Question 1

What should I take with me?

Accepted Answer

If we had to share one piece of advice with incoming visitors and volunteers, it would be to keep an open mind and a sense of adventure. The second piece of advice would be to pack light. Below is a short list of recommended items you can bring with you. Nothing is mandatory, although everyone is responsible for themselves. Many items can be found in town, with the exception of mosquito nets (although those are not needed at all either). We also cannot buy eco-friendly mosquito repellent (without DEET) in town, so please bring your own.

Temperatures will usually be warm and pleasant during the day and cool at night (we are at 1400 m altitude, so yes, the jungle can get cold). Ecuador has many microclimates and a two-hour bus ride can result in a temperature change of 10-15 degrees, so if you plan to travel around Ecuador, be prepared for anything. The rainforest is also quite humid, so consider waterproof bags for things that need to stay dry. Those used for rafting are perfect.

Recommended items to bring:
• Sleeping bag rated 0 °C or lower
• Headlamp / flashlight
• Reusable water bottle
• Earplugs
• Towel
• Power adapter (American electrical outlets differ from European ones)
• Eco-friendly toiletries and soap
• Mosquito and insect repellent (must not contain DEET, use a natural alternative)
• Medications you take or might need (antihistamines, anti-itch medication for insect bites, anti-diarrhea medication, etc.)
• Vitamin B12
• Power banks for charging devices can come in handy during long bus rides
• Waterproof bags
• Bag/backpack (something small for carrying essentials on hikes)

Clothing to bring:
*Ideally, hiking clothing should be in natural colors (black, brown, gray, green, khaki, white, etc.)*
• Lightweight hiking pants
• Lightweight long and short sleeve shirts
• Thermal shirts (long underwear)
• Warm clothing! (hoodies, ponchos, jackets, something you can layer) for evenings. At night (or during heavy storms) it gets cold, sometimes dropping to 5 °C and often below 12 °C.
• Swimwear
• Hat or bandana
• Many hiking socks
• Comfortable shoes or sandals
• Rubber boots (wellies) – if you want your own, we have plenty at base camp and you can buy more in town.
• Durable rain jacket (can also be bought in town; most lightweight European rain jackets will tear after one day of hiking in the rainforest)

Question 2

How safe is Ecuador?

Accepted Answer

Ecuador is relatively safe, by the standards of any poor country. The areas we visit are particularly quite safe. However, basic common sense and safety precautions should be followed. We also do not recommend spending time in or walking around the city of Guayaquil alone.

Health concerns: We will spend most of our time in and around the Runahurco rainforest. Given that it is relatively remote from large human populations, there are few health issues or disease concerns. However, as a wild part of nature, we need to be aware (not afraid, just aware) of local wildlife. Small animals are often curious and like to hide, so we recommend always checking your equipment before use to avoid unexpected encounters with tarantulas or snakes.

Yellow fever is not an issue in the region where we operate, although it is in some parts of Ecuador (consult with your preferred health authority about whether to get vaccinated or not). Please bring all basic medications, antibiotics, and eye drops you might need. If you are allergic to insect or animal bites, please bring your own allergy medication and epinephrine! If you have severe reactions (e.g., risk of anaphylactic shock), unfortunately we cannot recommend that you join us, as medical help and hospitals are more than an hour from our base and several hours from deeper parts of the rainforest.

Safety concerns: There is more crime in cities, although in the areas we visit (Cuenca, Gualaquiza, the rainforest), there is considerably less than elsewhere in the country. Always keep your belongings in sight; we recommend this anywhere. Keep your purse/backpack on your lap on the bus (do not store it above you). Opportunistic theft is common (pickpocketing, bag theft if one is not careful, etc.). Crime has been increasing in recent years due to the regional systemic collapse of some Latin American and Central American countries, leading to large migration to Ecuador.

Question 3

What will we eat during the expedition?

Accepted Answer

During the expedition, we encourage our volunteers to perhaps reflect on their usual approach to life. This also includes the food we eat. During our stay at the Bosque Medicinal refuge, we will cook for ourselves and eat plant-based food with vegetarian options. When dining at restaurants, which we will do on trips to town, we recommend our volunteers stick to plant-based or vegetarian food, although it is up to each individual.

Ecuadorian restaurants often offer plant-based and vegetarian options, although they are almost always the same side dishes: rice and beans (menestra). We recommend everyone bring their own vitamin supplements and energy bars. Especially vitamin B12.

Phoenix Trips

You will enjoy this expedition if...

What you will experience during your stay

The stay of the Phoenix and its individual phases

Phase 1

In a safe environment, you will quiet down and detach from what weighs you down

Phase 2

You will look at yourself from the position of an observer and immerse yourself in relaxation

Phase 3

You will enter different states of perception of reality and clarify your direction

Phase 4

You will achieve self-awareness and discover the power of self-sufficiency.

Blossoming for the body, mind, and spirit

What should I take with me?

How safe is Ecuador?

What will we eat during the expedition?

How much will this transformative trip cost?

How can we get to there?

Current stay dates

Interested?