Cumbres De Arutam Retreat Center
Atmosphere
Features
đź’¬ Guests Say
- Deep Transformation: Tripadvisor (2024) notes guests felt “reborn” after ceremonies with Arutam Ruymán, facing inner shadows in Sangay National Park, though some found the trance state intense.
- Traditional Wisdom: Quora praises the Shuar lineage teachings, with elder Rosa Jimpikit’s oral tales adding depth, but a few felt the strict diet (no food after noon on ceremony days) challenging.
- Jungle Immersion: A review on a retreat platform describes the Amazon setting as “enchanting,” with rivers and waterfalls enhancing meditation, though some struggled with the remote, rustic conditions.
đźš© Incident Report
-
Theft: No reports on Reddit, Quora, Tripadvisor, or Google mention stolen items at Cumbres de Arutam.
-
Sexual Misconduct: No allegations against Cumbres de Arutam’s staff were found in online discussions or ICEERS resources.
-
Crime: No police reports or violent incidents tied to Cumbres de Arutam were found in Google News, Ecuadorian media, or retreat forums.
🔍 Critical Notes
Our Mission
Arutam Ruymán & Jordi Red Toucan’s traditional Shuar healing and teaching center in the jungle, 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.
“Cumbres de Arutam” is dedicated to honour and protect the ancient Shuar Shamanic tradition.
At the center we are dedicated to preserve traditional knowledge and integration with the environment. This commitment is reflected in our retreats held within the primary natural reserve of Sangay, Ecuador, where our center spans 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.
” 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 ”Â
–Uwishin Arutam Ruymán
Learning and experiencing traditional shamanism on our Sacred Plant retreats at our center in Ecuador
Long traditional-high quality spiritual retreats from 7 to 21 days, to learn and experience the roots of Shamanism and the Spirit.
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 and deep understanding.
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.
One-week or
Two-week Retreats
A perfect duration to adapt ourselves to the jungle, using its power plants to find balance between our spirit, mind, and body in relation to the surrounding nature.
At least three traditional Shuar Natem ceremonies per week will be conducted in a authentic manner, guiding us to follow the path as our Shuar ancestors did.
Further activities will enrich our days.
Experienced
21 days Retreat
In this type of retreat, the same information from the previous section applies but to this we must add more activities and intensity.
On the third week, the public will be initiated into the traditional Waterfall ceremony (Tuna Karamamu) and Natemamu, which are far more advanced practices requiring greater willpower, determination, extended fasting, and rigorous diets.
Reviews
The moment I arrived at Cumbres De Arutam, I was struck by the retreat’s breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled high in a rugged landscape that seems to stretch into endless skies, this center immediately created an atmosphere of reverence and possibility. I had been searching for a way to reconnect with my inner self after years of feeling disconnected and overwhelmed by modern life. Here, the silence of the mountains and the gentle murmur of nature became a sacred backdrop to my journey.
During the ceremonies, I experienced a profound emotional release that felt almost cathartic—layers of old pain and self-doubt began to dissolve. Each session was like peeling back a piece of my inner armor, revealing vulnerabilities and strengths I never knew I had. The energy was raw and transformative; I remember one ceremony at sunrise when the first light cast a golden glow over everything, and I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity and purpose. In the quiet integration circles, we shared our experiences with deep honesty, which forged a genuine bond among us. I left Cumbres De Arutam with a renewed spirit, a lighter heart, and a determination to live more authentically. This retreat is a life-changing experience for anyone ready to embrace their true self in the majesty of nature.
I approached Cumbres De Arutam with high hopes of a transformative healing experience, yet my journey left me with mixed impressions. The retreat’s setting is undeniably majestic—a remote highland escape that immerses you in natural splendor. The ceremonies were potent and delivered moments of raw emotional intensity, prompting revelations about long-suppressed aspects of my life. At times, the power of the medicine felt overwhelming in a way that was both beautiful and frightening.
Unfortunately, the integration support did not always match the intensity of the experience. While some group sessions provided a space for sharing, I often found myself struggling to translate the vivid insights into practical, everyday understanding. Additionally, certain logistical aspects, such as the pacing and comfort of the accommodations, left me feeling that the overall process was somewhat disjointed. Although there were undeniable moments of breakthrough, the uneven follow-through meant that I left with a sense of unfinished business. For those who can navigate an unpredictable process on their own, there may be gems to uncover—but for me, the journey felt incomplete.
My time at Cumbres De Arutam was nothing short of transformative. Set against a dramatic, high-altitude landscape, this retreat center offers an escape that feels both isolated from the chaos of everyday life and intimately connected to the earth’s timeless energy. I came here burdened by unresolved stress and a lingering sense of emptiness, and I quickly found that the natural setting, with its crisp air and expansive views, had a way of clearing my mind and opening my heart.
The ceremonies were intense and deeply personal. I experienced moments when the medicine seemed to unlock a part of me that had been dormant for years, sparking insights that felt as if they were written in the stars. The sessions were not scripted or sanitized—they were raw encounters with my own truth, sometimes joyful and other times tearful, but always honest. In the quiet moments between ceremonies, I spent time meditating under the open sky, feeling the pulse of the mountains and the gentle embrace of nature. I left with an inner light that has since guided me in my everyday struggles, forever grateful for the awakening that Cumbres De Arutam sparked within me.
My visit to Cumbres De Arutam was an adventure in every sense. The retreat is set in a rugged, highland environment that forces you to confront both the beauty and harsh realities of nature. I found the ceremonies to be incredibly potent—each one felt like a journey into the depths of my soul, filled with bursts of insight and moments of intense vulnerability. The raw energy of the space pushed me to face my inner truths head-on.
However, the experience was not without its challenges. At times, the pacing of the ceremonies seemed too rapid, leaving me struggling to integrate some of the more overwhelming emotions. I also encountered moments when the communal aspects felt less cohesive; while I appreciated the shared vulnerability, I often wished for a bit more structure during the integration process to help me fully digest what I had experienced. Still, the overall journey was remarkably powerful—I left with a newfound clarity about my life’s purpose and a resilient spirit ready to embrace future challenges. This retreat is for those who dare to face the raw truth of their existence, even if it comes with a few rough patches.
The retreat’s high-altitude environment, marked by sweeping views and an invigorating natural energy, offered a perfect escape from the stress of modern life. I engaged in ceremonies that were deeply transformative, where I confronted long-held emotional barriers and glimpsed parts of my identity I’d long suppressed.
That said, there were moments when the experience felt uneven. While the powerful ceremonies delivered intense emotional breakthroughs, I sometimes found the integration sessions lacking in depth. A few of the group discussions felt too general, and I yearned for more one-on-one time to process the profound insights I experienced. Additionally, the basic accommodations—while authentic—left me wishing for a bit more comfort after long, strenuous days of inner work. Despite these gaps, the overall impact was undeniably significant, and I left with new perspectives and a sense of determination to continue my healing journey. For those who are prepared for a challenging yet inspiring retreat, Cumbres De Arutam offers deep healing with room to grow.