Rumors about Shawn Mendes’ love life are swirling once again, this time involving Helena Gualinga, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian activist. The speculation began months ago but seemed to gain traction after the pair was spotted together in Peru at the start of the year. With their affectionate displays at the iconic Machu Picchu, fans are buzzing over whether this is Mendes’ newest romance.
Helena Gualinga hails from the Sarayaku community in Ecuador and has made a name for herself as a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental preservation. Since her early teens, Helena has been a powerful voice at international summits, including the COP (Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and Youth for Climate.
She’s known for her efforts to combat the exploitation of natural resources in the Amazon and for promoting the protection of biodiversity. Her activism, rooted in her personal connection to the Sarayaku community, has placed her at the forefront of environmental and Indigenous issues.
Shawn and Helena’s connection reportedly began in June 2024 when the singer visited the Ecuadorian Amazon. Mendes spent time in Sarayaku, immersing himself in the Kichwa community’s culture. According to Sarayaku’s official Instagram account, Shawn joined locals in playing soccer, strumming traditional tunes, and learning about their fight to protect the Kawsak Sacha, or the living forest.
Photos of Mendes engaging with the community—kicking a ball with the kids, singing along with local musicians, and soaking up the lush surroundings—went viral, showing a more down-to-earth, eco-conscious side of the pop star. It’s believed this trip was where his bond with Helena began.
By the end of the year, Shawn and Helena were spotted casually strolling the streets of Los Angeles, sparking initial whispers of a potential romance. Now, their affectionate moments during their recent trip to Machu Picchu have all but confirmed the rumors. According to reports, the pair held hands, shared kisses, and seemed entirely at ease while journeying by train to the historic site.
For fans, this relationship feels like a natural evolution for Mendes. Over the past year, he has leaned into environmental activism, aligning himself with causes that promote sustainability and Indigenous rights. His time in the Amazon demonstrated his genuine interest in these issues, and his connection with Helena—an activist whose work directly intersects with his interests—only deepens this alignment.
As the couple’s relationship gains public attention, many are noting how Helena’s influence could mark a significant chapter in Shawn’s personal and professional journey. Whether it’s love, shared values, or both, this partnership appears to reflect a deeper connection to causes close to his heart.
While neither Mendes nor Gualinga has officially addressed the rumors, their recent public appearances speak volumes. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this potential power couple, eagerly waiting to see what comes next for Shawn and Helena—both as individuals and, perhaps, as partners in life and activism.
