Our Mission
Arutam Ruymán and Jordi Red Toucan´s traditional healing and teaching center in the jungle, “Cumbres de Arutam”, aims to perpetuate the culture of Shamanism at the very heart of its origin: the Amazon. Under the leadership of the great brother Tucán Rojo, the center is committed to the protection and conservation of the environment following the way of traditional and ecological life. We strive to keep alive the enchantment of the forest, taking care of the growth of medicines, and leading the real and deep way for future generations. Shamanism is an art that has been increasingly absent and more deprived of its roots. Confusion and manipulation has dented this art and it will disappear if the legacy of its truth is not continued on our earth and in our hearts.
In the center we are committed to caring for traditional knowledge and integration with the environment. Therefore, retreats are carried out in the primary natural reserve of Sangay (Ecuador), where the center extends over hundreds of hectares in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by rivers and waterfalls. In these retreats, we aim to unite man to the Spirit through coexistence with the uncorrupted nature that our grandparents knew. The sacred knowledge of Shamanism is taught through the transmission, teaching, and guidance of Arutam Ruymán, the experience of the older brothers, the richness of the ancient’s simple and humble way of life, as well as the ancient medicines of the jungle and power plants.
Retreats
The duration of the retreats can be extensive, especially with regard to learning, serious practices involving strong medicines, transmissions of power (Tsentsak) and initiation rituals. The practice in the jungle, in its waterfalls and other places is an extensive journey, which requires spending the night, fasting, preparation, sincere devotion, deep understanding and the approval of Ruymán. It is a long and thorough job for experienced practitioners, for around 21 days.
The center is fully prepared to receive those who are interested in initiation, or those who want to explore advanced and traditional forms of shamanic practice. Through a prior interview, we offer the public three forms of retreat:
ONE AND TWO WEEKS RETREATS
The most recommended way for people looking for a basic knowledge of initiation. It consists of three or four ceremonies with Natem (Ayahuasca) each week. It also involves, at least once, the initiation to the Andean cactus of San Pedro. There are also constant teachings, meditations and disciplined practices that involves, as well, the use of Amazonian Tobacco. Each ceremony usually has a ritualistic duration of about eight hours -the time of the trance's procedure, depending on the capacity of each individual as well as their personal effort-, almost until the afternoon of the following day.
Focused on the teachings, immersed in the jungle, walking the path under the auspices of Arutam Ruymán, the guests spend almost all their time of the retreat in a trance state, learning to take care of the sacred touch of Life. For this reason, this is not only a center that offers a simple retreat for tourists with accommodation, food, new social relations or a new cool experience. You must be interested in walking on a deep ancestral path, where you will learn to live and feel like the ancient natives of the Amazon, under the careful guidance of a true Shaman. For this reason, before making a decision on how to participate, you should at least read the blog on this page, pay special attention to the films on the channels, and be duly informed about the commitment and seriousness implicit in this form of traditional practice.
THREE WEEKS ADVANCED RETREAT
Following the initial two weeks retreat, the more experienced and resilient students will join us for a third week where we will give our utmost effort.
The public will be initiated into the traditional Waterfall ceremony (Tuna Karamamu), where the participants walk the path that leads to the learning of dreaming, as they drink “Tsaank” (Tobacco) and spend the night next to the waterfalls in the jungle. After receiving the Tuna's purification, students will return home to begin the most advanced and ancient ritual in Shuar tradition, Natemamu. This challenging yet rewarding practice offers western practitioners a profound connection with the jungle and the spirit.
We will finish this journey with at least two or three more sessions of Natem (Ayahuasca). It goes without saying that the depth of the trance and understanding of the Union with Life is all the more remarkable now, following the practices we have embraced.
The whole retreat will be guided by Master Arutam Ruyman, and with the presence of our beloved elder and grandmother, Rosa Jimpikit, who will be sharing with us lots of wisdom and oral tales about the shuar culture and tradition.
Although Shamanism is a gradual path of learning and all inner knowledge comes in due time, as we get closer to Arutam; there will be workshops and programs open to the public so that different areas of knowledge of this art can be made known, and so that this experience can be opened to the world.
Healing in the Jungle
We must all find the magical relationship which doze off the dark seduction, in a world of medicine that enchants the man of power in a noble way.
Sacred land, you who teach us in your deep enchantment, all understanding leads to the perfect union in the peace of man and the whole world. Great Perfection, Absolute Sense, Spirit of the Whole. You are the caress that every man deserves, the nest where to rest to finally understand yourself and let it go into the truth. We must learn to take care of the sacred touch and all its expression. We must provide ourselves with a life next to nature, so that later we can take the whole world in that single feeling.
Participants and acommodation
Places - a maximum of 18 invited participants - must be reserved immediately after the interview, by means of a bank transfer of a part of the total amount. Those who wish to continue attending for a second week after the first one, will be notified in advance in case that possibility is compromised by high demand.
The basic price includes shared accommodation in our traditional ceremonial house, and we offer private huts and rooms for an extra fee. In the center we have spaces with viewpoints to the mountains and the jungle, for meditation and spiritual practice. Special care will be taken when locating the participants, so that everyone feels comfortable. The bath is in nature, we bathe in the jungle.
The diet is also included. It is carefully optimized to obtain the best possible performance during work. At times it becomes very traditional and very rigorous, but at other times it will be more generous and more ordinary. Review diet and other related information in the blog section for this purpose.
In case of special requirements such as: transportation to and from the airport, special diets, illnesses, medication, etc. Let us know.
Location
Cumbres de Arutam: Morona Santiago, Palora, Sangay National Park, Ecuador.
Next Retreats
*Remeber it´s possible partake in a seven days retreat as well in these very dates.
Contact us
If you are interested, please fill out the form below. Every participant who joins the retreat will begin their shamanic practice directly with Ruymán.