A project for a university class quickly turned into a career for Dan MacCombie, 29, and his now business partner. After spending time in the Amazon they discovered the powers of the guayusa (gway-oosa) leaf, a type of holly that, when brewed in hot water, unleashes an incredible amount of antioxidants as well as a steady stream of caffeine to help start the day--nature's perfect alternative to coffee or Red Bull. Over the last five years, RUNA, their business, has expanded internationally, serving energy beverages and loose teas across America and beyond. He's also started a coalition in Ecuador that ensures fair trade and sustainable practices with the indigenous farmers that grow the leaves.
Always on the move and forever jetting back and forth between his office in New York City and the farms in Ecuador, Dan sat down with Out to tell us a bit more about his favorite things to see and do in Ecuador, home of the almighty guayusa leaf.
What are three things you wish people knew about you?
Every single time I've interviewed someone for a job, I ask them about their favorite dinosaur. Not because I care that much about dinosaurs, but because I think that how they respond to such a random question says a lot about someone. I also know the capital of every US/Canadian state and province and every country. I am a huge nerd and proud of it. And finally, I like cats more than dogs. I love dogs, but I grew up with a cat that had a dog's personality and it's the best of both worlds.
What are you most proud of?
Founding Runa, a beverage company and social enterprise that works with thousands of farmers in Ecuador to bring Guayusa (an amazonian super leaf tea) to the world.
What is your most cherished possession?
The 1990's Patagonia fleece that I found when my parents were moving out of my childhood home. I think it's mine, but it may have been my mom's. I'm fine with either!
What is your favorite thing to splurge on?
A good set of noise reduction head phones. Game changer for long flights, good tunes, and crowded offices (ours sometimes resembles a call center).
When traveling, what do you never leave home without?
Aside from the aforementioned headphones, a good double-walled metal water bottle. Simple, but powerful, and the quickest route to good health.
Describe the perfect weekend in Ecuador.
Get in to Tena on a Friday night, and enjoy a laid back dinner at one of a few restaurants around there. No reservation needed. Ever. Walk along the malecon (river walk) taking in the scenery, drinking a few Pilseners (the ubiquitous national beer that's surprisingly not so bad), maybe stopping by a surprisingly bumping club, and feeling the rainforest air.
Saturday, head out early to go rafting on the Jatun Yaku river and experience a deep rainforest ravine, a delicious lunch on the river banks, and one of the greatest adventures of your life. Head out to a community along the "Guayusa trail" (with a translator if you don't have much spanish) to experience Kichwa traditions, the pure tranquility of the jungle, and then wake up early in the morning for the truly serene experience of the guayusa ceremony. You'll learn some amazing stories, better understand how these cultures have endured throughout the centuries, and maybe even see a petroglyph if you're lucky.
After your nap back in town (you'll want to stay in a hotel again for the night), you can then head out to one of my favorite spots in the world, Cando, this amazing swimming hole right along the same river you rafted on Saturday. You can jump off the rocks into the pool, hike up the river into the rainforest, or just soak in the sun on the rocks. After that, you can head back into town and stay the night or take the surreally beautiful ride back up over the mountains to Quito. If you really want to indulge, you can stop in at the hot springs at Papallacta and melt all your troubles away - on the off chance you have any left after an experience like this!
What makes someone a local in Ecuador?
There are two phrases that I think are truly Ecuadorian: "Chevre" (pronounced shev-ray) basically means "cool" but has so much deeper and subtle meaning. You can use it for everything. And "Siga no mas" (pronounced seega no mash), which means literally "continue, no more", it's an equally all-purpose phrase, meaning everything from "welcome!" to "come in" to "yeah, you're fine" to "I'm not sure what you just said but please continue no more because I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually"
Tell us about your favorite restaurant, café or bar.
So, actually, a friend of ours recently opened a cafe in Tena (the main town in the area Runa works) called Guayusa Lounge. It's super cool, laid back, serves a great brew of guayusa, and really represents the traditions of the local communities while still having an accessible vibe for tourists.
Alive, dead or fictional – who is your favorite Ecuadorian?
Oswaldo Guaysamin is probably the most famous Ecuadorian artist, and he was a visionary. He was able to represent the lives, struggles, and joys of everyday people from throughout the country in his work in a way that was both inspirational and evocative. He inspired a generation of activists, thinkers, and creators and did so in such a remarkably humble way. His museums (capillo del hombre and museo guayasamin) are two of my favorite spots in Quito.
