Ecuador has few villages that are without their shaman or healer; one who knows all about herbs and plants, and can correct spiritual imbalances. People of the forest have become sophisticated chemists by necessity, utilizing plants for every aspect of their lives. Often, the entire knowledge of a tribe resides in the mind of the shaman - the tribe's doctor and spiritual leader - the man or woman who is this generation's link in a long cultural chain that stretches back into pre-history. They encode their wisdom in the language of myth and dreams, and live in a world where magic is as ordinary as daylight. Only through them is it possible to interpret the bewildering profusion of botanical information collected by their people.

SHAMANISM PRACTICES IN ECUADOR:
5 NIGHTS/ 6 DAY TOUR

• Day One - Evening transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge
  Overnight San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito
  
  
• Day Two - Medicinal Plant and Sacred Waterfalls Tour at San Jorge Botanical Reserve: We will trek to the Highland Tropical Rain Forest, visiting up to 5 sacred waterfalls. Here, we will learn about the medicinal attributes of some of the more than 250 native plant varieties in the region. At the same time you will take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, its valleys and mountains along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalo. We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve. Picnic lunch at the waterfalls. Relax at the lodge for the remainder of the afternoon and enjoy the swimming pool, sauna, Turkish Bath or Jacuzzi.
  
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito
  
  
  
• Day Three -

  Otavalo Indian Market: Shop for handmade wool and alpaca products at the world famous Otavalo Indian Market. Visit with a local Shaman who will discuss his experiences, ancestral beliefs and secrets which are passed down from generation to generation. Your questions are welcome. For an incredible, unique experience, participate in a "cleansing" ritual performed by this mystic man in a basic back mountain introduction to Shamanism. Lunch at traditional restaurant in Otavalo.

  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito

• Day Four - Visit San Jorge de Milpe Private Reserve ( Subtropical Rain Forest) Magic Medicinal Baths: Savor our medicinal waters, containing hundreds of jungle plant extracts, in a relaxing river bath. Wash away anxiety, stress and body pain near our cascading waterfalls. A truly relaxing day of hiking, plant/bird identification, and swimming within our tropical paradise. 
  
  
  Meals:  Breakfast, boxed Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight San Jorge Eco-lodge/Quito
  
  
• Day Five - San Jorge de Tandayapa Private Reserve (Cloud Forest) Tandayapa is found in the Choco Endemic Bird Area of northwest Ecuador. Here you will find lovely rivers and spectacular, panoramic views of the lower Tandayapa Valley. Spend a tranquil day amid the tropical plants/flowers, and exotic wildlife of the Cloud Forest. A wide variety of hummingbirds and 40 species of orchids adorn the reserve and help to ensure a soothing and memorable experience.
  
  Meals: Breakfast, boxed Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight lodging San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito
  
• Day Five - AM transfer to Quito Airport or downtown Quito
  
  Meals: Breakfast

* This itinerary is offered for 2, 3, or 4 days, depending on how many days you would like. Minimum 2 people. Please contact us for prices, and let us know how many days you are interested in, how many people are traveling with you, and your travel dates.