Cost: $2,895
This journey offers an immersive stay at the Achuar owned, award-winning Kapawi Lodge.
Thursday, July 26th
Arrival in Quito. Group stays at the charming hotel, Café Cultura.
Friday, July 27th
After breakfast and an orientation meeting at Café Cultura, we’ll head north to the scenic Andean region of Otavalo where we’ll explore the open-air indigenous artisan market displaying the crafts and culture of the Otavalan Quichua people. We will visit with a Quichua elder shaman for a healing and purification ceremony, before arriving at San Clemente, an indigenous-owned community-based project situated on the flanks of the sacred Imbabura volcano. Dinner and accommodations with our gracious host families.
Saturday, July 28th
Breakfast with families followed by activities in the community, including agricultural practices (oxen plow, planting/harvesting crops, grinding corn, etc.), forest hike to learn about native medicinal plants, discussions about the Andean cosmo-vision, and a traditional feast with local foods grown in the community. Evening dinner with families followed by cultural sharing and celebration, including traditional Andean music.
Sunday, July 29th
After breakfast and farewells with our indigenous families, we’ll embark on a beautiful drive – visiting the center of the world (equator) along the way – descending the Andes through the avenue of the volcanoes and the mysterious cloud forests until we reach the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Dinner and evening discussion about entering the rainforest and the Achuar territory at your quaint hotel, El Jardin, located on the outskirts of Puyo.
Monday, July 30th
After breakfast, head to the nearby town of Shell for a 45-minute flight deep into the Amazon rainforest. Arrive in an Achuar village and a short motorized canoe trip will take us to the award-winning Kapawi Ecolodge. After a welcome and orientation from our Achuar hosts, we’ll settle in and then experience the majesty of the rainforest on a hike with our Achuar guide explaining the flora, fauna and traditional uses along the way.
Tuesday, July 31st
Early morning canoe trip down the Capahuari river to a local Achuar village where we’ll participate in a traditional dream sharing ritual. Our hosts will offer us their traditional manioc beverage, nijaamanch (chicha), and we’ll partake in conversation and activities with village families to learn about the Achuar culture and customs. We’ll then participate in a cultural exchange (feel free to bring small instruments, songs and dances for sharing), be treated to a traditional Achuar feast and an attractive display of their hand-made artisan items. Return to Kapawi Lodge and have some free time for reflection, rest in hammocks, swimming, exploring the self-guided trail, etc.
Wednesday, August 1st
Morning forest hike with our Achuar guide to learn about traditional uses of medicinal plants and the Achuar cosmo-vision. We’ll spend some quiet and contemplative time in the rainforest, before heading to a local Achuar village to spend the night. In the evening, there may be the invitation to participate in a traditional ceremony with an elder Achuar shaman.
Thursday, August 2nd
After breakfast and time in the village conversing and sharing, we’ll return to Kapawi Lodge for free time in the hammock, reading, journaling, etc. In the afternoon, we’ll go out on the river to swim and float in kayaks or canoes with the option of fishing – mingling with the legendary pink river dolphin if we’re lucky. Evening hike, exploring the unique nocturnal forest life with our Achuar guide.
Friday, August 3th
Morning bird and animal watching. Depart Kapawi and fly to the small town of Shell where our bus will take us to the mountain lodge, Luna Runtun, overlooking the town of Banos. The area is famous for its hot springs and we will relax and enjoy the spa.
Saturday, August 4th
Relax and enjoy the spa and surroundings. Later in the afternoon and evening, we’ll participate in an Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, 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 Symposium’s creation and purpose.
Sunday, August 5th
Group gathers for a journey completion circle. We drive back through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Quito and Hotel Café Cultura and enjoy our final celebration dinner together. Stay at Café Cultura.
Monday, August 6th
Departures.
Itinerary is subject to change
We recommend having a day or more on the front and back side of the formal itinerary to acclimate, rest, integrate and see Quito if you wish. Those personal reservations for hotel and airport transfer can be made through www.CafeCultura.com. Pachamama Journeys will arrange lodging at Café Cultura for Thursday night.
