Visit to Sarayaku territory in the Amazon jungle
A small group of people from the Western Civilization who care about the awakening of the Planet's Consciousness, will visit this land of brave guardians of Mother Earth.
Departures 2025
February 16 - 22
May 4 - 10
August 24 - 30
November 16 - 22
There are some Amazonian communities that retain their original wisdom throughout the millennia, and have many things to teach the Western curious mind. And I am talking not only about their integrity at the moment of protecting Mother Earth. We can learn from these cultures a lot about the way their democracy works, their priorities in life, and their close relationship with plants of power.
Sarayaku is the name of a Kichwa people who live in the deep Amazon jungle. They pride on and have retained their original lifestyle, in spiritual harmony with Mother Earth.
Their unique love and responsibility towards Mother Earth has kept Sarayaku people in the forefront of Nature's defense from oil extraction. In 2012 they won a court case against the Ecuadorian government. The USD 1.4 Million they received as compensation was used for community projects, like the creation of the first Community Indigenous airline of the World.
In this visit to Sarayaku territory, you will:
- Get to know first hand one of the first indigenous peoples in Ecuador that have sustained a strong, organized stance against extractivism
- Taste their incredible traditional food, using natural ingredients and produces from their gardens.
- Get in contact with a jungle preserved as in nowhere else. A walk in the jungle with its original inhabitants can be a life changing experience
- Help these amazing people stand strong in their convictions and their respect for Nature. You can show support by widespreading their unique story through your social media.
- You can support them also with trips like this. Ecotourism is identified by them as a positive alternative to extractive industries, because it generates well paid jobs.
- Learn about their plants of power and their important role for their culture's deep respect towards Mother Earth.
- Have the guarantee that all activities you will be part in, are Real. And by no means crafted with the intention to entertain or do "shows" for tourists. The way Ecuadorian grassroots organizations who make community tourism possible understand tourism is like a cultural exchange in which both parties learn and nourish mutually.
- Be part of conversations with elders about world problems and their historical responsibility as stewards of the jungle.
- Live unforgettable night canoe expeditions in one of the few remaining oil-free, mining-free, industrial agriculture-free areas of the Amazon jungle.
- Be part of relaxing collective journaling sessions in carefully chosen selected places.
- Get to know the Sarayaku's people declaration "Living Forest", in which their vision is put in plain English so the World understands it (Kawsaksacha.org/en)
5 facts about the Sarayaku People
Fact 1
Unlike other indigenous peoples, where there is division between those who want to protect nature and those who want the jobs of the oil companies, Sarayakus are almost unanimously against oil exploitation.
Fact 2
Historically, they have been an important actor in Ecuador's National Indigenous movement. Thanks to the organization of the Indigenous movement Nature has rights in Ecuador, Food Sovereignty is recognized in its Constitution, and GMOs are banned.
Fact 3
Among their Community projects, they have a Social bank, and the community constantly supports young people to have their own entrepreneurship, to do businesses in a responsible and sustainable way.
Fact 4
Their territory is 333,000 Acres wide (a bit more than Houston Metro area), and 95% of it is primary jungle. Their construction materials are native and, unlike some indigenous peoples, Sarayakus highly value their traditional architecture.
Fact 5
To protect their territory from illegal logging and other threats to Nature they have a team of "Kaskirunas" (forest guardians) who are usually way less corrupt than the Forest rangers of the Ecuadorian Government.
"The natural balance of the universe, the harmony of life, the cultural perpetuity, the existence of living beings and the continuity of the Kawsak Sacha (Living Jungle), depend on the permanence and transmission of the powers of the Jungle Protector Beings. It is also up to these Beings and the Yachak to maintain a relationship of respect and balance between humans and the living jungle."
From the Declaration "Living Jungle" by the Sarayaku People
About me
There is a whole section in this website about me. What is relevant right now is that I have been more than 20 times in the Amazon jungle, and have had many experiences with ayahuasca.
Much of my writer's career has been related to indigenous / conservation travel, and I have developed travel circuits involving communities in rural areas. I was born in Ecuador and studied in the US.
Testimonials
The time spent with the Sarayaku community was the best experience of my life. I have traveled over a great part of the world and never felt the way I did and do - spiritually and emotionally. Meeting and discussions with the leaders of the community were a highlight where we learned about the ideals and goals that encompass the whole way of life of the Sarayaku - it was eye opening to this Westerner! We were welcomed and made to feel at home by everyone from the youngest children to the elders. This is a lifetime experience that will stay with you forever. I don't believe that the authenticity of the trip can be replicated anywhere else. I would give this 10 stars out of 5!---Cathleen Wojtanek
Cathleen Wojtanek
USA
In general, this trip was an amazing experience! The hosts were fantastic, the food was incredible, and the people were some of the most wonderful humans I've ever met. Attached is my specific feedback. Let me know if you have questions or want further explanation. Thanks for a great adventure Riki.
Rod Brown
USA
It was beautiful to experience people who come from their heart and who generously shared their sacred places with us.
I learned a lot about the people, their way of life honouring the living Jungle and their commitment to keep extraction off their land. This is a big challenge for them.
The accommodation and food was beyond my expectation which was a very pleasant surprise.
I can highly recommend this excursion for those people who want to have an authentic jungle experience and learn about the jungle and its people.
I left with a full heart and I am sure you will too.
Yvonne Pelletier Paul
CANADA
About Comfort
This is the opposite of a jungle lodge. Ascents and descents to the canoes will require that you raise your leg and walk over mud. Accommodations are Rustic, meaning that there might be spaces between the woods where insects can get it. All beds have mosquito nets, all bathrooms have toilets and wash basins, but be prepared to walk outdoors to get to them. I cannot guarantee hot water in the jungle, nor mirrors. If you don't want to miss your self esteem morning rituals, bring your own little mirror. In Sarayaku there is only one hour of electricity per day.
Itinerary
7 days - 6 nights
The way this itinerary is crafted is to seek a balance between your own space and liberty, and community activities with the rest of the group. Take into account this:
If you come from overseas, there will be one extra night in Quito when you arrive, and another one before you fly out. There is a $350 surcharge that covers transfers, lodging, food and transportation.
Alternatively, or if you live in Ecuador, our meeting point is Puyo on day 1.
- All activities are recommended but optional.
- You will always have the option to stay in the cabins at your own pace. The purpose of the itinerary is to maximize the experience, but zero pressures.
Day 1
Arrival to Puyo after lunch, the gateway to the Amazon. In Puyo, we'll stay in a kichwa area where a beautiful community managed tourism project operates. We'll relax in our rooms and have dinner at 6. After dinner, we will do a fire in the place's maloka to discuss about our intentions for this trip. D
Day 2
After breakfast, we'll do a one hour slow educational trekking to a nearby waterfall, with a swimming pond right where the water falls. Lunch in the community. In the afternoon we will visit the kichwa village and interact in different ways with the locals. Dinner in the community. Depending on the weather, in the night we might do a canoe ride under the stars. Puyo is an extremely humid area. B/L/D
Day 3
After breakfast, we head out to Sarayaku territory. First stop is Florasana, a garden that cultivates Amazon plants and makes personal use products. They also have a NGO that preserves the kichwa culture. Next stop is Tzasapi, the last port cars can reach. There we start a boat trip that will take us down current to Sarayaku territory (2.5 hours). We will have lunch in Huktu Rumi beach. Arrival to Sarayaku territory around 4pm. Accommodation in rustic cabins. After dinner, conversation with the local leaders about the purpose of the trip. B/L/D
Day 4
Trekking into the jungle with Sarayaku guides. Get to know God's pharmacy in the Amazon jungle and the many uses that they give to each vegatable species. Visit to the Botanical center Sacharuya, where they obtain all their medicinal plants. Demonstration of weaving of bags with palma fabrics. Visit to the Cerro del Mono, where we will have a panoramic view of their territory, and they will show their project Frontera de vida (Frontier of Life). Lunch at the community. Visit to their food gardens, harvesting for dinner. Dinner at the community. Tonight we'll go to bed early because tomorrow starts before sunrise. B/L/D
Day 5
At 4:30 am those of us who want to, can join a Guayusa ceremony. This is their traditional way to start the day around the fire before sunrise, talking about their dreams and their activities for the day. They will explain how guayusa was great to prevent Covid. River bath at sunrise. Breakfast. Motorboat to Sarayakillo beach, to visit their sacred Ceiba tree that's more than 200 years old. Swim in small crystalline rivers, with local birds and animals. Demonstration of traditional fishing. Lunch at the community. Afternoon of journaling. We will walk to a very special jungle spot chosen by the locals for contemplation. Take out your journal and let's share the old art of writing. Alternatively, during the afternoon there will be a demonstration / teaching of their traditional tools, of elaboration of ceramics, and traditional face painting with jungle natural pigments. Dinner at the Community. Conversation with the local leaders to evaluate the visit and reach conclusions.. B/L/D
Day 6
After breakfast, we will visit the main square in Sarayaku, known as the Midday palace, in allusion to the prophecy that says that the Sarakaku people will resist till the end of times. We will visit their main buildings and the Tayak Wasi, Ancestral wisdom center and School. Lunch at the community. After lunch we depart. Arrival at Puyo at sunset. We will stay in a beautiful logde closer to the city of Puyo. In the night we will have a Conversation to assimilate the experiences. B/L/D
Day 7
In the morning, we'll have breakfast in the lodge and a short walk in the area. End of the trip around 10am. B
Itinerary is subject to changes due it weather or circumstances out of our control. Please be flexible, as we will do everything to make the best of every moment.
What happens if I have a medical emergency?
The Sarayaku community have their own airline. The airport is only a 5 minute boat ride from our cabins. In case you require urgent medical attention you will be immediately flown to Puyo, where there are hospitals.
About Plants of Power
Ayahuasca (=yahé) is a traditional plant of power found in the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. It is a very powerful endogenic plant that helps the human mind transcend to other dimensions. Its consumption has been extremely commercialized in the Amazon, and the serious yachaks (=shamans) do not support its use as a recreational tool. Ayahuasca is a living entity that has always helped the Amazonian cultures retain their original vision of unity with Nature. For people coming from the outside World I recommend that you stay for more than a week in the jungle, so you and your diet can adapt to the environment. That way you will not only avoid any type of bad trip but also you can get the full benefit from the experience. If you can't resist the idea to visit the Amazon jungle and not try ayahuasca, I will guide you to express your intention to the shaman, and he is the one who will determine if ingesting this plant can be good for you during this trip.
Who else will be in this group?
This is not a commercial tour that is being publicized openly. Those coming to this trip are either invited by me or referred by someone I know. Or were informed about this in a community page. In the questionnaire to sign in I make questions to understand more about everybody's intentions before accepting them in the group. The idea is that the group is aligned in their intentions and their respect for this unique sanctuary of life and its brave inhabitants.
Costs
- US$999 per person. Includes: All transportation inside Ecuador (in some occasional cases public transportation), all meals for 5 nights/6 days, water, lodging and excursions during the 6 nights and 7 days. Lodging is in shared rooms (2 people).
- If you come from outside of Ecuador, your port of entry is Quito and there will be an extra $350 for two extra nights in Quito on your way in your way out. The additional fee covers all meals, airport transfers and transportation.
- Not included: International air ticket, tips, snacks, handcrafts.
- In the Amazon, bathrooms may be shared.
- Single room supplement: US$200.
- If you come from overseas, your international ticket, your port of entry is Quito.
Steps to reserve
1- I will ask you to fill out a form.
2- After two working days you will receive a confirmation of your space.
3- A non refundable $500 deposit will be required one week after your space is confirmed.
4- Balance will be required 30 days prior to departure date.
Cancellation Policy
1- After full payment has been made, the deadlines to request a refund is: 100% -60 days // 50% -30 days.
2- In case of major natural disasters, worldwide major crisis or any other circumstance that does not allow the trip to happen, we will try to reschedule the trip. In case that is not possible, you will receive a 100% refund.
3- Remember that it's your responsibility to find out about immigration requirements and passport validity to enter Ecuador. For a list of requirements per country, check the official information here Ministeriodegobierno.gob.ec/requisitos-para-ingresar-a-ecuador/
If you are ready to travel click here and fill out the reservation form.
If you have questions or if you want a zoom call with me, click here.
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This is a unique opportunity to experience the Real Amazon Jungle with the locals, while supporting people who protect a landmark of Humanity.
I can show
you the Real Ecuador
Ecuador is a World leader in Community-managed travel. Ecuador, boasts a Special Law to supervise the quality of the services offered by communities and, more importantly, there is a National Grassroots Organization conformed mainly by indigenous leaders, that ensures that Community-based travel in Ecuador contributes to the Conservation of Nature, to Cultural strengthening and to the empowerment of people. Their real problem is marketing. This kind of travel continues to be alternative and very little known. Its potential to transform consciousness is huge. But until that happens, you are invited to be one of the few ones to discover one of South America's best kept secret.
I do excursions with small groups to some of the most extraordinary places in Ecuador, for people who want to have an unforgettable holiday, with real people and real places, while supporting directly communities and their conservation efforts.