Medicine for the Modern World

Frequently Asked Questions

When you travel with us on this experiential learning adventure, you’ll benefit from 20 years of familiarity with the land, culture, traditions and people. Our itineraries are thoughtfully organized and skillfully curated, making your time in Ecuador as seamless as possible and freeing you to focus fully on the experience.

• How do I register?
  You can register online or by downloading a registration form (PDF) and faxing or mailing it. A $500 deposit holds your space. See full payment and cancellation policy.
• When and where should I arrive/depart?
  Your experience with Pachamama will begin and end in Quito, Ecuador and participants make their own flight arrangements. The dates of your journey include travel dates both into and out of Quito. While it is fine to arrive and depart on the specific travel days, we do recommend that you arrive one or more days early to rest and acclimate to the altitude of the Andes. It also ensures that possible travel delays do not hold you up from joining the group on time. After the journey is complete, some participants find it helpful to have a day or two to integrate the experience in Ecuador before heading back home.
• What ages travel with you?
  Our trips have included travelers from age 8 to over 80. Family, children and teens are welcome and in our experience have made great additions to groups, adding a multi-generational touch and perspective.
• Are vaccinations required?
  While the Center for Disease Control recommends certain vaccinations, neither Ecuador nor Pachamama Journeys require any vaccinations to enter the country. Some of our participants choose to pursue the full spectrum of vaccinations, while others choose not to have any. Please consult with your personal physician or local travel clinic for advice on your specific needs.
• What about malaria?
  Since malaria is found in the rainforest region where we travel, we require that each participant take an antimalarial preventative medicine. The most effective allopathic medicine with the least amount of side-effects that we’ve encountered is called Malarone. Herbal remedies such as those with Artemisia (wormwood) and Black Walnut can also be a good option. Again, please consult with your personal physician for advice on your specific needs.
• Is it advisable to bring gifts for our hosts?
  While gift giving is a generous and common practice throughout the world, we are trying to minimize our impact on the cultures and territories we visit. And due to the shared nature of indigenous society, giving gifts to individuals can disrupt the balance of the community. Certain unplanned acts of generosity that emerge organically on the journey are natural, but please do not burden yourself or our indigenous partners with lots of ‘stuff’. The biggest gift for them is your presence and partnership.
• What does the payment include?
  The cost of the trip includes meals, double accommodations, transportation, guides and equipment within Ecuador. It does not include international air travel to and from Quito, gratuities, or optional activities such as shamanic experiences. Dates, prices, and itineraries are subject to change.
• What is the weather like in the highlands and rainforest?
  The weather in Ecuador is fairly consistent year-round since it straddles the equator. In the mountains, temperatures can reach the upper 60′s to low 70′s during the day and drop to the low 50′s – 40′s at night. In the rainforest, the daytime temperature is typically in the upper 70′s to low 80′s with humidity and in the evenings it can drop to the low 60′s. Because we are in primary forest with lots of canopy and rivers, the heat is less intense than most expect. In our experience, rainy seasons are highly unpredictable and don’t necessarily correlate with accuracy to a specific time of year. As we will be entering the rainforest, you can expect some rain and it will not adversely impact activities on the trip.
• How many people are in one of your groups?
  We generally have from 10-15 participants on our journeys, with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 18 to maintain intimacy. While some participants have experience with group travel, for many this is their first time. And a consistent highlight for most participants is the connections and experiences they share with their fellow travelers.
• Will I need a visa to enter Ecuador?
  For North American or European travelers, a visa is not necessary to enter Ecuador, though you will need a passport that is current for six months following your date of entry into Ecuador (VERY IMPORTANT). If it is not, you must renew it before departure or otherwise be denied entry. For travelers from other countries, please check with you embassy.
• How do I know if this experience is right for me?
  We trust that people are called to this experience and go when the time is right. If you would like support in looking to see if this is the right experience and timing, please contact Pachamama Journeys Director, David Tucker, who has been leading groups and overseeing this program for nearly two decades. He is very familiar with the unique opportunity of the journey and the potential it has to offer. Our Travel Coordinator, Rebecca Rogers, has supported many travelers prepare logistically for this experience and is available to offer any assistance. Most importantly, trust your heart.
• What is the cancellation policy?

  A $500 deposit per person is required to hold a reservation ($250 is non-refundable). In the event you cancel:

  • 6 weeks or more before departure: your entire payment will be refunded less $250
  • Between 6 weeks and 30 days before departure: 50% will be refunded
  • 30 days or less before departure: No refund will be granted

  Pachamama Journeys reserves the right to cancel a scheduled journey at any time. In the event that your journey is cancelled, your full payment will be refunded to you.