Compare An Extraordinary Rainforest Journey for Women by Pachamama Journeys

Day 1:

Arrival in Quito (early arrivals encouraged for acclimation). Group stays at the Hacienda San Luis in Tabacundo.

Day 2:

Morning yoga session and meditation in the hacienda’s custom yoga studio. After breakfast and an orientation meeting, we’ll head south through the Andes into 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 our small hotel, El Jardin, located on the outskirts of Puyo.

Day 3:

Head to the nearby town of Shell where we’ll take a 45-minute flight deep into the Amazon rainforest and be met by our Achuar hosts for a beautiful motorized canoe trip that will take us to the award-winning Kapawi Ecolodge, our rainforest home for five days and four nights. After a welcome and orientation, 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 of the rainforest. Late afternoon yoga session in the peaceful environment of Kapawi followed by dinner.

Day 4:

Early morning river trip to a local community for dream sharing ritual with Achuar families followed by free time to participate in cultural practices, including weaving, ceramic bowl making, gardening, chicha making (their traditional fermented manioc beverage) and we’ll partake in conversation and activities with village families to learn about the Achuar culture and customs. We will share in a cultural exchange where the Achuar will share ancestral chants, music and traditions. We’ll be invited to share, too (feel free to bring small instruments, songs and dances for sharing) and we’ll end with traditional Achuar feast from local foods. Return to the lodge for a yoga session, rest and relaxation.

Day 5:

After a gentle morning that will include yoga and time for journaling, meditation and reflection the group will set off on a jungle excursion to learn about medicinal plants and the Achuar cosmology and spirituality. There will be some quiet and contemplative solo time in the forest before heading to a local Achuar village to spend the night. In the evening, we will be invited to participate in a traditional shamanic ceremony with an elder Achuar shaman.

Day 6:

After breakfast, we’ll have a debrief meeting with the shaman and then some integration time before gathering our belongings and heading to the river for our return to Kapawi Lodge. After some free time to relax in the hammock and reflect on our experiences, 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. Pre-dinner yoga practice and sharing circle, followed by an optional guided night hike to explore the unique nocturnal forest life.

Day 7:

Morning bird and animal watching. Depart Kapawi and fly to the small town of Shell where our bus will return us to El Jardin. Situated on the edge of the rainforest, with gourmet food and redwood hot tubs, it is the perfect place to relax and integrate our rainforest immersion. Evening Pachamama Alliance Symposium inspired by the Achuar.

Day 8:

Morning circle to share gratitude and commitments. Drive back up 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). Relax in the hot springs before a final celebration dinner.

Day 9:

Departures for home or next destinations

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.