Tour 3: Survival in the jungle

Community of Sarayaku (Province of Pastaza)

This tour is especially for people who want to experience how the indigenous people survive in the jungle and who want to learn about the culture, traditions and customs of the Kichuas of Sarayaku. This community has successfully been fighting against the invasion of oil companies in its territory for about 9 years in order to protect the biodiversity and natural resources of its territory, especially its flora and fauna.

This program is for people interested in extreme adventure, above all women and men who are fit to undertake activities in the jungle and who are in good shape. Every day you go hiking and explore the primary rainforest taking part in different activities like making baskets out of lianas or bags out of palm leaves, smoke meat or fish, make backpacks using palm leaves, learn about and use plants for the make-up or the plant that serves as shampoo. The women can also learn about as well as practise the production of pottery. Traditionally in the indigenous culture only the women are allowed to touch the clay. You will also get to know medicinal plants used to cure illnesses in the jungle and in general the flora and fauna of Sarayaku in the Kapawari area.

Our food will mainly be what we find in the jungle like yucca, banana, wild potatoes, fish, meat, heart of palm, fruits, etc. This means we will go fishing and we have to look for the food of the jungle and prepare our proper meals. We drink the traditional drink (chicha of yucca), which is made by the indigenous women and we also have water purified with tablets.

We sleep in native houses or build our shelter with palm leaves.
The group will be led by indigenous guides.

On our last day we watch a presentation of a traditional dance to the sound of drums and have our farewell with drums and ‘chicha’ of yucca with a weeks’ fermentation and 12 degrees of alcohol.

INCLUDED: food, jungle gear (sleeping bag, tent, Wellington boots, rain poncho, mosquito net), lodging, land and air transport, guides

NOT INCLUDED: personal expenses, tips

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