Amayas Ecuador

Ceremony, river, rainforest, reflection

Ecuador Cotundo donation

The Misahuallí River runs alongside Amayas Ecuador’s five-hectare retreat grounds, where rainforest surroundings and small-group ceremonies set a quieter pace. Near Cotundo, the center works with Indigenous Kichwa shaman Don Luis Andi, whose practice spans around 60 years. Retreats focus on Amazonian plant medicine, with preparation before ceremonies, personal support during them, and time for integration afterward. The emphasis is on respectful engagement with traditional practices rather than a staged tourist visit. Meals are light and made with fresh ingredients, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs can be accommodated when arranged in advance. The grounds include a sauna and spa, as well as a kitchen and free Wi-Fi. Amayas runs by donation, so ask the host about contributions and what a retreat includes before making plans.

Highlights

Five-hectare grounds largely bordered by two rivers
Personal preparation, ceremony support and integration in small groups
Don Luis Andi brings around 60 years of practice
Fresh, light meals with a range of dietary needs accommodated in advance

Good for

plant-medicine retreat participantsfirst-time ceremony participantssmall-group retreat seekersnature loversvegetarian and vegan travelers

Setting

The center sits on five hectares beside the Misahuallí River, near the edge of the Amazon rainforest. With two rivers bordering much of the property, the grounds offer a nature-focused setting while Cotundo and other services remain accessible by road.

The practice

The center’s work draws on Amazonian plant medicine and is guided by Indigenous Kichwa shaman Don Luis Andi. Ceremonies are held in small groups, with preparation beforehand and personal support during the experience, followed by time for integration. Newcomers can ask the host what preparation involves and whether a particular retreat is a good fit.

A typical day

Daily structure varies by retreat, so confirm the rhythm with the center before you travel. The retreat includes preparation, plant-medicine ceremonies and time for integration, but specific wake times, meals and ceremony hours depend on the program. Light meals are served, with dietary requirements arranged in advance.

Accommodation

Lodging arrangements and room types are not outlined. Ask the host what accommodation is included with your retreat.

What to bring

Bring comfortable clothing for ceremonies and a light rain layer, as the area is warm on average at 21.5°C and rainfall varies through the year. For plant-medicine retreats, ask the center about any preparation guidance before packing.

Address Vía Cotundo, , Cotundo, Napo, EC, 150103

How to get there

The center describes group transport from a designated meeting point near Quito to Cotundo, with the journey taking approximately three hours. Pickup details are shared before arrival.

Nearest airport: Cotopaxi International Airport (LTX) (92 km)

Cotopaxi International Airport (LTX), near Latacunga, is approximately 92 km from the center; ask Amayas about onward transport from there. Group transport is described from a designated meeting point near Quito, with a journey to Cotundo of about three hours.

Nearest city: Latacunga

Languages

English

Pricing

The center runs by donation. Ask about suggested contributions and what is included before booking.

Climate

Climate Zone: Subtropical

Best Months: Dec, Sep, Aug

Avoid: Oct, May, Jul

The annual average temperature is 21.5°C, with warmer conditions in December, January and April and cooler months from June through August. Rainfall is highest in October, May and July, while August, September and December tend to be drier, so conditions can shift with the season.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What does a typical day at Amayas Ecuador look like?

The schedule varies by retreat. Ask the center for the daily rhythm and ceremony times for your dates.

Can beginners attend a retreat?

The center works with small groups and includes preparation and support. Ask the host whether a specific retreat is suitable for your experience and needs.

Is transport to the center included?

Group transport from a designated meeting point near Quito is described as included, along with the return trip. The journey to Cotundo takes approximately three hours; confirm pickup details before traveling.

Can the kitchen accommodate dietary requirements?

Meals are light and made with fresh ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can be accommodated when requested in advance.