The boat needs at least 8 feet of water to float without touching the bottom, and the smaller skiffs are fast and can travel through much shallower water.
We’ve experienced and learned so much in just five days, it’s almost hard to pick just one thing!
The time we spent meeting a local shaman was really special. It was such a different experience. In Amazonian communities, a shaman is a healer and spiritual guide. Shamans are very important because they have a deep connection to nature and help the community stay healthy both in body and spirit. They believe in showing respect to the earth, and before taking anything — like plants for medicine — they give thanks to nature. This strong relationship with the earth is central to their way of life.
During the cleansing ceremony, the shaman chanted softly and waved branches from special plants around us. It felt so peaceful, especially with the eerie cool breeze flowing around us. The ceremony is meant to clear your mind and body of anything negative.
Afterward, the shaman showed us many different plants she uses to treat people. Each plant has its own special healing powers. It was amazing to see how much Amazonian communities depend on these plants and the shaman’s knowledge to stay well.
What I found most fascinating was the amount of respect everyone has for the shaman. No one questions what they do. They are seen as protectors of the people and the earth. It was a special experience to be part of such a meaningful tradition.
