Vilcabamba sits High in the Andes Mountains... near the equator in the South American country of Ecuador. The air is crystal-clear, the water pure, and the vegetation is antioxidant rich. Vilcabamba is one of the few locations on earth that boasts a high percentage of people over 100 years of age. One in 64 Vilcabamban people reach this landmark age and beyond as opposed to 1 in 100,000 in the modern world.

It's also been recognized as one of only 3 places in the world that was not affected by the Ice Age and has microorganisms that predate that period. Another rare phenomenon which may be related to these microorganisms is that a natural mineral chelation process takes place here in the mineral-rich waters that are filtered through the vegetation-rich tundra high above the valley in a national reserve called Podocarpus National Park. The water is then channeled into the valley through springs that well-up in several locations and is also bottled from wells deep below the riverbed that runs through it. The minerals in the Vilcabamba Mineral Water are in perfect balance as specified by the USRDA for the human body. Vilcabamba also is the source of ViaViente, with its pristine mineral-rich water and antioxidant-rich fruits and roots. The people of Vilcabamba have given so much by sharing their resources with us. Their generosity allows us to share ViaViente with the world so all of us can "Live Younger Longer."

Vilcabamba itself is the stuff postcards and dreams are made of. Perhaps it's the small village's colonial charm, its beautiful square, quaint restaurants, spectacular views or the valley's perfect climate. People who visit the region say it is one of the most invigorating and peaceful places they have ever been.

Because ViaViente wanted to do something to give back to these generous people, Founders Craig Keeland, Founder & CEO of ViaViente, Jaime Mendoza, Local Vilcabamba resident and entrepreneur, Terry Minke, President & Owner of CIS Publishing & MyViaTools, and Dr. Mark Pedersen, World-Renowned Herbalist & Author established the Andes Children's Foundation in 2003.