“The journey etched itself deeply within me—it was the realization of a spiritual vision I had experienced three years earlier during a Yopo ceremony. Grandfather Bolívar showed me a village in the jungle; we were surrounded by a group of children, walking toward a small waterfall, where I underwent a deeply meaningful initiation.

“A year ago, I stumbled upon the title of an event organized by Darek: ‘Expedition to the territories of the Indigenous Piaroa and the sacred Autana hills – Venezuela, Colombia.’ I had no idea that Piaroa was the tribe of Grandfather Bolívar, but my heart skipped a beat, and I immediately knew—this was a journey I could not miss. Even though it seemed impossible at the time, one month later I stood for the first time on Venezuelan soil. Tears ran down my cheeks, and my whole being trembled. I felt, in a way, that I was home.

“In the Piaroa village, I experienced the beautiful realization of my spiritual vision—the same place, the nature, the children—only Grandfather Bolívar was with us in spirit. There, I touched the depths of my being, and today, in hindsight, I know it changed the course of my life. Experiencing the medicine at its source was deeply fulfilling, and I still feel immense gratitude for those encounters. Oh, and the children of Venezuela stole my heart—I know I wasn’t the only one 😊

“Venezuela is wild, primal, mysterious. At times its nature took my breath away. I am so grateful that my eyes could also behold the beauty of Autana, that we ventured into places few ever reach. Truly remarkable.

“One of my favorite quotes from Castaneda comes to mind, perfectly fitting the memory of the expedition: ‘I walk only on paths with a heart, paths that have a heart. That is where I walk, and I look, and I look in awe.’

“It wasn’t always comfortable—physically or emotionally—but I value the parts of life that demand a return to our primal nature, that push us out of the known and into surrender, into a deeper understanding of life and ourselves beyond familiar roles.

“The second part of the expedition was vibrant Colombia. To her I give thanks for the magic of experience, for the beautiful music, the amazing colors of nature, and the medicine that deepened this part of the journey as well. For reminding me of harmony and joy in life, for the beautiful moments of everyday simplicity—its honesty stole my heart.

“I love that sense of divine guidance, the spontaneous surrender to each moment—in lightness, in trust. I felt it every day of the expedition, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed it in my life.

“I thank my fellow travelers—each of you inspired me in some way. We were like one organism. For me, being very sensitive and empathetic, it was sometimes challenging to stay with myself, to keep a light heart when others were going through difficult times or tensions arose. Ultimately, it strengthened me greatly.

“It was beautiful to witness how each of us changed day by day, becoming more and more authentic—how eyes became the reflection of heart and soul.

“I also thank Darek for organizing everything, for sharing the paths he once discovered and forged, and for holding it all within safe boundaries. I believe he is exactly where he is meant to be.

“After this journey, the values in my life shifted significantly. The experiences, the people, and the medicine of that land tore out by the roots a pattern within me: fear, uncertainty, haste, self-limitation. Thanks to this, I remembered who I truly am—how deeply I value and love my life, travel, freedom—and that there is no point in postponing one’s desires.

“Less than a year later, I chose a life of travel, of surrendering to what is truly close to my heart. Sending my greetings now—from Asia.”

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“Words Cannot Describe It”

 “The words we use define who we are. When I look back on my life, every word I know has come from somewhere—from someone. There are moments when I gaze out of a bus window, watching the passing landscapes, listening to music, and scenes play out before my eyes—featuring strangers, friends, family. Sometimes these memories carry an emotional weight.

“Good and evil are matters of interpretation. From one perspective, ‘bad experiences’ have shaped me in a positive way. Conversely, ‘good experiences’ have sometimes led me astray.

“It’s difficult to describe what Colombia was like. Where do I even begin? Where was I? With whom? What was I doing? How did I feel? What did I see? That’s one way to approach it. It’s incredible how many different ways something can be described. I believe this adventure was about expanding the boundaries of what I think, feel, know, and see—about breaking away from everything and everyone that makes up my world and taking a leap into the unknown.

“If an all-inclusive holiday is like pop music—catering to simple needs and desires—then the One River adventure delves much deeper. The people who took part in the journey with me had a profound impact on the way I think and perceive the world.

“For me, what makes life extraordinary is people—the stories in which strangers turn into friends. That moment when someone you’ve never known becomes a person you eagerly wait for at the airport after a long separation, just to look them in the eye and say with pure joy, ‘I’ve missed you.’

“For a significant part of my life, I wasted it. I lived a very sad existence, without purpose or meaning. Now I do everything I can to achieve the opposite. The things that happened to me—I used to see them from the perspective of a victim. Nothing was ever my fault; everyone else was to blame. I just wanted to be rich, do nothing, and maybe travel.

“Some experiences help us grow; others make us wither. It’s easy to feel the difference. So here’s an important question for you if you’re considering the One River expedition: Do you feel that you are growing, or withering? Does your voice carry, as if you have a lot to say, or do you prefer to stay hidden? Perhaps you’ve never even thought about how your voice sounds.

“The difference this adventure has made to me is monumental and continues to evolve because it’s a long process. Years ago, my life resembled more of a swamp than a garden. But when I decided to change how I lived, interesting things started to happen: reading the right books, talking to the right people, finding myself in situations that encouraged growth. Growth is inevitable once you decide. The One River expedition was one of the milestones on my path.

“Draining a swamp takes time; flowers don’t grow overnight, and weeds and pests can still appear. Even though I tended my life like a garden for years, butterflies did not often come to flutter through it.

“On the expedition there were many ‘Aha’ moments—realizations that helped me understand how to better take care of my life. And I wish the same for everyone.

“It’s very easy to be ‘behind your own eyes’ while journeying through Colombia’s rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s incredibly fascinating to be surrounded by others who are also searching—people who have done extraordinary work in their lives to reach where they are now. Observing everything and everyone with curiosity shifts your perception of the world and yourself—it’s very subtle yet immensely valuable.

“I believe this is what the adventure of life is truly about: seeing more, feeling more, experiencing differences, and looking at your life from perspectives you never suspected existed.

“I highly recommend the One River adventure to anyone in search of something authentic and magical.”

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“Traveling to India, I expected change, enlightenment, a new path—I didn’t even know what exactly. I came back weak and indifferent, as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over my head. I decided to embark on the One River journey spontaneously, without reading reviews, analyzing the plan, or making calculations. I trusted that Janek knew. I just wanted to be in South America. Nothing more.

“I won’t write about the magical nature or the breathtaking landscapes. About Machu Picchu or Lima. I have been back in Poland for a week now, yet the journey continues. I like to scribble, and sometimes I even like what I create, but in this case I still can’t find the right words. So I will use the ones that came to me now:

“One River is: People. Adventure. Awareness. Peace. Madness. Meditation. Exploration. Time. Moment. Acceptance. Individualism. Community. Space. Safety. Family. Friendship. Ceremonies. Nature. Equality.

“ONE RIVER Adventure – Journeys Through Indigenous Colombia: Dariusz Ślusarczyk, Agata Algierska, Jan Dziubecki, Monika Łada-Bieńkowska, Marta Musiał, Tomasz Sadoś, Krzysztof Łada-Bieńkowski, Andrzej Gładecki. In March 2020, we created the most beautiful anti-COVID bubble on Peruvian soil. The warmth, love, and everything that makes One River completely overwhelmed me; I floated in it lightly and pleasantly. I drifted from Lima, composing a completely new story. No, wait. The story wrote itself…

“Darku—my utmost respect and gratitude for your strength, composure, organization, effectiveness, courage, patience, wisdom, music, singing, care, faith, high vibrations, and… massage. Though, on a side note, I secretly hoped the evacuation wouldn’t work, and our family holiday would last longer.

“Agatko, thank you for your warmth and understanding. You helped me pass through the birth canal once again, take my first breath, and this time score 10/10 on the Apgar scale.

“Monia, sister. Thank you for allowing me to meet your extraordinary soul, enjoy its presence, and draw from its love. For ancestors, sensitivity, dreams, and authenticity. LOVE forever.

“Martuś, thank you for once again proving that prejudice loses to reality. For a little nudge and for being yourself. For your heart for others. And palo santo. Laughter, optimism, and ease.

“Tomku, thank you for having the courage to be present and share yourself with us. For the lesson of acceptance, protection, and the understanding that everyone is equally important.

“Andrzeju, thank you for our conversation outside military unit no. 1, your incredible stories about Peru, and your love for Basia.

“Krzysiu, thank you for the hat, the smile, and for sharing what is precious and most important—for Monia!!

“Janku, I left you for last. Not by accident. Because you know. And my thumbs hurt from typing.

“To the military personnel, the locals, the market ladies, the guides, the embassy, the lawyer—and if I forgot someone, I apologize—to everyone, including my Polish family and friends in Poland and around the world. An ocean of gratitude. Thanks to you, I am where I am—happy, walking my own path, which wouldn’t be as free and truly mine without you.

“One River is my new way of experiencing life. See you soon! Aho!”

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“A deep and insightful journey. Describing such a meaningful expedition in words is incredibly difficult because its main aspect unfolds within a person—on a level so profound that words no longer reach it. Nevertheless, reaching the Indigenous communities of Colombia and having the opportunity to experience and taste their culture and traditions was an experience that brought me value beyond anything I could have imagined before the trip.

“Gratitude is not enough to express my feelings after this beautiful Men’s Journey. This trip was not just about changing geographical locations, but also about diving deep within myself—into the hidden structures of my personality and working on my character. It was about every conversation with my brothers, every sincere gaze exchanged at dawn after an all-night ceremony, every shared smile, and the mutual support found in strong masculine energy.

“So much happened—trekking to 4,200 meters in the Sierra Nevada mountains, early morning baths in waterfalls and rivers, cooking meals together over an open fire, and simply learning a different way of life while appreciating every little aspect of the world around us.

“I want to thank Dariusz Ślusarczyk and Tymoteusz Niemiec for their masterful guidance and care throughout the journey. I bow my head to you both, as you embody the kind of masculinity that should be taught in schools.

“To the rest of my fellow travelers, thank you for the amazing time and the wisdom I was able to absorb from you. It is truly an extraordinary gift to be part of such a group—to become family while exploring this incredible country together.

“Traveling with OneRiver.pl is the essence of something that cannot be fully expressed in words—but can be felt deeply in the heart and allows you to see who you truly are in the life you are creating.

“I returned even prouder of who I am, what I do, and where I am going. I met incredible people who have now become part of my life, but most importantly—I discovered myself on a deeper level. This allows me to walk my path with even greater commitment and presence.

“And as was often said during this journey: ‘There’s still so much left to… not say.’ 😉”

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“A few days have passed since my month-long expedition to the Amazon…

“This desire had been with me for as long as I can remember—the longing to live among Indigenous communities in their land, deep in the Amazon. The chance to take part in their daily lives, in harmony with nature, far from the ever-present pollution of civilization.

“It’s hard to put into words the joy and satisfaction I feel. This was a journey that, in many ways, included—putting it mildly—rather ‘uncomfortable’ aspects of daily life… Humidity and temperatures like a steam bath; insects eager to devour anything that moves and breathes (some people learned that the hard way). Being in such an environment is a privilege: bathing in the river, sleeping in hammocks under the open sky, postcard-like landscapes, the sounds of the jungle, lush vegetation, juicy fresh fruits we could never taste back home, and a community of truly happy people who live in the present moment. And that’s only part of this incredible experience.

“The main goal of our journey to Venezuela was to provide material support for the Piaroa people and to reach Autana Mountain. Even before leaving, the thought of it fired up my imagination. A massive rock formation rising from the dense jungle… For the Piaroa people, Autana Hill is a sacred mountain. Their mythology speaks of a giant tree whose top reached infinity, its branches full of fruit that fell and gave life to the Amazon.

“Getting there wasn’t easy, but after several days of travel, it finally emerged—breathtakingly beautiful, majestic… The moment of seeing it up close was truly awe-inspiring. An extraordinary part of the experience was participating in their traditions and exploring their natural medicine practices—an unforgettable journey into another world.

“On the Colombian side, in the southern region of Putumayo, an entirely different set of experiences awaited—both natural and medicinal. We were hosted by the Cofán community. For me, these were absolutely new experiences, difficult to grasp with reason alone… (and I’ll keep those to myself).

“Near the Ecuadorian border, we passed miles and miles of plantations filled with ‘pretty little green-leaved bushes,’ guarded by men with rifles—a clear sign that caution was advised… 🙂

“This was a long, demanding journey through two beautiful countries—one that brought me a deep sense of fulfillment.

“Thank you, Darius, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary adventure. Thank you to the whole team I had the pleasure of traveling with and getting to know.

“Adiwua! Aho!”

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Real Magic
 

“The question ‘What do travels mean to you?’ has always been one of the hardest for me to answer. Because what are they not? For me, travel is a magnificent manifestation of the hermetic doctrine of the unity of opposites—they are everything and nothing at the same time. Everything, because it is my most natural state of mind. Nothing, because it feels so natural that it is difficult to define.

“Since childhood, I have been going places—with my parents, for work, for projects—but I only truly began to travel much later. Only when I stopped expecting, stopped comparing, and simply was—allowing myself to exist within a new context.

“Places, cultures, and the people who grow from them owe us nothing. They don’t have to be hospitable or polite, wear turbans or ponchos, drive safely, dance cumbia in the streets. They have no obligations to you or me. A simple truth—letting go of expectations—but every time I caught myself comparing new places and people to those I already knew, I came closer to understanding that expectations are no different from illusions.

“With OneRiver expeditions to Colombia, such a problem will not arise: your expectations will take care of themselves. OneRiver’s journey to the Sources of Colombia is a journey to the very roots of its Magical Realism, which is no longer easy to find in Medellín, Bogotá, or Cali.

“With OneRiver, you will discover that what Márquez, Borges, and Allende wrote about—what they wrote with—has its deepest roots in the soil of Putumayo, Sierra Nevada, and Tolima. And that this magic can still be experienced in a form far purer, more condensed, than its literary counterpart.

“With OneRiver, you will be able to drink in this magic, walk upon it, and carry it in your heart for a long, long time. Aho!”

“Although I had not wanted to take part in ceremonies until now, this time I chose to be present…

“The mushrooms were not so literal. The soup cooked by hospitable Indians was sweet… Besides, a distant friend encouraged me: ‘You have to try this while you’re there!’ So I did. I was not afraid, because I was among friends. The Bearded One laughed and laughed, looking at me.

“Meanwhile, a huge red-and-black sphere, covered with tiny figures, rolled in—so close I thought it would crush me… But I knew I was safe among friends, so I accepted its terrifying closeness. More spheres followed. Multicolored, shining, rich. Their presence overwhelmed me, so I dodged them. The Bearded One laughed until he cried. But it was friendly laughter. I knew I was not alone.

“I stood up and sat down, trying to avoid the spheres as they brushed my face, then dissolved into the night. The Bearded One kept laughing. Suddenly I felt fear—their closeness was too much. Then I understood: I had to smoke tobacco. And so I did. The visions faded; calm returned.

“After a while I realized sounds were nothing but geometric figures; music entered me in pyramids and cubes. It was a revelation—at last I knew and felt that music and mathematics are one! Then I heard Dariusz playing the flute—the sound was a ribbon pulling me deep into a sand-colored cave, a cavern full of dark yellow stalagmites.

“Dariusz’s music, which had earlier irritated me, now led me through sandy corridors, echoing beautifully inside beige-white grottos bristling with natural columns. It was a labyrinth through which, like a child, I walked, guided by his music. Following it was pure delight. Even now, I long to be there again!

“Then I found myself in a small, round chamber. At its center, on a tiny pedestal, lay a colorful Indian bag. The music stopped. That was my heart.

“‘Why are you doing this?!’ I screamed (and I can scream; my voice filled the space in my head, for in reality I couldn’t even whisper)… ‘Why do you praise a God who accepted your extinction?!’

“‘Ewunia, calm yourself,’ they said—the Copper-Skinned, Black-Haired ones, dressed in white robes from another world. ‘We will not be erased so easily…’

“‘But this is not your God!!!’ I howled, unable to make a sound.

“‘Ewunia—there is only one God. Ours. Yours. And He teaches us to forgive. We forgave the conquistadors. Otherwise, how could we go on living? Learn to forgive, Ewunia.’

“Then Eva approached me—the jaguar woman. My alter ego. Black, brown-spotted, wild, independent, beautiful. She sat before me, purring, licking her whiskers. I reached out to embrace her. It is me. I had forgotten. I love you. I stroked her and breathed in her damp fur. Oh, how good it is to see you, to feel you.

“‘It is me. Why do you want to leave me behind? Haven’t I helped you in everything? Did I not crush your enemies with a single paw? WHRRRR…’

“‘Yes, you have always helped me, but now I must go alone. I must manage without you.’

“‘As you wish. I will go.’ And she left. Her sleek, striped body melted into the reeds around the village. I will never be more alone than this. Her scent lingers within me forever. What will I do without her? Can I live without her?

“Meanwhile, I soared above the earth—rising toward a colossal mountain, its many mouths yawning into forbidden caves. Yet even here, human perseverance thrived—Copper-Skinned beings welcomed me, dreaming of conquering the heights—of flight. They patted my shoulders as if I had done the impossible. Yet their faces were full of sorrow.

“I took off on my own, a colorful kite from my friends tied to my ankle. ‘Ewa, do you know who always walks beside you?’ I recalled their words. ‘You are the sister of the jaguar. Your rage and fury give you momentum.’

“And now I was on the Atlantic shore, watching the colonizers build a new city, violating all in their path. I slipped into the cabin of noble passengers on a Spanish galleon. I crept into a wardrobe. Before my eyes, beneath my hands—stiffly starched, now wilted white ruffs, damp with voyage-long neglect. Once of the finest quality—now reeking.

“‘Yet we live, and we have value!’ the noble garments cried. ‘Look at our embellishments!’ My indifferent fingers skimmed embroidered pearls, emeralds, rubies. ‘This is not what I seek,’ I shouted. And then, I fell.

“A procession was passing. Sun-kissed faces, dark hair gleaming with blue highlights against stark white robes, a towering cross above them—rising like an accusation. The contrast was unbearable.”

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“A journey is something extraordinary. There I found an education that went beyond all institutional schools. That month allowed me to rebuild myself from the ground up by eliminating things that weren’t truly mine. The guides I met along the way, the physically demanding crossings—all of it carried invaluable wisdom.

“However, the most fascinating moments were the pauses between activities—times of silence, of doing nothing. When my mind craved distraction, I was able to dive deep into myself. That time allowed me to appreciate the simplicity of life.

“Working with a group was also an incredible challenge. Each person struck a chord within me, one I had to confront and tune properly in order, in the end, to play a beautiful melody. In situations where things didn’t go as planned, I learned to let go and allow myself to be carried by the current. After all, the river always knows exactly where it’s meant to flow.

“It’s a bit like a journey into space. Indigenous cultures not only broaden your perspective but shift its center of gravity to a different point. I highly recommend it to anyone with an open heart and mind.”

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“A memory from Colombia: I am standing at the edge of a waterfall, about 5–6 meters above the water. My heart is pounding, because I know I will soon jump and overcome my fear. As soon as I gather my strength… time stops. I’m already in the air. Wonderful people around me support me with all their hearts during this trial. Anyway, everyone could count on each other throughout the Adventure.

“There was no space for boredom, since experiences and challenges arose every day. Beautiful views offered by nature, collapsing roads, exhaustion, bathing in the sea at dawn, singing around a campfire at night, sleeping in a hammock in a hen house, the taste of unknown fruits, contact with new people and their stories—and the joy of experiencing them. Suddenly I am breaking through the surface of the water and submerging in refreshment. I jumped into the waterfall! I emerge, and my heart is strong, and life feels like an Adventure. And I think: Colombia is a great country.”

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Yagé Impressions (from the series: The Neurotic in the Amazon):
“Yesterday, my dear, beloved brothers and sisters, I was so excited that for two hours I was healing a red handbag hanging on the wall. I was worried that it was not moving.”

“One of the greatest Yagé shamans from the Sibundoy valley—taita, let’s call him Chloro—summed up yesterday’s ceremony in a very relaxed manner. Everyone burst out laughing. We were standing in a circle that closed the ceremony, not far from a Maloka (a big Indigenous house with a thatched roof that looks like a steamer sailing on a river of exuberant vegetation). We all felt great—some of us in a recumbent position all night long, swinging in hammocks, while the mysterious medicine had its say. Others wrote yagé stories with their walks in the nearby forest.

“Throughout the night the shaman drummed and hummed using the Wayra (leaves of the wind), which is the motor of yagé. He kept the intensity and harmony of the medicine going. The Maloka is a mother, a beehive buzzing with our dreams, and when we connect using yagé it gives access to a synchronized, almost telepathic, collective mind. Community. Family. Swarm. To the extent that he who doubted or whined too much got stung—fortunately harmlessly—by wild bees living in the Maloka. ‘To bee’ was the song humming last night, reminding us that to be means, after all, to do something harmoniously—for the good of all.

“And there is no such thing as real intimacy. Unless someone goes upstream and finds ships made of stone, flat like tables—and his mind, completed by the words of yagé, interprets them as Stones from Ganymede. And then a song falls upon you, even though you don’t know how to sing; you are ashamed—a vine comes out by itself, the sound vibrates, permeating dampers, lovers, and the connection that holds everyone together. Now. Icaro. The song.

“It’s a bit illegal to walk like this at night, in an enriched state of consciousness, in a forest maybe not pristine anymore but still vast and incredibly deep, where fear should definitely take over. Vermin or jaguars. Fears. But they do not appear. Grandmother Ayahuasca gives permission. She is convinced that the forest is dry and safe. The knowledge that there’s nothing threatening is right here, coming from someplace. The neurosis dissolves in the medicine. Even if only for a moment, you learn that it can be this way and what that state looks like. Behavioral therapy—supposedly the most effective. That’s how I know that if you can transform every nightmare and delusion into an element of fun and see it as part of an ongoing story, it ceases to be a problem.

“‘The inappropriate does not exist,’ another shaman once told me when I described my independent vision quests—searching for visions, twisting around to find the twists that are the key to my story—going beyond formal ritual and leaving the immediate care of the motorman, the shaman.

“Colombia is a blanket of green with mountain peaks piercing through. Roads curl through forests. Nevertheless there’s a convenient return from Maloka, although it takes quite a long time—18 hours on a bus with bunks. That’s when I’m writing this. I go through each ceremony one by one.” 

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“Traveling is a great way to get acquainted with the culture of the native peoples who inhabit vast regions of Colombia. It’s also an opportunity to look inside yourself, discover the unlimited possibilities of your own mind, and come to know the laws of nature that govern the universe. In addition to pure travel experiences and immersion in the natural beauty of this country, the gist of the program is participation in authentic ceremonies—letting you access the unimaginable powers of plants, which are key to gaining secret knowledge. Thanks to that, you can spread your wings, solve difficult problems, and turn your life around.”
 

Filip Ziółkowski, Colombian resident—writer, photographer, musician, professor at the University of Cali (www.filipontheroad.com)

“We are sitting at a local bus station in Ibagué—between Armenia and Bogotá. We travel across Colombia from south to north. We are waiting for a friend who will take us to a hut where, at night, in a reservation, I will meet the spirit of San Pedro. The day after tomorrow we set off to Medellín, where three more ceremonies with the Grandmother will be held. Afterwards we head north to Cartagena and on to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. More ceremonies there.

“I haven’t smoked since the beginning of the trip, and the Andean air thoroughly ventilated my lungs. My body feels 12 years younger, and the medicine of the Indians is cheerfully dancing in me, tightening the screws that had been loose for a long time. Before that we reached San Cipriano, a village inhabited by Black descendants of slaves. Deep in the wilderness—you can get there only by a cable car that’s out of service. Clever locals have turned it into a jungle highway for motorcycle trolleys. On one track you find vehicles made of boards, bearings, and whatever, attached to a motorcycle. The rear wheel runs on the track, powering the entire vehicle. Technology and survival…

“Across the village flows a fast river with small ‘waterfalls’ and siphons. You can jump in from trees on the banks. We went barefoot a few kilometers upstream, dragging big truck inner tubes. They were useful later as dinghies for rafting. Several hours of rafting, joy, jungle, euphoria… We were in the Andes and the Pacific in the middle of nowhere—beaches, wooden huts, and hosts—the descendants of slaves. To get there you need to go 10 km through the jungle—or… we chose a boat. And with such a boat you can land like surfers. Offshore, a tidal wave poured through the small boat, capturing small objects as souvenirs. Fortunately, there were eleven of us, so we quickly pulled the boat ashore. Drying took two days.

“The sun scorches; it is silent, peaceful; there is a bonfire on the beach and abundance of Nature. We sleep in a local house or in hammocks beneath a bamboo shed on the beach. We buy fish from fishermen and bake them in banana leaves on a grill, while a seaside grove offers a well-stocked, free mixture of vegetables and fruit… lime trees, coconuts, papayas, and more. A salad with your fish? Here you are. The ocean moves away about a kilometer every six hours. Ebb and flow, indeed.”

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“Colombia is a wonderful country. Here in Europe we have quite a stereotypical (and rather negative) idea about it. What we saw there was mostly incredible nature—Caribbean beaches, the Amazon jungle, high mountain passes stretched over kilometer-deep abysses, and fairy-tale landscapes intersected by rivers with cascading waterfalls.

“Moving along untrodden paths, we met Indigenous people from different tribes. Their calmness, sense of oneness with nature, and tendency to smile had a therapeutic effect on us. The ceremonies with medicine made this journey not only a physical but also a spiritual experience—stunning and abundant in sensations.

“Our journey together led us into a world present in all of us. In fact, in every one of us there is a ‘Colombia’—with its diversity, problems, and stunning beauty—which you can find if you really want to… This was one of the most beautiful and interesting journeys in my life.”

“The trip to Colombia… Now my life is divided into before and after. Before the trip my life was pitiful; I saw no bigger sense or aims. I only felt I had to do something with myself and my life, because each day made it more unbearable. That’s when, ‘by accident,’ I came across info from Darek about traveling to Colombia. I knew at once this was what I needed. I called Darek—we exchanged a few sentences, and I was sure he was the right guy to guide the expedition. He later also became a guide in my life.

“The experiences, insights, and understanding I witnessed during the trip cannot be compared to anything. It was a real transformation—a change at least on the level of DNA—true enlightenment.”

“Although my trip to Colombia with Darek took place four years ago, this adventure remains one of the major forces that led to the creation of who I am now. If I were to turn back time, I wouldn’t hesitate even a moment to make the same decision. Even though I have traveled quite a lot already, this expedition is still at the top of the list in the ‘journey of a lifetime’ category.”

“The trip to Colombia turned out to be one of the most important events in my life. The ceremonies I experienced were led by very engaged, passionate, and experienced shamans. And even though the experiences were often difficult, I felt I was in good hands. Despite a few sizzling hot, long days, we got along very well as a group. If you’ve got time and plan on going on a trip with Darek—well, I envy you!”

“The opportunity to relish another culture is priceless—even if only for a few weeks. The trip turned out to be, not only for me, a beginning of changes for the better…”

“Colombia… Over half a year has passed since my return from the expedition. I am beginning to write about my adventure again. I gave up on each of the previous attempts. Why? Because the trip was something more than sightseeing or a culture-oriented travel. It lasted about a month, and I feel that on some level it was a year-or more. Would I go again? I don’t know yet. If so, maybe in a few years…

“I knew, maybe 2–3 years earlier, that Darek organizes such trips… Finally the idea of traveling with previously unknown people, to an unknown land—full of trust and openness—seemed natural. Even a need. The medicine was secondary. I didn’t want to plan or achieve anything.

“In preparation, Darek is an expert, although you can manage without taking a plate. Thinking of it now, I’d add for people who get cold easily (like me): warm tights (tricot or fluffy ones—tip from Dagmara, who had been on such a trip) and a dress-ince it’s not a commando trip, but a multicolored adventure. I’ll gladly share my list.

“For me the expedition to Colombia is about:
— meeting new people: in a diverse group that got along very well, with new fellow travelers popping up from time to time; our Colombian guides—both earthly and unearthly; locals—some already ‘civilized’ and others faithful to tradition; and also myself—how wonderful to meet oneself (!) in such a different reality than Poznań;
— an interesting, colorful country: from humid green south to sun-glaring north;
— first times: jumping from a height into water, grand Forgiveness celebration, a boat trip into the jungle, specialties of Colombian cuisine, sleeping in a hammock on the beach…
— and something very personal that everyone brings back and lives with in one’s own way—it’s worth discovering it for yourself.

“I am grateful to myself for this journey and to everyone who supported it. Aho!”

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“The trip to Colombia was very special—my first expedition so far away and, at the time, quite long. After my return, even to this day, I feel lifted at the mere thought of traveling again. I remember Colombia itself as full of music and fun, incredible places, friendly people living every day fully, and long routes we traversed in every possible way, during which I stared at strongly saturated, colorful landscapes.

“I also remember very well that you put your whole heart into showing us this magical piece of land…”

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“A journey to Colombia of this sort is like traveling to the center of oneself—sometimes through areas we would prefer to avoid. Setting off with very difficult questions, I doubted I could find any answers; nevertheless, I returned with a full set. Day after day, in various ways, the adventure strips participants of tarnished habits and illusions. The severity of nature, lack of comfort, long hikes, sleep deprivation, and other factors allow willpower to grow immensely.

“The wisdom of nature is constantly present: in the dignity of mountains, the vitality of jungles, and the strength of the ocean. In Colombia I met many people with a beautiful look in their eyes, through which you can see the Soul. There came a day when I looked in the mirror and realized I could see my own Soul.”

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“I must say, in a few words, that the extremity of the expedition was far beyond my expectations. Radical, controversial at moments, and hard to swallow. A leap of faith is needed to fully take advantage of the benefits offered while crossing our own weaknesses and coming into contact with various forces present in nature and in ourselves.

“The vegetation, mountain views, jungles and cities, the entire exotic spectrum places all the extreme conditions in an interesting dimension, where everything suddenly becomes possible. Moments of doubt, tough processes happening both in me and in others in the group, and confrontations with hardships—physical and mental—can really toughen you up. But it’s worth trusting and fully surrendering to Colombian forces and diving into the wisdom of our ancestors—to later emerge with a head held high, an open heart, and superhuman power.”

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“At the time I received the invitation to go to Colombia, I was sitting in an office on a hard chair, going through tons of papers. I told myself: why not! There’s a group, and I’m thirsty for adventure and some rest. A few weeks later I was already standing at the Bogotá airport—it was a total screamer and the beginning of an incredible adventure during which I met amazing, interesting people.

“We visited Colombia together—hiking in Amazon forests, searching for hot springs, wandering through colorful and hospitable cities such as Cali, the capital of salsa, and mountainous Medellín with its cable cars. We also came across places with no inland transport, on the vast white beaches of the Chocó region.

“Thanks to the invitation of a wonderful, warm person—Taita Floro—I was able to take a journey into myself and find peace, satisfaction, and happiness in my everyday life. It widened my horizons and my perception of how to live in harmony with myself, leaving worries and excuses behind. It was an adventure of a lifetime, into the unknown, without expectations—and it turned out to be fantastic.”

“If I had known the risk of going to Colombia, I probably wouldn’t have gone. My comfort zone seemed firmly set, and every attempt to cross it felt like an unjustified attack on my identity and self-esteem. I must add that I was only/already two years after completing chemo- and radiotherapy. But it happened. I set out.

“Some people don’t feel comfortable without a plan—especially a detailed one, day by day, hour by hour. They need to prepare to meet their future. They don’t want surprises; they may lose control of upcoming events. For others, the future is a process—quite unpredictable. A force pouring into the present moment, sometimes turning to dust all expectations and forms we’d prefer to keep. A challenge that exposes who you are, without opinions and ideas. I don’t mean daily routine, work, or profession; I mean a journey—an expedition—leaving behind the place we live in.

“I am someone in between. I don’t like when life slips out of control—I had it happen before—but I prefer a sketch to a plan. And even though I am comfortable with adventures, if I had known what I was signing up for and what I would face, I wouldn’t have gone. That would have been one of the stupidest decisions I would make.

“It’s not that I would regret it; how can you regret something you cannot evaluate? What would I lose? I wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience myself in new and unique situations—far beyond my sense of comfort and identity. I wouldn’t find out where my limits of physical and mental endurance lie, nor what deep fear I hold and how far my courage reaches. I wouldn’t discard patterns that limited my understanding and compassion for the world. I wouldn’t have met new, fantastic people—very different from me but heading in the same direction.

“I wouldn’t have heard beautiful, touching songs that rescued me from the depths of chaos and left me staring at a sky full of stars shining like the purest diamonds (I had forgotten how many there are). I wouldn’t have gotten lost in the jungle and been led out by my friend’s intuition instead of a GPS. I wouldn’t have swum in a pond of hot volcanic water and then slept in a tent with –1°C outside. I wouldn’t have hiked two days straight, overloaded, more than 26 km at altitudes between 3,500 and 4,000 m, combating exhaustion and focusing not to slip from wet stones.

“I wouldn’t have met a gaucho on a donkey, with a leather hat and an old-fashioned Colt sticking out of his tall boots. He smiled widely and asked if I wanted some water. I wouldn’t have lain on the rocky bottom of a river, rinsing off feelings of elation and painful wipeouts from the night before. I wouldn’t have learned not to swim in the sea when there’s a sign that says ‘Playa Brava’. I wouldn’t have overcome my cowardice to experience the risk of sacrifice.

“I felt I was reaching the core of my humanity, stripped of physical illusions and mental blocks. It was also important for me to check my body after the illness. I realized how strong I am and how much latent energy I possess. The journey is also a trip across the country. I took part in local festivals and rituals. I chased around with locals and took a few photos during the Negros y Blancos carnival in Sibundoy. I met a few Taitas and medicines—both those healing the body and those eliminating a common sinusitis.

“The expedition is also a deep leap into nature—sometimes very similar to the one surrounding me at home, sometimes unknown, stunning me with its exotic, primal character and immensity. I was shivering and vibrating like a particle of an infinite wave, listening to the voices of the night far from human habitats. Certain processes that began then are still continuing. I’m not sure where they’ll take me, but I hope to go to places like the ones I explored during that expedition.”

“A Journey Through Indigenous Colombia is one of those experiences that become available to us as soon as we feel with our whole body that ‘there exist in this world things that are not dreamt of in our philosophy.’ This journey is a portal that brings us deeper within ourselves—even more so than the childhood rooms we quietly visited. The journey can throw us onto a nearby highway lane or become a snail built of luminescent dreams, if only we let that happen.

“Journey Through Indigenous Colombia let me see myself in a way we all deserve to see ourselves: in full width, nudity, and wonder. I wish that all future participants may have courage and trust. Salud y buena pinta!”

“The journey I set off on seemed like an attempt to discover myself, overcome my limits and conditioning, and face new experiences. When I returned, I felt as if I couldn’t find myself—as if I hadn’t actually fully come back. I had the impression of not making any discoveries or crossing any boundaries, yet in a mysterious way I still feel connected with the most miraculous journey of all time—the journey of the mystery of life. The greatest wonder happened on its own. Gratitude is the feeling that best describes my state. Gratitude for the magic of existence, and gratitude to everyone with whom I had the honor of sharing this journey! Aho!”

“Already during my stay in Colombia, I felt a significant change in the way I think, express, and define my own needs. At first I thought that change appeared only when connecting to the medicine—during the journey our dialogue, visions, feelings, and perception of ourselves in understanding changed radically. I didn’t think, however, that my sober self was changing in the same way—which I noticed only when I returned.

“It’s as if my mind combined those two different states of consciousness and rooted in them all the time. I have great difficulty defining the differences that have occurred in me—I feel as if I’ve been reborn and am learning again the rules that prevail in this society. It is accompanied by some anxiety, probably from losing connection with my previous self. On the one hand, I’m still the same person; on the other, the intensity of the travel and the long time I was given to be in contact with the Medicine brought a definite change in understanding and perceiving the environment and the world.

“I became calm, quiet, and understanding. The invisible noise in my head was gone. Noise that didn’t manifest as thoughts but subconsciously occupied my mind all the time. It’s also very difficult to influence this condition, as if I had an invisible shield. I see and perceive differently. I also feel that to a large extent I found what I came to Colombia for—inner courage. I feel strong, full, much bigger and more powerful—not because of ego, but through willpower and understanding. This is definitely not the end of the journey; I prefer to think this is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure. This would not have been possible without such a demanding test. One or two nights with medicine cannot give even the slightest reflection of what a month of continuous work can do. The future promises to be fascinating.”

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“Concise. Powerful. Uplifting—seeing my own country through Polish eyes in this great shared experience of truth and medicine. Forgetting the seriousness of living in New York most of my life, this retreat really brought back the focus needed to live more sincerely in my relations with family, friends, and the earth. Thanks, bro Darek!”

“I traveled with Darius to the Putumayo region of Colombia in the spring of 2012. He took care of my stay at the shaman’s house. To experience various ceremonies, we traveled to different jungles and remote places such as La Paya. Darius has wonderful connections with local people. His fluency in Spanish and warm personality enhanced our adventure and allowed me to experience various ways of working with sacred medicine. Darius is a great guide. I highly recommend him to anyone interested in visiting Colombia, experiencing medicine, and beyond.”

“We can dress up in the most expensive dresses and necklaces, but we are most beautiful bathed in sunshine, dancing barefoot on the earth to the music of the forest. Thank you for the wind in my hair reminding me to breathe from the bottom of my chest, giving me a space that contains everything: my loneliness, silence, peace. Thank you for every drop of water on my skin and lips. Full of emotion, I thank you for the hand of another that I pushed away so many times, driven by fear—and yet this person still reached out to me. Thank you for the ground under my feet, which has always been, is, and will be the greatest support, which I understood only when I was ready to really stand on it. Thank you for my life, which I want to live as beautifully as I can, and to accept the mystery of tomorrow with love and understanding. This trip was an amazing, multidimensional, extremely difficult and beautiful experience. It was a journey into the living organism that we all are.”

“A month-long trip to Colombia… When my friends asked me how it was, I used two words: spiritual and rough. An adventure designed to push us to the edge and free us from the comfort zone; it caught the flow of events, changes, and emotions. Being ‘heartbroken and mind-broken,’ I went there with many questions and a request for relief—with confidence, without fear, and with a great desire to explore this part of the world—as well as with an ‘I have nothing to lose’ approach.

“I was one of the youngest participants and also the least initiated in spirituality. I was shown a different understanding of life: letting go, sacrificing my shortcomings and inconveniences for the intention I came with, accepting, and stopping the internal struggle. The fact that it was dirty, cold, that I was tired and sleepy, that something bit me, that something was destroyed or lost, that things were as they were—there was a purpose in all of it. Not for a moment did the idea of desertion cross my mind.

“I got very few answers. I thought: I’m coming back with a backpack of dirty clothes and 4 kg less, photos of beautiful places, experiences, friendship, and peace—that’s a lot, but where are the answers? Today I see it’s the calm that I needed most. Rest in your time! I write this long after the trip; I needed a wider perspective. The intensity didn’t allow me to process everything on the go. Many elements formed an understandable whole only when I sat down in silence with myself.

“Darek… to me he’s Tarzan—always with rapé in his nose and Mambe in his mouth… Organizer, guardian, guide, psychologist, translator, nanny, nurse—but what’s best in him is the way he talks. He’s like a guru. But above all he is a man of enormous potential, with a mission. Sometimes I was angry at him, but also… we cried together several times. The trip was intense, a bit chaotic and ‘unorganized’ (in the end one man is overwhelmed!). However, after returning I couldn’t find my place; I missed that detachment… I’d like to experience it more often… Aho!”

 “After a month’s journey through Colombia with ONE RIVER, I still know very little about Colombia. However, being constantly on the road, because this is how the trip was, allowed me to rock myself into the rhythm of the jungle, rivers, and wild mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Every true journey first takes place inside. Only then can you explore the native cultures and listen to the sounds of the jungle.

“Darek usually travels at 399%, so he assumed that a program crafted at 200% would be just fine for participants. One day I remember especially: we were lying in a nice spot in the port town of Leticia. There was no plan—at least not until noon, when we were supposed to take a ‘light’ walk through the jungle to Maloka Taita William from Peru for another ceremony. It got dark, so we turned on our headlamps and, with hammocks on our backs, set off. The path through the jungle suddenly ended and we had to cross swamps. The only available way led across swaying boards thrown over the bog. It went somehow well, but our knees were shaking all the way. I had a picture in my head that I would never return from the swamps and a huge snake would devour me. That’s how a ‘light’ walk through the jungle ends.

“Throughout the month, except for bouncing through Santa Marta, we experienced what is normally hidden in Colombia from an average tourist. To see waterfalls, spend the night on a beautiful Caribbean beach, stand under a magic tree, or touch the stones of the Tayrona descendants, we had to walk everywhere. The most demanding, however, were the mysterious Sierra Nevada mountains—through tropical forest and rainforest to the harsh, almost moon-like landscape above 4,200 meters. The mountains are the territory of the people who wear white proudly and live in isolation from Western civilization. They believe they hold mystical power and guard their sacred lakes hidden in the mountains. I think my paths will once again cross with this mysterious, austere tribe. Thank you to ONE RIVER and the whole group for the experience of traveling together. I take Yagé’s visions and this precious journey to my own river and carry on.”

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“A trip with Darek to Colombia a few years ago was one of the absolute ‘TOP 10’ events in my life—right there with my birth, love, studies, and greatest professional success—and I am not exaggerating. I am 40 years old and I have done many interesting things, but this trip was really SOMETHING… I have been to Colombia three times so far; the trip with D. was my second. The first, about 12 years ago, was backpacking all over Colombia in a typical ‘Lonely Planet’ style with experienced traveler friends, with just a few countries left to visit on the whole planet. From that trip I remember maybe two or three snapshots from small Latin towns, one about hypnotizing my boyfriend (I would remember that even from Pcim Dolny), and driving through a country where, relatively recently, traveling had been difficult because of the civil war. And that’s it.

“The trip with Darek and his group was something completely different. It was (and I’m still not exaggerating) COSMOS. I came there by accident (if you believe in such a thing). I didn’t even dig too deep into which ceremonies we would participate in. I usually don’t get into such matters. My friend asked me to go with her. That’s all.

“She lent me half the money. I bought a backpack, boots, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag—and went. First, we landed in the jungle, in the rainforest… And there was the power!!! The first ceremonies there were like WOOOW! Wooooow!! Brilliant lessons right at the source. Jungle, music, fire, maloka, medicine, hosts, river, sweat lodge, hammocks—and the bond that formed within our group… This could be a good book. One person couldn’t withstand this paradise and left. Then we began moving throughout the country, heading north. We met new locals, we had more adventures and challenges. That would be the second book.

“I was very impressed with the Indigenous people, especially those in the Santa Marta mountains. These were shocking experiences for me. For the first time in my life I met people who could boldly call themselves my ‘older brothers’. Their charisma, virtually zero environmental impact, culture, and way of life were unbelievably wonderful and admirable. Neither during my first nor third stay in Colombia (and the third lasted half a year) did I have contact with them. Only the experience during the trip with Darek allowed me—again, a wonderful adventure and genuine contact.

“I was also hosted by Indigenous people in Peru two years ago, but it was more ‘mainstream’ and not as deep. I don’t know how Darek did it, but the way he organized the journey allowed us to blend in with the environment, soak in it, and get a chance for real contact and a lesson—inspiration to become a better person. For me, that was probably the most significant and shocking experience of this trip. I made real friends with a few people in the group. We took care of each other (e.g., a pregnant friend). One of those friends became my real-life guru who significantly influenced my life. We bathed in hot springs and streams, survived an earthquake and the fire caused by it.

“We traveled into space, the past, infinity, and between atoms. We bathed in the lakes of our personalities. We fought demons and made friends with water, the eight winds, and plant Teachers. I am writing this straight from the heart. I don’t want to create posh sentences or describe details—sorry. None of my words will reflect the EXPERIENCE OF LIFE I had there. Ah, and the person who left us came back at the very end. So there was a Bible-like twist—the prodigal son. And there were a hundred other similarities.”

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“My journey continues. What I brought from Colombia is sinking into my consciousness. Now I know that the path that was shown to me is the true one. I am also aware that I carry inside me everything that the universe has embodied in me. It is a strange awareness, as if a new door has opened, showing me space. Thank you, my friend, teacher, wizard! You switch on great processes in people.”