Sacred Journey In the Heart of the Amazon
Women’s Retreat
May 5- 12 2021
Welcome! I’m thrilled that you are considering joining us on this journey into the Amazon and into the deepest parts of ourselves.
We are creating a sacred container made up of powerful women connected to our hearts and yearning to show up in service to the world. We will be unveiling how to best walk our sacred path, how to communicate our message to the world through our projects and how to show up in the world in total alignment.
We will enter into the sacred and beautiful Amazon rainforest, deepening our connection to mother earth so she can help heal us and reveal the way. We will be guided by Manari the Shaman and spiritual head of the Sapara people through our healing journey. He will teach us about the Dream World, how to interpret our dreams, and how to access higher knowledge. He will lead us in ceremony and we will have the opportunity to receive individualized healings from Naku’s team of healers with the plants of the jungle.
This is a journey of self-discovery, healing and deep sisterhood.
So looking forward to having your beautiful energy present.
Love,
Kayla Chantelle
Healing Approach: The Sapara people are master healers whose healing approach is rooted in the belief that any illness is the result of emotional and spiritual imbalance; it is their intent to restore that balance and revitalize our connection to the healing power of the forest. Drawing on the living pharmacy of the Amazon, Sapara healers will develop personalized treatment plans for each participant.
NAKU Clinic, located deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is a non-profit healing center founded by the Sapara people, dedicated to the research and practice of indigenous Amazonian medicine. The Sapara have lived in what is now the Ecuadorian Amazon for millennia. During that time, they have developed an inseparable relationship with the land, harnessing the power of medicinal plants to cure illness. The Sapara understand that both human illness and the mounting degradation of our environment are inextricably linked, sharing the same root cause. By healing with NAKU, you are joining the Sapara people in their efforts to protect pristine rainforest essential to the vitality of our planet, the front lines of the fight against climate change.
NAKU is a community tourism and healing project formed by several communities of the Sapara people in the South-Central Amazon in Ecuador. A people on the verge of extinction due to dwindling numbers and the threat of oil drilling, they created Naku to share their knowledge with the outside world so that their wisdom would live on and they could improve the lives of everyone in their community.
Manari Ushigua is a traditional healer and leader, the akameno (authority), of the Sapara Nation.
Manari has been a key figure in the indigenous movement of his country as the Vice President of CONAIE (The National Indigenous Organization of Ecuador) from 2013-2016, and as the President of the Sapara Indigenous Federation from 1999 to 2012. He has been able to participate in international events, like COP21 UN Climate Summit and the UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights, raising awareness about the threat to his homeland.
Manari is the co-founder of Naku, creating a new economic model in the Amazon that is based around cultural and forest preservation.
What to Expect
We will stay at the Naku camp with the Sapara for seven nights with one night to transition on the way out of the jungle. Activities during the eight days include dream interpretations and sharing, cleansing and healing ceremonies, jungle hikes, nature walks, camping, swimming, canoe rides, learning about the work of the artisans, medicinal plants of the jungle, engaging in cultural exchange with the Sapara people, sitting in ceremony together and sharing with each other in deep sisterhood. There is lots of time for journaling, rest and reflection. Each member of the group will have the opportunity to receive individualized healings with local healers using plants from the jungle.
An exact itinerary is not provided. The experience will be especially catered to your group. The leaders will guide the experience based on what they feel is needed in the moment. The flow will go with the energy of the jungle.
Journey General Timeline
May 4 - arrive to Quito
May 5 - Travel by van from Quito to Shell (~4 hours), fly into Sapara territory
May 5-12 - Stay at Naku Center in the Ecuadorian Amazon
May 12 - Depart from Sapara community & spend one night in Puyo or Baños to transition and close
May 13 - Return to Quito, depart from Quito Airport or continue individual travel
After we say our goodbyes to the Sapara people, a bus will take us to a hotel in Puyo or Baños, small nature cities close to the jungle. Here we will spend our final night relaxing and contemplating our recent experiences. This time allows us to gently transition from the time and pace of the jungle life back into our own lives.
On our final morning, we’ll return to Quito, where we will say our goodbyes to our group members. Some of us will fly back home and others may stay longer to visit other parts of Ecuador.
Note: we will be working with Kayla to coordinate getting COVID tests done before you head back to your home country.
INVESTMENT
The investment for the full seven day journey plus virtual dream work is $2500. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due upon registration. An additional $1,000 must be paid before the journey begins. The remaining balance can be paid out in a 2-4 month payment plan.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
7 nights all inclusive accommodations at NAKU Center (includes 1-2 night camping in Kamunguishi temple of knowledge inside the territory)
Local staff from the community (healing staff, housekeeping, cooks, canoe guide etc)
3 delicious nourishing meals each day (dinner on arrival, breakfast on departure)
Daily dream interpretations
Visit to Llanchamacocha and all excursions & treks in the jungle
Healing ceremony and cleansing with medicinal plants
Bilingual Spanish/English guide who will accompany you throughout your stay & provide interpretation
1 night accommodations in Baños or Puyo
Zoom meeting before the trip to introduce group members, answer questions and connect in ceremony before the journey
Recordings of Dream World 8-session program with Manari Ushigua
Travel to and from Quito to Shell
Travel to and from the Quito airport
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Flight to and from Quito, Ecuador
Additional food and beverage during stay in Quito and Baños
Souvenirs & handicrafts
2 medicine ceremonies with spiritual leader (additional $60 paid directly to leader per ceremony)
The Naku Center Accommodations
Where do we sleep? All guest sleep on single beds in an open air, thatched roof traditional structure. Each bed comes with sheets, pillow, a blanket and towel. Each bed is covered with a mosquito net.
What are the bathrooms like? We have 4 dry compost toilets and 4 showers on site. The showers and sink use fresh water from the jungle and arrive at room temperature. Many guest choose to bathe in the river! Both main bathroom areas have running water and mirrors to wash hands, brush teeth etc.
Is there electricity? There is solar powered electricity on site. We embrace the night time and have minimal lights (each guest will bring a head lamp) but there will be outlets for charging phones, headlamps etc. Please note, there is no WIFI on site though there is at a local community in case of emergency.
Where do we do our ceremonies? All ceremonies and group conversations happen in the maloka, the ceremonial hut (see photo above with the fire pit in the center. There are hammocks in this area where you can relax during downtime.
Frequently Asked Q’s
How do I know if this experience is right for me?
We trust that people are called to this experience and go when the time is right. Keep in mind that you will be spending 4+ nights in the jungle with basic facilities. There will be hiking in the jungle.
Your presence, openness and willingness to absorb the teachings of the Sapara is important. We hope you will share your experience with your community back home.
If you are not sure if this is the right experience for you, please contact us and we can help you with your decision.
How many people are in the group and what ages travel with you?
We have between 5-15 participants for each journey not including the guides. We encourage a diverse age group with our journeys.
What is the currency?
Ecuador’s economy is based on the US dollar and there is no need to exchange your US funds. Be sure to bring your dollars in smaller denominations (mostly $1’s, $5’s, $10’s and just a few $20’s). You will find that vendors and local businesses will not have the appropriate change and $1 and $5 bills will be very handy and even necessary.
Credit cards may be accepted at larger establishments but often with a surcharge. If you plan to use your credit card in Ecuador, we recommend you let them know before you leave that charges will be incoming from Ecuador to avoid any security issues.
ATMs are available only in Ecuador’s larger cities and pin numbers must not be longer than 4 digits. You will have access to an ATM in Quito upon arrival and then in Banos after we get out of the rainforest. Surprisingly, traveler’s cheques are not accepted at most places and can be very difficult to cash even at banks.
What is the weather like?
The Amazon rainforest is characterized by rain, heat, and more rain and heat, providing the perfect environment for plants and wildlife. The Amazon is always humid with generous amounts of rain occurring year-round. Both the rainy and “rainier” seasons are great times to visit because there tends to be a greater amount of animal activity. This is due to the fact that an increase in rain brings higher levels of fruit production, which means many species (including monkeys and fruit-eating birds) are more active and begin their reproductive cycles. The Amazon is a unique, unpredictable place, so to ensure the best experience possible it is necessary to come prepared for the unexpected.
The rain becomes more frequent in March and continues through July. August through to early December is more of a fluctuation season, meaning it can rain one minute and be sunny the next. The daytime temperatures in the rainforest are usually 26C to 32C degrees with humidity and in the evenings can fall to 20C degrees. Even though temperatures are warm, it is important to bring clothes that cover your arms and legs due to the bugs, so focus on light, breathable fabrics. Bring a few light layers for evening or sleeping as we are sleeping undercover, but outside with a light blanket.
When do I need to be in Quito? Can I arrive early or stay longer?
We will be making all of your in-country travel and lodging arrangements well in advance of the trip commencing. You are responsible for making your flight arrangements to and from Quito, the capital city of Ecuador.
If you are planning to arrive in Quito prior to the official start date of the trip for some personal time before the trip formally begins, make sure you make the appropriate room arrangements for yourself. You might want to stay at the hotel where our group will be spending the first night together. We will be advising you soon about the details regarding that hotel.
What do I need to bring?
Once you register for a journey, you will receive a complete packing list. In short, pack lightly and pack only what you will need. You will want lightweight, moisture-wicking, long sleeved shirts and long pants for the rainforest. Lightweight clothing made of synthetics designed to wick away moisture from your body is recommended. Check out REI, MEC and ExOffficio.
The Sapara will supply all of our equipment including mosquito nets, sleeping mat, pillow and blanket and rubber boots for jungle trekking.
How much money do I need to bring?
Costs not covered in Ecuador are cab fare at the end of the trip to the airport and personal purchases. We have found that $250 in personal spending cash is sufficient.
You may want to buy artisan crafts or other items in Ecuador. Please note, however, that our itinerary does not have significant focus or time allotted for shopping. You can plan for that personally either before or after the scheduled itinerary if you wish.
Should I bring a journal?
Part of the preparation process for the journey is to begin journaling. Because the Sapara are from a dream society, you may find that your dreams are more vivid. Record your dreams and thoughts in your journal. Notice the events leading up to your trip. Clarify your intentions for this trip and be sure to bring that journal with you. You will have the opportunity to have your dreams interpreted as well as the chance to share them with others.
Do I need a passport and visa?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your date of entry in order to enter Ecuador. You will not be allowed to enter the country with a passport that expires within six months of your date of entry. Be sure to check your passport now to see if you meet this requirement so you can secure a timely renewal if necessary. No visa is required for entry with a Canadian or US passport.
Do I need travel insurance?
We require that you purchase travel insurance for your time away from home. This kind of travel can be unpredictable and weather dependent.
Will I need a cell phone?
We have designed this trip as an electronic free experience. While we are in the rainforest, we will not have cell service or wifi so we ask for you to keep your phone off or on airplane mode. Before and after the jungle, there will be WIFI access.
What do we eat?
Before and after our stay with the Sapara community, we will eat at our hotels or at local restaurants. Everybody can choose their own meals. During our stay in the Amazon we will have nourishing, tasty but plain meals. The meals will be mostly vegetarian and may include rice, pasta, quinoa, yuca, legumes, vegetables and fruit. Coffee and tea and purified drinking water will be provided.
Where do we sleep?
We will stay in very comfortable hotels before and after our trip to the Amazon. You will share a room with another travel companion.
During our stay in the rainforest, our group will stay in two palapa style, traditional buildings. We will each have a bed with a mattress and a mosquito net. Pillows and blankets will be provided.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Vaccinations are not required, but check with your local travel clinic for updated information. We recommend that your Hepatitis A/B and Tetanus vaccinations are current. There is currently no Malaria in this part of the Sapara territory. See Packing List for more information.
What is the water situation like?
Throughout the journey, both in the cities and in the jungle, we will always have access to potable drinking water. In the mornings in the jungle, there will be coffee and tea served using purified drinking water.
Medical and Health Preparations
In countries like Ecuador, diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and hepatitis can be contracted. However, if the necessary preventative steps are taken, these illnesses can be successfully avoided. This information is provided to keep you safe and healthy during the trip. Please review this guide for detailed healthcare information and consult with your doctor for the approach that is best for you. If you are committed to homeopathic or herbal medicines, information on these alternatives is also included.
Medical Information:
Malaria: The rainforest region we will be visiting has very little to no malaria. However, the decision to take preventative medicine is an individual decision. Prescription Malarone has proven most effective for malaria, China is a homeopathic option and Artemisia (Wormwood) is a good herbal option.
Immunizations:
No immunizations are required for entry into Ecuador unless you are entering from an endemic area. Yellow fever immunization is required if you are passing through any other South American country on your way to Ecuador (even when you are only in an airport) or if you are entering Ecuador from an endemic area. The Center for Disease Control has an extensive website with travel related information at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. Your Ecuadorian consulate can also advise you on current requirements.
Please consult your healthcare professional or local travel clinic for more information on these topics and to meet your specific needs. It is generally recommended to have an updated Hep A, Hep B, and Tetanus vaccination. If you choose to get a typhoid vaccination we recommend taking it orally for less side effects.
Altitude Sickness:
The first day and the last day of the trip are at fairly high altitudes. The rest of the trip is at low altitude levels.
A small percentage of travelers experience strong altitude effects when arriving in Quito (about 9,000 ft). These can include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, although individual reactions are highly variable. Drinking coca tea (mate de coca) can counter the effects of high altitude and renew your energy. It is a natural alternative available in many places in Quito. Coca can be used in a homeopathic preparation as well.
Intestinal issues:
For intestinal protection, two Pepto Bismol tablets can be taken before each meal. Cinnamon bark and peony – take four capsules before each meal throughout the trip – can have the same effect.
To protect against unwanted bacteria and parasites in the intestines, take two capsules daily before eating of Acidophilus and Bifidus and one capsule of Kyolic garlic. Begin this regime 1 week before departure and continue throughout the trip. We recommend Traveler’s Probiotic by New Roots.
Mosquito Protection:
Surprisingly, mosquitos where we visit do not swarm in large numbers. Almost all commercial insect repellents contain Deet (N,N – diethylm – toluamide) which is an effective insect repellent yet toxic. It is not necessary to have a repellant with more than 30% Deet. Travelers have successfully used Herbal Armor made by All Terrain, Buzz Away made by Quantum, and Herbal Insect Repellent, made by All Around the World, all containing some combination of citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, cedar, lavender, and other essential oils.
If you wish, your rainforest clothes (except for Goretex) can be washed before packing with a product that contains Permethrin (synthetic form of chrysanthemums).