cambodian Riel

Comorian Franc

North Korean Won

South Korean Won

Kuwaiti Dinar

Cayman Islands Dollar

Kazakhstani Tenge

Lao Kip

Lebanese Pound

Sri Lankan Rupee

Liberian Dollar

Lesotho Loti

Lithuanian Litas

Latvian Lats

Libyan Dinar

Moroccan Dirham

Moldovan Leu

Malagasy Ariary

Macedonian Denar

Myanmar Kyat

Mongolian Tögrög

Macanese Pataca

Mauritanian Ouguiya

Maltese Lira

Mauritian Rupee

Maldivian Rufiyaa

Malawian Kwacha

I have fallen in love with Kawsak Sacha—Kichwa for "the Living Forest"—and in no small part thanks to the people who inhabit it. I am quite confident you’ll experience a similar sense of wonderment when you join me on this journey I have tailored for you.We’ll visit two of the most emblematic ancestral Peoples of the region, whose entire existence has been shaped by their relationship with the natural environment for thousands of years.We’ll first visit the Original Kichwa People of Sarayaku, internationally recognized for their unrelenting defense of their territory against extractive industries and for articulating their vision of a living forest. Their kindness, along with their determination to preserve their culture, governance system, and conscious adaptation strategies, have driven me to visit them as often as I can.We’ll then fly over the jungle close to the Peruvian border to the Achuar community of Wayusentsa. The Achuar are one of the last Amazonian Peoples to have been contacted (in the mid-20th century) and arguably one of the last to live fully according to ancestral beliefs. They have successfully resisted the acculturation that their relatives, the Shuar, have undergone. Here, traditional rituals such as dream sharing are still practiced in their purest form.My goal is to offer you a human adventure: to experience the transformative power of the Living Forest and to gain insight into the lives of those who protect and tend to the most biodiverse ecosystem on our planet.

Sarayaku, Ecuador

International Flights

Taxi

Extra Lodging

Gratuity for your local indigenous and Ecuadorian guides, bus driver, shamanic experiences, souvenirs and other personal purchases.

Personal Spending

Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation

Personal Emergencies

Starting with dinner on the first day of your journey and ending with breakfast on the last day of your journey.

All meals

In-country transportation including charted buses and planes.

Transportation

Mostly communal lodging while in the rainforest.

Lodging

You will be provided a pair of rubber boots, bedding, mosquito netting and other equipment in the rainforest.

Equipment

Experienced Ecuadorian & Indigenous Guides for translation,

Guides

Group meets at 5:00 PM at the beautiful Sierra Alisos Hacienda for a warm welcome and orientation, followed by our first group dinner together. Accommodations for the night will be at the Hacienda Sierra Alisos, a tranquil countryside estate nestled in the Andean foothills, offering the perfect peaceful setting to rest and bond before our journey begins.

Amazonian Immersion

Day 1

After a gourmet breakfast and an orientation meeting, 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. We will then continue through the waterfall-laden Pastaza River canyon to the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. In the evening, we will settle into a cozy boutique hotel at the edge of the jungle for dinner and an important discussion about entering the rainforest and Indigenous territory.

Day 2

Welcome to Sarayaku, a vibrant Amazonian territory along the Bobonaza River where primary rainforest remains untouched by highways and modern development. Your journey into this ancestral Kichwa nation, accessible only by a scenic river boat ride or a small charter flight, offers a rare immersion into one of the most culturally intact regions of the Ecuadorian Amazon.During your visit, your group will experience firsthand the philosophy of Kawsak Sacha (the Living Forest), learning from a community that treats the jungle as a conscious, rights-bearing being. You will engage with international leaders who successfully defended their lands from oil extraction, share in traditional chicha welcome rituals, and witness how ancestral traditions seamlessly blend with a powerful global vision for conservation.

Day 3,4,5

Welcome to the ancestral territory of the Achuar, a deeply spiritual Indigenous nation living in the remote, roadless rainforests stretching across the border of Ecuador and Peru. Your journey begins with a thrilling flight in a small aircraft over an endless canopy of green, landing on an isolated airstrip in a land untouched by modern industries. Over the course of an extraordinary three-night stay, you will reside directly within the community at the Centro Achuar Wayusentsa—a community-run tourism center where "Wayusentsa" fittingly translates to "river of wayus". Immersed in their ancient spiritual practices, you will be invited to pariticate in sacred plant medicine ceremonies to connect deeply with the rainforest, and journey into the jungle for profound waterfall cleansing ceremonies. These powerful practices, paired with dawn wayusa dream interpretations, will provide your group with an authentic, life-changing encounter with the sacred world of the Achuar.

Day 6,7,8

After breakfast, weather permitting, we’ll fly back to Shell, where our bus will take us to Papallacta Hot Springs, nestled high in the lush Andean cloud forest. There, rest and relaxation await—surrounded by fertile mountain slopes, vibrant hummingbirds, and tropical flowers. In the evening, we’ll gather for a powerful reflection, deepening the global context and meaning of our journey after so many days shared with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Day 9

After a restful morning soaking in the therapeutic hot springs, our group departs for Quito. Upon arrival, you will check into the elegant Cultura Manor Hotel, a beautiful boutique oasis blending historic charm with modern comfort. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, offering free time to shop for authentic Ecuadorian crafts. To close out this life-changing journey, we will gather in the evening for a special farewell celebratory gourmet dinner, sharing memories and celebrating the deep connections made with the spirits and people of the rainforest. &nbsp;

Day 10

&nbsp;After breakfast and our final goodbyes, the group departs. &nbsp;&nbsp;
End of Journey.

Day 11

We’ll review the itineraries, meet the journey leaders, and answer all your questions. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendar.app.google/htahwCjgWWjWJxdg8">Schedule Here</a>

Join us for a call

Our journeys into the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains are not vacations—they are living invitations to remember who you are and how you belong to this Earth. In partnership with Indigenous communities who have welcomed us into their sacred lands and lifeways, we co-create immersive experiences rooted in trust, reciprocity, and reverence. Every step of the way is guided by relationship—connections with elders, healers, rivers, jaguars, mountain spirits, and the unseen intelligence of the natural world. These are not curated performances for outsiders—they are real, raw, and rooted in the wisdom of people who still live in harmony with the living Earth.You’ll hike ancient paths, sit in ceremony with plant teachers, share meals in remote villages, and hear stories passed down for generations. But more than that, you’ll slow down. You’ll listen. You’ll begin to remember a way of being that is both deeply human and profoundly connected. This is a journey that will ask something of you: your presence, your humility, and your willingness to be changed. And in return, it will offer you something rare: a glimpse into a life-centered way of being, where every choice ripples out into the whole. These journeys are not just about where we go—they are about what awakens in us when we finally arrive.

About our Journeys

Marc Thibault I am privileged to call many of these communities’ inhabitants my friends. At first they called me Marquitos and now I go by Marco. I guess I grew up a bit. Upon my first visit to the Amazon in 2012, I knew I would go back, but I wanted to have a purpose and since I was already “into” medicinal plants and have had this triple bottom line entrepreneurial spirit, it wasn’t very long before the opportunity to bring my dream into fusion presented itself. It has been much more challenging than expected, but as it should be. The Living Pharmacies is what has been bringing me back here no matter what I choose to do. The use of medicinal plants is universal. The traditional knowledge, not only their properties but also their personalities, less so. As my relationships here grew closer I heard again and again “why don’t you bring people here, they need to experience what you have, they need to hear us as well”. My fifth time in the jungle I spent time with a Kichwa family who would become my adopted family. We were far away from the community they live in, in the land of their ancestors as they name it. Untouched, lush, energetically packed. They gathered every day before dawn to share their dreams and plan the day accordingly and after dusk to report on the day. Every evening they’d ask me, I’d share the transformation - physical and mental - I was experiencing. After the fourth day, the eldest son said: “Marco, what you are experiencing is the creation of the world”. I learned later Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon Rainforest don’t call it “the lung of the planet” but Pachamama’s heart.

Journey leader

Juan Fernando Duran has guided Journeys into South America for over 30 years. His expertise spans South American history and wildlife, from the Galapagos Islands to the Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest. His passion for nature preservation, and fostering bonds with indigenous groups shines through. &nbsp;His journeys let people authentically connect with the land, its inhabitants, and the spirit of nature itself.

Journey Guide

"My journey through Peru was nothing short of transformative—a soulful pilgrimage across sacred mountains, ancient temples, and luminous lakes. Each step brought me closer to something I had been quietly seeking: a deeper sense of who I am, and the courage to live from that place." Caroline C "Fabulous journey! Loved the entire experience! Highlights for me were the San Pedro ceremony and time at Lake Titicaca. Loved all the hikes and being off the beaten track! Juan Fernando was totally professional, personal, and caring the entire time. Special kudos to him! I am recommending Travels With Steve and Juan to others." Christina L "Another trip of a lifetime with Steve and Juan! It couldn't have been better: great off-the-beaten-path itinerary, great food, people, accommodations." Anne R "A rich, intense, and awe-inspiring adventure into the jungle and into our hearts. The journey leader, Steve, and our interpreter, were trustworthy, kind, and highly capable. All of our accommodations and journeys were excellent. Best of all was the experience of being held as we swam in ancient waterfalls, connected with the locals, and experienced the deep wilderness. Life-changing!" &nbsp;Joseph A&nbsp; "First off I'll say the preparation of this journey was thoughtful.. &nbsp;They anticipate your needs, so you always feel fully supported in everything; bathroom comfort, food restrictions, physical and emotional needs. The complete unplug that you experience on this journey gives you tremendous clarity. &nbsp;And then there's one more element....the difference you can make by taking time to bare witness to the lives of the indigenous tribes so you can truly hear and understand them. &nbsp;Just sign up. &nbsp;You won't be disappointed and you're in loving hands." &nbsp;&nbsp;Debbie L&nbsp; "This journey was superb with really amazing guides who supported and allowed a transformative spiritual experience to unfold individually and collectively. The itinerary was really beautifully curated as a journey in and of itself." &nbsp;Anya W&nbsp; "This was truly a once in a lifetime experience - I learned so much, felt so connected, and was pushed to have new perspectives and understanding of the world. I would go again in a heartbeat if I could!" &nbsp;Sara H&nbsp; "I knew this trip would be transformative, but couldn't have imagined the gifts. I will be forever grateful for the container created for all of us to have incredible, life changing experiences." &nbsp;Sara T.&nbsp; "The Journey was a powerful experience of learning about different people, connecting with nature, and personal spiritual growth. I appreciated the structure as a partnership - learning from and supporting each other. The insights from other group members strengthened my learning and made it an enjoyable time together. I am glad I could bring my young adult daughters - it was a connecting experience for us and important for young people who will help our culture change to a new dream." &nbsp;Diana H&nbsp; "My Journey is hard to describe in words. The visitations, experiences and engagement we were part of were profound, beautiful and awe-inspiring on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The trip was a finely woven tapestry created from a place of deep love and reverence. I am awakened and changed forever in ways that will continue to unfold over time. I feel the deepest respect for their work, vision and integrity." Andrea N&nbsp; "I loved the experience and learnings I had with these docile distant brothers that I had the opportunity to embrace on this journey. The pure relationship that the Indigenous people have with the earth on the physical and spiritual plane, captivated me forever" &nbsp;Ruth B&nbsp; "The Self that I identified as “me”, that left for the Journey was not the sane Self that returned. &nbsp;Amidst the stillness and silence of the jungle and welcoming spirit of our indigenous brothers and sisters, I discovered my Self, as a self rooted in being, &nbsp;blissful and serene." &nbsp;Mark F&nbsp; "I was so impressed with the organization and care of the leaders and guides of the entire journey. The care of all parties involved helped create a safe space to wholeheartedly experience the present moment. I remained in a state of presence for such a long period of time that returning back to society has been a challenge. I recommend this for anyone seeking to come face to face with the jaguar and smile." &nbsp;Michael A&nbsp; "The organization was exceptional, people were amazing, including group and the indigenous people. &nbsp;One of the best experiences ever. &nbsp;Very grateful." &nbsp;&nbsp;Diana D&nbsp;

Testimonials

Amazon Immersion 2027

Private single rooms are provided in all hotels outside the rainforest.

 Private/Single rooms

Trip Price

Ecuador

Our journeys into the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains are immersive, transformative experiences rooted in deep relationships with Indigenous communities. Guided by elders, healers, and the wisdom of the land, each journey invites you to slow down, listen, and reconnect with a life centered in relationship—with nature, with others, and with yourself. These are not tours, but living invitations to remember what it means to belong to the Earth.

Journey with Marco

The “Living Amazon Immersion CEO Peer Group Journey” of the <a target='_blank' href="http://www.bhf.foundation/" target="_blank">Bullens Heimann &amp; Friends Foundation</a> has been designed for conscious CEOs, who want to experience indigenous wisdom and value the exchange with like-minded leaders about how to transfer this wisdom into their organizations.&nbsp;
You will have the opportunity to meet and hear from leaders of First Nation communities who are on the front lines of addressing climate change, reforestation and protection of different bioregions in the Amazon. This 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. 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.
A part of your investment in this deep immersion journey will go directly to funding the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.bhf.foundation/what-we-do">Living School of the Amazon</a>, the leadership school for and by indigenous leaders from the Amazon who are acting as earth guardians of climate regeneration. This school is training the next generation of first nation leaders who will work towards mitigating climate change and regenerating our planet.

Naku, Sharamentsa

&nbsp;The group meets at 5:00 pm at the historic Quito hotel, Cultura Manor, for a welcome and orientation followed by a group dinner. Accommodations at Cultura Mano&nbsp;

Amazonian Immersion with the Achuar and Sápara

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. Accommodations at the Miramelindo Hotel along the beautiful Verde River. &nbsp;

We will visit the Living School of the Amazon in Puyo, where we will observe classes, meet with students and teachers, and even participate in a class. After lunch, allies of the Living School of the Amazon will attend a formal presentation followed by a Q&amp;A session. Dinner and evening discussion about entering the rainforest and the Achuar and Sápara territories.&nbsp;

Day 3

Following breakfast, we will head to the nearby town of Shell, where we will take a flight to the Sápara village of Llanchamacocha. Receive a warm welcome with smiles, and embraces, followed by an individualized purification ritual. Our guides will take us by canoe to get settled into our village encampment, which we'll stay at for the next three nights on the banks of the Conambo river. We'll spend time with the leaders and elder grandmother discussing their history, customs, and vision for defending their forest for future generations of all life. After an introduction and orientation to the Naku project and the inspiring vision the Sápara have for the future, we'll take a refreshing swim in the Conambo river and settle into their community lodge. An evening conversation with Manari to prepare for the following evening ceremony. &nbsp;

Day 4

Early morning dream-sharing with Manari, and purification ceremony using time-tested ancient techniques. After breakfast, we'll hike through the primary forest to learn about the Sápara's unique physical and spiritual connection to the rainforest, visiting a medicinal plant garden in the primary forest followed by a sacred tobacco waterfall ceremony. Afternoon rest before meeting with Manair to prepare for the evening ceremony.&nbsp;

Day 5

After breakfast, we will have a debriefing session with the community leader to reflect on the experiences and insights gained from the previous night's ceremony. We will have time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate in the afternoon. We can choose to take a swim, relax, or walk in the rainforest to connect with nature and ourselves. As evening approaches, we will participate in a significant sharing session with the community leaders.

Day 6

&nbsp;In the morning, we will have a dream-sharing session with Manari to share our dreams and receive insights from the community leader. After this, we will take a walk in the forest to connect with nature and the beauty of the Amazonian rainforest. Later in the afternoon, we will have a cultural exchange with the community to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.&nbsp;

Day 7

&nbsp;After breakfast, we will board small planes to fly deeper into the Achuar territory and land in the community of Sharamentza. This will be our base for the next three nights. After our orientation meeting with a local guide, we'll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Achuar culture and enjoy relaxing activities in the afternoon. Closing with an optional night walk in the evening.&nbsp;

Day 8

&nbsp;We'll travel by canoe across the Pastaza river to visit a remote Achuar village to learn about the Achuar culture and rituals. Afternoon session to meet with an Achuar elder to learn more about his dream of the Living School of the Amazon. After dinner, you can go on a night hike or ride on the river to look for cayman.&nbsp;

Early Guayusa Tea Ceremony followed by a canoe ride to the far banks of the Pastaza River to view the Parrot claylick. After breakfast, hike to the ancestral Mente/Kapok tree for a tobacco ceremony, followed by a rejuvenating cleansing, meditation, and journaling session. Later afternoon (let go and go with the flow), casual sunset cruise in the canoe on the Pastaza River. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to our host and board flights out of the forest to travel to the beautiful Papallacta Hot Springs. Here, we'll take some time to rest, reflect on our experiences, integrate our learnings, and gain a deeper understanding of the work of the Pachamama Alliance. Together, we'll prepare for our return home, having been part of the Living School of the Amazon, Sacred Headwaters - connected through a shared purpose.

Enjoy a morning of self-care and relaxation with a rejuvenating massage in the stunning Pappallacta. After lunch, we will return to Quito for a farewell dinner at the Cultura Manor. The evening will include a completion circle and ceremony, followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 12

After breakfast and our final goodbyes.&nbsp;
End of Journey.&nbsp;

Day 13

&nbsp;Each Journey is skillfully curated by trained leaders and expert guides on the ground.
<ul>
 <li>Our Journey Leaders are volunteers who have experience as a Journey participant and have gone through an extensive leadership training to effectively hold a safe and dynamic space for you on your Journey.</li>
 <li>Our Ecuadorian guides have been guiding for decades and are dedicated to supporting the rainforest and Indigenous people. Their knowledge, understanding, trust, and relationships are an invaluable part of the Journeys experience.</li>
</ul>

Your Guides

The Living Amazon Immersion CEO Peer Group Journey.

Private/Single rooms in all hotels we stay at outside the rainforest.&nbsp;

Private/ Single Rooms

This Journey into the Heart of the Amazon 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.

Quito, Amazon Rainforest

Group meets at 5 pm at the Sierra Alisos Hacienda, for a welcome and orientation followed by a group dinner together. Accommodations at Sierra Alisos Hacienda&nbsp;

After a gourmet breakfast and an orientation meeting at Sierra Alisos Hacienda, 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&nbsp;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

Our day commences with a bus journey towards Shell, a town bearing the name of an oil company that poses a significant threat to the surrounding area. Following that, we board a brief 30-minute flight to reach the Sápara village of Llanchamacocha. Upon arrival, we are greeted warmly with smiles and granted the chance to partake in a purifying ceremony.
 
For the four nights, we reside in a village encampment nestled alongside the serene banks of the Conambo River. During this time, we are honored to engage with village leaders and wise elder grandmothers, immersing ourselves in their vibrant history, cherished traditions, and resolute dedication to preserving the forest for future generations.
 
Our mornings commence with sharing dreams and participating in purification ceremonies that employ ancient techniques passed down through countless generations. Additionally, we have the opportunity to embark on hikes through the primary forest, allowing us to establish a profound connection with the Sápara people's extraordinary physical and spiritual bond with the rainforest. Along the way, we visit a medicinal plant garden situated deep within the heart of the forest, where we partake in sacred tobacco rituals and moments of tranquil solitary meditation.
 
An invitation will be extended to us, inviting us to partake in a profound ancient shamanic plant medicine ceremony under the guidance of Sapara elders. This remarkable occasion affords us the rare opportunity to experience the power of plant medicine in a corner of the world that remains untouched, as it was originally created.
&nbsp;
Our time with the Sápara community concludes with a vibrant cultural exchange, encompassing songs, dances, and storytelling, as we wholeheartedly embrace Sumak Kawsay, the essence of Good Living. .

Amazonian Immersion with the Sápara 

Day 3- 6

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll prepare our belongings and return to the community to say our farewells. Take a 40-minute flight deeper into the Amazon rainforest to the Achuar village of Sharamentsa where we will be embraced with genuine warmth and hospitality, making this vibrant community our home for the next two nights.
During our stay in Sharamentsa, we will engage in a diverse range of 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.
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.

Amazonian Immersion with the Achuar

Day 7-8

After bidding our farewells to the Sharamentsa community, our journey gracefully continues with a tranquil canoe ride to our next destination: the renowned Kapawi Ecolodge. Owned and operated by the welcoming Achuar community, who extend their hospitality to host us for the next three nights. Upon our arrival at the lodge, we are gifted with invaluable free time, allowing us to engage in activities such as journaling, swimming, and exploring the captivating Kapawi surroundings.
 
During our time in this Achuar community, we will have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including serene canoe rides and peaceful mornings dedicated to birdwatching and observing the local wildlife. After indulging in satisfying breakfasts, we embark on a gentle forest hike, delving into the realm of medicinal plants and Achuar spirituality. This enlightening experience is followed by a period of solitary meditation beneath the towering presence of the majestic Kapok Tree.
 
Lunchtime offers an opportunity to recharge and reconnect with the captivating forest surroundings, allowing moments for introspection through journaling and reflection. We will engage in a meaningful discussion with the shaman, enabling us to absorb the beauty and wisdom inherent in Kapawi Lodge's natural environment.
 
We will also embark on a river excursion, where we can swim and peacefully float in kayaks or canoes, with the chance to encounter the legendary pink river dolphins if luck is on our side. In the evening, we will enjoy a nighttime walk, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the vibrant nocturnal life thriving within the forest's embrace.

Day 9-11

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 &amp; 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

After breakfast, our group departs by charter bus for Quito. Check-in at the beautiful &nbsp;Cultura Manor Hotel then free time for shopping or exploring historic Quito. Evening farewell celebratory gourmet dinner. &nbsp;

After breakfast and our final goodbyes, the group departs. &nbsp;&nbsp;
End of Journey.

Day 14

Meet Brenda Basurto and Simon Rilling - based in Zurich, Switzerland, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - two curious souls with a shared passion for exploration, self-discovery, and the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and pristine nature. As seasoned travellers with a penchant for the Amazon, they are the ideal guides for an unforgettable journey into the depths of the rainforest.
 

Simon Rilling embarked on a transformative journey from the confines of an investment banking career to the boundless realms of self-discovery and creative development. Today, he is a guide for those seeking to bridge the gap between the structured Western mindset and the open-hearted freedom of Latin and indigenous perspectives. An explorer at heart, Simon's deep-rooted passion for indigenous cultures, nature, and creative development is evident in every endeavour he undertakes. Beyond his role as a creative development trainer, Simon is also the voice behind the "Beyond Perception" podcast, where he delves into the subtleties of perception, personal growth, and the human experience.
 
Brenda Basurto is not just an explorer but also a gifted animal whisperer, attuned to the rhythms of nature and the silent language of its inhabitants. Her innate ability to connect with the animal kingdom offers a unique perspective and enriches the journey for those fortunate enough to travel alongside her. Brenda's journey, much like Simon's, has been one of bridging worlds - from the corporate sphere to entrepreneurship, from the logical mind to the intuitive heart.
 

Together, Brenda and Simon's first encounter with the Amazon and its indigenous cultures was nothing short of magical. This profound experience led them to spearhead journeys into the rainforest, guiding groups of free spirits and fellow explorers. Their combined expertise, deep respect for indigenous wisdom, and genuine love for the Amazon make them the perfect duo to lead you on a journey of a lifetime.
 

Join Simon and Brenda as they follow their hearts, guiding you through the mesmerizing Amazon, unveiling its secrets, and offering a transformative experience that goes beyond mere exploration.

Your Leaders

Embark with us on this profound journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Rainforest, where the lush green canopy, vibrant biodiversity and indigenous innocence, serve as the backdrop to your personal transformation. Here, amidst the ancient trees and pristine landscapes, we invite you to discover your deepest truth and experience the serenity and magic of your true nature. Through deep grounding and the falling away of concepts and beliefs, you can find a state of pure being and bliss, allowing you to connect with the essence of who you truly are.&nbsp;
 
Join us on this transformative adventure and let the rainforest guide you towards a profound realization of self.

Featured Trips

Past Trips

Reviews