You’ve probably seen the blurry paparazzi shots or the TikTok sleuths breaking down Instagram "likes" like they’re decoding a government secret. For a solid year, the internet was convinced Shawn Mendes had finally found his match in Helena Gualinga. It wasn’t just another Hollywood fling rumor. This felt different.
The "Stitches" singer, known for his earnestness and very public heartbreak over Camila Cabello, was suddenly seen trekking through the Amazon and holding hands at Machu Picchu. The girl by his side wasn't a fellow pop star or a high-fashion model. She was Helena Gualinga, a powerhouse Indigenous activist from Ecuador.
People were obsessed. Why? Because the pairing made a weird kind of sense. Shawn was in his "healing era," and Helena is the literal personification of grounded, purposeful living. But as we head into 2026, the story has taken some sharp turns.
How Shawn Mendes and Helena Gualinga Actually Met
Forget the fancy gala meet-cutes. This story actually started in the mud and the green of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Back in June 2024, Shawn Mendes took a trip that looked more like a soul-searching mission than a vacation. He visited the Sarayaku community, which is Helena’s home. He wasn't there to film a music video; he was playing soccer with local kids and learning about the "Living Forest" (Kawsak Sacha).
Niels Olsen, who was Ecuador's Minister of Tourism at the time, actually admitted to being the matchmaker of sorts. He invited Shawn to see the country and introduced him to Helena. Olsen later told reporters that when they visited a waterfall together, the "chemistry was definitely there."
The Machu Picchu Confirmation
Fast forward to early 2025. The rumors went from "they’re just friends" to "oh, they’re definitely together" when photos surfaced of them in Peru.
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They weren't hiding. They were spotted taking the train to Machu Picchu, looking incredibly cozy. Fans caught them holding hands and sharing kisses against the backdrop of the Andes. Shawn even posted a photo on Instagram with the caption "feeling like a lucky boy these days," which Helena promptly liked.
In the world of celebrity breadcrumbs, that’s basically a marriage proposal.
Who is Helena Gualinga, anyway?
If you only know her as "Shawn's rumored girlfriend," you’re missing the coolest part of the story. Helena Gualinga is a total badass in her own right.
Born in 2002, she’s a member of the Kichwa Sarayaku community. Her family has been fighting big oil companies for decades. Her mother, Noemí Gualinga, was the president of the Kichwa Women's Association. Basically, activism is in her DNA.
- Co-founder of Polluters Out: She helped start a global youth movement to kick fossil fuel companies out of Indigenous lands.
- Documentary Star: There’s literally a film about her life called Helena.
- International Stage: She’s spoken at UN Climate Change Summits (COP) and rubbed shoulders with Greta Thunberg.
Honestly, it’s easy to see why Shawn was smitten. After years of the Hollywood machine, meeting someone who spends her days protecting the lungs of the planet probably felt like a breath of fresh air.
The "Lucky Boy" Era vs. The Current Reality
For a while, it looked like this was it. Shawn seemed more relaxed. He was talking about his sexuality more openly on stage, admitting he was "figuring it out" and trying to be brave. Having a partner who lives outside the Los Angeles bubble seemed to be exactly what he needed.
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But then, things got quiet.
By late 2025, the sightings of Shawn and Helena stopped. No more Amazon treks. No more shared Spotify playlists of love songs (which fans had totally discovered, by the way).
Enter Bruna Marquezine
If you're looking for where things stand right now in January 2026, the focus has shifted. Shawn has recently been spotted all over Brazil and Los Angeles with actress Bruna Marquezine. They were seen hiking barefoot in LA just a few weeks ago, and they spent New Year’s together in Alagoas, Brazil.
Does this mean the Helena chapter is over? Probably. Celebrity relationships are notoriously short-lived, especially when one person lives in a remote part of the Amazon and the other is a global pop star constantly under a microscope.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
A lot of fans assumed Helena was just a "rebound" after the messy Coachella reunion with Camila. That’s probably unfair.
Shawn’s interest in the environment isn't new. He’s been trying to make his tours more sustainable for years. His connection with Helena seemed to be built on shared values rather than just a fleeting attraction. Even if they aren't together anymore, that trip to Sarayaku clearly changed him.
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It’s also worth noting that Helena never used the relationship for clout. She didn't start posting "get ready with me" videos or red carpet looks. She kept posting about the Amazon. She stayed true to her brand, which is probably why the relationship felt so authentic to begin with.
Why the Shawn-Helena Connection Still Matters
Even if the romance has cooled off, the impact remains. Shawn Mendes is now much more vocal about Indigenous rights and environmental preservation than he was three years ago.
He didn't just date an activist; he seemingly listened to one. For a guy who has spent his entire life being told what to do by record labels, that’s a huge step toward becoming his own person.
Lessons from the Rumor Mill
If you're following this story, here’s the takeaway:
- Value alignment is huge. Shawn and Helena worked (for a time) because they cared about the same things.
- Privacy is possible. They managed to have a nearly year-long relationship with only a handful of confirmed public sightings.
- People change. Shawn is clearly in a period of high transition, from his music style to his personal identity.
If you want to keep up with what Helena is doing now—and honestly, her work is more interesting than the dating gossip—you should follow her on Instagram at @helenagualinga. She’s currently pushing for new protections for the Amazonian "Sacred Basins," and her updates provide a much-needed perspective on the climate crisis that you won't get from a pop song.
As for Shawn, his new album is rumored to be heavily influenced by his time in South America. Whether those lyrics are about Helena or his new flame Bruna, one thing is certain: the kid from Toronto has grown up a lot since the "Señorita" days.
The best way to support both of them is to keep an eye on Helena's environmental campaigns and wait for Shawn’s next project to drop. The music always tells the real story in the end.