COMMUNITIES

With the goal of preserving the forests and wild animals of the area, along with allowing for the generation of alternative sources of work for Kichwa communities, a new experience was born that we would like to share with you. We invite you to visit our communities, get to know our culture and the forests, while we guide you through jungle paths to natural and cultural attractions, such as: Museums, medicinal plant gardens, waterfalls, lakes, caves, petroglyphs, gigantic trees, and wonderful views of the Amazonian valleys of the Upper Napo.

 

ALUKUS

In the community of Alukus you can see a beautiful landscape with many waterfalls, and a natural pool called Waysa Yaku. Hike 45 minutes to see the "Amarun Kachi" and "Alukus" Falls . Swimming in the falls will restore your positive energy and purify your soul. Take a long walk in the jungle to learn about medicinal plants, and sacred sites (for example the tree of Camatoa, where the spirit of the jungle predicts the weather). There is also a cultural museum, depicting the survival of the Kichwa culture and traditional hunting traps. In the afternoon you can bath in a natural pool of waysa yaku and take pictures with the large river stones of Jatun Yaku. An hour walk will take you to the beaches of Khatun Yaku where you can see a beautiful landscape of the river basin and hundreds of colorful butterflies. You can also go sport fishing at this location during the day or at night. In the community you can participate in making hand crafts with natural materials like seeds from the jungle and twine made from leaves. On the last night there is a cultural dance where you can become familiar with indigenous Kichwa music.

Capacity: 12 people

CHUVA URCU

The community of Chva Urcu is located in Tena while the forest reserves of the community are found in an isolated region above Ahuano travelling along the Arajuno River. This community has decided to use their protected forest exclusively for ecotourism, without any local development in the area. In this way, those who visit the forest in Chuva Urcu can enjoy nature in all its splendour in a large primary forest zone. Of all the RICANCIE communities, Chuva Urcu is the most pristine. RICANCIE The tourist cabañas are reached by bus (1.5 hours), canoe (20 minutes,) and by foot (1.5 hours.) The cabañas have a view of the River Cusano. The principle activities include long walks in the virgin forest with excellent opportunities to see monkeys, birds, butterflies and insects. At the end of a four hour walk the tourist is rewarded with an incredible view of the lowlands of the Napo River. The families of Chuva Urcu providehospitality for the tourists and take turns taking groups to the reserve. During the visit one family cooks while guests are guided by the ‘logistical guide.’ Due to the logistics involved in facilitating trips to the area, Chuva Urcu prefers groups of at least four people. Chuva Urcu is best for those who want to appreciate and interact with nature in its purest form, far from the movements of daily life. On the lagoon waters of Limoncocha, you can canoe, spot crocodiles, fish for piranhas, and bird watch (there are 160 species of birds on the banks).

Capacity: 15 people

 

WASILA TALAG

Wasila Talag is located on the banks of the River Wasila, five minutes from the Tena- Sirena road. It takes forty- five minutes to reach the community by bus from Tena. The community is relatively developed and contains the only carpentry workshop of the RICANCIE communities. On the five- minute walk from the road to the tourist cabañas one crosses through the community, the football/soccer field, high school, community meeting place, and finally the agricultural land. The cabañas are on the edge of the community’s forest reserve. Wasila Talag is the only RICANCIE community located in the foot hills of the Andes. The reserve extends through a large, mountainous area. Expert guides teach about flora and fauna, and the medicinal properties of both, on the hikes. One can hike to a look- out with an unforgettable view of the Amazon.The cooks at Wasila Talag are well known for their creativity and some of the plants introduced on walks through the forest will reappear as delicacies on that night’s dinner plate. The guests of Wasila Talag always appreciate its authentic hospitality. The nights are filled with music and dance and often children who come out to enjoy the ancestral music of their elders. Wasila Talag is an excellent place to visit it you so not wish to be too far from Tena but you still want to be part of an intercultural experience. The tourist cabañas are located in an almost mystic environment while lying only 500 metres form the main road.

Capacity: 20 people

MACHACUYACU

Machacuyacu is situated a short distance (30 minutes walking) from the Vía Misahualli, 45 minutes in bus from Tena. The community is structured around the typical open plaza encircled by houses, a school and a meeting area. In Machacuyacu one can see the traditional everyday life of the Kichwa with some modern additions. You will be invited to participate in the preparation of some local food and drink, local agricultural practice, and in making your own handicrafts, taught by members of the community. At night, by the light of candles, local folkloric legends are told to give the visitor an even greater understanding of the way of thinking and beliefs of the people.

Machacuyacu offers a spectacular hike through primary and secondary forest to the River Misahualli, about two to three hours in length. There one can spend the night in tourist cabañas and, from that elevated point, enjoy a fabulous view. There, above the river, the night is filled with sounds of the forest. Machacuyacu is a good place to visit if you are interested in nature and the Kichwa culture. In the community’s center observe and listen to local music, dance and legends against the night sounds of the cicadas and tinamous (a ground- dwelling bird.

Capacity: 20 people

RIO BLANCO

Río Blanco is situated deep within the forest. To arrive, one must travel first by bus (1.5 hours,) then canoe (20 minutes,) and finally on foot (2-3 hours.) The hike requires some effort, walking along a ridge of small hills. The tourist facilities are surrounded by relaxing scenery beside the River Huambuno which runs quietly through the forest and community. Río Blanco is known for its medicinal plants and shamanic ceremonies. The two Yachaks (or Shamans) are central figures in the community, as is true of Shamans in most of the RICANCIE communities. They offer their services to tourists interested in learning more about themselves and, at the same time, the Kichwa cosmovision. Other therapeutic opportunities include the sulfuric baths from natural stream sources, and of course all the knowledge and practical information that you will acquire on your visit to the incomparable medicinal plant garden. Various short walks are available, as well as a comfortable hour- long walk to nearby waterfalls. There one can swim in an area with connecting lagoons before returning to the tourist cabañas by dugout canoe. A visit to the traditional agricultural land will complement this unique experience.

Capacity: 45 people

RUNA WASI

Runa Wasi is located on the River Arajuno a few kilometres down from where it opens into the Napo River. The people of Runa Wasi live in Ahuano, a small town 30 minutes by canoe from the tourist cabañas. Though Runa Wasi does not offer an intense community experience it is a great place to relax and learn about the activities of a family that inhabits the area. To reach Runa Wasi one travels in taxi (1.5 hours) to the Punta de Ahuano and then by canoe (20 minutes.) There is no walk to reach the cabañas which have a view of the river. The scenery of long- limbed trees hanging out over the quietly flowing river is enchanting. Runa Wasi offers a few hikes of two to three hours. One of these walks will take you to a look- out point with an amazing view. Reaching it in the afternoon the world transforms itself before your eyes: from bright and green to bathed in a golden light. Upon your return at night, you can enjoy a typical healing session by the Shaman.

Runa Wasi is a perfect place to relax. A few minutes away are situated the animal rescue centre, Amazoonico and the Amazonian Kichwa Museum, which are good options for day excursions. In Amazoonico you will see many indigenous animals being cared for after being set free from captivity or injured by hunters. Here you will learn from people with experience about their chances for life in fragile ecosystems. The animals are often tame so don’t be surprised if a monkey climbs up to your shoulder to see what’s around. The Amazonian Kichwa Museum is another pleasure, where you can practice using a blow- gun and learn about hunting traps and other local traditions.

Capacity: 12 people