There’s a powerful and sacred plant that has been used by shamans in the jungles of South America for thousands of years. Due to its perceived spiritual powers, backpackers from all over the world have been traveling to remote communities to experience special ‘ceremonies’ deep in the heart of the jungle.
Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Ecuador, is an industrial hub that draws few visitors, but in its outskirts lies an indigenous people struggling to survive the encroachment of modernization. The Tsachilas are best known for their knowledge of medicinal plants and use of the achiote seed in colouring their hair red. Only 2800 Tsachilas remain, and they comprise one of Ecuador’s 14 officially recognized nationalities. Traveller, Marina Wang visits one of their communities to find out more about their unique way of life…