Don Ricardo is an Awa – the Bri Bri word for shaman or medicine man. He is one of the few Indigenous elders in the area who received his knowledge and his title from his father and grandfather.
The village of Cachabri is about two hours away from Hidden Garden. We drive through the county seat, also called Bri Bri, and then enter the Bri Bri Indigenous Territory. We get out of the taxi in a village called Suretka and cross over the river in a small boat. On the other side of the river we get in a pick up truck or old school bus and ride another half hour to Don Ricardo’s village.
When we arrive we meet Don Ricardo and some of his family and helpers. We see their sacred spaces, listen to their stories, meet their medicinal plants and receive any ceremonies or sharing that they offer us. Medicinal plants shared here will not include any hallucinogens. We eat a natural meal served in a leaf-plate and have some time to ask questions. Don Ricardo’s community is very open to visitors and our groups provide any important income for a community so far removed from the local tourism industry. We buy a few maracas and other beautiful traditional crafts before heading back to the garden.
Please let us know as soon as you are considering a trip to Cachabri, so that we can check with them and make sure they are available.
To arrange a visit to Don Ricardo in Cachabri we need at least a few days notice. The price of $80 per person must be paid in advance at the time of the reservation. This price includes round trip travel, time with the shaman in his healing space and in the rainforest and a traditional lunch in a leaf. If you would like to book an individual session with Don Ricardo, please let us know and we will consult with him about the price.
Please be prepared for your trip with comfortable shoes that can get muddy, long but light pants, rain gear, repellent and sun gear. Anything can happen!