Join us on a rare journey into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, where the Tapajós River meets the mighty Amazon. These waters converge in Santarém, our starting point where we will begin a week of shared learning with the Indigenous communities, local leaders, and movement builders who are actively shaping the future of climate resilience. This experience, offered exclusively to a small group of philanthropic leaders, will provide rare, experiential insights into the interwoven efforts of caring for the forest, defending territory, and creating models of food, energy, and economic justice that inspires far beyond the region.
This journey is made possible because of the deep relationships Thousand Currents has built with partners over many years. Sandra Silva, our Latin America Regional Director, was the first funder to visit the remote Munduruku communities we will be visiting; because of the trust she has built, they extend their whole-hearted hospitality to Thousand Currents broader circle.
Please note: The details of this itinerary are subject to change and will be updated throughout the trip-planning process.
This journey weaves through places of striking beauty and resistance in the state of Pará, Brazil, including the banks of the Tapajós River. This is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, but also one of the most threatened as a hotspot for mining, land grabbing, and deforestation projects. It is here that local movements are building alternatives to extractive development and showing that community leadership is key to advance powerful and sustainable climate solutions.
Together we’ll travel by road and river between Santarém, Itaituba, and Nova Trairão. Each place reveals a different layer of the Amazon story where we’ll meet Thousand Currents movement partners who are co-designing and hosting this immersion experience. Between visits we’ll pause for conversations, rest, and reflection, and will end our time together with intentions for how to take this experience into our work and philanthropy back home.
The cornerstone of our offering is the unique opportunity to spend three days in a remote Indigenous village in the Madeira-Tapajós region of the Amazon. Here, we will have the honor of learning and sharing meals alongside Munduruku people for several days.
The three movement partners we will be spending time with are:
Associação das Mulheres Munduruku Wakoborun: For centuries, Munduruku communities have inhabited the Madeira-Tapajós region of central Brazil. However, for more than 200 years, they have been drastically impacted by colonial expansion, missionaries, harmful policies, infrastructure projects, and rubber and mining extraction industries, which have destroyed much of Mundurukânia—the vast territory of the Munduruku people prior to colonization. Collectively, the Indigenous women of Associação Wakoborun–warriors of the Amazon River basin–are protecting their communities and territory from large-scale infrastructure and extraction while using regenerative agriculture to restore biodiversity, cultivate food sovereignty, and craft medicine from plants.
Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens (MAB): Founded in 1991, the Movement of People Affected by Dams has grown into a powerful grassroots force in Brazil, organizing and defending communities affected or threatened by hydroelectric and other large-scale dam projects. MAB works with farmers, riverine communities, Indigenous people, and fisherfolks to advance critical community-led energy solutions that supply clean power to thousands of families across multiple municipalities. Over the years, MAB’s mobilization helped drive the passage of PNAB (Policy on the Rights of People Affected by Dams) in December 2023, a legal framework that finally recognizes affected communities, mandates compensations, resettlement, and establishes programs for recovery.
Comissão Pastoral da Terra (CPT): Created in 1975 during Brazil’s military dictatorship, CPT has stood beside rural and Indigenous communities resisting land grabs, violence, and forced displacement. For nearly five decades, it has documented human rights abuses and supported communities to defend their territories and livelihoods through legal accompaniment, pastoral care, and education. CPT’s annual Conflicts in the Countryside report remains the most authoritative record of rural violence in Brazil, giving visibility and evidence to the struggles often left unseen. In Pará and across the Amazon, CPT’s field teams work closely with farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous leaders to strengthen local governance and restore degraded lands through agroecology. On this trip, we will visit MAB’s solar installations and hear from them about their world to advance agroecology and renewable energy solutions.
To fully prepare for this journey together, we will begin several months prior to landing in Brazil. We will have background reading and other media, and several Zoom sessions to answer questions and paint a picture of both the logistical and cultural aspects of our journey. These will feature Elevate’s expert logistics team, Thousand Currents Brazil-based Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, and other key leaders of our trip.
We will officially start with an opening dinner as a group, with Thousand Currents' staff and facilitators to land us in the time and place of our emerging experience. We will spend time getting to know each other as a group, review our intentions and plans for our forthcoming time together, and set collective and individual intentions.
We’ll begin our day with breakfast at the hotel and then check out.
Set off on a scenic drive to Itaituba, about 8 hours. Along the way, we’ll pause to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch, taking in the sights and sounds of the Brazilian landscape.
Arrive in Itaituba and settle into the hotel. Refresh before gathering for a group dinner this evening.
Eat at the hotel before spending the day locally in Itaituba, witnessing two of Thousand Currents’ partners in action.
First begin at MAB’s solar installations, where we’ll see firsthand how renewable energy powers local communities and drives sustainable development. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring regional flavors.
Return to the hotel to refresh and relax before gathering for dinner as a group, sharing reflections on the day’s inspiring experiences.
Return to the hotel to refresh and relax before gathering for dinner as a group, sharing reflections on the day’s inspiring experiences.
Eat at the hotel before checking out.
Beginning the truly unprecedented part of our journey, we will spend the day traveling by road for approximately 9 hours. Then, take a 4x4 and short boat ride to the Aldeia (village) Nova Trairão of the Munduruku people.
We will get settled into our rainforest accommodations, make introductions, and share a meal together with and in the community.
Accommodations will be a basic camp setup in hammocks.
With the leadership of the Associação das Mulheres Munduruku Wakoborun (Wakoborun, for short) we will experience firsthand how the Munduruku community is safeguarding their land and cultural practices against extractive threats. We’ll have interactive workshops and discussions on sustainable practices, cultural resilience, and territorial defense and an evening fireside chat with Munduruku women leaders, sharing stories of resilience and the cultural significance of the land.
Accommodations will be a basic camp setup in hammocks.
After breakfast we will retrace our steps back by boat and set out for Morada Do Sol Hotel Resort. We will have ample time to rest and recuperate in a retreat-like environment as we start to segue into our time to reflect and digest the magic and intensity of the prior several days.
Refresh at the hotel and then gather this evening for dinner.
We’ll conclude our journey with a final breakfast surrounded by the serenity of the Amazon forest retreat. Afterwards, we’ll travel back to Santarém.
Your decision to take this journey represents a deepening of your commitment as a philanthropist to community leadership and long-term sustainability. We believe sharing this experience amongst peers–grappling with similar questions, building partnerships rooted in trust and shared vision–will have a profound impact not only individually but on the field of philanthropy as a whole. The proximity offered by this trip will allow you to learn directly from those who are reimagining climate, food, and energy systems.
For many of our partners, presence is solidarity. We are humbled by their invitation to visit them as companions willing to carry the story forward.
Financial Contribution
This life-changing experience is also about moving an influx of resources to the region at this critical time. We invite each participant to make a philanthropic contribution of at least $30,000, a portion of which will cover in-country transportation, meals, and accommodations (estimated at $5,000). The remainder will directly support our local partners and the broader ecosystem of movements advancing food, energy, and climate justice. This is a starting point, not a ceiling; our team can work with you to decide what a significant and meaningful gift is for you.
Your gift of $25,000 or more beyond the trip cost of $5,000 will be documented as a tax-deductible donation. If you have already made a gift of $25,000 or more to Thousand Currents general operating support in 2026, that gift can be, or apply toward, your trip contribution.
Payment Deadlines & Process:
$5,000 deposit due upon booking - this reserves your spot on the trip
Donation of $25,000 or more due by February 2, 2026
Please note that the registration cost is listed as $0 on the sign-up form—this is simply to confirm your participation, not to reflect your financial commitment. Payments will be made directly to Thousand Currents through secure payment links, which you will receive via email once your sign-up form is complete.
Travel Insurance Disclaimer
If you choose to obtain travel insurance, please note that only the $5,000 trip cost portion is eligible to be claimed for reimbursement under travel insurance coverage.
The main program begins and ends in Santarém from Saturday, June 6 to Saturday, June 13th. Arrival and departure flights are booked by travelers independently. Here are our recommended arrival and departure times:
Saturday, June 6: Arrive at Santarém-Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM) by 3:00 pm local time (UTC). The trip will kick off with a Welcome Dinner at the hotel this evening, likely around 5:30pm.
Saturday, June 13: Depart from Santarém-Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM) anytime after 6:00 PM. Please note, hotel rooms will be provided in Santarém the night of the 13th should you not fly out until the 14th.
If you would like assistance booking your flights, please complete this form and a flight booking specialist from our partners at AirSupply will contact you directly to assist with your booking. Under the line “Traveler / Group Name,” write “Your Name / Elevate Destinations.” Note that there is a $35 service fee per booking.
COMING SOON: A downloadable Country Guide, which will contain comprehensive information about money, local customs, expectations for the trip and travel tips.
COMING SOON: A downloadable Packing List for traveling to Brazil in June.
Planning to arrive in Brazil before June 6th or stay after June 14th? Email abbey@elevatedestinations.com to arrange any extra nights of accommodation.
If you would like to extend your travels in Brazil or the surrounding area, we’d be happy to introduce you to our ’ Private Travel team, who specialize in designing customized, meaningful trips all over the world. For any 5+ day trip before or after your trip with Thousand Currents, we’ll offer you a $500 discount. Email abbey@elevatedestinations.com for more info!
Barrudada Tropical Hotel is a simple, garden-style hotel in Santarém offering spacious grounds, an outdoor pool, and basic, air-conditioned rooms. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves as a convenient, welcoming base to take in the region’s natural beauty.
Morada do Sol Hotel & Resort in Itaituba offers relaxed, comfortable accommodations with open, airy spaces and inviting leisure areas—an ideal place to unwind after a day of travel or field visits.
Accommodations will be simple yet comfortable, with travelers sleeping in either hammocks or cots inside a sheltered community building. All necessary gear, including hammocks, cots, and mosquito nets, will be provided to ensure a restful night’s sleep in a safe and communal setting.
In this community setting, there will not be access to electricity or western bathroom facilities due to the remote nature of the area. Travelers should be prepared to adapt to basic living conditions and embrace a rustic, off-the-grid experience.
Hotel rooms will be reserved overnight, though departures may take place at any time after 6:00pm on Saturday, June 13th.
UPLOADING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: After completing a booking form, you will receive an email with your WeTravel account information. Please click on the blue "manage your booking" button at the bottom of the email. Then navigate to "complete your info" which is where you can upload the following documents at your earliest convenience.
Passport: Upload your WeTravel portal during or after the booking process. Check that your passport
Is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date (December 14, 2026). If your passport expires before December 14, 2026, you will need to renew your passport. We recommend using A1 Passport & Visa Services. You can email them at info@a1passportvisa.com.
Has at least 2 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more if you are visiting several countries on this trip. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
Visa: Citizens from the United States and the United Kingdom are required to obtain an e-visa to travel to Brazil. Detailed application instructions will be emailed to you 90 days before departure at which time we highly recommend moving forward your visa application ASAP.
Physician’s Form: A physician’s approval is required to participate in this trip. Please download the physician’s form here and upload it to your WeTravel account within 60 days of completing your booking form.
Flights: Upload your round-trip flight itinerary to your WeTravel account.
Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required for participation on the trip, see “Health & Safety” for more information. Upload proof of vaccination to your WeTravel account.
Insurance: Elevate Destinations will purchase emergency evacuation coverage for you. This policy covers emergency evacuations due to medical, political, or natural disasters from June 6-13, 2026.
This coverage does not include trip cancelation or interruption benefits and also does not cover pre- or post-trip days of travel booked outside of Elevate Destinations. We strongly suggest you purchase additional coverage to cover your non-refundable expenses in the event you need to cancel your trip or have additional expenses incurred on the trip.
Elevate strongly recommends purchasing additional medical insurance that covers you in Brazil and travel insurance and Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) to cover trip related expenses ($5,000). Please note that some CFAR insurance options are time-sensitive. Please be ready to purchase an insurance policy within 14 days of making your first trip payment.
If you would like to purchase additional medical insurance in Brazil, below are two insurance brokers that Elevate Destinations recommends.
USI Travel Insurance Services
Email: info@travelinsure.com
Phone Number: (800) 937-1387
Travel Insurance Center (Dan Drennen)
Email: dan@travelinsurancecenter.com
Phone Number: (402) 343-3621
Elevate Destinations is not equipped to answer specific questions on insurance. Please contact the insurance broker or company for specific information.
Due to the remote locations of this trip, Elevate Destinations and Thousand Currents require all travelers to take necessary health precautions and get clearance from their medical provider to participate.
All participants must:
Complete a physician’s form which can be downloaded here.
Take malaria prophylaxis, as malaria is endemic to the area.
Be vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least 10 days before arrival.
Be sure to bring your Yellow Fever vaccination card and malaria prophylaxis with you when you travel.
Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into recommended immunizations for your time in Brazil. Given that we are not a licensed healthcare provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:
Travel Doctor: Consult with a travel clinic or your primary care physician regarding immunizations or other precautions you may need to take in order to participate in this journey. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots.
Resources for Health Guidance: Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician read through the following resources for information on immunizations and other health preparations and individual requirements to travel to Brazil.
CDC Website - US Based
Travel Pro - UK Based
Medical Insurance: Elevate Destinations covers evacuation insurance for this trip. All travelers are recommended to also have health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Check that your health insurance covers you in Brazil.
USA Residents: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits in case of an emergency while abroad:
You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.
U.K. Residents: Travel Aware
We recommend that all travelers from the U.K. visit the Travel Aware website and sign up for travel advisories for Brazil. While the U.K. does not have a program identical to STEP, registering for Travel Aware allows you to:
Receive up-to-date guidance on safety, health, and security conditions at your destination.
Stay informed of any urgent alerts or advisories issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that may affect your travel plans.
Access official resources and advice to help prepare for and respond to potential emergencies abroad.
We are partnering with the values-aligned travel company Elevate Destinations, which has extensive experience supporting all the logistics that go into immersive and remote trips. Multiple interpreters and a skilled facilitator will support our individual and collective experience. Ahead of the journey, Thousand Currents staff will facilitate preparatory learning.
Elevate Destinations specializes in planning group travel for philanthropic organizations. As international event planners, our team is equipped to handle all of your on-the-ground arrangements, from airport transfers to extra nights in-country to a post-trip excursion.
We welcome any questions you have about how to prepare for your trip, in-country arrangements, and cultural information. For questions about your international flights, including how to purchase tickets, cancellations or delays, lost items, or layover arrangements, please contact your airline or booking agency. For questions about travel insurance, please contact your insurance company.
To sign up for this trip:
Click “Book Now” at the top of the page and complete a booking form.
Please note that the registration cost is listed as $0 on the booking form—this is simply to confirm your participation, not to reflect your financial commitment. All trip payments and donations will be made directly to Thousand Currents. Once you complete a booking form, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to complete payment. Please pay your deposit of $5,000 ASAP to confirm your spot on this trip.
Final contribution is due to Thousand Currents by February 2, 2026. Please don’t hesitate to reach out about making this gift; otherwise someone from Thousand Currents will follow up with you in the next few weeks to support you in making this meaningful contribution.
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to “Manage My Booking.” From this page, you can edit any of your personal information and upload the various documents required for this trip. You will be able to access this page from now through the end of your trip.
Have questions about the trip? Clicking through the registration page will likely answer a lot of them, but please don't hesitate to email donorprograms@thousandcurrents.org and Jessie, our Director of Donor Organizing, will be happy to talk through any components.
