Amazon Expedition - Brazil

“Seekers of the Rainforest Wisdom”
Cultural Pathways and Traditional Knowledge

“Are you a “wisdom seeker?"

• Would you welcome a unique, extraordinary opportunity to experience personal growth and transformation?
• Do you yearn to follow your life path but wish you could also listen to the whispering of your own heart?
• Are you drawn to the ancient, powerful and mystical knowledge of native people and their cultures?
• Are you able to assume the role of “warrior” in order to protect and preserve our majestic world?

If the answer is “YES!” then we have just what you’re looking for!

The rainforest is just teeming with colorful flora and fauna!! During our journey, you will experience a wide variety of ecosystems that grace this part of our sacred blue planet. We come with an open perspective with nature as our first teacher, the fields and forests as our classroom. We learn by seeing, touching, tasting, smelling, and experiencing.

These teachings instill within us the vitality of the wild, which invigorates our spirits, nourishes our bodies and brings radiant health and healing to our lives.

Native teachers will lead us in this journey as they share with us their vast knowledge of the natural web of life.This journey is available for family groups of all ages.

We are excited to have you join us!!

Some topics explored:

• Learn skills of survival and adaptation to the wilderness.
• Gain knowledge about life in native communities and small villages.
• Local culture: habitat, land use, life cycle, diet, cycles, adaptations, etc.
• Ecosystems: forests, weather, water.
• Biodiversity and ecology: birds, bats, snakes, mammals and more.
• Learn about the importance of medicinal plants: Tarumã Sanctuary Program.
• Visiting sustainable works: local farmers, handicrafts.
• Open forums: environmental issues, practical issues and educational walks.
• Folklore: legends, myth, ceremonies, storytellers, dances.
• Visits to the local schools and interacting with them.
• Community services: Helping in restoration activities, such as replanting and collecting seeds.
• Practical activities and recreation: swimming with pink dolphins, fishing, or paddling a canoe.

Included in your trip:
Tuition, hotel accommodations in shared doubles, based on double occupancy and board, all meals and accommodations, ground and river transportation where appropriate. Entrance fees for all sites within the itinerary

Cost Does Not Include:
Airfare to and from Brazil, fees for passports and visas; arrangements for independent arrival and/or departure; additional hotel expenses due to flight cancellations or other unforeseen factors; phone calls; incidental food and beverages purchased on the road or at meal times; travel insurance. Tipping is normal, but entirely at your own discretion.

Trip Cost:

$2,250.00 USD per person based on a 4-person group.
Discounts are available for 5 or more people traveling together. Students can also apply for scholarships.

Special Notes:
All participants are required to sign a liability waiver and registration form. During the trip daily activities may be modified due to weather conditions or other unforeseen factors. Upon booking, participants will receive:

• Travel packet: Guidebook “Wisdom of the Rainforest” that includes all relevant pre-departure information and program details.
• A manual and guidebook: “Seekers of the Rainforest Wisdom.”
• Self-Guide Book on the Medicinal Plants at Tarumã Sanctuary.
• A PowerPoint slide show is available upon request.

Booking your trip:
Space on this trip is limited so please register early to ensure your place.
Ask about special journeys offered throughout the year.

Program / Itinerary * (Sample)

1st day - Amazonas- Manaus City
Arrival at the Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil. The educational teachers will meet you at the airport. Check-in at the hotel. Relax and get to know the other trip participants. Program orientation.

2nd day to 4th - Manaus City - Amazon River- Black River – Tarumã Sanctuary.
We will begin our journey with a walk to the marketplace where we will visit the renowned Amazonian herbalist, Judith Formoso. She will share her knowledge of a variety of medicinal plants along with her unique perspective on the anthropological and humanitarian aspects of Brazil’s rich culture.

We will then journey to Lake Janauary. During the day there are many activities to enjoy when the fauna is more active and visible. Enjoy the “Meeting of the Waters” where the Black River and the yellowish Solimoes both tributaries of the Amazon run side by side without mixing water. During a canoe excursion you can fish for piranha. We will observe freshwater pink dolphins that are found only in the Amazon. Look for alligators, sloth, monkeys, birds, reptiles and other unusual animals. We will be visiting homes and farms of caboclos, the mixed blood people, who live along the riverbanks.

You will receive more detailed information about the program itinerary and the route we will follow over the next few days at Tarumã Sanctuary, our base camp dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the natural biodiversity of the region. We will discuss reforestation, sustainability, land use, and how to value the life that the rainforest holds.

There will be an introductory walk in the forest where we will learn about the structure, dynamics, and adaptations of the flora and fauna. We will learn about the amazing properties of local medicinal and aromatic plants. You will have the opportunity to explore intensive cleansing and healing work with native medicine men, healers, and herbalists and learn natural relaxation techniques and traditional strengthening hydrotherapy.

We will perform a personal journey into the expanding consciousness where the Healing Spirit of the rainforest miraculously manifests. We will experience the mystery and tremendous power of sacred traditional ritual and ceremonies honoring Mother Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
Participants will receive a Medicinal Plants Guide Book during our stay at Tarumã Sanctuary

5th to 7th day- LOCAL COMMUNITIES
We will visit different local communities and spend time with them to better appreciate their ways of life in the rainforest. We want to share with you a mutual understanding, respect and tolerance for other people's philosophies, values, social norms and ways of life. Observe traditional bushmasters and healers as they describe the uses of various types of trees, oils, herbs, roots, poultices, etc. Participate in a “welcome” ceremony, and spend time interacting with the elders and other members of the community.

We will learn and participate in the process of roasting manioc flour (cassava), which is a staple food in the Amazon. See students learning carving, painting and handicrafts with native teachers. Visit and share a ceremony around the “Sacred Tree” in the jungle. Experience the sounds and beauty of camping deep in the rainforest with only the light of the night moon and stars to guide you. See the traditional techniques used for farming, harvesting and hunting. Engage in a brief analysis of the anthropological factors: family, culture, and religion. Our visit will help support their fragile economy and raise awareness about the importance of conservation amongst both the local people and ourselves.

8th to 11th day -WILDLIFE VIEWING- NOVO AIRÃO TOWN.
The surrounding scenery is verdant and full of wildlife. This is a fabulous opportunity to participate in a jungle expedition to appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Camping deep in the wilderness, ceremonies, hiking, canoe excursions, and sport fishing are some of the activities that will broaden your knowledge of the surrounding environment. Revel in these precious moments of self-discovery and understanding. Let your energies be renewed as you slow your own pace to the natural rhythm of the rainforest.

Live in traditional ways that will inspire and awaken the long-forgotten resources you have within yourself. Crossing the Black River and the Anavilhanas Islands, composed of over 400 islands, will be an impressive and majestic journey.

We will visit Novo Airão town, where you will visit local handcrafter’s centers for shopping and touring and great opportunity swimming with Pink Dolphins.

In our last dinner in Manaus City we celebrate the Brazilian cuisine in a traditional restaurant.

12th day
After breakfast head to the airport for departure.

* This itinerary is flexible. Unforeseen circumstances can alter the timing and availability of various aspects of the trip.