Weaving Good Living Experiences “In the Amazonian Andes”

We begin the day with a short morning meditation! This practice will help you visualize your intentions for your journey toward well-being.

After breakfast, we will head to the community of Cuemal, a hidden treasure where men and women work the land. In the village square, you’ll be welcomed by the cultural promoter, who will introduce you to the experience “Chuquiaj, Bird of the Water.” You’ll deepen your understanding of their ancestral wisdom: how to plant according to the lunar cycle, their approach to nourishment, the importance of medicinal plants, and their deep connection with nature through dance and flowers. Learn how they restore the soil, honor their agricultural ancestors, and practice water harvesting—and so much more! To complete the experience, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the countryside.

After sharing a nourishing lunch with the community, we continue our journey to the Milpuj – La Heredad Conservation Area, located in the Utcubamba Valley. Here, Pedro Heredia will share the story behind his mission to conserve and restore the degraded dry forests and shrublands of the middle Utcubamba River basin.

Lunch and dinner included.

Overnight stay in a double room at Doña Lola’s house – Milpuj La Heredad.

We begin the day with a short meditation to cultivate empathy, allowing compassion to blossom as a loving and benevolent feeling toward others and ourselves.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the boarding station of Peru’s first cable car system, which will take us to La Malca, the starting point for the ascent to Kuelap.

Kuelap, the most important archaeological site in the northeastern region of Peru, was built by the Chachapoya culture around 800 CE. It is renowned for its monumental stone structures, covering an area of 6 hectares atop Cerro Barreta at over 3,000 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you can observe its connection to the surrounding natural environment of montane or cloud forest.

After marveling at the spectacular Chachapoya architecture, we return to the Milpuj – La Heredad private conservation area.

We will walk along the interpretive trail to meet the great Higuerón, the guardian of guardians. Legend has it that wherever a Higuerón stands, it marks the sacred territory of the Duendes. The Duendes are faithful protectors of nature and sowers of medicinal plants to provide good health.

When you visit a Higuerón, the guardian of guardians, I suggest bringing a gift filled with faith. Approach it with deep respect and place your palm on its roots to release your negative experiences. The tree will bury them deep beneath the earth and, in return, bring you positive energy capable of fulfilling your wishes. The rest will be the work of the Duendes.

Lunch and dinner included.

Overnight stay at Doña Lola’s house in Milpuj.

Today begins with a meditation on the importance of returning to our roots and reconnecting with the dormant wisdom within us.

After breakfast, we invite you to learn about the funerary rites of our Chachapoya ancestors, who practiced unique burials on nearly inaccessible cliffs. It is believed that from these heights, the ancestors, much like the apus (sacred mountain spirits), became sites of worship.

We then travel to the community of San Bartolo, the starting point for the hike to the Revash Mausoleums. These cliffside funerary structures, shaped like small houses, are decorated with low-relief symbols, including the Andean cross (Chacana), and are surrounded by ancient rock paintings. Resembling miniature villages, they may have been modeled after the dwellings of the time. The area is surrounded by breathtaking views.

Lunch will be a shared experience with the community, following the preparation of artisanal bread. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the sensory aspects of this entire activity.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the remarkable Leymebamba Museum, where the captivating history of the Chachapoya at Laguna de los Cóndores comes to life through an interactive tour. The museum houses more mummies than any other in Peru and reveals the warlike spirit of the Chachapoya, as well as how they were eventually conquered by the Incas.

You will also learn about the various techniques the Chachapoya used to prepare their dead for eternal rest, including sarcophagi, niches, and mausoleums. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to view an important collection of Quipus from the Chachapoya-Inca period.

We will end the day with an evening meditation to strengthen our courage and take a leap of faith into the unknown.

Lunch and dinner included.

Overnight stay at Casona de Leymebamba in a double room.

We begin the day with our morning meditation, focusing on building relationships, fostering connections, and engaging with the communities around us.

Next, we visit the village of Dos de Mayo to meet Isabel at her textile shop and workshop, La Huayaquita. Here, you’ll hear her story and learn about the origins of the backstrap loom technique. You’ll take part in the entire process of this ancient art, from spinning the thread and dyeing it with native plants to weaving intricate Chachapoya designs.

After lunch, we’ll continue along the path of art and creativity with intuitive coloring of pre-Inca mandalas and expressive writing, guided by the principles of mindfulness. This will be a journey into uncovering what your heart truly desires to create.

We’ll close the day with a short meditation to connect with our life purpose, rooted in the well-being of the greater good.

Lunch and dinner included.

Overnight stay in 4-person cabins at Mamaq Tambo Lodge.

This morning’s meditation will prepare us to cultivate gratitude as we set out for the majestic Gocta Waterfall.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a 5-hour hike, stopping at the most beautiful viewpoints to take in the breathtaking sight of this spectacular waterfall.

Along the trail, we’ll have many opportunities to practice gratitude for the gifts of nature—encountering everything from insects to butterflies, orchids, and vibrant flowers. If we’re lucky, we might even spot the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock or the marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird.

In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a medicinal plant workshop, followed by a relaxing therapeutic massage to end the day.

Lunch and dinner included.

Overnight stay in 4-person cabins at Mamaq Tambo Lodge.

Our morning meditation will guide us toward reflection and acceptance of everything we’ve experienced, inspiring us to continue our journey toward well-being by taking action in our everyday lives.

Savor breakfast with all your senses! Take time to notice each flavor, texture, aroma, and sound.

Breakfast included.

After breakfast, transfer to the Chachapoyas airport.