South America is the continent richest in shamanistic, consciousness altering plants. And of all the places in South America perhaps the valley of Vilcabamba has the most shamanistic power plants.
The place name is derived from the Vilca or Wilco tree (Anadenanthera colubrina), the sacred tree of the Incans.
The shamanistic tradition of the preparation and use of the medicine derived from the sacred tree has been lost. Substances improperly derived from the tree can cause paralysis and death. Most of the trees were destroyed by the Spanish who used the bark for tanning hides.
But the modern draw of the valley is still the shamanistic power plants. People come here to participate in new age shamanisism involving San Pedro cactus and San Ysidro mushrooms.
In this valley there is also morning glory, dactura, and reputedly the best cannabis in all of Ecuador.
Still in the Quito Glow, (see www.libbyhome.blogspot.com), I am not going out of my way, I am not taking a drunkard's posture before the shamanistic power plants.
I quit - ya gotz some?
But even more importantly do you have authenticity in your posture before the mystery of the power plants?
Among the many foreigners who live here there are some who conduct San Pedro cactus/sweat lodge ceremonies. But I see no authenticity in them.
This place's reputation as the valley of longeivity, the place where people routinely live to be one hundred years or more, has come into scientific dispute.
Vilcabamba was a very isolated place until the 1960's. People didn't know or remember their birthdates. When the local, old people first encountered foreigners, they would tell them, possibly just to play with them, that they were one hundred years old, or much older.
But I am always encountering these beautiful, vigorous old people, here, who stay fresh and new as they advance into their further and greater powers.
[read blog-style -- first entry at bottom of page]