Experiential retreat
To know the most bio-diverse
hotspot in Madidi and the Amazon combines with the experience of living in the
forest, building a refuge, making crafts, harvesting wild fruits, fishing,
deepening into the native magical-spiritual world, doing different physical
improvement therapies and shamanic exercises for the expansion of the
consciousness.
CANDELARIA MADIDI ECOLÓGICO
COMMUNITY RESERVE: In 1994, a Conservation International expedition discovered that
this place was potentially the most bio-diverse hotspot in the world. Thanks to
that expedition, a few years later, Madidi National Park was created.
Nonetheless, the area where the study was done was left out of the park’s
boundaries. Consequently, the Candelaria Madidi buffer zone and community
reserve was created to preserve this most important part of the Madidi area.
DESCRIPTION OF NATIVE JOURNEY’S ACTIVITIES DURING THE
RETREAT
· ANDEAN AND AMAZON COSMOLOGY WORKSHOP- In a simple fashion, the cosmology,
philosophy, science and spirituality of the native people of the Amazon and the
Andes will be illustrated, with the help of a proper environment, far from the
pollution, stress and other alienating factors you have in the cities.
· OVERCOMING FEAR SHAMANIC WORKSHOP- Also with the help of nature, we will
carry out this workshop, that consists of different playful activities and
group exercises, where we will seek to generate self-trust and overcome fears.
· NATIVE CEREMONIES- During
the journey we will carry out different ceremonies, among which are: Dialogue
with the fire ceremony; great Andean K’oa offering, and Tacana ceremonies.
· AWARENESS AND CONCIOUSNESS EXCERCISES- We will carry out the following
activities: Psychotherapeutical dialogue circles; Inca exercise of “taking off
the mask”; Meditation with trees.
· AMAZON EXPERIENCE- The
experience of living in the amazon is by itself a very therapeutical
experience, and of much learning. This journey is designed to give us a deeper
experience, interacting intimately with nature, plants, animals, building a hut
with jungle materials, harvesting wild fruits and medicines, fishing and making
crafts.
· PHYSICAL HEALING, EMBELLISHMENT AND IMMUNE IMPROVEMNET
THERAPIES- The amazon rainforest
is the world’s pharmacy, half of all the components in today’s medicines are
made from plants that come from this forest. We will benefit from being in this
forest and from the native wisdom to treat any possible ailments, apply physical
embellishment and immune improvement therapies.
PROGRAM
·
Day 1
o
PM –
Flight or arrival to the Town of Ixiamas. Gathering, dinner. Rest in hotel.
·
Day 2
o
AM – Departure in 4x4 vehicle to the Candelaria
Reserve.
o
PM – Beginning of hike to Irimo stream. Camp.
Ceremony.
·
Day 3
o
AM – Hike through the forest without trail in
search of sacred place to set up main camp.
o
PM –
Rest. Consciousness exercises at night.
·
Day 4
o
AM –
Construction of a hut with forest materials. Construction of chairs, tables.
Set up hammocks.
o
PM –
Shamanic workshop begins
·
Day 5
o
AM –
Shamanic workshop
o
PM –
Physical embellishment and immune strengthening therapies.
·
Day 6
o
AM –
Hike through the forest to the Madidi River. Observation of animals.
o
PM – Fishing in the river. Fire ceremony on the
river beach. Night time animal observation.
·
Day 7
o
AM – Rest and hike back to the main camp. Plant
interaction and wild fruit harvest.
o
PM –
Making crafts with forest materials (hats, jewelry, fans, etc.)
·
Day8
o
AM –
Goodbye ceremony. Hike back to road.
o
PM – Observation
of animals during the hike. Jungle stories told by the guides.
·
Day 9
o
AM –
Drive to Ixiamas
o
PM – Rest
at Ixiamas
·
Day 10
o
AM –
Return to La Paz
WHAT TO BRING
·
Large
hiking backpack with enough extra space to carry a share of supplies
·
Camping
equipment according to package
·
Comfortable
hiking shoes
·
Two
thin cloth pants
·
Two
long sleeve shirts
·
Hat or
cap, sun block cream
·
Personal
hygiene supplies: toilet paper, bathing soap
·
Personal
first aid kit
·
Small
towel for bathing
·
Sweater
or light coat
·
Rain
jacket
·
Personal
Swiss army knife (if you take a flight make sure it’s not in your carry-on
luggage)
·
Nothing
that it’s not absolutely necessary
COMFORT AND SECURITY,
WHAT TO EXPECT
·
The
amazon region we are visiting, in the Abel Iturralde Province, is considerably
fresher than other very hot areas like Beni, Chapare, or Alto Beni.
·
The
place where we will be spending most time, the Irimo stream, has very few
annoying insects, in comparison to other areas.
·
In
the Madidi River, where we will spend two days, there are small “mariguí”
mosquitos, but they are quite less than other areas further north.
·
The
guides are trained and prepared to assist any eventuality that may arise.
·
Statistically,
the possibilities to suffer accidents are very small. Contrary to what people
may think, the rainforest is a very safe place.
PACKAGES
Economic package without
equipment- bs 3,200 us$462
INCLUDES
·
Transportation
in 4x4 vehicle from Ixiamas to Candelaria and back.
·
Tacana
Native guide with more than 40 years of experience.
·
Guide,
carrier and assistant
·
All
meals during the trip, prepared by an expert female native “bush cook” with
more than 15 years of experience. The nourishment is very complete and
balanced, designed to give us plenty of energies during the trip. Includes
things like desserts, fruit salads, cakes, fruit juices, dry fruits, chocolates
and more.
·
Native
medicine wise man guide that will lead the ceremonies and workshops. He will be
the main guide, speaks English and French.
·
Motorcycle
that will help carry some of the weight
·
Equipment
and things for all the ceremonies and activities, offerings, and therapies.
·
Entrance
fee to the Candelaria Madidi Reserve
DOESN’T INCLUDE
·
Transportation
to Ixiamas
·
Hotel
in Ixiamas
·
Camping
Equipment
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS PACKAGE
·
Bring
a personal camping tent, or one for two persons. In case you are alone and
don’t have one, we can try to coordinate with another person in the trip so you
share one.
·
Bring
a sleeping mat.
·
Bring
a light sleeping bag or two blankets.
·
To
travel to Ixiamas cheap from La Paz, you may take a bus that leaves from the
“Villa Fátima” area of La Paz, it costs bs100 directly to Ixiamas. If you don’t
catch the direct bus, you may take one to Rurrenabaque, which costs bs80, there
you cross the river to San Buenaventura, where small cars leave each hour to
Ixiamas and cost bs60.
·
In Ixiamas there are hostels that cost bs15 a
night. You will need to stay the first and last night.
Economic package with
camping gear- bs 3,500 us$505
INCLUDES
·
Transportation
in 4x4 vehicle from Ixiamas to Candelaria and back.
·
Tacana
Native guide with more than 40 years of experience.
·
Guide,
carrier and assistant
·
All
meals during the trip, prepared by an expert female native “bush cook” with
more than 15 years of experience. The nourishment is very complete and
balanced, designed to give us plenty of energies during the trip. Includes
things like desserts, fruit salads, cakes, fruit juices, dry fruits, chocolates
and more.
·
Native
medicine wise man guide that will lead the ceremonies and workshops. He will be
the main guide, speaks English and French.
·
Motorcycle
that will help carry some of the weight
·
Equipment
and things for all the ceremonies and activities, offerings, and therapies.
·
Entrance
fee to the Candelaria Madidi Reserve
DOESN’T INCLUDE
·
Transportation
to arrive to Ixiamas
·
Hotel
in Ixiamas
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS PACKAGE
·
To
Travel to Ixiamas cheap from La Paz, you may take a bus that leaves from the
“Villa Fátima” area of La Paz; it costs bs100 directly to Ixiamas. If you don’t
catch the direct bus, you may take one to Rurrenabaque, which costs bs80, there
you cross the river to San Buenaventura, where small cars leave each hour to
Ixiamas and cost bs60.
·
In Ixiamas there are hostels that cost bs15 a
night. You will need to stay the first and last night.
Complete comfort
Package- bs 4,960 us$716
INCLUDES
·
Flight
to Ixiamas from La Paz in TAM airline
·
Flight
from Rurrenabaque to La Paz in Amaszonas airline for the return
·
Transportation
from Ixiamas to Rurrenabaque
·
Two
hotel nights in Ixiamas best 3 star hotel
·
Transportation
in 4x4 vehicle from Ixiamas to Candelaria and back.
·
Tacana
Native guide with more than 40 years of experience.
·
Guide,
carrier and assistant
·
All
meals during the trip, prepared by an expert female native “bush cook” with
more tan 15 years of experience. The nourishment is very complete and balanced,
designed to give us plenty of energies during the trip. Includes things like
desserts, fruit salads, cakes, fruit juices, dry fruits, chocolates and more.
·
Native
medicine wise man guide that will lead the ceremonies and workshops. He will be
the main guide, speaks English and French.
·
Motorcycle
that will help carry some of the weight
·
Equipment
and things for all the ceremonies and activities, offerings, and therapies.
·
Entrance
fee to the Candelaria Madidi Reserve
DOESN’T INCLUDE
·
Tips
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS PACKAGE
·
This
package is designed to make the trip as comfortable as possible
RESERVATIONS
Best season for this trip: From May to september
§ To
reserve a space you may deposit 30% of the total amount.
§ Group
size is limited to 10 persons.
Reservation
can be made by writing to:
Discounts are made to
groups
