COMMUNITIES
With
the goal of preserving the forests and wild animals of zone, 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. |
The pioneer community of RICANCIE,
Capirona represents one of the first community ecotourism projects
initiated by the Kichwa people of Ecuador. Capirona launched its
community ecotourism activities in 1989. |
The tourist cabañas are situated here on the banks of the river. Some of the tourist attractions are traditional gold- panning, traditional folk dance performance, participating in local agricultural work, intercultural volleyball or soccer/ football, and a visit to the enormous ceboi and Capirona trees in the area. Capirona possesses an electricity generator: an investment made using the funds saved from ecotourism activities. Although some communities prefer not to have electricity, the generator may be seen as a symbol of a society in transition. Right now, traditional music played at the community celebrations for which the generator is used, is a source of happiness and pride for this lively community. Capirona is also the only community where one can kick back with a cold beer at the end of the day! If one is looking to see and experience dances, sports, fishing, hikes with local guides, traditional food and atesanry in a prosperous Kichwa community, Capirona is a good start. Another attraction is that while one must hike in, there is the opportunity to leave the community by way of a one and a half- hour canoe ride.
“Machacuyacu – Capirona” Circuit. If
you would like to experience some of the variety of Kichwa life, visit
Machacuyacu, located on the left bank of the Napo River, then cross the
Napo at Puerto Misahualli and continue to Capirona. It is possible to
include a visit to the biological station Jatun Sacha, situated on the
road between Tena and Ahuano. In this forest reserve one can cross a bridge
through the canopies of the trees, twenty metres a bove ground, and walk
amongst the monkeys and toucans.
Conferences and Seminars. Capirona has ample experience facilitating and
organizing national and international events for large groups. It provides
electric light, a conference room, and excellent service to the participants.
Capacity: 3 dormitories with 3 bunk-beds each, and 2
shared bathrooms with shower
8 dormitories with 2 bunk-beds each, and 2 shared bathrooms with shower
1 dormitory with 8 bunk-beds each, and 2 bathrooms with shower
Total: 33 beds
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.
To arrive at the tourist cabañas
one must travel in bus (1.5 hours,) canoe (20 minutes,) and walk (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 provide hospitality 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. For smaller groups, RICANCIE
recommends visiting Galeras or Salazar Aitaca. 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.
“Chuva Urcu - Runa Huasi”
Circuit. In Chuva Urcu apreciate pristine nature. After, travel to Runa
Huasi on return from Ahuano, where the rivers Napo and Arajuno meet. Runa
Huasiis conveniently located close by the animal rescue centre, Amazoonico,
and the Amazonian Kichwa Museum, which make for great day trips.
Scientific Research. The forest of Chuva Urcu is suitable for scientific
research.
Capacity: 2 dormitories with 3
beds, each with private bathroom and shower
2 dormitories with 4 beds, each with shared bathroom and shower
4 dormitories with 1 bed each and shared bathroom and shower
Total: 18 beds
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The tourist cabañas
are situated beside a small, calm river, ten minutes from the community’s
center. This community is special in that it has maintained itself
relatively unchanged throughout the last decade. The residents are
very friendly and invite tourists to share in their music, arts
and crafts, and ways of life. Some guests want to spend all their
time in this community center in the middle of the forest. For the
more adventurous, Galeras offers a spectacular hike to a spot with
a view of the Amazon basin’s lowlands and the chance to stay
in a provisional tropical jungle hut, sleeping below the stars. |
Galeras is a marvelous community in
which to enjoy nature and the Kichwa culture in green, living surroundings.
The hikes require a little bit of effort and take you into the forest
beyond neighbouring communities. Galeras offers a truly unforgettable
experience in the Kichwa jungle.
“Río Blanco – Galeras”
Circuit. Located one hour from Río Blanco (one passes through Río
Blanco to arrive at Galeras) you might want to spend part of your trip
in each community. In Río Blanco visit the waterfalls and medicinal
plant garden, and participate in the Shaman’s ceremony.
Scientific Research. The primary and secondary forests of Galeras offer
ample opportunity for scientific research.
Capacidad: 2 dormitories with
3 beds, each with private bathroom and shower
2 dormitories with 3 beds each and shared bathrooms with shower
Total: 12 beds
HUASILA TALAG
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Huasila Talag is located on the banks of the River Huasila, 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. |
Huasila 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 nearby river,
Jatun Yacu, is ideal for swimming and canoe trips. The cooks at Huasila
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 Huasila 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. Huasila 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.
“Huasila Talag - Cuya Loma”
Circuit. Enjoy everyday Kichwa life in Huasila Talg and ascend the Andean
foot hills. Relax in Cuya Loma with an impressive view of the Napo River
and its stony beaches.
Conferences and Seminars. Huasila Talag offers to host groups who would
like to host seminars or workshops taking advantage of the tranquil environment
and comfortable facilities for their participants. Huasila Talag provides
electric light, a conference room and easy access for cars, almost reaching
the cabañas.
Capacity: 2 dormitories with 12 bunk- beds, each
with 2 shared bathrooms with shower
Total: 24 beds
MACHACUYACU
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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.)“Salazar Aitaca – Machacuyacu”
Circuit. RICANCIE
recommends beginning in Salazar Aitaca where you will visit the water
falls and lagoons in the forest. Later, walk to Machacuyacu to enjoy the
everyday life of the Kichwa and sleep in the cabañas over- looking
the River Misahualli.
“Machacuyacu – Capirona” Circuit. If you want to experience
the various elements of Kichwa life visit Machacuyacu and continue to
Capirona. In Capirona enjoy a cold beer, get to know these pioneers in
community ecotourism and leave by motorized canoe along the Rivers Puní
and Arajuno to return to Tena..
Capacity: 2 dormitories with 3
beds, each with private bathroom and shower
3 dormitories with 2 beds each and shared bathroom with shower
Total: 12 beds
RÍO BLANCO
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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. 
“Río Blanco – Galeras”
Circuit. Galeras is a neighbouring community (one hour’s walk Hawai)
and offers authentic hospitality completely surrounded by deep jungle.
One can ascend the Galeras hill- range and sleep in a provisional jungle
hut after a night walk- an unforgettable experience.
Capacidad: 3 dormitories with
3 beds each and shared bath with shower
8 dormitories with 2 beds each and shared bath with shower
1 dormitory with 1 bed and shared bath with shower
Total: 26 beds
RUNA HUASI
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Runa Huasi 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. |
Runa Huasi is located on the River
Arajuno a few kilometres down from where it opens into the Napo
River. The people of Runa Huasi live in Ahuano, a small town 30
minutes by canoe from the tourist cabañas. Though Runa Huasi
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 Huasi 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 Huasi 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.“Chuva Urcu – Runa Huasi”
Circuit. For those visitors who want to experience the virgin jungle,
see animals such as spider monkeys, pocket monkeys, jungle deer, and a
great variety of birds, the circuit with Chuva Urcu offers all this. After
a few days deep within the forest, continue to Runa Huasi in canoe for
a rest.
“Cuya Loma – Runa Huasi” Circuit. The circuit with Cuya
Loma will give you the chance to relax and still experience the marvels
of the tropical jungle. In Cuya Loma one has the opportunity to learn
about customs, dance and music of the Kichwa people and after a lovely
trip in canoe to Runa Huasi enjoy the hospitality found there.
Capacity: 2 dormitories with 2
beds, each with private bath and shower
2 dormitories with 5 beds, each with private bath and shower
Total: 14 beds
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