Join us for a very special women’s journey to the heart of our planet, the Ecuadorian rainforest. We travel here at the invitation of the indigenous Achuar people, in support of their goals to protect their ancient culture and keep their forests intact for future generations.

Our visit will focus on the groundbreaking Ikiama Nukuri program (Achuar for “Women Keepers of the Forest,” a project of the Pachamama Alliance formerly known as Jungle Mamas). This program has not only greatly improved community health and birthing practices but has also become a platform for women of an entire culture to find their voice. We'll hear directly from women whose lives have benefited from Ikiama Nukuri, and talk with their local health promoters to understand the challenges faced in expanding this program in a highly patriarchal culture.

We’ll have the rare opportunity to participate in these women’s daily lives, learning about their unique culture through hands-on village activities, from visiting their sacred gardens to making pottery and creating beautiful baskets.

This journey will immerse you in the spiritual dimension of life, and offer new perspectives through exploring the sacred traditions and cosmological vision of the Achuar people, whose lives are shaped by their dreams and their intimate connection with the natural world.

"Heartfire Journeys puts together spectacular trips that cannot be had through many other travel options. The richness of the cultural experience is better than I could have imagined. That coupled with the knowledge that everything will be taken care of, make a very relaxing AND engaging experience. I know that if there was a problem at any time, Patricia and her team would be there to help. I did not worry about my safety at any time. Not worrying about safety or the next part of the journey allowed me to be present at every moment."  - Terri Y, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, October 2021

"All the tour guides were outstanding! Loved the planes, loved the canoes, loved the villages, Loved everything."  - Polly F, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, October 2021

"I love your trips. You provide experiences of incredible depth and personal interaction with our hosts and their communities. I feel as though I have had an intimate view into and connection with another person’s world and culture."  - Frances F, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, October 2021

"Every experience was packed with new sensations: the best of gracious cultures in the city and rain forest, physical environments like none I had previously experienced both in the Andes and the rain forest, a real time education about the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, and intensely feeling the fragility of the earth. I feel privileged to have met and spent time with individuals who are changing the world." - Jan P, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, October 2021

Narcisa Mashienta

COORDINATOR OF THE IKIAMA NUKURI PROGRAM

Narcisa Mashienta is a Shuar leader and activist who has devoted her life to improving maternal and child health in the Amazonian territories of the Achuar and Shuar communities. Collaborating closely with local and national indigenous leaders, she spearheads the implementation of the Ikiama Nukuri program. Additionally, Narcisa coordinates the efforts of 84 community health promoters who have been trained through the program.

Estefanía Páez

Estefanía, native Ecuadorian, has a decade of experience for community sustainable-tourism projects in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Serving as a crucial bridge between visitors and indigenous communities, she has closely collaborated with the Achuar and Sapara indigenous nationalities. Her expertise spans communication,  interculturalism, translation, Ayurveda, natural therapies, sound healing and movement practices. This diverse skill set enables her to foster a harmonious atmosphere, supporting indigenous healers and community members in culturally sensitive settings and providing transformative experiences for those exploring the enchanting Amazon rainforest.