Join us in the Valley of the Dawn, a powerful vortex in the heart of Ecuador's sacred Andean volcanoes, for an extraordinary opportunity to learn the art of finding the path of light from some of the world’s most powerful master yachaks (bird healer shamans) of the high Andes. To the yachaks of the High Andes, the path of light, el camino illuminoso, is the Path of the Shaman. When you find yourself walking in the light of your heart you are doing the work of a shaman. You are leading the way for others to follow.

This eleven day journey allows you to step into the training process with the shamans and their community, amidst the sacred volcanoes that infuse them with their power. The intensive training is designed exclusively for each group by the shamans themselves: Don Esteban and Jorge Tamayo. Together they will lead you into the ecstatic world of the Yachaks on the ancient path of initiation and healing. These age-old techniques have been successfully used to heal numerous emotional, psychological and physical afflictions for millennia.

Walking the apprenticeship road of a shaman, you will learn the art of shape shifting your thoughts, emotions and limitations by working with the power, energy and wisdom of the elements. You will be taught shamanistic practices such as energetic diagnostic methods, fire blowing and journeying with volcanoes; you will also find out about how to use huacas (sacred items such as plants, flowers & stones) for balance and healing.

This training process opens you to levels of yourself long forgotten, bringing you in touch with the shaman within, the path of light that already resides in each one of us. Open deeply to your own healing process and your ability to serve Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Journey Guides: Don Esteban and his son Jorge Tamayo, both Yachak (bird healer shamans) from the high Ecuadorian Andes, are the main guides. They carry with them the destiny of fulfilling their ancestor’s prophecy of bringing together the eagle (representing North American culture and the mind) and the condor (representing South America and the heart) to help us transition into more sustainable, Earth-honoring ways of living.

The Tamayo’s live in an area known as the Valley of the Dawn, located in a vortex power valley between three volcanoes; the male Imbabura and his two female companions Huarmeraso and Mojanda. Married in sacred ceremony to these mountains, the land and the sacred waters, they access this powerful connection in their shamanic practices. Working closely with the elements of Pachamama, Mother Earth, their use of fire in cleansing is world renowned in its effectiveness.

Drawing upon pre-Incan traditions, they form a formidable force of shamanic healing power, each one adding his unique talents and energies in healing ceremonies. Stories of their shamanic skill and power have spread far and wide, and in recent years we have been blessed with their willingness to guide this apprentice group for people from the English-speaking world.

Co-Guide Joyce Kendall is a registered polarity practitioner, a practicing herbalist, and certified yoga instructor. She was inducted as an Andean Yachak Shaman after years of study with Ecuadorian Yachaks. She is founder of Earth Heart Farm and owner of Energy Expressions. Joyce has been teaching workshops and leading Andean journeys related to alternative healing and shamanic practices for over a decade.