HEALING JOURNEY INTO THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
May 30- June 9, 2024
You’re officially invited!
Join us in a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Amazon Rainforest with the Sapara Nation.
Soar into the beauty, power, and mystery of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the magnificent Apus (mountains) and ancient forests and their plants, animals, and native people.
Join Manari Ushigua, leader of the Sapara Nation, in a healing journey of mind, body, and spirit. You’ll embark on the most proufound healinng journey inone of the most biodiverse and ecologically important areas of the planet.
You’ll connect to the “Spirit of Pachamama,” experience higher states of consciousness, understand mental and physical illness from the perspective of the spirit world, connect to the wisdom of your body, receive personal healings from traditional Amazonian healers, and transform yourself and the world around you.
This journey is for those looking to heal mental health struggles, trauma, and illness. This journey will include a 2nd plant medicine ceremony and access to additional medicines from the jungle. We’ll have healers supporting the group during the Integration.
MEET THE SAPARA NATION
in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Small in numbers but carrying the strength of millions the Sapara nation, despite of the danger of extinction, have committed themselves to protect the Amazon Rainforest and to share the wisdom of their elders on how to live in balance with the natural world and with folks from around the globe. The Naku Center was created with this intention in the heart.
One of the core beliefs of the Sapara Nation is mutual respect for each other and Mother Earth (pachamama). Their world view is centered on recognizing the sacredness of all things, visible or invisible.
The Sapara are ready to welcome you into their home because they know that united, we are all stronger and our fates are intertwined.
CLICK PLAY TO FEEL THE MAGIC OF THE NAKU EXPERIENCE ⬇️
A look inside your journey
“There is infinite life in this mystical place”
“Naku. In the place of the tranquil noise my heart found peace once more. It is the peace of a womb unknown, the clamorous silence of the jungle spoke the language of my lineage and I remembered my way home at last. Every corner here echoes and vibrates with abundant life and my cells have been reborn.
My soul awoke to the vibration of a thousand wings and sang to the song of a thousand birds. There is infinite life in this mystical place. The soil reverberates with wisdom and the insects whisper their secrets to listening ears, and the trees... oh the trees...
Those ancient and stoic elders broke my heart with their love and I cried tears of pure joy as the wind carried messages to me on their leaves. The crystal clear water in the hidden waterfall washed my city soul clean and the peeping sun dried in the changes to ensure the jungle never leaves again.”
- Laura Swan, Transformation Journey Participant + Registered Nurse
The Itinerary
May 30th - June 10th
DAY 1 | May 30th: Arrive to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, where a driver will pick you up and bring you to our hotel where you’ll meet your fellow dreamers in person. We’ll eat dinner together and get to know each other before waking up bright and early to head into the Amazon.
DAY 2 | May 31st: Travel from Quito to Shell
We’ll wake up bright and early and begin our journey to the Amazon through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” If the weather is clear, we will see the following volcanoes: Antisana, Sincholagua, Pasochoa, Rumiñahui and Cotopaxi, the tallest active volcano in the world.
After 5 hours, we’ll arrive at the Shell Airport and fly in a small 3-5 person plane over the Amazon forest, and have the opportunity to contemplate the immensity of one of the most pristine primary forests on the planet. After this 30 minute breath taking flight, we’ll land on the airstrip in Llanchamacocha, where we’ll be received by members of the Sapara Nation for the welcome ritual. We’ll then travel downstream to Naku Center either by swimming or in a canoe.
After getting settled we will do an introductory circle, meditate, and introduce our self to the Amazon forest and enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner.
DAYS 2-8 | May 31st- June 6th: Naku Center
We’ll be together sleeping under the stars in the heart of the jungle from Friday afternoon to Tuesday morning. We’ll participate in limpias (cleansings), plant medicine ceremony, dream interpretations, jungle hikes, wildlife viewing, cultural exchanges with the Sapara, swimming & more. The activities will be guided by members of the Sapara community who will share knowledge and wisdom about the wildlife, plants, trees and the spirit of the forest.
During our time in the jungle, we’ll be working on Spirit time, which means we really will allow the mind to rest from the constant need to know “what’s next.” So it’s time to let yourself rest, recharge, and be immersed in the beauty of the forest.
DAY 8 | June 6th: Naku Center to Black Sheep Inn
We will fly again over the pristine Amazon forest for 30 minutes to Shell. Then we will drive for 4 hours to Black Sheep Inn an eco-lodge located in the small town of Chuggchillan only 20 minutes away from the sacred lake Quilotoa. You will be able to rest, eat, do laundry, get cozy by the fireplace, and enjoy the sauna. It is the perfect place for the transition to reintroduce ourselves into the outside world.
DAY 9 | June 7th: Black Sheep Inn
In the morning we will have an integration meditation session with Barbara, followed by breakfast and then head on over to Quilotoa to trek the famous Quilotoa Loop. Lunch and snacks will be provided by Black Sheep Inn which we’ll eat during our hike. Once the hike is complete, we’ll stop by a local restaurant enjoy some coca leaf tea. We’ll then make our way back to Black Sheep Inn for dinner and we’ll have a sharing circle with Manari where you’ll get to share your experience with the group. After this, you’ll have optional activities or just time to write, contemplate, and enjoy your last day of the integration in Cotopaxi.
DAY 10 | June 8th: Black Sheep Inn to Quito
From Black Sheep Inn we will head back to Quito. Once we arrive in Quito, you’ll have the chance to go visit el Mercado Artesanal and get your local souvenirs before we have our final dinner together at SOMOS, a delicious restaurant that celebrates the diverse flavors of Ecuador. Once this is done, we’ll be able to rest and prepare for your flight back home.
DAY 11 | June 9th: Transfer to the Quito Airport
Note: If any travelers would like to stay a couple of nights to visit Quito, we will drop them in the hotel of their choosing.
Your experience includes:
You will be taken care of from the moment you land in Quito to your departure. It’s our mission for you to arrive and immediately feel held throughout this once in a lifetime experience. You relax, let us deal with all the logistics.
☑️ 10 nights of accommodations: 2 nights in Quito, 6 nights at the Naku Center in the Sapara Territory, 2 nights in Black Sheep Inn
☑️ Meals: Three vegetarian meals a day will be provided throughout the journey. Dietary requests can be accommodated.
☑️ Integration Support: Before the jungle, during the jungle, and post-jungle
☑️ All transportation throughout the journey including flight in and out of the jungle
☑️ One Integration Healing Session
☑️ Pick up and drop off at the Aeropuerto Mariscal in Quito, Ecuador
Your experience does not include:
❌ Flights to and from Ecuador
❌ Two Medicine Ceremonies ($60/each)
❌ Souvenir & tip money for the Sapara community
Ready to say yes?
Enroll by Thursday, April 6th and SAVE $500!
*discount is already applied at checkout
6 Monthly Payments of
$1107
$1007
Pay In Full
$4300
$3800
*discount is already applied at checkout
Meet your guides
Manari Ushigua is a traditional healer and leader of the Sapara Nation in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Manari was named one of the 100 Latinos 2021 committed to climate action. 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’s participated 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 the Naku Center in Sapara territory, creating a new economic model in the Amazon that is based around cultural and forest preservation.
Barbara Sánchez is a trauma informed coach, cacao ceremonialist, and currently serves Dream World through community support, translations, social media management, launch implementation and growth.
Barbara began her personal development journey at the age of 17 and has dedicated the last 11 years to learning how to heal by gathering tools from the ancient and modern world.
Being raised between Ecuador and New York, Barbara is a bridge between cultures.
In the Summer of 2023, Barbara made the decision to leave her native home of Queens, NY and moved to Ecuador in order to continue her path in reconnecting with her roots.
As an American- Ecuadorian her mission is to empower others to fully embrace their identity, feel worthy of taking of space and break generational cycles that are holding them back.
Ready to say yes?
Enroll by Thursday, April 6th and SAVE $500!
*discount is already applied at checkout
6 Monthly Payments of
$1107
$1007
Pay In Full
$4300
$3800
*discount is already applied at checkout
Got any questions? Schedule your FREE 20 minute call with Barbara.
FAQ’s
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If you cancel your reservation:
61 days or more prior to the start of the retreat, you receive 50% of the money you have paid (minus a non-refundable $500 administrative fee).
31-60 days prior to the start of the retreat, you receive: 20% of the money you have paid (minus a non-refundable $500 administrative fee).
0-30 days prior to the start of the retreat, no refunds are given.
To cancel, you must send an email stating that you wish to do so to info@dreamworldprogram.com
There will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness.
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WiFi is not accesible at the Naku Center. However, if there is an emergency, WiFi can be accessed in Llanchamacocha where the plane lands and the community lives. It is a 10-minute canoe ride from the Naku site.
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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.
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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.
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Click here to read our suggested packing list. We encourage you to pack lightly and pack only what you will need. You will want lightweight, moisture-wicking, long sleeved shirts and long pants for the rainforest. We will supply mosquito nets, sleeping mat, pillow and blanket and rubber boots for jungle trekking.
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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.
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Ecuador’s economy is based on the US dollar so there is no need to make an exchange. Be sure to bring your money in loose change and dollars in smaller denominations (mostly $1’s, $5’s, $10’s and just a few $20’s). Most 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.
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 Puyo or Baños after we get out of the rainforest.
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Inside the community, you'll have an opportunity to purchase local handmade crafts like jewelry and ceramics from the Sapara women. We suggest $250 in personal spending cash for inside and outside of the jungle is sufficient.
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We require that you purchase travel insurance (medical & flight cancellation) for your time away from home. This kind of travel can be unpredictable and weather dependent.