THE GUAYUSA TRAIL
Join Runa Foundation For a Morning of Guayusa
Who We Are
Runa's mission is to create livlihoods for indigenous farmers in the Amazon through agroforestry and sustainable growing practices. The for-profit and non-profit branches of Runa work together to provide market access for farmers of the native tree leaf guayusa.
Guayusa
Guayusa (gwhy-you-sa) is a native Amazonian tree leaf that indigenous people in the Ecuadorian Amazon have brewed for thousands of years. Drinking guayusa is essential to what makes them "Runa" - Fully alive.
Why Ecotourism?
Ecotourism brings together conservation, community and sustainable travel. Travelers have the opportunity to contribute to the livelihoods of local people without harming the environment or the local customs and people along the way.
The Guayusa Trail Itinerary
6 am - 8 am: Guayusa Ceremony
Drink tea with Kichwa families during a guayusa ceremony, Listen to traditional music, and then enjoy an authentic Kichwa breakfast.
8 am - 10 am: Chakra Tour
Visit a local farm, or chakra, and see the first stage in the guayusa supply chain. Then, receive a presentation on Runa to understand what we do and why our mission is important to us.
10 am - 12 pm: Factory Tour
See how we are researching new guyausa and agroforestry growing methods at our Archidona guayusa plant. The morning will finish with an Ecuadorian lunch.
Looking to extend your stay?
- Spend an afternoon planting guayusa at the research plant alongside interns and local workers
- Drive with our field technicians, or tecnicos, to an indigenous community to pick up their supply of guayusa
- Visit local artisans to see jewelry made from materials found in the Amazon
- Try out the regions world class rafting, jungle hiking, or cave exploring
- Tour the nearby town of Tena and spend a lazy afternoon along the Malecon
So, what are you waiting for?
We are ready to show you the best that the Ecuadorian Amazon has to offer. Write, post or tweet to us and we will happily respond to you inquires and requests.
Email: volunteer@runa.org
Website: http://www.fundacionruna.org
Location: Archidona, Napo, Ecuador
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafundacionruna
Twitter: @lafundacionruna