Cultural Expedition - Brazil

Amazonian Traditional Medicine Tour- Brazil
Certification Program

“Nature is the greatest schoolhouse provided for man in which to learn. Nature does not theorize. Nature does not lie. Nature is truth personified. Every rock has a tale written on its wrinkled and weathered face, and the tales are true. Every blade of grass, every leaf on the tree and shrub has a whisper for listening ears”

This program is offered to anyone who already has a basic understanding of holistic notions or alternative therapies and is ready and eager to deepen their knowledge of traditional ancient energetic forms of healing arts and to spend their days nurturing their awareness in the natural environment. This program hopes to foster the knowledge that wellness is a journey that continues throughout life. When we choose natural techniques and formulas for our own healing, we are seeking to achieve harmony and balance with ourselves and with nature.

Tarumã Sanctuary is the perfect place to begin our journey. It is an interesting detour from the routine of pre-packaged travel plans. After spending time there, we will travel through the pristine tropical jungles along the Rio Negro River, visit local native communities, admire the river banks, and explore ancient caves, waterfalls and national parks.

Some of the topics we will cover:

• Practicing ancient and mystical healing arts from the rainforest tradition using local medicinal and aromatic plants and natural tools.
• Basic concepts of health and healing used in local areas by native herbalists and teachers.

Creative expressions and reflections during our journey:

• Visiting local communities and participating in sacred traditional ceremonies.
• Open forum: Native communities, folklore, ceremonies, storytellers, dances.
• Walking, trekking, swimming with pink dolphins, canoeing, fishing, and much needed relaxation.
• Hammock lounging therapy.
• Traditional massage with natural rainforest products.

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:
$2,450.00 USD per person based on a 4-person group. Discounts are available for 5 or more people traveling together.

Special Notes:
All participants are required to sign a liability waiver and registration from. 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 guide book: “Medicinal Plants and Traditional Healing Techniques from the Rainforest.”
• Self-Guide Book - 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 programs and trips offered throughout the year. For more information contact us.

Program / Itinerary * (Sample)

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

2nd to 5th day - 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 medicine 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.” 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 river banks.

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 rituals and ceremonies honoring Mother Earth, Water, Air and Fire (The four elements).
Participants will receive a Medicinal Plants Guidebook during our stay at Tarumã Sanctuary.

6th to 9th 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, receive traditional healings and spend time interacting with the elders and others 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.

WILDLIFE VIEWING
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.

10th to 11th day – Tarumã Sanctuary
Open forum at Tarumã Sanctuary.

12th day Manaus City
Where you will visit the local market, free time for shopping and touring.
Head to the airport for departure.

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