Join us for a jungle adventure at our wilderness camp in the upper Ecuadorian Amazon, where we embark on a mystical journey to the Pusuno River, nestled at the base of the holy mountain Napo-Galeras. This expedition is tailored for the fit and adventurous, involving a full day wilderness hike with packs to reach our destination. Porter service will be available for our packs for those who need. The Pusuno River, depicted in the photos, is a breathtaking emerald green rainforest paradise valley, historically visited by pilgrims for prayer and ceremonial rainforest medicine rituals. Situated on the equator, this isolated limestone massif brims with endemic plants, promising a truly unique experience.
Participation fee
Sign on before July 15th for an Early Bird rate:
Returning participants: $2,200. Early Bird: $2,000
First time participants: $2,700. Early Bird: $2,500
- You may reserve your space with a %50 deposit
- Min participants: 4 Max participants: 9
- To sign on email us at:
- Rainforest Medicine Council <gatherings@rainforestmedicine.net>
NOTE: We may change itinerary to visit the homestead of a Siekopai elder and his family for a traditional ceremonial experience. Either trip will be epic beyond measure!
At the Heart of Botanical Diversity
Located at the heart of Botanical Diversity, our retreats are accessed after a 4-hour drive from Quito to where the trail head begins. We hike for several hours to a Kichwa family homestead where we camp for the night. The following day we hike about 8-10 hours to the magnificent Pusuno River, the “River of Bubbles.” Within this Indigenous-owned and stewarded rainforest sanctuary, discover sacred sites like caves, waterfalls, and crystal-clear creeks amidst lush tropical plants. The area is considered to be, based on botanical inventories, to be the epicenter for botanical diversity. A visit here will leave any plant enthusiast with a much deeper perspective on the this most wondrous subject of mega biological diversity.
Jonathon Miller Weisberger: Ethnobotanist, Rainforest Guide and Author of Rainforest Medicine – Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon. Is on board as the retreat facilitator as well as coordinator. His presence brings this to a whole another level, to open up a broader vision of life and the rainforest.
Benjamin Mamallacta Alvarado: Kichwa educator, Ethnobotanist and seed conservationist, is on board as your rainforest guide, ornithologist and storyteller. Benjamin is ancestral steward of Pusuno River, (full day trek from the camp well be visiting at Urku Mayan). Benjamin and his family offer the Ungi ethnobotanical nursery in Tena, where they produce thousands of heirloom fruit, nut and ethnobotanical wonders.
Walter Grefa Chongo: Kichwa chef and rainforest guide from inner Archidona. Walter will be our chef and companion on the journey. He is also a remarkable jungle guide, story teller, body painter an ally on these wilderness sojourns.
With the sunrise renewals were we vomit at 4 am using alkaline rich rainforest medicinal emetics to leave each cell in ones body renewed. Then with two transformative all-night healing ceremonies, we delve deep into the realms of the soul, emerging renewed on every possible level. The quiescent stillness and quietude of this wilderness glade is the perfect setting to go as deep as you can imagine.
To prepare your body and mind for this sacred journey, we provide a comprehensive Dieta Protocol, guiding you through the necessary steps for eligibility to join our retreat. The Dieta Protocol is there to orient you in the basic precepts that guide one to more efficaciously embrace the magic of this extraordinary experience. Click Here to read the Rainforest Medicine Dieta Protocol, acceptance of which will be required for participation.
Day to Day Itinerary August 1-9, 2024
- July 30: Arrival to Quito
- August 1st: Papallacta hot springs (first night)
- 8/2 Hike to first camp, sleep at a Kichwa homestead
- 8/3 Arrive to Pusuno, set top camp, hike to river and waterfall
- 8/4 Sunrise renewal ceremony with Guayusa and Piton
- 8/5 Fast day, first ceremony night
- 8/6 Rest and walk and swim to gorgeous spots on the Pusuno River, fast day for second ceremony night.
- 8/7 Sunrise renewal ceremony w/ Guayusa and Piton, rest all day, walk to gorgeous location on Pusuno River, afternoon start packing camp.
- 8/8 departure day, long hike, to bus to arrive to Papallacta hot springs for the night. This day we hike 10 hours.
- 8/9 Rest at the springs, leave for Quito in afternoon.
- 8/10 First day for international departures
To Learn more about my work in the region read:
Conservation Adventures at the Epicenter of Botanical Diversity…
