With his calm presence, determination, and passion for building, Segundo has been an invaluable part of the eight-year journey of constructing the Modern Ancient retreat center in the Amazon jungle.
Born in Alto Nannay, a jungle village near Iquitos, Segundo began his path working alongside his family in their agricultural business and selling products in the city. After a short period of schooling, which he could not continue due to his parents’ separation and limited funds, he took on several manual labor roles before joining Modern Ancient at the start of the construction phase. As the project developed, he refined his skills in building wooden, concrete, and brick homes from the ground up, as well as installing water systems, laying tiles, painting, and plastering, supported by experienced team members and knowledge gained from other companies.
Segundo’s visionary spirit comes to life in his creations, most notably in the exquisite ceremonial space, the Maloka, at Modern Ancient. With meticulous attention to detail, he supported the design and construction of the Maloka, which features an intricate layered spider design in the ceiling that captures the imagination, along with large white marble floor tiles. The Maloka stands as a testament to Segundo’s creative abilities and his unwavering dedication to bringing beauty and meaning to every structure he helps create.
As a gifted carpenter, Segundo’s talents extend far beyond the Maloka. He shapes wood into functional and beautiful pieces, from intricately carved wooden doors to comfortable beds and even complete homes with charming thatched roofs. His work reflects a deep connection to nature and a talent for balancing practicality with artistic expression. Combined with his masterful carpentry, Segundo’s imaginative mind allows him to turn creative concepts into tangible forms. With every project he takes on, he continues to push the limits of what is possible and inspire others through his craftsmanship.
On his healing journey with plant spirit work, Segundo embraced Kambo, Ayahuasca, and Iboga under the guidance of Ama-ra Sen, the Co-Founder and Retreat Director of Modern Ancient Sanctuary. Through Ama-ra’s heart-centered teachings and integration methods, Segundo gradually overcame destructive addictions and depression, discovering a higher level of health and peace within himself. Today, he occasionally clears his energy with magical plant baths.
In addition to his contributions to the construction and maintenance of the retreat center, Segundo also trained as a ceremony assistant during private retreats.
In his free time, Segundo enjoys fitness and weightlifting. Football holds a special place in his heart, with unwavering support for Alianza Lima and Real Madrid. He loves rock music in both English and Spanish, and one of his favorite meals is beet and potato salad with rice and vegetables, accompanied by copo azu, a refreshing natural fruit drink.
Segundo hopes to become fluent in English and dreams of one day running a construction company and/or a supermarket and agricultural business.
He lives near Modern Ancient Sanctuary with his partner and three young children, cherishing his closeness to his spiritual family.