In the Heart of the Amazon: With the Shipibo, Their Plants, and Their Wisdom

In January 2025, I had the privilege of visiting the Shipibo community ININ RAO in the Peruvian Amazon, alongside the organization Futuro Nativo, which works to preserve their culture and traditions. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the contrast: the poverty these people face daily, and at the same time their incredible warmth and tight-knit community spirit. It’s remarkable how quickly you are welcomed into the “family” and feel part of something greater. The trip itself took us two flights from Centro America and a very sketchy boat into along the amazonian river to the small village called San Francisco, close to Pucallpa. But we have already been warmly welcomed by part of the family. For two weeks, I documented the family and the project of Futuro Nativo. We planted trees and medicinal plants, learned more about the culture and cosmovision of the Shipibo. After sleeping on the floor under a mosquito net for two weeks, with a tarantula in the bed and occasionally attacked by “evil energies,” no internet, running water, bath or kitchen, the family was able to support us in every situation and the outcome was much more greater than we expected.

PROJECT OF THE ININ RAO

The ININ RAO are currently working to establish the “Kene Xobo” Art and Culture Center in San Francisco, a small village along the Amazon River. The center is envisioned as a space for cultural exchange, learning, and preserving centuries-old knowledge. One of the most fascinating aspects of their culture is their profound understanding of medicinal plants and energies—knowledge passed down through generations, rooted directly in the forest, and holding immense healing power. With that comes an incredible knowledge for natural medicine and healing.

ININ RAO FAMILY

During my time there, I was deeply moved by the wealth of wisdom the Shipibo carry, which unfortunately is often undervalued or exploited. Large pharmaceutical companies have already profited from their knowledge, creating billions without giving back to the communities who nurtured it. Witnessing this injustice, alongside the pure connection these people have to the Earth and to each other, left a lasting impression on me.

Yet, another challenge became painfully clear: the rise of spiritual and Ayahuasca tourism. While Ayahuasca holds deep cultural significance for the Shipibo - and dont get me wrong, i do love Ayahuasca (more in my other article) - but the increasing focus on the psychedelic experience often overshadows their broader cultural, artistic, and medicinal practices.

Visitors seeking a “spiritual trip” can unintentionally commodify sacred rituals, put pressure on the community, and distort the cosmovision that has guided their people for centuries.

For the Shipibo, this isn’t just tourism—it’s an intrusion that can affect the

sustainability of their traditions and the balance of their community life.

As a photographer and visual artist, documenting this journey was both an honor and a responsibility. I wanted to capture not just the visual beauty of their environment, but also the spirit, rituals, and energy that make their culture so unique. Filming in these sacred spaces requires respect, patience, and an awareness of the deep trust the community places in you. At the same time, it brought home the tension between sharing their knowledge with the world and protecting it from exploitation.

The Shipibo lifestyle is a reminder of what we often lose in modern life: connection—to nature, to each other, and to the knowledge of generations before us. Their art, music, and plant medicine are not just cultural practices; they are a testament to a way of life that harmonizes body, spirit, and environment.

The Futuro Nativo organization, plays a vital role in advocating for the rights of the Shipibo people. They organized workshops and community meetings to raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of cultural preservation. Witnessing the community unite in their efforts to protect their heritage was truly heartening.

This experience left me reflecting on fairness, respect, and responsibility in our world: how knowledge is shared, how cultures are treated, and how we can honor indigenous wisdom without exploiting it. The Shipibo remind us that true richness isn’t measured in wealth, but in connection, knowledge, and the care we give to each other and the Earth.

If you feel called to get to know more about the project itself please visit the website of futuro nativo.

As the project is getting into Phase 2 of expanding the art and culture center, creating a more substanable center which should lead in the future to host foreigners, learn more about the culture and medicinal plants. As well if you want to donate or becoming a sponsor. Love, Jasmina