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The Story of Yagua: A Journey of Friendship and Purpose

Our story together is recent, yet profound. A brother-like friend of mine was turning 40. As we talked about how quickly time passes and how we've known each other for about 32 years, he had a brilliant idea: for us to go to the jungle together to experience Ayahuasca. This would be my first time; he had already experienced it more than once. I traveled to Peru for this purpose and to visit my family, and when the day came, we ventured deep into the jungle. That is how I met Jorge, the cheerful and energetic guide who showed us the way to his village and our entry into the powerful Amazon.

From the very beginning, Jorge gave off a special vibe. He introduced us to his family, showed us the paths within the jungle, its bounty, animals, rivers, trees, and more animals, and how he lives. We gathered around the same table to share stories of life and nature, a simple act that made us feel like part of the family. He accompanied my friend and me during the Ayahuasca ceremony, always present beside the Shaman, helping us connect and holding our hands throughout our journey, which held a powerful connotation.

This is how we connected on a deeper level. We began to talk about life and about helping our surroundings while enjoying the calm and beauty of the jungle—a place one literally comes to to heal. From this, the necessary help for the local community also emerged, and with it as a common goal, we committed ourselves to helping.

After this beautiful experience, the idea was born to provide value and invite more people to live this journey, and as a result, help the community in its own journey. This is how Yagua was born, with the purpose of inspiring and sharing the love for the jungle and the love between human beings.

Our Culture:

Respect, Care & Understanding

Jorge Valderrama:

A Guardian of the Amazon in Iquitos

In the heart of the lush Peruvian Amazon, in the city of Santa Ana, Iquitos, the story of Jorge Valderrama is intertwined with a passion for nature and authentic service. With over a decade of experience working as a guide for a tourism agency, Jorge knows the secrets of the jungle like few others. However, it was during those years that he forged not only his knowledge but also a firm conviction: both the traveler and the guide deserve respectful treatment and a quality experience, far from the impersonal practices that sometimes predominate.

Driven by the desire to offer "the best service" and motivated by the encouragement of travelers who saw unique potential in him, Jorge made the brave decision to become independent eight years ago. This is how Yagua Eco-Lodge was born, a project that is the fruit of his effort and vision. This venture is not just a business; it is the means to support his family and, at the same time, a channel to share the wonderful bounty of the Amazon and its culture with the world.

For Jorge, the pillars of his lodge are mutual respect and good food, ensuring that every visitor feels at home. Throughout this journey, he has learned to open his heart and share his vision with guests, valuing and accepting their productive advice to continuously improve services.

This space is much more than accommodation; it is a dream come true with the fundamental support of his family, the travelers who become friends, and the local community members. Jorge's vision is clear and ambitious: to scale this project with the firm purpose of continuing to add value for visitors, generating a lasting positive impact on his family, and strengthening the development of his community. Jorge Valderrama is not just an operations manager and founder; he is a dedicated guardian committed to showing the authentic essence of the Amazon with pride, dedication, and a deep love for his land.

Alexis Castañeda:

A Cultural Bridge Between the Amazon and the World

Alexis Castañeda is a restless spirit and a profound lover of the Peruvian jungle and its culture. Although his roots are firmly planted in Peru, his life has taken an international turn, as he now splits his time between the Netherlands and his homeland. This constant back-and-forth is not just a lifestyle, but a personal mission: to serve as a bridge that contributes to the Amazon community and carries the beauty and richness of its culture to the other side of the world.

By his own admission, Alexis is someone who "learns the hard way" in life. His career path has been a mosaic of experiences in different companies and fields, but he always felt a restlessness in his heart; something told him that was not his true way of living. What always remained constant was his love for nature and his conviction about its fundamental importance for human beings.

With a life philosophy that chooses to see the world with affection and positivity despite adversities, Alexis has found his purpose: to inspire people in any way he can. His mission is to give the best of himself, lend a hand to those in need, and encourage others, because he firmly believes in the inner power every person holds.

He deeply detests injustice, segregation, and inequality, values that guide his actions. For him, a crucial part of his growth has been doubting himself and his actions. He believes that in life we have many things we take for granted, "automatically written," that we don't take the time to question. For Alexis, that questioning is precisely the first step toward great change and authentic personal growth.

Today, as an associate of Jorge Valderrama at Yagua Eco-Lodge, Alexis brings all his passions together. He not only contributes to a project that values and empowers the local community, but he also finds the perfect channel to fulfill his purpose: to share the wonders of the Amazon and inspire all who cross his path to seek their own truth and connect with the transformative power of nature.