Follow the Warrior’s Path
Throughout most of their history, the Achuar people have been warriors, engaging in ongoing battle with neighboring tribes and between Achuar clans. Since coming into contact with the forces of the outside world in the 1970’s, their warriorship began to take a new form.
In the early 1990s, many indigenous traditions marked the end of 500 years of darkness under colonial rule, and heralded a transition into a new era of balance and possibility.
Masters of building strategic alliances for survival during wartime, the Achuar redeployed their skills to find allies in the industrialized world who would partner with them to strengthen the sovereignty of their ancient culture and their collaboration with other indigenous peoples.
The Achuar are still warriors, only now they defend their ancestral lands, wisdom, and traditions on behalf of all life.
The Pachamama Journey immerses you in this powerful new vision of warriorship. With the Achuar as your guides and teachers, you will have an extraordinary opportunity to experience first-hand the wisdom and ways of being that have sustained their culture and pristine rainforest home for centuries.
Discover Achuar Culture
Entering into Achuar territory is a rare experience, as theirs is one of the world’s most intact indigenous civilizations. Thanks to their interdependent approach to life, and their commitment to protecting it with their partners, the rainforest where they make their home is also among the world’s most pristine primary forests.
To facilitate your deepest connection with this place and its people, Journeys participants have the unique opportunity to stay in both an Achuar village – where we’ll share in daily traditions and may be invited to participate in sacred ceremonies – as well as the award-winning Kapawi Ecolodge or newly constructed Ti’inkias rustic lodge in a different part of Achuar territory.
Throughout your stay, you will have a chance to explore and embody the refined cosmovision that imbues all aspects of Achuar life, from the local plants and animals to traditional foods and crafts.
Connect with Andean Cultures
While time spent in Achuar territory is at the heart of the Pachamama Journeys experience, all groups begin in Quito and spend a couple of days in the Andean highlands with the Caranqui Quichua people before descending into the rainforest.
Travelers are welcomed into the family homes of the San Clemente community, an indigenous-owned and operated community-based project at the base of the sacred Imbabura volcano in the Otavalo region of northern Ecuador.
Unlike their more remote counterparts in the rainforest, the indigenous peoples of the Andes were confronted by outside influence from the earliest days of colonial activity in the region.
Thankfully, their traditions persevered, though deeply affected by centuries of oppression. The intention behind San Clemente is the revitalization of the indigenous cultures of the Andes, and the results are inspiring.
Open Yourself to a New Worldview
Besides providing an experience of the geographical and biological diversity of Ecuador, this part of the itinerary serves a vital time to open ourselves to a different worldview.
You will learn about native healing plants and the indigenous cosmovision of the area, engage in traditional agricultural practices, and have an opportunity to support the local artisans of the area at their open-air market.
We will also visit a local healer, where you’ll have the opportunity for a traditional cleansing to let go of anything that may weigh you down as you continue on your journey.
Become a True Ally
Throughout your time in Ecuador, you will be welcomed into the social and spiritual lives of these communities with unforgettable warmth, grace, and generosity.
Just as we take steps to minimize the ecological impact of our journeys, our journey leaders and other team members will offer guidance on how to minimize our social and cultural impact within the communities we visit.
As true allies, we are mindful not to romanticize our indigenous partners – both sides recognize that we each hold a significant, essential piece, and that ultimately, we are interconnected with a common future that is bound up together.
