The Mentorship is 6-months, from November 2024 through April 2025, including two in person retreats in Ecuador and 6-months of virtual support.

This mentorship is one-of-a-kind program and will be a time, spiritual and financial commitment (low 5-figure investment). Once we review and approve your application, we'll share all the details. If it feels like a FULL YES, we'll work together to find ways to make it happen for you.

No! This is the first time that Manari will be initiating students under the Sapara tradition how to work with the sacred plant of Tobacco.

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.

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.

In February, the weather around the Quilotoa Crater in Ecuador is pretty cool and a bit unpredictable. During the day, temperatures usually range from about 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), but it can get quite chilly at night, sometimes dropping to near freezing.

Since it's the rainy season, you can expect frequent showers and overcast skies, so packing a good rain jacket and some warm layers is a good idea. The weather can change quickly, with sunny mornings giving way to clouds and rain later in the day.

Just be ready for a mix of cool temperatures and wet weather, and you’ll be all set to enjoy the stunning views of the Andes mountains.

We will send a detailed packing list before each retreat so you have everything you need.

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.

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.

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.

We suggest you bring your money in small bills, such as ones and fives, for easier transactions.

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.