Adventures in Ecuador and the Amazon Rainforest:
A Natural Medicine, Meta-physical and Vibrant Living Retreat
Quinto, Loja and Tena, Ecuador
January 4-13, 2009
Email Dr. Dan for details: dtwherb@yahoo.com
Click here to download a pdf.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, South America. This exhilarating retreat, led by renowned naturalist and ethno-pharmacist Dr. Dan Wagner, is sure to be a visual, physical and spiritual adventure of extraordinary perception—both of the natural world and our inner selves.
We will witness the timeless wonders of the rainforest in the north, immerse ourselves in the sensual delights of a world-class spa in the south, and visit the planet’s oldest living people in a sacred community high atop the Andes Mountains. Along the way, we will align and integrate our many “selves” as we literally touch our hands on the equator.
The Republic of Ecuador is located on the northwest coast of South America and lies on both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is safe, pristine, easy to navigate, affordable, English-friendly and uses the US dollar exclusively. The climate is temperate and quite perfect—with crisp, clean air that produces a “chelating effect” that helps to gently eliminate toxins from the body. You will be in good hands with the native tour guides, shamans, and indigenous people living in Ecuador who will make sure that our every need is carefully attended to.
Itinerary (still liable to some change)
Sunday, Jan 04
- Depart Pittsburgh, fly Delta to Atlanta then Quito.
- Arrive in Quito, capital of Ecuador (elevation 8,000 ft.) around 10 p.m.; overnight stay at El Colina Hotel.
Monday, Jan 05
- After a short city tour in the morning and lunch, we will travel by bus (5-6 hours) over the Andes—a spectacular vista of mountain peaks, luscious green fields and meandering rivers.
- Arrival in time for dinner at El Jardin Aleman Jungle Lodge (Eljardinaleman.com).
Tuesday, Jan 06
- Breakfast at 8 a.m.
- Leisurely morning canoe trip down the idyllic Napo River.
- Botanical walk in the protected Misicocha Forest with a naturalist/shaman; watch for monkeys, toucans and parrots!
- Lunch at a jungle hut overlooking the river.
- Return by canoe to the village of Muyuna to learn how they prepare a traditional drink called “chichi.’
- Arrive back at El Jardin and indulge in a fresh, organic dinner at the lodge to replenish our bodies.
Wednesday, Jan. 07
- Breakfast at 8 a.m.
- Jungle hike at 9 a.m. where we will visit the village of Pununo and witness our shaman guide’s ceremonial area.
- Afternoon lectures by Dr. Dan at the lodge site.
- After dinner , night walk in the rainforest.
Thursday, Jan 08
- After breakfast, travel by bus to the capital city of Quito.
- Stop in Olavelo, the largest outdoor market in South America.
- Back to our El Colina hotel in Quito.
Friday, Jan 09
- Leave early to fly south (50-minute flight) to the city of Loja, in the southern part of the country.
- Have breakfast at the Hildago family hacienda in the middle if a large sugarcane valley. We’ll visit the local sugarcane mill.
- Leave mid-morning to travel to the fantastic valley of longevity called Vilcabamba, a magical village that has been called “heaven on earth” and “the Shangri-La of the Andes.”
- Afternoon workshop with guest author Gina Mazza Hillier (see workshop description, below).
Saturday, Jan 10
- Spend the day in the sacred valley of Vilcabamba and visit with the centenarians—the planet’s longest living people. We will discover their secrets to long life, and learn what foods they eat and plant medicines they use.
- Overnight stay in Vilcabamba. There will be time for leisurely respite at the spa, with personal services available, including massage, reflexology, reiki, organic clay baths and salt rubs, all at a 50% discount for us.
Sunday, Jan 11
- Morning trip to the Podocarpus Rainforest reserve, home to some of the most rare and unique plants and trees in the world (a one-hour drive).
* Afternoon is leisure time, optional horseback riding and
activities at the new San Joaquin Hacienda.
* Spend the night at the Hildago hacienda (private residence).
Monday, Jan 12
- Leave early morning for return trip to Quito.
- Spend a day shopping and dining in the city, go to the top of the mountain overlooking the city.
- Lodge in Quito.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
- We leave Quito at 9:30 AM for Atlanta-arrive in Pgh at 6:13 PM
Other Offerings and Optional Services
Everything Matters, Nothing Matters: A Workshop for Those who Dare to Live with Exquisite Calm, Euphoric Creativity and Divine Clarity
Led by author Gina Mazza Hillier, this 2-hour workshop introduces 7 concepts for living a conscious, creative and purposeful life. For those who don’t want to wait another day to step back, get real and joyfully reclaim who they are, the intimate setting and luxurious pampering at Madre Tierra Spa and Resort is the perfect place to experience this interactive workshop and celebrate yourself.
Ethno-botany and Natural Medicines Classes
Dr. Dan Wagner will conduct classes in ethno-botany and natural medicines derived from rainforest plants, and how they integrate with modern natural and clinical medicine in the US. He will also be demonstrating the amazing new Etascan (BioResonnance Health Scan System of the Future) on all volunteers.
Also included in the week: Optional morning stretching, bird walks, yoga, guided meditations, with time for Q&A sessions with Dan and Gina, and excursions to shopping trips in local villages and marketplaces. A Mind-yoga session with Dr. David Speer.
Retreat Facilitators
Dr. Dan Wagner is a natural pharmacist, ethno-pharmacist, rainforest activist and owner of Nutri-farmacy in Pittsburgh’s North Hills. He does professional counseling for patients who take both prescription and alternative medicines. Dan has done extensive traveling and research on plant medicines in the rainforests of Belize, Cuba, Costa Rica, the Amazon, Guatemala, and Africa. He has worked closely with some of the leading ethno-botanists and herbalists in the field, and has incorporated his knowledge and experience into his natural pharmacy practice. He is president and founder of the Student Rainforest Fund (Studentrainforestfund.com), a nonprofit, educational student organization that leads college health-profession students on expeditions to the rainforest. For more information, visit Nutrifarmacy.com.
Gina Mazza Hillier is an author/journalist who writes on topics related to integrative medicine and holistic wellness, and an advocate of living with creative abandon and full-frontal consciousness. She is known for being a source of inspiration—or, a muse—to others . . . in their creativity and in their spiritual-personal development. Gina is also a partner/founder of Epiphany Works, LLC, an “inspired events” planning company that creates public entertainment and forums of inquiry to celebrate and integrate world cultures and spiritual traditions. Her latest release, Everything Matters, Nothing Matters (St. Lynn’s Press, April 2008, ISBN: 978-0-9767631-8-5) is available for pre-order through Amazon.com. For more information, visit: EverythingmattersNothingmatters.com, Ginawriter.com, Epiphanyworks.org and http://museyoucanuse-gina.blogspot.com.
Pricing and Reservations
The cost is an inclusive $2,450 per person, double occupancy (slight up-charge for single rooms). A portion of this fee ($400 to $500) will be eligible as a tax write-off, since we are working with a 501c3 organization.
This fee will include:
- Airfare and ground transportation from Pittsburgh-Quito and back.
- Room and board (double rooms, each with a private bath).
- All meals included (most are natural and organic) except for snacks, treats and leisure time meals.
- Tuition for all guided tours, including Dr. Dan’s expertise on all subjects related to medicinal plants, indigenous culture and ethno-pharmacology.
- Transportation from Quito Airport to the retreat center and back again. (We will ask you to contribute tips for guides, drivers and translators, as you see fit).
PLEASE NOTE: A passport (no VISA) is required for US citizens to enter Ecuador. The exit fee from the country is approx. $35 US. They use only US dollars in Ecuador.
This retreat is limited to 25 people and is expected to sell out quickly. Reserve your spot today. Please send a $500 deposit (refundable through August 30, 2008) ASAP to:
SRF-WHM
P.O. Box 238
Wildwood, PA 15091
Attn: Dr. Dan Wagner
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Due to the prepayments required for accommodations, tour guides, food and other materials on behalf of each participant, no refunds or credits can be offered after September 1 (unless you/we can get someone to take your place), or can be given for partial attendance or no shows. This is a firm policy.
PLEASE NOTE: This retreat is an alcohol and drug-free environment. You will experience blissful NATURAL highs just being in nature, feasting on organic live foods, embracing inspirational content, experiencing sacred ceremonies, exercising your body, expanding your mind and spirit, and laughing/sharing with others.
For More Information
Contact Dr. Dan Wagner at (412) 486-4588 or dtwherb@yahoo.com.
About the Student Rainforest Fund (SRF)
SRF is nonprofit, educational organization that enables American college students studying in health professions to travel annually to the rainforests of the world to study natural medicine. They explore the natural history of medicine and evoke the healing edge of knowledge regarding medicinal plants and natural products in the world’s greatest pharmacy: the rainforest. For 12 consecutive years, SRF has taken more than 250 students to Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. Our organization gains an invaluable international perspective from the indigenous people of different cultures that we encounter.
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