Nestled in the heart of nature, Los Yapas Holistic Center is a beacon of hope and regeneration, a place where healing and conservation intersect. It’s not just a destination, but an experience of personal growth and environmental consciousness.
Los Yapas functions as a Holistic Healing Center and a working Agroforestry project and this way they offer travelers to experience what life in a Holistic Permaculture Community is like. You are invited to join their family as they work and live in a sustainable way.
The Los Yapas eco-lodge stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable tourism. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature, learn about Amazon Permaculture, and contribute to a more balanced world. Join in on daily routines, which may include working in the gardens, planting trees and harvesting medicinal plants. Discover all there is to do to maintain and create their community life.
Please note that this tour operates under distinct cancellation policies. Read more in the FAQ section.
Los Yapas is a model project of the Kausana Foundation, promoting integral healing for both humans and the environment. The center is a haven for those seeking self-improvement and personal development. It offers a range of healing practices, too, aligning your well-being with the well-being of our planet. Here, consumption is redefined; it’s not about taking, but about giving back and fostering mutual respect between humanity and nature.
Embrace the extraordinary and delve deeper into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Spend a day at the Yanacocha Wildlife Rescue Center and step into the shoes of the passionate volunteers dedicated to nurturing and protecting.
If you come from Quito, consider visiting Tena first; a captivating city enveloped by the lush Amazon rainforest. Here, you’ll find an impactful jungle lodge waiting for you. On the way from Quito, you’ll visit a midwifery house in Archidona. Caught your attention? It’s time to venture further!
You are expected to arrive at Los Yapas Holistic Center at 09:00 am to get settled and ready to experience Amazon Permaculture & Nature for a day!
If it doesn’t rain, at 10am you will embark on a guided tour where you’ll discover the principles that shape the lodge’s design and operation, highlighting the perfect harmony between every element and nature. (If it rains, the introduction will take place at the restaurant). Take a serene morning stroll in the surrounding area, witnessing the beautiful symbiotic relationship between humankind and nature, a core philosophy of the center. And of course, we’ll also roll up our sleeves this morning and lend a hand on the land.
For lunch, enjoy a wholesome salad full of freshly harvested veggies, accompanied by a comforting homemade soup, a meal that nurtures both body and soul.
In the afternoon, we delve into hands-on guidance on soil cultivation. Our first step is enriching the soil with compost derived from kitchen waste, plant cuttings, and animal manure, fostering a thriving soil ecosystem. We sow legumes to naturally enhance the soil’s richness while conserving moisture, preventing erosion, and inhibiting weed growth. Instead of plowing, we gently layer compost and mulch, allowing nature to take its course.
Our pest management system embraces the power of predators and crop diversity. After months of dedicated care, we reap the rewards of sustainable farming practices, promoting the well-being of our community.
Before we conclude, a seedling awaits your nurturing touch. You will help restore the forest by planting your own tree.
As the sun sets, you will hear more about Amazon Permaculture before dinner is served. The latter becomes a celebration of local flavors, offering a taste of traditional Ecuadorian dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Served with a side of quinoa or rice, each meal becomes a delightful culinary journey connecting you to the land and the local community.
End your day on a soothing note with a cup of herbal tea brewed from the garden’s aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect finale to a day filled with exploration and enriching knowledge.
Day 2 begins with a hearty breakfast, featuring a bowl of locally sourced granola and nuts sweetened with neighboring apiaries’ honey. Accompanied by a refreshing smoothie, it’s a wholesome farewell as you continue your journey to the next destination.
Please note:
Environmental Consciousness: The center is designed with principles of permaculture, emphasizing harmony between every element and nature. This promotes sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
Sustainable Tourism: By inviting visitors to immerse in nature and learn about Amazon Permaculture.
Local Sourcing of Food and Vegan Practices: Meals served are crafted with locally sourced plant-based ingredients, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and cruelty.
Endorsement of Conservation Efforts: when supporting the conservation efforts that include restoring the forest (directly by planting your own tree), safeguarding native and endemic flora, and nurturing all living beings.
Waste Reduction: By using kitchen waste for composting, the center minimizes waste generation.
Working in the field, under the sun, in the heat and humidity of the jungle certainly isn’t for everyone. But for most healthy people this is definitely a doable tour; no worries!
Please arrange for a taxi through your hotel, or apps like Uber.
Only if your shoe size is above 12 (UK) / 14 (US – men) / 47 (EU). In that case, please bring your own rubber boots or buy them at the local market (although these sizes might be difficult to find).
This is a shared experience, with other people staying at Los Yapas Holistic Center. You will certainly find very nice like-minded people here!
Be prepared for any type of weather, really; mostly something to do with some form of humidity. Find more info about climates in Ecuador in our blog “Best Time to Travel to Ecuador“.
If you want to see the price for your situation, please select an amount of travelers (number of adults, children, etc) on the right side of the website (or the top, on mobile). You will then see that total price for your party right above it. For this tour the price will change according to the amount of people.
As for the optional transportation from Quito or Otavalo, you can see the current prices during the booking process, after leaving the passenger details.
Please refer to our article What to Pack for your Trip to Ecuador for all your questions about packing for your Peru trip. Whether you’re going to the jungle or the mountains, you’ll find the answers you need.
Should you find it necessary to cancel this tour after booking, please be aware that our standard cancellation policies will not apply due to the specific rules set by our local service provider. For cancellations made up to and including 16 days prior to departure, our normal policies will be in effect.
However, if you need to cancel between 15 to 7 days before the tour commences, we can only offer a refund of 50% of the total cost. Regrettably, refunds will not be available for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the start date. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
Gabriela Aguilar is a notable figure in the field of holistic healing and sustainable living. She is the CEO and co-founder of Los Yapas Holistic Center, an eco-lodge that stands as an exemplar of socio-environmental restoration in deforested and polluted areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since its inception in 2006, Gabriela has been dedicated to creating and strengthening alternative practices in social, cultural, economic, and environmental spheres, all driven by the conservation of habitats, local communities, and human health.
Holding a PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry, Gabriela combines her scientific knowledge with her passion for holistic healing. With over 12 years of experience in ancestral medicine and permaculture, she brings a unique perspective to her work, viewing the recovery of land and forests as intimately tied to the recovery of human health.
In addition to her role at Los Yapas, Gabriela is also the Executive Director of the Kausana Foundation, further demonstrating her commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Additionally, she is a Reiki Master, adding another layer of depth to her holistic healing practices.
Gabriela’s dedication to healing both the Earth and human beings is evident in every facet of her work. From her leadership roles at Los Yapas Holistic Center and the Kausana Foundation to her extensive experience in permaculture and medicinal plants, Gabriela Aguilar is truly a force for positive change in the world of sustainable living and holistic healing.
