Ecuador: Amazon Awakening

FAQs

Is travel insurance required, and what should it cover?

Because of the remote nature of this trip – including small plane flights and community immersion – we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation by chartered plane, emergency evacuation by helicopter, medical treatment and trip interruption.

Please note you will also need to have a credit card with you, with a minimum spend of $10,000 USD to cover you in case of emergency evacuation from the retreat. 

What do I need to consider about the remote nature of this retreat?

This retreat takes place deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon — in one of the most remote and untouched regions on Earth, accessible only by light aircraft.

The extraordinary isolation is exactly what makes the experience so rare and special: pristine rainforest, rich Indigenous culture, total immersion in nature. No roads. No crowds. No outside noise. Just you, the group, and the rhythm of the jungle.

Because of this remoteness, travel here works a little differently from a typical holiday. Access to medical facilities is limited, evacuation can take time, and infrastructure is intentionally minimal to preserve the environment and authenticity of the experience.

We want every traveler to feel fully informed, confident and excited before joining us. So we ask all guests to review some important practical information about the location and acknowledge that they understand what travelling somewhere this remote involves.

Due to the remote nature of this retreat, all Flashpackers are required to sign a Remote Travel Acknowledgement within one week of booking (you will receive it by email within 24 hours of booking). This document covers key safety information and helpful guidance on travel insurance.

You can read the Acknowledgement here before you make your booking.

This helps ensure the journey is safe, enjoyable and truly right for you — giving you complete peace of mind before you go.

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO).

What time should my flight arrive (time for the welcome meeting)?

Ideally no later than 2pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

You’ll be departing from Quito, with a hotel check-out time of 11am. That said, you’re under no pressure to fly home at a particular time.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your trip, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the trip starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this trip. Suggested amounts total per group are:

• Pack Leader: USD 100-150 per group
• Boat driver: USD 40-60 per group
• Bus driver: USD 40-50 per group
• General staff: USD 300-350 per group
• Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information. US citizens are required to have either a valid passport or Real ID in order to fly within the US.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your trip. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy experience.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 40-60 USD per day.

Will there be a Pack Leader on this tour?

Yes. You’ll have the same dedicated Pack Leader throughout the tour – there to keep communication clear, support the group dynamic, and make sure you feel confident and cared for as the trip moves between the city, rainforest and community experiences. In a remote setting like this, that steady “human anchor” makes all the difference.

Will the ecolodge be fully exclusive to our group?

Yes. The Amazon ecolodge will be fully exclusive to your Flash Pack group, regardless of group size. You’ll be sharing the space only with the people you’re traveling with, alongside your Pack Leader and the local community team who run the lodge, creating a private, calm and intimate experience throughout your stay.

What will I be eating during my stay?

Meals are fresh, locally inspired and thoughtfully prepared, using ingredients sourced from nearby towns and surrounding communities wherever possible. The menu is omnivore, meaning it includes a mix of meat, fish and plant-based dishes, offering plenty of choice and familiar flavors alongside regional specialities.

Dietary requirements are very well catered for. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies or intolerances, these can be accommodated when shared with us in advance (via our app’s Onboarding Checklist after booking), and the team onsite are experienced at looking after a range of needs.

Safe drinking water is provided throughout the trip, including during your stay at the Amazon lodge, so you can relax and enjoy the experience without any worries.

What can I do in my free time?

The Amazon lodge is simple, peaceful and intentionally off-grid, designed to help you slow down and switch off. Facilities focus on shared, open-air spaces rather than spa-style amenities, with communal areas for meals, quiet spots to sit and reflect, and spaces for gentle movement like yoga or stretching.

Free time is unstructured and led by nature. You might rest in the communal areas, wander the lodge grounds, read, journal, listen to the sounds of the rainforest, or simply do nothing at all. For safety reasons, guests don’t head into the forest alone – but within the lodge area there’s plenty of space to relax and reset.

Are there any behaviour rules when visiting the community?

Yes – and they’re mostly about respect. Your guide will brief you clearly, but the essentials are:

• Ask before taking photos (and never assume it’s ok)
• Don’t wander off alone
• Follow the traditional greeting you’ll be taught
• Be open, curious, and considerate – this is someone’s home, not a tourist site
• You may also be offered traditional drinks or food – tasting is always optional.

What is the wayus tea ceremony on Day 6?

The Wayus tea ceremony is a traditional Amazonian cultural experience centred around guayusa, a native leaf brewed into a herbal tea by local Indigenous communities. Traditionally shared at dawn, it’s a gentle, grounding ritual that brings people together to connect, reflect, and start the day with clarity and calm energy.

During the ceremony, you’ll sit with local hosts as the tea is prepared and shared, learning about its cultural significance and how it’s used in daily life. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – there’s no pressure to perform or participate in any particular way.

Participation is completely optional. You’re welcome to try just a small sip rather than a full cup, simply observe, or opt out altogether. Wayus contains natural caffeine (similar to green tea or yerba mate) but is not hallucinogenic. The experience is about cultural connection, presence, and curiosity – always at your own comfort level.

What should I expect from the overnight stay with the Sharamentsa community?

This is one of the most special parts of the journey – and also the most back-to-basics. You’ll spend the night living alongside the local community rather than in the ecolodge.

Accommodation is twin-share for this evening (no single supplement available), and comfort is simpler with more limited privacy – because you’re stepping into real community life, not a hotel setting. Bedrooms include mosquito nets over the beds so you can rest comfortably.

Meals follow local traditions, prepared using what’s grown or gathered from the land. Expect simple, nourishing dishes rooted in everyday life here. Non-meat options are available, though choices will be more limited than at the lodge – all part of sharing in the experience.

Your Pack Leader will be there to support you throughout, and you’ll receive a full briefing beforehand covering what to expect, local etiquette and how the stay will flow. It’s designed to feel respectful, safe and genuinely meaningful – a rare opportunity to connect in a deeper, more human way.

Is single supplement available throughout the trip?

Single rooms are available in Quito and at the Amazon lodge. The one exception is the community overnight, where single supplement rooms aren’t available due to the nature of the stay.

What facilities are available at the ecolodge? Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal?

This is a remote Amazon ecolodge: beautiful, simple and intentionally off-grid. It’s designed to blend into the rainforest, with open-air communal spaces for meals and gatherings, peaceful areas for yoga or meditation, and direct access to the river and jungle – rather than spa-style facilities.

The huts are thoughtfully designed with windows for natural airflow and mosquito nets over the beds, so you can sleep comfortably surrounded by nature.

The lodge runs mainly on solar power, so electricity is limited and used mindfully, especially in the evenings. There’s no air-conditioning and no hot water. Rooms are naturally ventilated, and cool showers are part of the authentic rainforest experience.

Wi-Fi is available in one communal area only and can be slow or intermittent. There’s no mobile signal. This is your chance to properly switch off, slow down and fully immerse yourself in life in the Amazon.

Are there luggage restrictions for the internal flight?

Yes. For the Amazon flight, luggage is strictly limited to around 30lbs (13kg) per person.

You’ll need a soft bag (duffel or backpack) – no suitcases for the rainforest section. Any extra luggage can be safely left in storage before the flight (so you can travel light into the Amazon and pick up the rest later).

For rainforest walks, rubber boots are provided on arrival at the lodge, and we’ll collect your shoe size in advance.

Are there any weight restrictions?

Yes – due to the small aircraft used for the Amazon flights. For safety and balance, this trip isn’t suitable for guests over 250lbs (around 113kg).

Is this a phone-free trip?

Our wellbeing trips are designed to help you be fully present without banning technology or creating anxiety.

Throughout each journey, there are gentle, clearly marked moments where you will be invited to put your phone away during shared experiences and meals. Participation is always optional, but strongly encouraged, as these phone-free windows are where the real magic tends to happen.

For unforgettable moments, your Pack Leader and a dedicated Flashpacker will capture photos for the group, allowing you to stay immersed without missing the memories. Additionally, those who love photography are encouraged to bring a DSLR or digital camera.

As mentioned above however, Wi-Fi is available in one communal area only and can be slow or intermittent, and there’s no mobile signal. This is your chance to properly switch off, slow down and fully immerse yourself in life in the Amazon – but the retreat staff will always be able to contact loved ones in case of an emergency.

Will the itinerary change?

As this journey takes place in a remote part of the Amazon, plans may need to adapt due to weather, river conditions or other factors outside our control. Rain can sometimes affect activities like boat journeys or wildlife spotting.

If conditions aren’t right, your Pack Leader and local guides will adjust the plan with safe, meaningful alternatives – such as cultural talks or time learning more about indigenous community life. Any changes are made with your safety and overall experience in mind.

We also plan departures outside of peak rainy season to reduce disruption, and may occasionally make small updates to keep the experience fresh.